Tribe Rumor Mill 2/7/10

Not much happening this week in Tribe Town, but the following rumors have been circulating for the past few days:

The Indians could be looking at Jermaine Dye to fill a spot at first base. The outfielder turned down a $3.3 million offer from the Cubs and is currently on the market looking for a suitor. Dye had a horrifying second-half last year, only managing a .179 average after the all star break. His skills in the outfield have greatly diminished as well, and thus the Indians could try to pick him up for less money and convert him to first base. While the likelihood of this deal is pretty small, if Dye is still hanging around on the market in March, the Tribe could take a stab at him.

The Tribe is also in talks with Russell Branyan (as I reported before) and Jonny Gomes of the Reds. Cincy offered Gomes a minor-league deal which he doesn’t seem too thrilled with. It is not likely that the Indians would offer him a big-league deal, but they could entice him with some incentives if he makes the club out of spring training. Both Gomes and Branyan could be the answer to the question mark that is first base as well.

Second baseman/utility candidate Mark Grudzielanek has been working out at the Indians facility in Goodyear, Arizona with new infield coach Steve Smith. Grudzielanek missed almost the entire 2009 season with various injuries, but the veteran infielder seems to be progressing nicely in his workouts. Given Luis Valbeuna’s shortcomings against left handed hitters, and the fact that he could still use some seasoning before playing every day in the big leagues, the Tribe is hopeful that Grudzielanek can return to his former form and be their go to utility guy this year.

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Later this week I will break down the Indians catchers heading into camp, stay tuned for all of your Cleveland Indians news right here at mlbcenter.com!!

By Robert Gonzalez
Cleveland Indians Correspondent

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