The Indians have made their first acquisitions heading into the 2013 season. After recently parting ways with Travis Hafner and Roberto Hernandez, and picking up the option of Ubaldo Jiminez, the Indians traded relief pitcher Esmil Rogers for utility players Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes from the Toronto Blue Jays.
This certainly can not be the last move made by the Indians front office, as they still have many glaring issues including left field, first base, and starting pitching.
While the Indians acquired Rogers late last season from the Colorado Rockies, many fans questioned the decision as Rogers had an ERA over 8 with the Rockies. To be fair, Coors Field may be the worst park for pitchers due to the altitude, but an ERA that high is still very poor.
Rogers turned things around in Cleveland, posting an ERA of 3.06. The Indians do still have a strong back end bull pen, and they may have figured Rogers stock was at an all time high.
Aviles is primarily a short stop who has spent most of his career between the Kansas City Royals, and Boston Red Sox. Aviles should be able to provide good depth behind starting short stop Asdrubal Cabrera, who has always struggled with injuries. And probably most important to the Indians front office is the fact that Aviles adds a right handed stick.Yan Gomes played in just 43 games last season for Toronto, hitting .204 with four homers. Gomes is primarily a catcher, but can play first base as well.
The Indians could certainly use a strong defensive catcher, especially if Gomes doesn't hit consistently.
I still believe the Indians will trade outfielder Shin-Soo Choo, and possibly closer Chris Perez. Only time will tell what the Indians decide to do with two key players.
Dan Benton
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