Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Carrera on the trade block?
By Jason A. Churchill
When players are out of minor league options and don't make the 25-man roster, the club has few options. One is to designate the player for assignment and hope they clear waivers. The other is to dangle the player on the trade market. The Cleveland Indians may be hit those crossroads with centerfielder Ezequiel Carrera this spring, writes Jordan Bastian of MLB.com.
With the additions of Michael Bourn earlier this month, Carrera is now the fifth outfielder on a team that is likely to carry just four -- Drew Stubbs, Michael Brantley and Nick Swisher. If Swisher is named the regular first baseman, the club could have room for Carrera.
Carrera is just one of several players this spring that will present such a dilemma. The newly-acquired Mike Carp in Boston, Seattle outfielder Casper Wells, Blue Jays lefty Brett Cecil, A's first baseman Daric Barton, Pirates outfielder Jose Tabata and Rangers centerfielder Julio Borbon, among others.
The injury to Brantley isn't likely to play a role in Carrera's chances at a roster spot.
