The Cleveland Indians have an open spot in the rotation but going after recently release starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez is not a need.
Sure on paper this seems like a perfect match. The Cleveland Indians have an opening in the starting rotation and Gio Gonzalez has just been released. Gonzalez is receiving interest from multiple teams and should sign quickly. However Cleveland has not been named as a team interested in his services at this time.
While Gio Gonzalez has had an up and down performance over the past fews, his time with Milwaukee was considerably better than his time in Washington last season. In five starts Gonzalez went 3-0 with an ERA of 2.13. Gonzalez averaged 7.9 strikeouts per nine over 25.1 innings pitched.
Gonzalez’ numbers in Milwaukee are impressive and is a left handed starter. A left handed starter is something the Indians currently do not have. There are two problems, his desired contract and the fact Cleveland does not necessarily need a starter. Gonzalez was due to make a $3 million base salary with the Yankees before opting out. Gonzalez could have earned up to $9 million with performance incentives. This amount of money is simply out of the Indians price range. Especially considering Cleveland does not have a desperate need for a starting pitcher. The Indians have options available to them in their system currently.
Cleveland can turn to names such as Jefry Rodriguez, Cody Anderson and Adam Plutko, although Plutko is currently on the injured list. Cleveland can maneuver their way through the season and juggle the fifth starter position for the time being. The options of Rodriguez, Anderson and potentially Plutko should be able to hold down the fort until a time that Mike Clevinger can return. That is if Clevinger is able to return sometime this season.
