CLEVELAND – Mandy Bell - Another week has passed without the Indians making a last-minute signing in an attempt to bolster the roster right before Spring Training. Could a deal still be coming? What happens if the Tribe doesn’t make a big move? Let’s take a look in this week’s Inbox.

There have been no new developments on the Indians’ interest in Yasiel Puig, but as long as the outfielder remains on the free-agent market, it’s still a possibility that a reunion between the two could happen in 2020. Considering the Tribe’s payroll is slated to sit around $90 million, according to Cot’s Contracts, it’s reasonable to think Puig would be affordable.

As far as a Starling Marte trade goes, it all depends on what the Pirates would ask for him. Pittsburgh could be interested in the Indians’ rotation depth, especially after finishing 2019 with a collective 5.18 team ERA, but how comfortable would the Indians be if they had to tap into that depth after already trading away Corey Kluber? They have Mike Clevinger, Shane B.ieber, Carlos Carrasco, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, Adam Plutko, Jefry Rodriguez, Logan Allen, Scott Moss and Triston McKenzie, which gives them some breathing room. But last year the club learned just how valuable that depth was after injuries began to pile up.

The Mets appear to be a favorite if a Marte deal were to happen, but the Indians have some pitching to participate in conversations if the Pirates would be willing to listen. Overall, it seems unlikely this deal would be done

Like previously stated, there’s nothing new regarding Puig, but not signing the former Tribe member certainly could help Daniel Johnson’s chances of breaking camp with the club. The fewer candidates in the outfield, the better his odds are of being on the Opening Day roster.

With that being said, Johnson will still be competing with Jordan Luplow, Delino DeShields, Greg Allen, Jake Bauers, Bradley Zimmer and Franmil Reyes for a spot, assuming Tyler Naquin is still ruled out as he recovers from right ACL surgery in September. Oscar Mercado is the only guaranteed outfield starter next year.

Plenty of #2 and #3 guys and a decent pen but they couldn't dominate in game 1.

Strange since then they have had several Cy Young winners......oh well.

Hargrove still says and rightfully so that they were right there (or better) than the '27 Yankee$.  Remember the 100-44 year?

And all time:

• 1906 Chicago Cubs: 116-36 (.763), lost World Series. ...
• 2001 Seattle Mariners: 116-46 (.716), lost in ALCS. ...
• 1998 New York Yankees: 114-48 (.704), won World Series. ...
• 1954 Cleveland Indians: 111-43 (.721), lost World Series. ...
• 1927 New York Yankees: 110-44 (.714), won World Series.

C  Sandy Alomar Jr. 

1B  Paul Sorrento

2B  Carlos.... 1 if by land, 2 if by sea  3 if Baerga

SS Omar Vizquel

3B  Jim Thome

LF  Albert Bell

CF  Kenny Lofton

RF Manny Ramirez       (or was it Manny in left and Bell in right)

P   ??

It could have only been better by putting Thome at first, and someone else good at 3rd.  The only other thing is that aside from Omar, the infield defense could have been better, but Omar makes up for a lot of that. 

I always wonder if Zimmer will ever come back to his 5 tool player form?

YES they can contend for the ALC against Minnesota.