The Indians will try to entice Shin-Soo Choo with a multiyear deal to avoid going to arbitration this off-season.
Shin-Soo Choo "is a complete player, who contributes in all facets of the game," says new Indians GM Chris Antonetti, in explaining the team's interest in signing the outfielder to a contract extension.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Chris Antonetti, in his first day on the job as general manager, said the Indians will try to sign Shin-Soo Choo to a multiyear deal this winter to prevent him from going to arbitration.
"Choo is a guy we'd like to see be a Cleveland Indian for a long time," said Antonetti. "We're fortunate that he's under control for at least three more years. We'll take the opportunity this off-season to revisit it with him and see where those discussion may go."
This is the first year Choo is eligible for arbitration. The Indians tried to work out a deal in spring training, but Choo and agent Scott Boras were reluctant to sign.
Choo produced his second strong offensive year, hitting .300 (165-for-550) with 31 doubles, two triples, 22 homers, 90 RBI, 22 steals and a .401 on-base percentage. He did that despite missing almost three weeks with a strained right thumb.
"He's been exceptional," said Antonetti. "He's a complete player, who contributes in all facets of the game. One of the things that stands out for him is that each time he's had what he's viewed as a limitation -- whether it's hitting left-handed pitching, how he went back to the wall on defense -- he's taken that upon himself to improve each and every year."
The Indians could have as many as eight players eligible for arbitration this winter. The last Indians to go to arbitration were Greg Swindell and Jerry Browne in 1991.
"If we get to that point, we'll be prepared for negotiations," said Antonetti. "Hopefully, we can drive a lot of settlements and not approach a hearing room. If we do, we'll be prepared for that as well."
We're No.8: That's what you get for winning seven in a row in late September and early October. The Indians will have the eighth pick in next year's June draft. A late-season surge and a couple of technicalities hurt the Tribe.
They finished tied with Washington at 69-93, but the Nationals get the sixth pick because they had a worse record than the Indians in 2009. The Indians didn't get the seventh pick because Arizona, with the third overall pick, gets a second No.1 because it didn't sign its No.1 pick this year.
The Pirates (57-105) will have the first pick.
Expect the best: Antonetti said all indications are that Grady Sizemore and Carlos Santana, both recovering from serious knee operations, should be ready to play a full season next year without restrictions.
They'll probably be on a limited schedule through part of spring training.
Bad vibes: Asked what was most disappointing part of the just-completed season after won-loss record and injuries, Antonetti said, "Our infield defense is one area we could stand to improve."
The Indians made 110 errors and finished tied for seventh in the AL in fielding percentage.
Ride the wave: Asked if he was nervous about trying to turn around the franchise after two seasons of 90-plus losses, Antonetti said, "I'm more excited than nervous. Part of where the excitement comes from is the group we have internally. Knowing that we've done it before.
"We certainly have our challenges, but we're energized by that. The ability to overcome those challenges and win in a certain kind of way is energizing."
Finally: Antonetti said finding a third baseman will be one of his biggest tasks this winter. Jayson Nix will play winter ball in Puerto Rico and Cord Phelps will play some third base in the Arizona Fall League.
Luis Valbuena, Andy Marte -- if he's not non-tendered -- and Jared Goedert are other internal options. The Indians, however, will probably go outside the organization to find the answer.