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Trade rumors grow for Tribe as Deadline nears
- Updated: July 29, 2016
CLEVELAND — The Indians have seen their lead in the American League Central decrease by three games in the past week. Over that same stretch, it has become increasingly clear that Cleveland could use some help to lengthen out its bullpen and lineup.
The Indians, who entered Thursday leading the Tigers by 4 1/2 games in the division, remain engaged in trade talks on a number of fronts as Monday’s 4 p.m. ET non-waiver Trade Deadline approaches. The Tribe has reportedly had discussions with the Brewers about All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy, and Cleveland has been linked to a handful of other players (both relievers and bats) in recent rumblings.
“I think we’ll have the flexibility that we need to acquire a player,” Indians president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti said recently. “I think our difficult decisions are going to come down to what level of talent we are willing to part with to acquire players, and whether or not there’s the right fit out there.”
How would Lucroy fit into the picture?
The Indians headed into Thursday ranked fourth in the AL in runs scored, but the catching position has been an offensive black hole (31 weighted Runs Created Plus) for the club. Lucroy boasted a .300 average and .848 OPS through 93 games for the Brewers, and he is a bargain at $4 million this season. The catcher also has an affordable $5.25 million club option for ’17.
Lucroy is an above-average catcher defensively, so the hope would be that the Indians — powered by starting pitching — would not miss much of a beat. Starter Yan Gomes (separated right shoulder) is out at least until …
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