Indians Sign Carmona

The Indians and Fausto Carmona have agreed to a four year deal worth 15 million dollars. The deal, which includes three options that cover two years of free agency, could land him a total of 47.25 million dollars. "This contract secures one of the Cleveland Indians' best talents and toughest competitors for the long term," general manager Mark Shapiro said. "It is a great reward for Fausto's hard work and performance, and continues to demonstrate ownership's commitment to sustaining a championship team by retaining our most talented players." This past season, Carmona went 19-8 with a 3.06 ERA in his first full season as a starter. After two starts this season, he is 1-0 with a 0.69 ERA.

I think this signing shows that the Indians are planning for life without Sabathia, but it could also be meant to show that the Indians are serious about winning and will try to pull Sabathia back. Several players on the Indians have been locked up long term, so I'm sure the Indians would love to lock up Sabathia as well. However, Sabathia is looking for a deal similar, if not better than Johan Santana's. We'll see if the Indians have it in their budget to sign him.