Indians with money to spend, but no significant other to spend it on

[Providence A's]

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/13366934.htm

Indians have money, seeking a match

Lack of remaining quality free agents could lead to trade

By Sheldon Ocker

Beacon Journal sportswriter

Mark Shapiro flew back from the winter meetings in Dallas Thursday with his pockets still bulging with cash.

"We have some money left, clearly,'' the Indians' general manager said.

The question is whether there are any quality free agents available who fit the Tribe's needs. Shapiro accomplished his two most important tasks: luring Paul Byrd to Cleveland to help fill out the rotation and signing Bob Wickman for one more year as the club's closer after Trevor Hoffman elected to return to the San Diego Padres.

Having accomplished that, Shapiro's next goal is indefinite.

In outlining his priorities, the GM said, ``I'm not sure there is one. We had to get a starter and a closer. After that, it gets down to the age-old equation of value. We have to go where our money will make the greatest impact.''

How much money can Shapiro throw at players? It's possible he has as much as $9 million to spend, but on who?

That sum is in sharp contrast to what Shapiro has had to work with after major winter signings in the past. Presumably it is enough to make a serious bid for Nomar Garciaparra, if the career infielder decides he wants to play right field for the Indians.

But there is no assurance that Garciaparra is leaning toward coming to Cleveland, and Shapiro won't comment on individuals who might still be in play.

For the most part, the remaining inventory of free agents lacks pizzazz. Shapiro would like to locate a veteran reliever to be his setup man, uncover a right-handed batter who can drive in 90 runs and maybe add another starter. However, the pickings are slim.

"There is not a lot of quality left in the free-agent market, so there is a lot of competition,'' said the GM, who added that a trade was possible.

On the other hand, Shapiro discouraged the idea that he would deal away a top prospect, because what he would receive in return wouldn't likely be worth it.

While conceding that a setup man might come from relievers already on the team, Shapiro indicated that his preference is to sign or trade for a tested veteran.

"We have alternatives on the roster,'' he said. "But I might feel more comfortable with a veteran.''

The rotation still is missing one starter. That job could go to novices Jason Davis or Jeremy Sowers, but Shapiro hasn't entirely dismissed the idea of re-signing Scott Elarton.

"I would still like to have Elarton back,'' Shapiro said. ``But this is kind of like the Omar Vizquel situation.''

In other words, the GM is reluctant to commit the dollars in a multiyear contract to Elarton, when he has young and inexpensive pitchers on the roster who have a relatively high upside.

Shapiro conceded that any thoughts of re-signing Kevin Millwood are all but moot.

"I would say the possibility of signing Millwood is remote at best,'' he said.

The Tribe did not lose or add a player in Thursday's Rule 5 draft. One player expected to be snatched away from the Indians was first baseman Ryan Mulhern, named winner of the organization's Minor League Player of the Year on Thursday.

Recipient of the team's Minor League Pitcher of the Year is left-hander Jeremy Sowers.

Mulhern, 25, had a breakout season, batting .321 with 17 home runs and 48 RBI in 45 games at Class-A Kinston before being promoted to the Aeros, for whom he batted .311 with 15 homers and 46 RBI in 67 games.

Sowers, 22, started the season at Kinston, posting an 8-3 record and 2.78 ERA in 13 starts. After moving up to the Aeros, he compiled a 5-1 record and 2.08 ERA in 13 starts, before finishing the year by winning his only start at Triple-A Buffalo, giving up one run in 5 2/3 innings.

At least they got 1 player...Byrd, but otherwise it's somewhat similar to the O's having money to spend, but not really being able to spend a lot of it.

[Providence A's]

No Manny for the Tribe:

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/...o/13382159.htm

• Fans keep thinking the Boston Red Sox would simply give Manny Ramirez to the Tribe because he wants to come here. Why would that be? Yes, the Red Sox are talking trade for Ramirez, but he's a guy who averaged more than 125 RBI a year for the past eight seasons. They have to replace him with somebody, and that won't be easy. In the end, the Red Sox either make a big deal with major players in exchange for Ramirez, or they keep him. You don't beat out the New York Yankees by dumping Manny Ramirez.

And they resigned Wickman a few days ago

• Bob Wickman's preference was to be the Tribe's first choice as closer for 2006. He had reason to wonder why so many teams had so little interest in a guy who saved 45 games, but he is glad to be back with the Indians. When the Tribe informed him that they needed him, Wickman said: ``You're getting your closer at a bargain. Now, let's go get a bat and play ball.''

[Providence A's]

They also want Nomar!

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plain...830.xml&coll=2

Free agent Nomar Garciaparra didn't make a choice Thursday, which means the Indians are still waiting. Ditto for the Yankees, Astros and Dodgers.

"Nomar is very pleased to have several attractive options for next season," said agent Arn Tellem by e-mail. "He is weighing all of them carefully and hopes to make the best decision for him and his family in the very near future."

Garciaparra, 32, could make a decision today.

The Indians would not comment on negotiations, but they were not optimistic. The feeling was that the longer negotiations go, the more money the Yankees and Dodgers could offer the .320 lifetime hitter.

In the last two off-seasons, the Indians have not been successful in their pursuit of well-known free agents. Kevin Millwood, who signed a one-year deal worth $7 million before last season, was the exception.