Did the Cleveland Indians break up after signing Eddie Rosario, Cesar Hernandez? Hey Hoynsie

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Do you have a question you would like answered in Hey, Hoynsie? Send it here. You can also subscribe to Subtext here or text Hoynsie at 216-208-4346 for a two-week free trial.

Hey, Hoynsie: With Eddie Rosario under contract, pending the physical exam, do you think the Indians just signed free agents until the camp opened? Or they will continue to look in case someone falls through the cracks? – Dave, Avon.

Hey, Dave: They committed $ 13 million to Rosario and Cesar Hernandez, so I think they did the heavy lifting of the free agency. But I think they could still bring a reliever if one falls through the cracks. They also have a surplus of intermediate in-house players if they can match up with another team for an exchange.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Tribe has undergone so many recent changes with players that it almost looks like a reconstruction. What is your opinion about the Indians as a whole? Are you optimistic that they will do the postseason? – Megan, Powell.

Hey, Megan: I feel better about the Indians with the addition of Rosário and Hernandez. Rosario will provide strength in the field and give coach Terry Francona a player that he can keep on the roster regularly. Hernandez gives Francona an initial hitter, something he didn’t have after Francisco Lindor was negotiated. The rotation should be strong behind Shane Bieber. The bullpen needs help. It is not the best Indian team under Francona, but I think they will have a chance in the postseason, especially if the field is expanded.

Hey, Hoynsie: I find it strange that Hernandez made only $ 5 million when you see the numbers being released to players other than Gold Glove. What am I missing? – Carl, Orlando.

Hey Carl: I think two things were involved in Hernandez’s signing for a $ 5 million one-year contract, including a $ 6 million club option for 2022. Number 1, he likes the organization. No. 2, the free agent market for midfield players is full of players who fit Hernandez’s profile. With the off-season getting short and a market depressed because of last year’s 60-game sprint, good players like Kolten Wong, Didi Gregorius, Marwin Gonzalez and Jason Kipnis haven’t signed yet. I think Hernandez and his agent read the tea leaves and signed.

Hey, Hoynsie: I’ve always been a big fan of Tyler Naquin and I was obviously disappointed because the Indians didn’t offer it. Did you hear anything about contacting other teams? What are the chances of him coming back with a cheaper contract? – Justin, Edmonton, Alberta.

Hey, Justin: I’m also a fan of Naquin, but I don’t see him signing again with the Indians, especially after they reconciled with Rosario. I think Naquin may have to accept an invitation from a minor league team and see if he can make the big league club with spring training.

Hey Hoynsie: Can you confirm or deny rumors that Jose Ramirez can be traded? – Dave, Hampton, Va.

Hey, Dave: Anyone can be negotiated, and perhaps Ramirez is in 2022 or 2023 when the Indians will have to decide whether to exercise their club options. But for a team that is obviously trying to stay competitive this year – if they weren’t, they wouldn’t have signed Hernandez and Rosario for one-year deals – why would they change their best offensive player? Does not make sense.

Hey, Hoynsie: Hall of Fame member Hank Aaron, who passed away recently, was 26 in 1960. Francisco Lindor is 26 now. Aaron hit 0.292 with 40 homers in 1960. The average game in Lindor’s career of 162 is 0.285 with 29 homeers. The Braves would have been crazy if they traded Aaron in 1960. The Indians were crazy about trading Lindor. – Brent, Hunting Valley.

Hey, Brent: Lindor is 27, but I think I understand the comparison you are trying to make. But it is not realistic because Aaron and all the other players in 1960 were linked to his club by the reserve clause. The free agency was not granted to players until 1975. The Indians faced an entirely different set of rules when trying to keep Lindor. They are not crazy, but they are economical.

New masks for Indians for sale: This is where you can buy Cleveland Indians-themed facial covers for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a pack of 3 ($ 24.99). All MLB proceeds are donated to charities.

More coverage of Indians

Cesar Hernandez undergoes physical examination to confirm his deal with the Cleveland Indians

Few questions in the catcher and DH in 2021, but depth can be a problem: Cleveland Indians Top 10 Right Now

Cleveland Indians free agency, commercial rumors and more: your questions answered on Hey Hoynsie LIVE (podcast)

Which outfielders survived the 2020 demolition derby? Cleveland Indians Top 10

The addition of Cesar Hernandez gives the Cleveland Indians good value and trade possibilities

José Ramírez, César Hernández and an abundance of young shortstops highlight the depth of the field: Cleveland Indians Top 10 at the moment

Let’s see who is in the bullpen for 2021: Cleveland Indians Top 10 of the moment

Shane Bieber and Zach Plesac lead a deep list of starting pitchers: Cleveland Indians top 10 of the moment