More Winter Meetings
One has to wonder what Bob Wickman is thinking right now. For the second consecutive season, the Indians went after other closers.
It was only after they were rebuffed in those attempts that they returned to Wickman.
That's like asking a girl to the prom after being publicly humiliated by the first three women you courted.
It's hard to imagine Wick having the kind season he had in 2005 -- an All-Star appearance, 45 saves -- but the Indians believed he was worth five million dollars, almost double his salary from last season.
I have to ask though, was anyone else offering Wickman five million? Was anyone else offering him anything? Ah well, better than going into next season with Casey Blake as the closer. Don't laugh, I am only half joking.
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All of this is great, but where are the Indians on a bat? They decided not to offer arbitration to Jose Hernandez, and have also cut ties with Juan Gonzalez. Hernandez was actually pretty helpful to the Indians last season, but he'll likely be better off in the National League, where he can be used as a nightly bat off the bench.
But again, where does this leave the Indians?
The team will need to find a bat for either first or right field. I'll give Mark Shapiro the benefit of the doubt and assume he will allow Blake to fill Hernandez' spot as a right handed bench player.
Still, Reggie Sanders is out there, and Nomar has yet to be signed. A few days ago I assumed Garciaparra would end up in Atlanta, where he'd replace Rafael Furcal.
Sanders is apparently getting interest from Kansas City. Don't ask me why. I mean, the only thing I can think of is Kansas City wants to improve its waiver deal veterans so it can get better prospects in July when its 90 games out of first.
Either that or Sanders really likes steak.
Nonetheless, the Indians have signed a closer and a starter.
Now they need a hitter to play right or first.
And again, don't let that player be Blake.