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January 17, 2012Contracts for everyone!
Chris Antonetti and the Indians front office have reportedly agreed to terms with outfielder Shin-Soo Choo which are said to be for approximately $4.9 million, per Ben Nicholson-Smith of MLB Trade Rumors. Said compensation amounts to a 25 percent raise over his 2011 figures.
In an injury-plagued campagin that limited him to 85 games played, Choo provided a sub-standard batting average of .259 with eight home runs and 36 runs batted in. For his career, Choo is a .291 hitter with an OPS of .856, averaging 21 home runs and 21 stolen bases in 2009 and 2010 — the Indians’ offensive success could largely hinge on the five-tool outfielder bouncing back to his career figures as will we be the team’s starting right fielder on opening day.
[Related: Arbitration Estimates for 2012 Cleveland Indians]
4 Comments
The Tribe really is going “all in” this year aren’t they? If these arbitration players are in any way successful we won’t be able to keep them after this year.
That and they can likely replace these arbitration eligible players after this year much more easily. Hannahan, Smith for sure; Choo why take that kind of heavy risk with a big deal? I’m guessing he only wants a 1-year deal now figuring he can make a lot more if he proves himself.
Don’t forget – the Indians have Choo under club control through 2013. He will simply have to go through the same process again next season. Also, don’t forget that Jon told you all last year at this time that Choo will likely be gone after the ’13 skid.
that’s not how MLB works though. there are 3 arbitration years. this is Choo’s 2nd arbitration. so, we still have him in 2013 even if he is AL-MVP this year