Update: Carmona Deal Specs Coming to Light

So earlier it was reported Carmona had earned himself a 7 year extension that would make him an Indian for up to 2014 provided that his option years get picked up.

Now there are some details on the dollar amounts and the first thoughts I have are WOW.

Did the Indians really get themselves a deal.

“The deal could become a seven-year agreement if the Indians exercise club
options in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The deal is worth a guaranteed $15 million over
four years. If the Indians exercise all three options, it would be worth $43
million and could go as high as $48 million with escalators.” – (Cleveland
Plain Dealer)

Well the first thing that comes to mind is that they only have to pay him $15 million for the next four years. That’s pretty good and leaves some flexibility in the short term. Carmona gets a real good deal for only one good year of service and some real long term security that I’m sure a guy like him would love after going through what he did.

All in all it is another sensible move for the Indians to make. Kudos to Mark Shapiro on this one, he really did a great job. Locking up what could be our ace for the next several years until the age of 31.

Web Round Up: Speier’s Redemption

Here are some of the best from the past two days during an off-day. Although with the Carmona signing it’s hardly that. More on Carmona later, right now here are some hot topics to look after.

Justin Speier’s Redemption, Hafner Calls it “Strange”.

“Strange is probably a good word,” Pronk said with a smile. “Curious. I
don’t know. I don’t know what he was doing or what his intentions were.” – (Indians.com)

Speier came into the game yesterday with a big lead. Yet he decided to toy around and plunk Travis Hafner. Hmmmm why would you do that? Oh that’s right, you gave up that go-ahead jack the previous night. Speier said he was trying to take control of the plate, but that’s a load of garbage. I hate pitchers who do this kind of stuff. What a coward. Speier’s intentions were clear, and I hope the next these two teams meet, Pronk has a gift for him.

Here is a story that was posted yesterday as apart of the game preview. The part about Craig Breslow is still worth reading.

“Brelsow found himself in that position in July of 2004, when he was
released from the Brewers’ Minor League system. The Yale graduate considered
going to medical school and giving up on his Major League dreams, until Matt
McCarthy, a college buddy who had made a similar move, offered him some advice.” – (Indians.com)

Here is a fine article about Asdrubal Cabrera and his impact, which was provoked from his crucial walk in Tuesday night’s game.

“He’s definitely more disciplined [now],” Wedge said. “And he’s still
getting a feel for himself at the big league level. He’s always been pretty
aggressive.” – (Indians.com)

An early preview to the Oakland game and some talk about the Indians’ two big horses, which are both slated to start this weekend.

“Pitching coach Carl Willis believes it’s the latter scenario, but he admits
the walks are an early cause for concern. The Indians hope Sabathia and Carmona
address that concern this weekend, when the Tribe returns home for a three-game
set against the A’s. Sabathia will start Friday, and Carmona will go Saturday.”
- (Indians.com)

Breaking News: Fausto Carmona Gets 7 Year Extension

Great news has just broken through ESPN concerning Fausto Carmona.

Buster Olney has reported a 7 year extension will be agreed upon by Carmona and the Tribe.

The deal is guaranteed through 2011 and has club options for three more additional years. Nothing in terms of money has been released yet.

This is great news for the Indians, they’ve done this with guys like Cliff Lee, Sizemore and Peralta so it’s no surprise they did it with Carmona. This contract will take him into his early 30’s so obviously it locks him up for a good time.

Stay tuned to Sportstimeohio around 3:00 today for the press conference.