The Cleveland Indians have made a splash at the Winter Meetings out in Las Vegas! Late Wednesday night, he took part in a three team trade involving the New York Mets and the Seattle Mariners. The Indians gave up their centerfield prospect in Franklin Gutierrez as he was sent to the Mariners, but in return got infielder Luis Valbuena from the Mariners and right-handed reliever Joe Smith from the Mets.
The trade came together because of the Mets’ interest in Putz, the Mariners’ interest in Gutierrez, the regular communication between Shapiro and his good friend Minaya and the Tribe’s recent talks with Seattle regarding Putz
Look for the team to also announce a two year deal with closer Kerry Wood possibly on Thursday and if not then on Friday. All that is left for Wood to do is pass a physical in Cleveland and then sign a two year contract that is to be worth $20 million dollars. There could be a option for a third year in the contract but as of right now that is uncertain.
