Indians resign Jake Westbrook

Yep. One more FA off the market for the Winter of 07/08. Jake Westbrook signed what is being reported by Baseball Digest Daily as 3 years 33 million with no options for a fourth or fifth year (virtually the same deal as Javier Vasquez). That's one down for the Indians who still have Hafner and Sabathia to work with. Some have said that Sabathia's deal should be in line with Zambrano's expected Cubs deal of 5 years and 80 million. I'm fine with that I guess. He's a top of the rotation guy and a solid pitcher. I don't think he's as good as Zambrano, but someone would give him more than that in the inflated market so it still qualifies as a hometown discount. MLBTR thinks Hafner is 5/100 guy and I could definitely see that. They don't see the Hafner deal getting done this year or even next. I once again agree although I could see Sabathia getting locked up this year and if not early, definitely in the off-season. The only reason Zambrano is still not long term is apparently because of the ownership change (absurd considering Zambrano is the unequaled ace of that staff and NEEDS to be signed right away).

I expect both Zambrano and Sabathia to be signed before year's end. The funny thing about Hafner is he is a DH. Alright, now reread that 5/100 statement and then let me reiterate. Hafner is a DH. 5/100 (most likely with a sixth or seventh year option) for a DH. Cleveland has their revenue up, but I don't think they'll have that kind of money to spend. I could see Hafner walking and if you had to choose between Hafner and Sabathia (with Westbrook already being resigned), signing Sabathia over T-Haf is a no-brainer. I'm expecting at least one angry e-mail comment on the Indians in my inbox tomorrow morning.