Okay, I think I have this down.
While almost all of the trade chatter was centered directly on Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer, the Indians shocked the closing hours of the Winter Meetings by going in a completely different direction.
The Indians, Mariners and Rays have agreed on a complex deal that rocked Las Vegas more than whatever classic band taking up residency has.
So here are the details. Stay with me here.
The Indians receive Carlos Santana from the Mariners (who was traded to Seattle just 10 days ago in the Jean Segura deal).
The Tribe also get Jake Bauers (somebody has a sense of humor!) from the Rays, who can play both first base (another one???) and in the outfield (that’s more likely the spot).
The Mariners receive Edwin Encarnacion and a competitive draft pick. However, it seems that his stay with Seattle will be short-lived according to various reports.
The part of the deal that has stirred up the most consternation from Tribe fans is that Yandy Diaz goes to Tampa. It feels similar to the Jesus Aguilar situation, where the Indians may have given up on yet another talented slugger too soon, and now we see Aguilar flourishing in Milwaukee. But I guess those are the choices and chances that need to made and taken.
Tampa also received right-hander Cole Sulser from the Indians.
There is a bunch of salary stuff going around that is being swapped here and there and everywhere, so if that stuff is of interest, you’d be better off following the big shots on that. My brain is mashed potatoes and gravy right now.
Got it? Good. I need a drink.
NOTE: The initial post had Sulser being traded from Seattle. My bad.