Paul Hoynes offers a couple of tidbits in his latest article about the Indians. first:
. . . the $2.53 million the Indians spent on big-league free agents last winter -- $850,000 for Mike Redmond and $1.5 million for Russell Branyan -- may look like a lavish spending spree compared to this winter.
Then:
Here’s what the Indians need: a third baseman, a starting pitcher, a right-handed hitting outfielder as a change of pace to projected left-handed starters Michael Brantley, Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore, a right-handed set-up man to provide another eighth-inning option to lefties Rafael Perez and Tony Sipp and an experienced infielder to fortify the middle of the diamond.
Then:
Antonetti has talked to the agents for Jake Westbrook, the veteran starter the Indians traded to St. Louis in July.
No money + multiple needs does not = Jake Westbrook, who may be one of the more sought-after pitchers on the free agency market.
But at least Antonetti is keeping in touch with old friends.