More of this year's top free agent pitchers are landing hefty contracts, which doesn't bode well for the Indians and their chances of re-signing reliever Joe Smith.
Just as Tim Lincecum's deal with the Giants likely priced Ubaldo Jimenez out of the Indians' budget, Javier Lopez's new contract will yield a bigger payday for Smith -- one that Cleveland probably can't afford.
San Francisco signed Lopez to a three-year deal worth $13 million, which seems high for a 36-year old left-handed specialist. (Thanks again, Giants.) According to Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer, there's a very slim chance that the Indians will be able to match or exceed a similar deal for Smith, who is represented by the same agent as Lopez:
Smith, 29, is seven years younger than Lopez and more
versatile. All of
which puts him in line for a three-year deal worth at least $15 million
to $18 million. On the Indians’ budget, that’s probably more than
they’re willing to pay for a set-up
man.
The
Indians have been reluctant to give Smith a three-year deal with
reason. Not only would it stretch their budget, but last winter several
relievers signed two to three-year deals that did not turn out
well.
The loss of Smith would be a huge blow to the thinning Indians bullpen: Former closer Chris Perez was released last month, Rich Hill and Matt Albers are now free agents and it's unknown whether or not Vinnie Pestano will ever return to his 2012 form.
The team is hoping left-hander Mike Zagurski, who was signed to a minor league contract on Friday, will be able to fill one of the open spots in the bullpen.
Original story via Cleveland.com
