Inbox: Is Tribe in on Ohtani sweepstakes? By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | December 1st, 2017 + 7 COMMENTS How hard do you expect the Indians to pursue Shohei Ohtani? Do they even have the space to give him plate appearances? -- Derek, Akron, Ohio Yes, the Indians have interest in Japanese two-way star Ohtani, as they should. Really, given the guidelines for the bidding process for Ohtani, all 30 teams have nothing to lose by making their pitch. Cleveland has little available to offer for a signing bonus, but it has a postseason-ready roster to present as a reason to consider the Tribe. • Submit a question to the Indians Inbox Now, just so we're clear, the Indians are not considered a favorite to land Ohtani, whose reported priorities are to have the opportunity to pitch and in the Majors, while also considering teams' locations and market dynamics. Cleveland is hardly a large market, but look no further than LeBron James for an athlete who has transcended the city's market size for global superstardom. The reality, though, is that the Indians can only offer a maximum of $10,000 in the way of a signing bonus, while the Rangers ($3,535,000), Yankees ($3.5 million) and Twins ($3,245,000) can offer the most. Cleveland spent the entirety of its $5.75-million pool for international signings for the year. Its top two signings were shortstop Aaron Bracho ($1.5 million bonus) of Venezuela and outfielder George Valera ($1.3 million) of the Dominican Republic. They currently rank 28th and 25th, respectively, among the Indians' Top 30 prospects, per MLBPipeline.com. Because Ohtani is 23 years old, he is still subject to more strict international signing rules. He is limited to signing a Minor League contract that includes a signing bonus, and would earn the minimum (around $545,000 in 2018) in the Majors. He would not be eligible for arbitration until 2020, though a team would have the ability to sign him to an extension. Had Ohtani waited to be posted after turning 25, he would have faced no restrictions. So, his arrival now shows that his desire to play in the Majors is not solely about the money at the moment. During negotations with free agents, the Indians will sometimes send "pitch books" to some of their targets to provide information about the team, city and other aspects. In Ohtani's case, his representatives sent a questionnaire to all 30 clubs to address what he is looking for in a team. You can bet the Indians made their pitch. Cleveland already boasts a strong rotation -- headed by two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber -- but the team would have room for Ohtani. As for hitting, Cleveland is looking for a first baseman and could also offer at-bats at designated hitter or corner outfield. Finding innings or at-bats for Ohtani would not be a problem for the Indians, and it's no secret how much manager loves versatility in his players. All of that said, Ohtani coming to Cleveland is a long shot. According to multiple reports, the Yankees, Dodgers and Rangers look like the front- runners right now. 30 Nov @patrick_cbus What pitcher is likely to be traded and does meritt have a chance in the rotation? Patrick -columbus. #indiansInbox Heading into the 2018 season with Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer, Mike Clevinger, Danny Salazar and Josh Tomlin gives the Indians a strong foundation for the rotation. Behind them, guys like Ryan Merritt, Shawn Morimando and Cody Anderson (coming back from Tommy John surgery) offer some potential depth. I could see the Indians exploring the market for Salazar, given his recent history of injury, increasing salary, years of control and his still-intriguing potential. There are plenty of teams that would roll the dice on Salazar. As for Merritt, it's hard to see him cracking the rotation as it's currently consistuted. But, with the lefty having no Minor League options left, he could compete for a spot in the bullpen. That will be something to watch this spring, for sure.

We all know how fond Francona is of Napoli, and how important he was to the 2016 Tribe, but it's hard to imagine that kind of reunion, in my opinion. True, the first baseman hit 29 homers last year, but he posted a .193/.285/.428 slash line with a career-high 33.6 strikeout percentage. Napoli posted an 81 weighted Runs Created Plus, which indicates that he was 19 percent below league average offensively. Cleveland squeezed all that could out of Napoli in '16 and it was a memorable season for the slugger. But, I don't think he'd present an upgrade over what the Indians could do at first base internally. @DreamingBasebll Which Indians' prospect who has yet to make his major league debut do you think has the best chance to make an impact for the team in 2018? That's an interesting way to frame the question. If we included players who have already made their MLB debut, I'd say catcher Francisco Mejia. I could see him playing some kind of role for the Indians by midseason or in the second half. Since you added that wrinkle, though, I'll go with pitcher Julian Merryweather (Cleveland's No. 12 prospect). The righty was recently added to the 40-man roster, and prospects on the roster typically will get a look first. Merryweather had a rough go in Triple-A last year, but he is starting to emerge as a depth arm behind the big league pitching staff. @BrianLavrich Who would you put on your Hall of Fame ballot and why? #IndiansInbox For the record, I am not eligible to vote for the Hall of Fame, yet. But, if I could vote this year, I would check the boxes for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Vladimir Guerrero, Chipper Jones, Edgar Martinez, Mike Mussina, Scott Rolen, Curt Schilling, Jim Thome and Larry Walker. I'll save the "why" for a post later this offseason. Jordan Bastian has covered the Indians for MLB.com since 2011, and previously covered the Blue Jays from 2006-10. Read his blog, Major

Kluber receives Bob Feller Man of Year Award By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | 6:41 AM ET + 0 COMMENTS CLEVELAND -- Corey Kluber has rewritten several sections of the Indians' record book with his pitching prowess over the past few seasons. His latest campaign led to his second career American League Cy Young Award -- something no player had achieved before in Cleveland's long, storied history.

For his work, Kluber has been named the recipient of the 2017 Bob Feller Man of the Year Award as voted by the Cleveland chapter of the Writers' Association of America, honoring the pitcher as the Indians' top player for this past season. Kluber, who also won the award in '14, became the first starting pitcher since Gaylord Perry (1972, '74) to take home the honor twice. "The No. 1 responsibility of a starting pitcher is to be reliable," Kluber said after winning the AL Cy Young Award last month. "But then also, not just taking the ball, but taking the ball and going out there and giving the team a chance to win. Aside from any statistics, I think that, to me, is what I try to judge things on." Kluber was the unanimous choice for the Man of the Year, though third baseman Jose Ramirez and shortstop were also nominated for the annual award, which dates back to 1946. Ramirez, who finished third in balloting for the AL MVP Award and won an AL Silver Slugger Award, was the Man of the Year winner in '16. Lindor was fifth in voting for the AL MVP Award and also won a Silver Slugger Award this year. The Cleveland chapter also voted pitcher Josh Tomlin the winner of the 2017 Frank Gibbons-Steve Olin Good Guy Award, which is given to a person in the organization who understands the media's role and is helpful. Tomlin -- the longest-tenured player in the organization -- is regularly accessible, accountable and thoughtful in his interactions with reporters. Former Indians pitching coach Mickey Callaway (named the Mets' manager earlier this offseason) and reliever Andrew Miller also received votes. In 29 starts in '17, Kluber went 18-4 with an MLB-low 2.25 ERA, making the right-hander the first Indians pitcher to pace baseball in ERA since 1949 (Mike Garcia). Kluber struck out 265 batters and walked 36 in 203 2/3 innings, giving him four consecutive seasons with at least 200 strikeouts and 200 innings. After returning on June 1 from a month-long bout with a back injury, Kluber went 15-2 with a 1.62 ERA over his final 23 outings. Kluber's strong showing and furious finish helped the Indians capture their second straight AL Central championship and post the second- highest win total (102) in franchise history. The pitcher went 4-0 with a 1.41 ERA within Cleveland's AL-record 22-game winning streak that stretched from Aug. 24-Sept. 14. For win No. 20, which tied the previous AL record set by the 2002 A's, Kluber spun a shutout against the Tigers on Sept. 12. Kluber was named to the AL All-Star team and earned the AL Pitcher of the Month Award for June, August and September. The pitcher was honored as the AL's Outstanding Pitcher in the Players Choice Awards and was voted baseball's Best Pitcher as part of the Esurance MLB Awards. Kluber garnered 28 of 30 first-place votes for the AL Cy Young Award and finished seventh overall in balloting for the AL MVP. Dating back to 2014, when Kluber won his first Cy Young Award, he has gone 63-38 with a 2.83 ERA and 1,006 strikeouts against 189 walks in 876 1/3 innings. The right-hander's 15 complete games in that span are more than 22 teams have as a whole during the same time period. Cliff Lee (2008), CC Sabathia ('07) and Perry (1972) are the only other AL Cy Young Award winners in club history. "It's exciting. It's a huge honor to win," Kluber said of his second career Cy Young victory. "It was an honor the first time and it's an honor the second time. I guess that more than anything, I think for me, this kind of shows what other people in the organization have been able to do on my behalf." Jordan Bastian has covered the Indians for MLB.com since 2011, and previously covered the Blue Jays from 2006-10. Read his blog, Major

Tribe inks Otero, Almonte; tenders 5 arb-eligibles By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | December 1st, 2017 + 26 COMMENTS CLEVELAND -- The Indians began chipping away at their arbitration cases on Friday night, signing veteran reliever Dan Otero and outfielder Abraham Almonte to one-year contracts.

Cleveland's deals with Otero ($1.3 million) and Almonte ($825,000) helped trim the team's list of arbitration candidates to five players. Prior to Friday's 8 p.m. ET deadline, the Indians tendered 2018 contracts to that group, which includes closer Cody Allen, starters Trevor Bauer and Danny Salazar, reliever Zach McAllister and outfielder . The five tendered players can file for arbitration on Jan. 9, and barring a contract agreement ahead of time, the two sides will exchange proposed salary figures for the 2018 season on Jan. 12. A contract can be agreed upon at any point leading up to a player's scheduled arbitration hearing. During the hearings, which run from Jan. 29-Feb. 16 this offseason, a three-person panel hears both cases and chooses one of the two salaries. The Indians prefer to avoid a hearing if possible and have only reached that stage in the annual process twice, dating back to 1991. Prior to the 2014 season, Cleveland went to arbitration with both Josh Tomlin and Vinnie Pestano, and the team won both cases. Otero has become an important piece within Cleveland's bullpen, which led the Majors with a 2.89 ERA in 2017. Cleveland acquired the right- hander from the Phillies in exchange for cash considerations prior to the '16 season, and Otero quickly found a home in the Tribe's relief corps. Over the past two seasons combined, Otero has fashioned a 2.14 ERA in 130 2/3 innings with a 62.9 percent ground-ball rate (ninth-best among MLB relievers in that span). Last season, Otero turned in a 2.85 ERA with 38 strikeouts against nine walks in 60 innings (52 games). He will turn 33 on Feb. 19. As things currently stand, the Indians' bullpen projects to include Andrew Miller, Allen, Otero, McAllister and Tyler Olson, with a handful of arms in the mix for the remaining jobs. Relievers Bryan Shaw and Joe Smith, who served as setup men for Cleveland last season, are both free agents this winter. Almonte, 28, does not project to be in Cleveland's starting outfield, but he offers experienced depth as a switch-hitter capable of playing all three positions. Last season, Almonte was limited to 69 games due to a pair of stints on the disabled list (first for a right biceps strain and then for a left hamstring strain). In 172 at-bats, he hit .233 with 14 extra-base hits and a .681 OPS. Almonte has one Minor League option remaining.

Indians promote Grant, Barnsby in front office By Jordan Bastian / MLB.com | @MLBastian | December 1st, 2017 + 0 COMMENTS CLEVELAND -- Brad Grant has spent the past decade overseeing all elements of the MLB Draft for the Indians, helping the club strengthen its farm system and making several selections that have played a role in Cleveland's recent success at the big league level. Now, Grant is moving up in the team's front office.

On Friday, the Indians announced that Grant has been promoted to the role of vice president of baseball operations, strategy and administration. Scott Barnsby, who has been in the Tribe's amateur scouting department since 2002, was named the team's new director of amateur scouting, assuming the role that Grant filled since November of '07. "These promotions are recognition of the impact Brad and Scott have made on the organization," Indians general manager Mike Chernoff said in a release. "And more broadly, an acknowledgement of our amateur scouting group. Brad has been instrumental in revamping the amateur scouting department's processes and culture, and we look forward to expanding his role in new areas to impact all departments and personnel across baseball operations. "Scott has built strong relationships across the organization and earned the respect of people industry-wide, and we're excited about him guiding the department's continuous improvement." Barnsby just finished his third season as the Indians' assistant director of scouting and will take over the day-to-day management of the amateur scouting department. On the Indians' current 40-man roster, there are 15 players who were drafted and signed by the team under Grant. Francisco Lindor, Jason Kipnis, Lonnie Chisenhall, , Cody Allen, Josh Tomlin and Roberto Perez are among the current Major Leaguers who were drafted and developed by the Indians during Grant's 10-year tenure, which was the longest in club history for an amateur scouting director. In his new role, Grant will assist the baseball operations department in all facets, including the "coordination of capital projects and strategy in the areas of resource prioritization and allocation," per the team's release. Grant will also continue to assist in the club's scouting and player acquisition areas (amateur, international and pro scouting) and will serve as a bridge between baseball and business operations.

Cleveland Indians promote draft guru Brad Grant; Scott Barnsby new director of amateur scouting By Paul Hoynes, [email protected] CLEVELAND, Ohio - Brad Grant, who over the last 10 years revived the Indians' amateur draft, has been promoted to vice president of baseball operations. In his new role, Grant will concentrate on strategy and administration in the baseball operations department.

Scott Barnsby, a member of the Indians' scouting department since 2002, will replace Grant as director of amateur scouting and be the point man for the amateur draft. He just finished his third year as assistant director of scouting.

The Tribe's current 40-man roster includes 15 players selected on Grant's watch. They include No.1 picks Lonnie Chisenhall, Francisco Lindor, and Bradley Zimmer. Cody Allen, Greg Allen, Cody Anderson, Shawn Armstrong, Jason Kipnis, Ryan Merritt and Roberto Perez are some of the others. The Indians used four more of Grant's picks - , , Ben Heller and J.P. Feyereisen - to acquire lefty Andrew Miller from the Yankees in July of 2016.

In his new role, Grant will be a bridge between the organization's baseball operations and business operations. He just finished his 24th season with the Indians

"These promotions are recognition of the impact Brad and Scott have made on the organization, and more broadly, an acknowledgment of our amateur scouting group," said GM Mike Chernoff.

Shohei Ohtani: signed 21 players instead of gambling on Japan's Babe Ruth By Paul Hoynes, cleveland.com [email protected] CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Indians are on the outside looking in as the Shohei Ohtani circus is about to come to a big-league city near you.

They wouldn't confirm it, but the Indians were expected to take part in the posting process Friday for Ohtani, who has shown the ability to pitch and hit at a high level in his five years with the Nippon-Ham Fighters in Japan. It would be a long shot at best for the Indians, one pull on a one- armed bandit that could deliver what many believe is a franchise-changing talent.

The Indians, according to the Associated Press, have only $10,000 left in their international bonus pool to sign amateur players. The Rangers at $3.53 million, Yankees at $3.25 million and the Twins at $3.245 million have the most left in their pools to tempt the 23-year-old Ohtani.

So where did the Indians' signing bonus pool go?

They started the 2017-18 international signing period with $5.75 million. While some teams may have held back on signing players in case Ohtani decided to make the jump from Japan before the 2018 season -- the move had been rumored for a long time -- the Indians did not.

They used their pool money to sign 21 players to date. Their reasoning was two-fold.

They didn't believe they could compete with teams such as the Yankees, Dodgers and Cubs -- whose cities have more off-the-field inducements to lure Ohtani. Since Ohtani, no matter who he signs with, will do so as an amateur player, it means his signing bonus can go only as high as the Rangers' $3.53 million. If he comes to the big leagues he'll do so at the major-league minimum. The 2017-18 signing period for international free agents starts on July 2 and runs through June 15, 2018. The Indians felt if they gambled and waited for Ohtani, and didn't sign him, they would not be able to go back and sign the players they wanted. Besides, it didn't become clear until late in the year that the Fighters were going to post Ohtani. The 21 players the Indians signed are from Latin America.

Prominent among them are outfielder George Valera and shortstop Aaron Bracho. Valera signed for $1.3 million. Branco, a switch-hitter from Venezuela, signed for $1.5 million. MLBPipeline.com rated them 21 and 22, respectively, on its top 30 international prospect list. rated Valera No.5 and Branco No. 17 on its list. Other players signed include SS Jose Tena, Dominican Republic, $400,000; right-hander Roberto Hernandez, Cuba, $320,00; SS Wilfri Peralta, Dominican Republic, $300,000, SS Brayan Rocchio, Venezuela, $125,000, INF Cesar Idrogo, Venezuela, $90,000 and outfielder Marlin Made, Dominican Republic, $75,000.

AARON BRACHO INF 2017 Other new Indians whose signing bonus are not known include: outfielder Alexfri Palnez, Venezuela, right-hander Victor Sotello, Venezuela, SS Joseph Paulino, Dominican Republic; infielder Richard Paz, Venezuela, catcher Victor Planchart, Venezuela; outfielder Daniel Aguilar, right- hander Adenys Bautisa, right-hander Moises De La Cruz, left-hander Abraham Figuerora, 3B Noel Jhonkensky, outfielder Skeinling Rodriguez, right-hander Miguel Vinicio and Jerson Ramirez.

Velara, was born in Queens, N.Y., but moved to the Dominican Republic to play baseball, bats and throws left-handed. He could end up playing a corner outfield spot or first base. The Indians like his baseball instincts and swing.

The switch-hitting Bracho, 5-11, 174 pounds, could end up at second base. He makes good contact and has shown some power. He spent time in the United States this year training at Perfect Game events.

"George and Aaron project as high-ceiling offensive players with a combination of hit-ability and power to go along with athleticism," said Paul Gillispie, Indians senior director of International Scouting, when they signed in July. "We think they have the ability to impact the game both offensively and defensively. "We're incredibly excited about this year's signing class. ... Our scouts have worked diligently over the last calendar year to identify and intimately know these players, and we're proud of the tireless effort they've put into the process."

Jos Luis Tena INF #TopProspect Franklin Ferreras Baseball Academy Another interesting sign is Hernandez, the right-hander from Cuba. Yes, he's named Roberto Hernandez, but he's not the Roberto Hernandez, aka Fausto Carmona, Tribe fans remember.

The 6-2, 190-pound Hernandez, 16, throws between 90-93 mph. He has several off-speed pitches. Hernandez led Cuba's 15-and-under national team with a 0.81 ERA, striking out 101 and walking 31 in 78 innings.

The Tribe's bonus pool has almost run dry, but there are still some interesting players available. The penalties Commissioner Rob Manfred hit Atlanta with recently made 13 of their international players free agents. He ruled that the players could keep their signing bonuses.

The players are: Venezuelan infielder Kevin Maitan ($4.25 million signing bonus), Venezuelan catcher Abrahan Gutierrez ($3.53 million), Dominican SS Yunior Severino ($1.9 million), Dominican right-hander Juan Contreras ($1.2 million), Dominican SS Yenci Pena ($1.05 million), Dominican right-hander Yefri del Rosario ($1 million), Cuban outfielder Juan Carlos Negret ($1 million), Venezuelan SS Livan Soto ($1 million), Colombian right-hander Guillermo Zuniga ($350,000), Venezuelan outfielder Antonio Sucre ($300,000), Dominican outfielder Brandol Mezquita ($300,000) and Dominican shortstop Angel Rojas ($300,000).

The Indians scouted some of these players before they signed with the Braves. Manfred ruled that teams could borrow against their 2018-19 bonus pool to pursue them. Maitan and Gutierrez are probably too expensive for the Tribe, but if one of the former Braves interests them, don't be surprised if they try to sign him.

Cleveland Indians' Corey Kluber, Josh Tomlin honored by baseball writers By Paul Hoynes, [email protected] CLEVELAND, Ohio - Indians pitchers Corey Kluber and Josh Tomlin received the Man of the Year and Good Guy Awards, respectively, from Cleveland's Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America for the 2017 season.

It has been an offseason of awards for Kluber. In November, Kluber won his second AL Cy Young award, the Players Choice Award as the AL's top pitcher and the MLB Esurance Award as pitcher of the year.

Tomlin, the longest tenured member of the Indians, had some good things come his way as well this winter. The Indians, right after the World Series, exercised his $3 million option for 2018.

Kluber, 31, is the first Indians pitcher to win the Cy Young twice. He is just the 19th pitcher in history to win multiple Cy Young awards. Roger Clemens leads with seven. This year Kluber went 18-4 with a 2.25 ERA in 29 starts. He led the big leagues in ERA, the first Indians pitcher to do so since Mike Garcia in 1949.

Kluber won his first Cy Young in 2014 and finished third in 2016 before winning it again in 2017. This year he struck out 265 batters in 203 2/3 innings despite missing all but one start in May with a back injury. The opposition hit .193 against Kluber as he walked 36 and allowed 141 hits. The Cleveland writers made Kluber an unanimous pick for the Man of the Year award. Jose Ramirez, last year's winner, and Francisco Lindor were also nominated.

The Good Guy award is given to the player or team member that cooperates with reporters in good times and bad. Tomlin never ducked a tough question after a start and was always willing to talk to reporters between starts.

Tomlin, drafted in the 19th round in 2006, went 10-9 with a 4.98 ERA in 26 starts this year. He struck out 109 and walked 14 in 141 innings. He led the big leagues with the fewest walks allowed, averaging 0.89 walks per nine innings. Tomlin is the franchise leader, averaging 1.315 walks per nine innings in his career.

In Game 2 of the ALDS, Tomlin came out of the bullpen and pitched two scoreless innings to earn the win. The Indians beat the Yankees, 9-8, in 13 innings. Departed pitching coach Mickey Callaway, catcher Yan Gomes and reliever Andrew Miller were also nominated.

Cleveland Indians: How team avoided a free agent disaster -- Terry Pluto By Terry Pluto, The Plain [email protected] CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's understandable that Cleveland Indians fans are concerned about the possibility of losing Jay Bruce and Carlos Santana to free agency.

My guess is both are gone. Huge paydays probably await both.

But as one Tribe executive recently told me, who knew in early December of 2016 that Edwin Encarnacion would end up with the Tribe? The Toronto slugger was looking for a $100 million deal. He turned down $80 million from the Blue Jays. His agent overestimated the market. Encarnacion signed a three-year, $60 million deal with the Tribe.

So the Indians are playing the waiting game with Bruce and Santana. Meanwhile, their advance planning has the roster in good shape.

1. Had Carlos Carrasco not signed an extension in 2015, he'd be a free agent right now. You can imagine the market. He was 18-6 with a 3.29 ERA last season at the age of 30. Instead, he's making $8 million for 2018. The Tribe also holds options on him in 2019 ($9 million) and 2020 ($9.5 million).

2. Josh Tomlin would be a free agent. Instead, he is under contract for $3 million. Tomlin was 10-9 with a 4.98 ERA. Over the last three seasons, he's 30-20 with a 4.29 ERA. He is a bargain in baseball's wild markets.

3. Jason Kipnis would have been a free agent. The Indians need a healthy, bounce-back season from Kipnis, who is under contract for $13.6 million in 2018 and $14.6 million in 2019. Over the last three years, Kipnis batted .276 (.792 OPS), averaging 15 HR and 59 RBI. He could either end up in left field for the Tribe, or he could possibly be traded to a team looking for a second baseman.

4. Encarnacion is under contract for two more years. After a slow start, Encarnacion produced another big-time power season in 2017, batting .258 (.881 OPS) with 38 HR and 107 RBI.

5. Michael Brantley could have been a free agent. The Indians are gambling he can come back from major ankle surgery by picking up his $12 million option for 2018.

6. When they traded for Andrew Miller during the 2016 season, they did it knowing he was under contract through 2018. That was one of the most attractive aspects of the deal with the New York Yankees.

TRADING COREY KLUBER? The Indians don't have to worry about that because their two-time Cy Young Award winner signed a five-year, $38 million extension before the 2015 season.

Suppose that hadn't happened. Suppose the Indians were heading into this season knowing Kluber could leave via free agency a year from now. Imagine the gnashing of teeth and angst that would grip the fan base ... and the front office. Do you keep him and risk a huge loss ... or do you trade him?

Finally, imagine how it would be for the Indians to have traded yet another Cy Young Award winner a year after the pitcher was honored. It happened with C.C. Sabathia (2008) and Cliff Lee (2009) when they were dealt in the middle of those seasons after winning the Cy Young.

Instead, here's Kluber's contract situation: 2018: $10.7 million 2019: $13.2 million 2020: Team option, $13.5 million 2021: Team option, $14 million ABOUT CONTRACT EXTENSIONS

Yes, Carrasco or Kluber could cash in if they had not signed long-term contracts early in their careers. The same is being said for Jose Ramirez, who signed a five-year contract extension with the Tribe during . "They should have waited," is what some agents and analytics people will say.

But it forgets one major fact of life: Injuries.

Not long after signing contract extensions with the Tribe, Travis Hafner and Jake Westbrook were injured. Grady Sizemore signed a six-year, $23 million extension in 2006. He was a star for the first three seasons. Then major injuries hit. Knee surgeries, an elbow operation and other physical problems.

In the end, Sizemore was wise to take the security.

The same with Hafner and Westbrook. There are many other examples.

ABOUT THE INDIANS 1. It was been very quiet on the trade front across big league baseball. Maybe teams are waiting for the Winter Meetings, which start on Dec. 10. It's the same with free agency. It's like teams and agents are reluctant to make the first big deal, waiting for someone else to do it.

2. That said, I expect the Indians to look to trade for a hitter. They have a starter such as Danny Salazar to offer. Catchers Yan Gomes or Roberto Perez could be available. The same for Kipnis. The Indians also have some prospects who are very attractive.

3. The Indians added Eric Haase to the 40-man roster. The 24-year-old catcher batted .258 (.923 OPS) with 26 HR and 59 RBI at Class AA Akron. They like him as a big league prospect, at least as a backup. They also have phenom Francisco Mejia, who was named one of the top 10 prospects in the Arizona Fall League. He played some third base. He batted .365. Depth at catcher is why I expect a trade. 4. The following players are out of minor league options: Erik Gonzalez, Gio Urshela, Ryan Merritt and Shawn Armstrong. Gonzalez and Urshela both can't make the roster, unless the Indians have multiple infield injuries during spring training. I expect one of them to be traded.

5. It's time for the Tribe to put Merritt on the roster and see what the lefty can do. He has a 23-13 career record and 3.48 ERA in Class AAA. In the last two seasons, he had a 3-0 record and 1.71 ERA in 31 innings with the Tribe. He'll be 26 in February. The Indians don't have a lefty starter. He could be very attractive to a team in a deal, but I'd like to see what he could do for the Tribe.

6. Out of minor league options is why the Indians took Kyle Crockett off the 40-man roster. Tyler Olson beat him out as a situational lefty reliever last season. Crockett was claimed on waivers by the Reds.

7. Merritt also could help in the bullpen as a lefty if he doesn't make the starting rotation.

8. Austin Jackson also is a free agent. The Indians are interested in keeping him, but at the right price. Jackson has battled knee and other injuries and played 82 games last season. I keep hearing Bryan Shaw will sign a deal worth at least $7 million annually for at least three years with someone. It won't be Cleveland.

Cleveland Indians take first step in arbitration process: Sign Dan Otero, Abraham Almonte By Paul Hoynes, [email protected] CLEVELAND, Ohio - The arbitration process has started well for the Indians and the players who are eligible to argue money with them this winter.

The Indians avoided arbitration with right-hander Dan Otero and outfielder Abraham Almonte by signing them to one-year deals a few hours before Friday's 8 p.m. deadline. They could have become free agents if the Indians didn't offer them a contract. Otero, who has done good work for two years in the bullpen, signed for $1.3 million. Almonte signed for $825,000. Otero earned $1.055 million last year, while Almonte earned $544,200. MLBtraderumors.com projected that Otero would make $1.4 million and Almonte $1.1 million for 2018.

Closer Cody Allen, outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall, right-hander Trevor Bauer, right-hander Danny Salazar and right-hander Zach McAllister were all tendered contracts. The next step will be Jan. 13 when players and teams exchange salary figures. If no deals are reached between now and early February, hearing dates will be set.

There was some feeling that McAllister may have been on the bubble as the Indians continue to wrestle with a payroll that will top last season's franchise record of $124 million. But in light of set-up man Bryan Shaw almost assuredly out-pricing himself for a return to Cleveland, and the possibility of losing Joe Smith as well, the Indians need all the relievers they can get.

McAllister went 2-2 with a 2.61 ERA season. In the last three years, he's made 50 or more appearances.

Otero was 3-0 with a 2.85 ERA in 52 games last season. In two years with the Tribe, he's 8-1 in 114 appearances.

Almonte had a tough time staying healthy last season. He was on the disabled list twice with a straight right biceps tendon and a strained left hamstring. The Indians like his versatility because he's a switch-hitter who can play all three outfield positions.

Here's what MLBtraderumors projects the Tribe's five remaining arbitration eligible players will make in 2018 (2017 salaries in parenthesis): Allen $10.8 million ($7.35 million), Chisenhall $5.88 million ($4.3 million), Bauer $7.7 million ($3.55 million), Salazar $5.2 million ($3.4 million) and McAllister $2.4 million ($1.525 million).

Indians notes: Local BBWAA awards, arbitration fallout and front office maneuvering Zack Meisel 4 hours ago Corey Kluber might need a larger trophy case. The Cleveland chapter of the BBWAA unanimously voted Kluber as the Man of the Year, an award given to the Indians’ top on-field performer. Last month, Kluber became the first pitcher to capture a second Cy Young Award with the franchise. Jose Ramirez, last year’s winner, and Francisco Lindor were also nominated. Josh Tomlin earned the Good Guy Award, bestowed upon the person in the organization who is most cooperative and professional when dealing with the media. Mickey Callaway, Andrew Miller and Yan Gomes were also nominated. Tomlin never seems to duck reporters and typically offers thoughtful insight. He had tears in his eyes as he stood before a group of reporters and assessed the Indians’ Game 5 loss to the Yankees in the ALDS and he pondered his own future. The Indians exercised their $3 million option on the right-hander last month. Both players will be honored with their awards before a home game next season. Low-arb diet In the past quarter-century, the Indians have only twice needed an arbitration hearing to settle a salary disagreement. Tomlin and Vinnie Pestano each required an uncomfortable sit-down in 2014. The process is painful, and Pestano was especially flustered as team representatives explained to him why he wasn’t worth the paycheck he desired. The Indians had seven players eligible for arbitration this offseason. They agreed to terms with Dan Otero and Abraham Almonte to trim that list to five. They tendered contracts to Lonnie Chisenhall, Zach McAllister, Trevor Bauer, Danny Salazar and Cody Allen. Teams and arbitration-eligible players will exchange salary figures in mid-January. If no compromise is struck before the end of January, they’ll schedule an arbitration hearing. Allen is expected to be the top earner in the group, possibly in the $10 million-$11 million range. Some readers have asked why the team would tender Almonte a contract. He’ll earn $825,000 next season. The league minimum will be $545,000. That sort of salary is worthwhile for a backup outfielder who can play all three positions and hit from both sides of the plate, even if he doesn’t produce gaudy numbers. It’s a low-risk maneuver, and one that shouldn’t prevent the Indians from making other moves. Movin’ on up Brad Grant received a well-deserved promotion Friday, as the Indians named him vice president, baseball operations — strategy and administration. Grant directed the Indians’ amateur scouting department for the past decade. His name was attached to the organization’s draft haul every summer. Grant’s 10-year stint as scouting director was the longest in team history in that role. The Indians’ drafting was the franchise’s Achilles’ heel before he took over. From 2000-07, the Indians selected the following players in the first round: Corey Smith, Derek Thompson, Dan Denham, Alan Horne, J.D. Martin, Mike Conroy, , Matt Whitney, Micah Schilling, Michael Aubrey, , , , , John Drennen, and Beau Mills. Of those 17 players, five reached the majors with the Indians. They combined for 2.6 fWAR. Guthrie: -0.2 Aubrey: -0.4 Sowers: 2.2 Crowe: -0.6 Huff: 1.6 Grant and Co. fared better since that fruitless stretch. They nailed the Francisco Lindor pick. They helped to produce a trade for Andrew Miller with the selections of Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield. Early returns on Bradley Zimmer and Triston McKenzie have been positive as well. In his new role, Grant will coordinate “capital projects and strategy in the areas of resource prioritization and allocation,” according to the team. That might be an ambiguous way of saying, “Thanks for all the hard work over the last 10 years and the eight months of each year you have spent on the road. Here’s an office job in which you can provide your valuable insight from a comfy leather chair behind a big desk.” Grant will remain a lifeline for the club’s amateur, international and pro scouting departments. Scott Barnsby, a member of the Indians’ amateur scouting department since 2002, will slide over to Grant’s old position. On the market The Reds non-tendered Kyle Crockett, making the lefty reliever a free agent. They claimed Crockett off waivers from the Indians last week. A few non-tendered pitchers I might have interest in if I ran the Indians’ front office … Reliever Jared Hughes: A sinkerballer with a 2.55 ERA in the past four years Starter Drew Smyly: He underwent Tommy John surgery over the summer, so he won’t offer immediate help, but he’s a lefty with a 3.74 ERA in his career and impressive walk and strikeout rates. Plus, the Indians believe strongly in their ability to help pitchers recover from elbow injuries. For similar reasons, reliever Zach Putnam could be intriguing. The Indians drafted the former Michigan Wolverine in the fifth round in 2008. Reliever Bruce Rondon: He never panned out in Detroit the way many thought he would, but he’s still pretty young (turns 27 next week) and throws hard. Bond between front office and coach/manager is critical, as the Indians (and Browns) have demonstrated A disconnect between a coaching staff and a front office can torpedo a season and cost people their jobs. It can be disruptive and counterproductive and can halt progress and set back a franchise. There’s no better example than the biennial circus in Berea, where the Browns struggle to explain their 1-26 record in the past two seasons. Is it a dearth of talent on the roster? Is it a coaching deficiency? At this point, all anyone is wondering is which domino will fall first, or if Hue Jackson and Sashi Brown will tumble simultaneously. The sport doesn’t matter, though. A similar scenario might have cost David Fizdale his coaching gig with the Memphis Grizzlies this week. Harmony between a front office and a head coach or manager is imperative, no matter if the team’s building resides next to a baseball diamond, a football field, hardwood or a rink. A united front can go a long way for a franchise. It’s why new regimes often hand-pick their own head coach or skipper. For the Indians, that sort of ideal rapport has served as the foundation for the club’s recent uprising. Terry Francona only relocated to Cleveland because of a prior working relationship with Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti. The Indians had no shot at hiring the two-time World Series champion manager if not for his year assisting the front office in 2001. The benefits have been obvious, apart from the fact that he brought instant credibility to an organization in dire need of a pick-me-up. “He has broken down barriers between players and staff, between different departments in the organization, and between front office and field staff,” Mike Chernoff told The Athletic. “Rather than wasting any time on figuring out who is right or on the inefficiencies of working within silos, we always dig in and try to figure things out together. Even if we don’t agree on something, we’re solely focused on doing what’s best for the organization. It’s way more effective and way more fun to work in that type of culture.” Antonetti spends plenty of time in Francona’s office during the season, discussing potential transactions, player performance, coaching strategies or any other pertinent topic. Francona remains involved in trade talks, analytical studies and free-agency exploration, but not to the extent in which he’s overbearing or is lobbying for certain changes. When Francona wondered how shifting Carlos Santana to the leadoff spot might influence the productivity of the lineup, he reached out to the analytics department directly and requested a statistical assessment. Santana then spent much of the 2016 season atop the batting order. It’s not always so simple or so seamless. Accomplished executives and coaches often come equipped with egos and their own visions for how to construct and direct a winner. Those ideas don’t always mesh. The Indians’ mode of operation hasn’t yet produced a championship, but it has rejuvenated a franchise that couldn’t escape the despair of 90- loss seasons and Shelley Duncan-anchored lineups. Antonetti was named the Sporting News MLB Executive of the Year two weeks ago, based upon a peer vote, for his hand in assembling a 102-win roster. Francona has twice captured AL Manager of the Year honors in his five seasons with the Tribe, and he finished second in the balloting this year. Two days after the Indians stumbled against the Yankees in Game 5 of the ALDS, Francona, Antonetti and Chernoff met with reporters to review the season. Francona stressed that, after five years with the Indians — and a health scare — he hasn’t grown tired of his surroundings. It helps that his open line of communication with the front office has paid dividends. “I’ve never been in a place in my life where I have felt so comfortable with the way that we go about things,” Francona said. “The grass is greener here for me, and it’s not just me. I think those sorts of things start at the top and trickle down, and I don’t think Chris or (Mike) get enough credit for the attitude around here. I think they deserve more. I love the way we do things around here. Now, we’re not always successful, but the way we go about it, I have bought into it and I will continue to.” Antonetti interjected: “We can leave now if you want to tell them the truth.” Francona: “Gosh, that was hard.” Antonetti: “Do you take cash, credit, money order?”

Nick Cafardo / SUNDAY BASEBALL NOTES - What can the Red Sox do this offseason to counter the Yankees’ strengths? By Nick Cafardo The Red Sox might have beaten the Yankees in the standings in 2017, but New York advanced deeper in the postseason behind a slugging lineup, a top-notch rotation, and a bullpen that’s the envy of baseball. So this rivalry is going to be delicious once again. “I think it’s going to be interesting to see how each team approaches the offseason,” said one AL East general manager. “The Yankees don’t need to do anything if they don’t want to, except maybe re-sign CC [Sabathia]. The Red Sox need a power hitter. Both teams have excellent young players. Obviously [Aaron] Judge and [Gary] Sanchez are over the top. Sanchez can be the next Mike Piazza.” Things started to heat up last season when the Yankees caught the Red Sox using an electronic device to steal signs. The Yankees turned the Sox into the league office and Boston received a slap on the wrist for the rule violation. That incident seemed to revive the animosity between the sides, in a good kind of way. The Red Sox were able to neutralize Judge (.151 average, 2 homers, 5 RBIs, and 30 strikeouts in 73 at-bats in the 2017 season series), but the rest of the Yankee lineup was tough on Boston’s pitching. The Yankees took the season series, 11-8, and made the Red Sox huff and puff to clinch the division. What can the Red Sox do to counter the Yankees’ strengths? Obviously they need to add a bat, whether it’s White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu or free agents J.D. Martinez and Eric Hosmer. Would one of those players put the Red Sox’ lineup on the same level as the Yankees? Judge could match his 52-homer rookie output. Sanchez has 53 homers in 177 career games. Shortstop Didi Gregorius is one of the best players in baseball. The Yankees will likely use Greg Bird at first base, and the feeling is if Bird can stay healthy he could be a 30-40-homer guy. We should also mention Brett Gardner and Starlin Castro, two other outstanding players. The Yankees are going to need a DH to replace Matt Holliday. They’re the front-runners to land Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. They also could go large and pick off one of the top free agent hitters, be it Martinez, Hosmer, or third baseman Mike Moustakas, who would make sense unless the Yankees stay committed to Chase Headley or bring back free agent Todd Frazier, who fit well in a leadership role and as a righthanded power threat. Because the Yankees now have a superior farm system to the Red Sox, they could pull off any type of trade they want. Or they could commit to youngsters such as third baseman Gleyber Torres, who missed most of last season following Tommy John surgery. He could be the next big thing in New York. The Yankees are likely going to lose a player or two from their rich farm system in the Rule 5 draft, but they will be redundant players who would not have a chance to make the major league team. The Yankees have some very good young arms (including lefty Justus Sheffield and rightes Albert Abreu, Domingo Acevedo, and Chance Adams) who could make their way to New York by the end of next season. Their rotation will consist of Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray, and Jordan Montgomery, and the likelihood is strong that Sabathia re-signs. Their bullpen should remain intact — Adam Warren, Bryan Mitchell, Chad Green, David Robertson, Tommy Kahnle, Dellin Betances, and Aroldis Chapman. And there are reinforcements in place. The Red Sox also have a good rotation and bullpen, though Addison Reed is a free agent. They’ll rely on Carson Smith in a setup role and hope Tyler Thornburg can make it back sometime early next season. The Sox will also get Steven Wright back from injury, and Eduardo Rodriguez will be coming off knee surgery. They’ll also have a full year of Rafael Devers, who got his feet wet at third base last season and gained valuable experience as a 20-year-old. The Red Sox will try to utilize Bryce Brentz’s righthanded power off the bench and they’ll have to hope Marco Hernandez can be a solid fill-in for Dustin Pedroia at second base the first couple of months. They’ll miss Eduardo Nunez, unless they can re-sign him to a one- or two-year deal. They’ll also have to find a way to utilize Blake Swihart, who is out of options and will likely play an outfield or corner infield spot rather than behind the plate. Both the Yankees and Red Sox have high-priced veterans who need to play up to their contracts. Yankees GM Brian Cashman has already said Jacoby Ellsbury is the team’s fourth outfielder, with Gardner moving to center field, youngster Clint Frazier playing left, and Judge in right. The Red Sox need more production out of Hanley Ramirez. And both will also have new leadership in first-time managers Alex Cora and Aaron Boone, another sidebar to monitor in this rivalry. Both spent years as analysts at ESPN and should therefore be savvy in the media atmosphere of two very big markets. Boone and Cora also understand the scope of the rivalry as former participants. “It’s going to be tough for Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Baltimore to compete with those two teams,” said an adviser to an AL GM. “The other teams would have to have huge offseasons and improve their rosters. Take your pick — Red Sox or Yankees. They will be the class of the league along with Houston and Cleveland. If I had to pick one team that could win the American League and become the World Series winner, I would pick the Yankees. It’s going to be hard to beat their young talent and their resources. And if they land Ohtani, forget it.” There’s no guarantee that Judge hits 50-plus homers again. Maybe Sanchez’s defense doesn’t improve. But the Sox have potential issues. too. Will Devers and Andrew Benintendi get better or will they regress? Can Rick Porcello regain his Cy Young form? Can David Price return to being the dominant David Price or will he battle injuries again? Ah yes, Red Sox-Yankees drama, alive and well again. SHARED EXPERIENCE Roenicke will make bench mark Ron Roenicke has a big job. He’s the bench coach for first-time manager Alex Cora in Boston. Roenicke, who spent four-plus seasons as manager of the Brewers and was recently third base coach with the Angels, said he needed to hear “certain things” from Dave Dombrowski and Cora before deciding to leave his home in Southern California. When he heard the right things, he decided to jump on board. “Pretty sharp guy,” Roenicke said of Cora, whom he managed at Double A. “I don’t think it’ll take him long.” Roenicke said he hopes to offer Cora his experience and provide guidance “in various things and not just on the field things. I’m sure I’ll be able to help him that way also, but at first thinking right. “No matter how long you coach, when you start managing, the thinking has to be different. You’re thinking about priorities and getting them right. When I first started managing, I would think wrong. I would think about things that I had time to think about later. It took me a little while just to know the sequence of the thinking and how when you think the right way you have plenty of time to do the things you want to do. “At the beginning, it seems like it’s always going quick. I’ll help him with that part, with suggestions during ballgames, on what’s going on and keep him open to different scenarios that might come up and which way he’d like to go. And then off the field, just dealing with [the media]. I’ll try to listen to some of the interviews and just try to pick up things. I know it can get tricky at times. You have your responsibility to the players who you need to protect and you have responsibility to the ownership group who is your boss and sometimes that gets a little tricky with some of the questions that are asked. I can help him with all that. “In the conversations we had, he wanted the help and he knew that being a first-time manager is not that easy to walk in there and do it. With those comments and comments Dave Dombrowski made to me, I felt really good about taking the job.” Roenicke said he took lessons from his own bench coach in Milwaukee, Jerry Narron, who was once a Red Sox coach and now is bench coach for Torey Lovullo in Arizona. “What Jerry did for me is really run the game well. Because Jerry was good with in-game management, we were rarely caught off guard with something,” Roenicke said. “Because I trusted him so much, it allowed me to do some other things that I thought were important as a manager, like walk down the bench and pump somebody up or get someone laughing. Having the bench coach I grew to trust freed me up to doing a lot better job.” Roenicke said he’s always embraced analytics. However, he said it’s important to know how to distribute that information to the players. “Anything we can get from the staff up above will be great,” Roenicke said. “How it comes into play is the biggest question. You can’t just get all of this information and then go load it on a player. Some players can handle it. It’s our job to learn the personality of that player and how much he can handle and sometimes the overthinking gets you into all kinds of trouble. “It’s getting them to think the right way. If analytics can clear their minds, that’s outstanding. For instance, if a hitting coach is trying to get to a player and the player is disagreeing with him, he can show them the numbers that prove what he’s saying. That player is apt to change his mind and be more open to him.” Apropos of nothing 1. The Red Sox have asked the White Sox about Jose Abreu, but don’t get too excited. According to a major league source, the White Sox will only deal him if they’re blown away with an offer of top prospects, and it doesn’t appear, at least for the moment, that the White Sox see that prospect package in the Red Sox’ farm system. 2. Interest in switch-hitter Carlos Santana is starting to pick up, according to his agency, Octagon. Santana is an excellent top-of-the-order hitter who enhances any lineup, and it will be a big loss for the Indians if they don’t re-sign him. The Red Sox have talked to Santana’s agents. While he’s not anyone’s first choice as the dominos fall, Santana will be a sought-after player. “He makes any team’s lineup better and he’s become a very good first baseman. I think he’s a notch above [Eric] Hosmer [defensively],” said one AL GM. 3. Two people who deserve managerial consideration are Rocco Baldelli and Luis Rivera. Baldelli, Tampa Bay’s newly appointed major league field coordinator, is baseball smart and someone players look up to. Rivera, Toronto’s third base coach, is someone players listen to, is great with Latino players, and has toughness and respect. 4. A Providence Journal story a week ago said that the Pawtucket Red Sox, stalled in their talks with Rhode Island, might consider moving to Attleboro. 5. The Giants’ interest in Giancarlo Stanton has reenergized their tremendous fan base following a rare down season. Team ownership will go over the luxury tax threshold for the fourth straight season, incurring a heavy tax. 6. White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and Red Sox executive Tony La Russa have had a longtime goal of getting impactful coaches into the Hall of Fame. Their efforts have fallen on deaf ears, but it’s time. Brian Butterfield, Perry Hill, and Dave Righetti would certainly qualify for such an honor. So would La Russa’s longtime pitching coach Dave Duncan, as well as hitting gurus Charley Lau and Walt Hriniak. 7. I’ve written about the sadness of the ballplayers who played before 1980, when pension rules changed. If you played after 1980, you only needed 43 days of service time to qualify for a major league pension. Players who played between 1947-79 don’t fall under the same rules. All they get is a nonqualified pension, which doesn’t amount to much. Author Douglas Gladstone has championed the cause of getting the Players Association to recognize these men. One such player is 95-year-old George Yankowski, who was born in Cambridge and was a player and coach at Watertown High as well as Northeastern University. Yankowski is a World War II veteran who fought in the Battle of the Bulge and earned a Bronze Star. Yankowski, who played parts of two MLB seasons, with the A’s and White Sox, makes no more than $2,500 in a nonqualified pension before taxes. In contrast, a retired MLB player who is vested can make $210,000. Even the minimum pension for a post-1980 player with only 43 game days of service is a reported $34,000. The MLBPA pension fund is valued by Forbes at more than $2.7 billion. 8. The annual Boston Baseball Writers Dinner is Jan. 19 at Boston Marriott Copley Place. 9. One longtime NL scout who watches a lot of Jackie Bradley Jr. said, “Forget the metrics, he’s the best center fielder I’ve seen since Paul Blair.” Extra innings From the Bill Chuck files — “The New England Patriots have not had a losing season since 2000; while the Yankees have not had a losing season since 1992.” . . . Also, “Over the last three seasons, only five pitchers have thrown 200-plus innings each year: Chris Sale, Max Scherzer, Jeff Samardzija, Corey Kluber, and Chris Archer.” . . . Happy birthday, Paul Byrd (47) and Damon Berryhill (54). Boston Globe LOADED: 12.03.2017 Olney: Tough market for top free agents looking to land with contenders Buster Olney Zack Cozart had easily the best of his seven seasons in the big leagues in 2017, accumulating an Adjusted OPS+ of 141, hitting 24 homers and generating a .385 on-base percentage in 122 games. His fielding metrics continue to be solid, with the 32-year-old Cozart sitting in the middle of the pack in defensive runs saved at his position, a little behind Carlos Correa and Elvis Andrus and a little ahead of Didi Gregorius and Jordy Mercer.

But the timing of Cozart’s journey into free agency is less than optimal because there seem to be more experienced shortstops available than there are primary openings. The same circumstances appear to be occurring with the first base market as well. Baseball is loaded with great, young shortstops right now, with Correa, Francisco Lindor, Corey Seager and Orlando Arcia leading the pack. The Cubs have Addison Russell and Javier Baez, the Yankees field Gregorius, and the Red Sox have Xander Bogaerts, whose defensive shortcomings should be helped by the increased use of shifts in 2018. Andrelton Simmons has three years left on his deal with the Angels, and the Giants have Brandon Crawford locked up. Paul DeJong had an excellent rookie season for the Cardinals. There are almost no shortstop jobs available on would-be contenders.

The Blue Jays, looking for some infield depth, traded for Aledmys Diaz. The Orioles need to identify a shortstop and might wait for market prices to fall within their range, a strategy that has worked for them repeatedly. The Braves have checked around about shortstops, perhaps to buy more development time for Dansby Swanson, who is coming off a rough 2017 season.

For this fall's class of free-agent shortstops -- Cozart, Alcides Escobar and J.J. Hardy -- there is a remarkably small group of teams that could emerge to bid.

Eric Hosmer hit .318 with 25 homers and won his fourth Gold Glove. His agent, Scott Boras, has been casting Hosmer as a human ticket into the postseason because of Hosmer’s leadership and history of success with the Royals.

But as with Cozart, there appear to be very few potential bidders because so many big-market teams look set at first base:

Yankees: Greg Bird Phillies: Rhys Hoskins Nationals: Ryan Zimmerman Dodgers: Cody Bellinger Diamondbacks: Paul Goldschmidt Orioles: Chris Davis Cubs: Anthony Rizzo Astros: Yuli Gurriel Braves: Freddie Freeman Jays: Justin Smoak The Giants might prefer an upgrade on Brandon Belt, but he’s early in a long-term contract, and San Francisco is focused on Giancarlo Stanton for the moment. The Mets are looking for a short-term investment at first.

The Red Sox need a first baseman and are talking with the White Sox about Jose Abreu, plus they might simply be scared off by Hosmer’s high price tag. “If the Red Sox aren’t in on Hosmer,” a longtime agent said, “he could be in a tough spot. He needs the Red Sox almost as much as the Red Sox could use him.” Hosmer has been linked to the Padres as well, and San Diego has payroll flexibility, but the Padres also have a first baseman, Wil Myers, under a long-term contract. What's more, the list of free-agent first basemen who will be less expensive than Hosmer is long: Carlos Santana, Yonder Alonso, Lucas Duda, Adam Lind, Mitch Moreland, Logan Morrison, Mark Reynolds and Mike Napoli.

• Joe Mauer’s contract is set to expire after the 2018 season, and Ervin Santana’s four-year deal will run out next fall, with a club option attached to the back end. After that, the sum total of what Minnesota is obligated to pay in player salary is $21.2 million.

Pitcher Phil Hughes is in line to earn $13.2 million in 2019, and catcher Jason Castro $8 million. They are the only Twins with guaranteed contracts for the 2019 season, and Minnesota has no player under contract for 2020. The Twins’ long-term room for salary growth, then, is enormous, as Derek Falvey, Thad Levine and others in the Minnesota front office make their choices.

Paul Hembekides of ESPN Research 9 $113.2 Cincinnati Reds 5 $68.8 sent this chart of salary obligations for Kansas City Royals 13 Minnesota Twins 6 $67.4 each of the teams in 2018: $107.4 Arizona Diamondbacks 5 St. Louis Cardinals 10 $107.0 $60.8 MLB Team Financial Commitments For Los Angeles Angels 7 4 $59.9 2018 $105.6 Tampa Bay Rays 5 $36.2 TEAM PLAYERS PAYROLL 8 $102.8 Milwaukee Brewers 4 (IN MILLIONS) 8 $95.3 $32.2 Los Angeles Dodgers 16 Chicago Cubs 6 $94.2 San Diego Padres 6 $31.6 $176.4 9 $93.8 Oakland Athletics 5 $22.3 San Francisco Giants 10 Toronto Blue Jays 8 $88.8 Chicago White Sox 3 S155.4 Cleveland Indians 12 $88.8 $14.9 Boston Red Sox 9 $146.9 Houston Astros 10 $85.8 Philadelphia Phillies 3 12 Atlanta Braves 8 $76.7 $6.9 $140.1 10 $75.1 Source: Baseball Prospectus New York Yankees 8 New York Mets 5 $70.8 News from around MLB $114.2 Colorado Rockies 8 $68.9 A lot of columnists have assessed the Yankees’ decision to hire Aaron Boone as a great risk. I have worked closely with Aaron regularly in recent years, and to me the pick actually seems almost risk-free. Boone is so measured, open-minded and at ease with people at every pay grade that he’s as close to a natural fit for the job as I could imagine in this era.

If this were 1979 or 1990 and you wanted your manager to be taken from the mold of an Earl Weaver or Billy Martin or Tony La Russa, well, sure, then Aaron would be a risk. He’s a different type of person than those guys. He isn't going to try to intimidate anybody or bully somebody into a better performance.

But that notion of the manager as an organization’s field general is completely outdated. These days, most managers are well-armed with information and input from their front offices, leaving them more time to tend to their players, their clubhouse culture and their responsibilities as the daily spokesmen for their franchises. The work of managing is now much more about collaboration, about how to relate to players and get the best out of them, than about dugout dictators.

Three weeks ago, I wrote at length about how Aaron seems similar to Terry Francona.

• Some rival evaluators who have spoken with the Marlins about Giancarlo Stanton are under the impression that it’s more important to Miami to shed his money in whatever trade it arranges than add young talent in return. Stanton has a full no-trade clause that effectively gives him the power to dictate where he will be traded, and that financial pressure on the Marlins, a team with a mountain of debt, might force them to accede to his wishes.

If Stanton uses his veto power to scuttle the current trade talks with the Giants and Cardinals and has specific destinations that are acceptable to him -- or just one team, for that matter -- then the Marlins eventually will be faced with a choice. They could keep him into the start of spring training and the 2018 season, assuming the risk of injury or some other diminishment of their $295 million player. Or they could make their best deal with a team that Stanton will OK -- which is not to say they’ll make the best trade they can, but only the best trade Stanton will approve.

Who's available on the Hot Stove? The Dodgers have not been heavily involved in the Stanton talks to this point, largely because they’re not interested in taking on such a massive contract. But sources say the Dodgers are well aware that the Stanton talks could turn in their direction, and in time, as the Stanton situation marinates, there could be an opportunity for them to consider.

Rival executives have spoken with admiration of the discipline that Andrew Friedman has demonstrated in his time with the Dodgers, citing his handling of Yu Darvish trade talks last summer -- when Friedman waited and waited and waited before getting Darvish for what was perceived at the time to be excellent value. If Stanton is willing to go to only the Dodgers and the Marlins decide they have to move as much of the contract as possible -- as the Rangers did with Alex Rodriguez in the winter of 2003-04, when they ate about 40 percent of his salary to make their deal with the Yankees -- then Friedman will have some leverage.

Friedman could make the money in a Stanton deal work a little better by working to shed some of his extraneous investments. He could ask the Marlins to take left-hander Scott Kazmir, who is owed $17.67 million for next season, and/or right-hander Brandon McCarthy, who will make $11.5 million. The Dodgers could approach Adrian Gonzalez, who will make $22.4 million next season, and give him choices: He could waive his no-trade clause, be included in the package to the Marlins (the team that drafted him in 2000) and have a chance to play regularly in 2018, or he could sit on the Dodgers’ bench.

If the Dodgers shed some expensive veterans in the deal and have a chance to get Stanton for say, $225 million to $240 million over 10 years, and if the Marlins are presented with their only immediate opportunity to dump $225 million in debt, it’s hard to imagine either side saying no.

• Surprisingly, at least three teams have not answered the information request made by Shohei Ohtani’s representatives last weekend.

And today will be better than yesterday.