A Brief History Lesson for Cleveland Indians’ Front Office Haters

Yan Gomes and Mike Aviles

acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays for RP Esmil Rogers

The Indians were plagued by their inability to hit left-handed pitching and their inability to find a productive back-up for All-Star shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera in 2012. Addressing both issues with one early offseason move, the Tribe landed Aviles, along with Gomes as a throw-in player, in exchange for Rogers.

Two seasons later, Aviles is a significant contributor at seemingly every position for the Indians. He has hit .252/.284/.357 in three seasons with the Tribe, but makes his mark with his ability to play six different positions.

Gomes has made a quick – and maybe even unexpected – progression to become the team’s starting catcher. While he has struggled to recover from an early-season injury, Gomes is a .274 hitter with the Indians and, when healthy, he is among the best backstops in the game.

Like Brantley, the Indians front office pounced on the opportunity to lock Gomes up with a long-term extension, signing the Brazilian catcher to a team-friendly six-year deal worth $23 million.

Rogers went to Toronto an posted a 5.06 ERA in parts of two seasons before being dealt to the New York Yankees, where he currently pitches in Triple-A.

Next: Has Jamaal Charles Lost a Step?