I presume you are already sitting down since you are at the computer. But if you are a "weirdy-freak," (as my daughter likes to call people - mostly me) and read your computer standing up, please sit down.We've got a blockbuster end-of-winter-meeting deal for the Tribe to tell you about.
Or at least so says MLB.com.
Yes, THE Jamey Carroll is coming to Cleveland.
Carroll was the utility infielder in Colorado this year and hit .225 for the Rockies.
He's not exactly Mike Rouse and he's certainly more capable at SS than Chris Gomez, so that makes him a better defensive utility guy.
But the Tribe has plenty of versatility in the infield and I kind of liked Gomez's bat off the bench even though he was merely capable in the field.
The Tribe will give up a player to be named later and add $2.3 million to its payroll for the utility infielder.
Not sure I get it, but to be honest I haven't seen much of the Rockies or the Nationals/Expos over the years, so maybe I'll see what the Tribe sees after watching Carroll play a little.
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2 comments:
so where does this leave barfield - if he is out then was this another bad trade - kousminoff for barfield.
the question is how much was carroll's average aided by the colorado weather
Tribe, Rockies reach Carroll deal
Middle infielder moving for player to be named
By Anthony Castrovince / MLB.com
Jamey Carroll has a career fielding percentage of .986, and has stolen 30 bases in 51 career attempts. (AP)
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CLEVELAND -- Two teams that were very nearly World Series partners were, instead, trading partners on Friday.
The Indians and Rockies completed a deal in which the Tribe will receive utility infielder Jamey Carroll in exchange for a player to be named later. With the trade, which is expected to be announced on Saturday, the Indians filled up their last vacant position for 2008, and the Rockies freed up some payroll.
Carroll, 33, will be in the final year of a two-year contract and will make $2.3 million next season. The Indians will have a club option on him for 2009. It is not known if the Rockies are paying any portion of Carroll's '08 salary.
Though the Indians already have Andy Marte and Josh Barfield as potential depth options at third base and second base, respectively, they pinpointed a utility infielder with range up the middle and a little speed on the basepaths as a need for '08.
As the roster currently stands, Marte, who is out of Minor League options, would be a backup to third baseman Casey Blake. Barfield, coming off a rough offensive year, would most likely get everyday at-bats at Triple-A Buffalo.
Carroll could spell Asdrubal Cabrera at second base and free Cabrera to spell Jhonny Peralta at shortstop on some days.
"This is an exciting opportunity for me, and it's good to know that teams see value in me," Carroll told MLB.com. "I'm going to a team that finished one game away from the World Series and playing against the Rockies. I'm going to play a utility role, and I'm good with that. I'm always prepared. I'm ready to do anything to help the Indians."
The Indians had the option of re-signing free agent Chris Gomez, who was their utility man at the end of '07. But with Marte likely in the mix, they wanted to find someone a little more agile in the field and on the bases.
Enter Carroll, who owns a career average of .272 with 69 doubles, 13 triples, nine homers and 112 RBIs in 580 games over six seasons with the Expos, Nationals and Rockies.
Carroll was the Rockies' starting second baseman in 2006, batting .300 in 463 at-bats. But he shifted back to a utility role this past season, used largely as a late defensive replacement. He played 60 games at second base, 35 at third, 11 at short and three in the outfield, while batting just .225 with 22 RBIs in 227 at-bats.
Carroll has a career fielding percentage of .986, and has stolen 30 bases in 51 career attempts.
The player to be named will be a Minor Leaguer, but it likely won't be Triple-A right-hander Sean Smith, who had at one time been discussed as part of the deal.
Yes, the whole Barfield thing is troublesome.
I've read it could mean Barfield starts the year at AAA.
On the other hand, it could be a precursor to another deal, or an insurance policy, if things don't go as hoped for Peralta, Barfield or even Cabrera once the season gets going.
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