Jason Michaels Officially DFAed; Francisco Called Up

“This one transaction is not going to solve all our offensive woes,” Shapiro said. “Jason Michaels was certainly not the primary cause. We just feel it’s time for us, where we can, to start to make some small moves that might help. But the answers to our offensive issues lie within.” – Indians.com

Obviously, Michaels is not the issue and he was a very good hitter against lefties.

But, the Tribe feel like it is time to move on and bring in the young kid to spark them.

I’m really surprised Jason Michaels is being let go. I really liked him as a lefty hitter off the bench, who could bat lower in the order and just put together a scrappy at-bat.

But I love Francisco more, so I support this move.

I also think that they will be able to trade him rather than outright release him after 10 days. There was interest in him before the year and teams will come calling because they do want someone who can hit the lefties well.

The Tigers made a very similar move as well. They released Jacque Jones, who really was supposed to be their number nine hitter in that potent lineup. I think they like what Inge did in Grandeson’s absence, Thames , and their youngsters.

Anyway, we should be seeing Francisco in the lineup soon. They are gonna want to get him in their immediately.

Michaels could be released

Early reports are coming in that Ben Francisco was yanked from the second game of a Double Header in Buffalo.

That means he could be called up rather quickly, and to replace him the Indians would let Michaels go, probably DFA him, and that would give them 10 days to release or trade Jason.

Looks like they are not happy with his performance, and it is just one move that probably needs to be made.