Indians File for Free Agency

Now that the World Series is over, players are free to file as free agents. Doing so were Cleveland pitchers Bob Wickman, Bob Howry and starter Scott Elarton.

Two out of the three should probably get raises of some sort next season. Last season, Wickman made $2.75 million and saved 45 of 50 games for the Indians. Howry made $900,000 and made 79 appearances with a 2.47 ERA for the year. He should garner a lot of interest in the free agent market this season. Short of paying him good money and making him the closer, I think the Tribe will lose Howry.

Scott Elarton made $850,000 last season and while his ERA was 4.61, he went 11-9 and started 31 games. I am sure his agent will get him a raise by talking up his ability to eat up innings and not kill a team's chance to win games. I am sure that is worth more than $850k per season to more than a few teams.

It would be nice to have both Howry and Wicky back next season, but only if their prices aren't prohibitive. If they start looking toward $10,000,000 per year, then they are not worth the money. The highest paid player on the Indians team last year was Kevin Millwood who made $7,000,000 and I can't see the Indians paying anyone much more than that.

Although Millwood is also eligible for free agency, but he hasn't filed yet, presumably because he is waiting to see what kind of a deal Mark Shapiro can put together first. It will be interesting to see what they offer.

The only other players eligible for free agency are Scott Sauerbeck, Jose Hernandez and Ronnie Belliard. The Indians have a $4 million option for Belliard for next year, which I assume they will pick up, if not make him a multi-year offer.

Overall, that means there are 7 potential free agents. I want to see three of them back, Howry, Belliard, and Millwood for sure and certainly Wickman if he decides not to retire.

Once I scan other free agents around the league, I will put together a wishlist.