Sporting News staff reports
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports the last-place Indians are not yet in sell mode and feel no need to slash their $60 million payroll.
"We are not actively engaged in talks about anyone right now," general manager Mark Shapiro told the newspaper Wednesday. "The season’s natural cycle will dictate when we consider some alternatives. We’re not mandated to make any trades for monetary reasons.
"We’ll look at each trade (possibility) as an opportunity to acquire talent and its budgetary impact. But the acquisition of talent will be the primary driver."
The Indians have a 19-31 record and are in the midst of a rebuilding project. They have players who can be of help to contenders, including No. 1 starter Jake Westbrook, closer Kerry Wood, first baseman Russell Branyan, third baseman Jhonny Peralta, and bench players Mark Grudzielanek, Austin Kearns and Mike Redmond.
Shapiro also said he won’t rush his top minor league prospects, in particular catcher Carlos Santana. Shapiro said Santana’s defense is improving but his throwing still needs work.
Sporting News staff reports
The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer reports the last-place Indians are not yet in sell mode and feel no need to slash their $60 million payroll.
"We are not actively engaged in talks about anyone right now," general manager Mark Shapiro told the newspaper Wednesday. "The season’s natural cycle will dictate when we consider some alternatives. We’re not mandated to make any trades for monetary reasons.
"We’ll look at each trade (possibility) as an opportunity to acquire talent and its budgetary impact. But the acquisition of talent will be the primary driver."
The Indians have a 19-31 record and are in the midst of a rebuilding project. They have players who can be of help to contenders, including No. 1 starter Jake Westbrook, closer Kerry Wood, first baseman Russell Branyan, third baseman Jhonny Peralta, and bench players Mark Grudzielanek, Austin Kearns and Mike Redmond.
Shapiro also said he won’t rush his top minor league prospects, in particular catcher Carlos Santana. Shapiro said Santana’s defense is improving but his throwing still needs work.