Indians looking to trade Rafael Betancourt and Kerry Wood

by Matt Buggenhagen on Jul 4, 2009 1:57 PM EDT

According to ESPN.com Jayson Stark, the Cleveland Indians may be looking to deal relievers Kerry Wood, and Rafael Betancourt.

Betancourt is believed to be the only of the two who has any value on the open market. Wood who is in the midst of a two-year $20 million contract is believed to be virtually "untradeable".

Here is what one American League executive said about Wood.

"It was two and 20, so now it's down to, what -- 1½ and 15 million (laugh)? I just don't see anybody taking on that kind of cash. And much as I love Wood's stuff, I don't know that he has the command to make the pitches he has to make. With his stuff, it's unbelievable he doesn't get out of more jams. But he just doesn't get ahead enough."

Betancourt, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 2, is expected to return to the Indians before the all-star break. Provided Betancourt can return, and prove that he is in fact healthy, there should be several teams interested.

Unlike Wood, Betancourt, has a much more affordable contract. He is scheduled to make $3.5 million this year, with a club option for $5.4 million in 2010.

The Indians, who are clearly going nowhere this year would be very happy to part ways with either pitcher, it's now just a matter of finding a partner. Wood as we said he's not going anywhere so forget that, but provided Betancourt puts together some quality appearances from now until the July 31 deadline expect someone to pick him up.

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Poll

Which Indian reliever would you prefer to have?

Rafael Betancourt

84 votes

Kerry Wood

73 votes

157 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

I would rather have Bentacourt

but bigger market teams might be able to acquire both, Bentacourt for a better prospect, and wood for either cash or marginal prospect. Bentacourt will be dealt but I don’t think woood will be. Does anyone know if their is a buyout option on woods contract?

No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded. - Yogi Berra

by trademan56 on Jul 4, 2009 3:44 PM EDT reply actions

It doesn’t appear he has a buyout option. It looks like $10 million for 2009 and $10.5 million for 2010. He also has an $11 million vest option for 2011, which kicks in if he finishes 55 games in either season. Not looking like a good deal for the Indians.

by Matt Buggenhagen on Jul 4, 2009 4:23 PM EDT reply actions

oh that sucks

they were banking on wood doing a amazing and that he would be a great trading piece or that player that pushes him over the edge, neither at all, and as a question, whats a vesting option, I forgot

No one goes there anymore, it's too crowded. - Yogi Berra

by trademan56 on Jul 5, 2009 12:25 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s sort of like a performance option, however, in this case it’s based off of games pitched. So if Wood finishes 55 games in either season his option would kick in. It’s commonly used for players that have been injured frequently. The team is saying if he stays healthy and can pitch than were willing to pay you X amount of dollars, if you’re hurt throughout the contract than the option doesn’t kick in.

by Matt Buggenhagen on Jul 5, 2009 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions