Anthony Reyes , Hector Ambriz, and Chris Gimenez Outrighted

While the San Francisco Giants are dominating the World Series, the other 28 teams still have jobs to do. Today, the Indians outrighted Hector Ambriz, Chris Gimenez, and Anthony Reyes. Reyes and Gimenez can become free agents, and from what I have heard they will go that route. All three of these guys disappointed this year, and this is not a surprising move as some of our younger guys are looking to get spots on the 40 man roster.

Indians Claim Chad Huffman

The Indians Claim Chad Huffman from the Yankees and sent him to AAA according to Bryan Hoch on Twitter. The 25 year old outfielder has shown some potential, last year he won the Pacific League Home Run Derby as well as being named an all star. He has had his struggles this year but seems to be playing better lately. Not a huge pickup, could challenge for a roster spot next year though/

Indians sign Saul Rivera

Just noticed on the Indians' transactions page that we signed pitcher Saul Rivera. Rivera has only pitched 3.2 innings this year yet has given up eleven hits and 9 runs. Rivera was assigned to AAA Columbus.

Indians Trade Kerry Wood

Multiple sources, including Jayson Stark of ESPN, report that the Indians have traded Closer Kerry Wood to the Yankees for either cash or a player to be named later. Indians are paying about half of Wood's salary for the rest of the year. More details when they surface.

UPDATE: ESPN is reporting that it would be $500,000 if the deal is finished by accepting cash apposed to a player to be named later.

Jake Westbrook Traded

Many sources, including Tom Krasovic of Fan House, reported on the deal. It sends Jake Westbrook to the Cardinals, Ryan Ludwick and Nick Greenwood to the Padres, and Corey Kluber to the Indians. Kluber leads the Texas League in strikeouts and has given up a little less than a hit an inning. The only real complication during this deal was that Westbrook has to reduce his $2M trade bonus, thus needing Union approval.

Austin Kearns Traded to the Yankees

According to Ken Rosenthal on Twitter, the Yankees have acquired Austin Kearns from the Indians. Joel Sherman reports that it is for a player to be named later. When I learn more info on that play, I will post and give my thoughts.

Indians Trade Jhonny Peralta

Anthony Castrovince reports the Indians have just traded Jhonny Peralta to the Tigers. I am very excited about this move. I stated earlier that the Indians needed to trade him as soon as possible. Peralta just held up a spot on the roster and hindered the progression of the young guys on the roster. In return, the Tribe gets pitcher Giovanni Soto. The 19 year old lefty pitched well in A ball this year with a 2.61 ERA and 8.3 K/9. Although years away from the big leagues, he looks pretty promising. To get rid of Jhonny's contract and get a promising young arm was probably the best the Tribe could do.

On a less fun note, Castrovince also reports Luis Valbuena is taking Peralta's roster spot. There has got to be someone else who we can call up. Also, more time for Andy Marte to play, hooray...

Indians Call Up Chris Gimenez; Designate Mike Redmond for Assignment

Indians call up catcher Chris Gimenez from AAA according to a tweet by Anthony Castrovince.
In the process, Mike Redmond was sent down. Redmond made only two starts since the Indians called up Carlos Santana. This brings a little more youth to our roster and versatility. Gimenez can play catcher or any of the four corner positions. With the club getting the injury bug lately, this versatility is needed.

Russell Branyan traded to the Mariners

Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com reports that the Indians have traded the slugging first baseman Russell Branyan to the Seattle Mariners for prospects Juan Diaz and Ezquiel Carrera. The Indians will also either pay the rest of his salary for the year or send a player to be named later. We all knew Branyan would be traded but I don't think anyone thought it would be to the Mariners. This is the fourth time the Indians have traded Branyan. As far as the prospects go, I really don't know them too well. Both are relatively young, 21 and 23 respectively. While neither have amazing stats, Diaz does have 41 RBI at High-A High Desert while Carrera has nine steals and two triples at AAA Tacoma.

The biggest issue is that the Indians now lose their starting first baseman and home run leader. This move means Matt LaPorta will get another chance at the big leagues after a very impressive rebound in Columbus. LaPorta was batting .353 with five homers and 16 RBI in 17 games with the Clippers.

Indians Recall Aaron Laffey

The Indians plan on starting Aaron Laffey against the Reds. Not sure we had another option here. Laffey has experience, but hasn't really shown anything in the past. Laffey is 16-19 for his career in the majors. Let's hope this time he can prove while he was once one of our top prospects.

David Huff Demoted; Joe Smith Recalled

Struggling starter David Huff was sent to AAA Columbus. Not really surprising; he has not looked good this year at all. Hopefully he can work out his issues and come back and show why he was an 11 game winner last year. I don't see it unfortunately. Huff is not good enough to be a solid starter in this league.

To take his spot on the roster, the Indians called up Joe Smith. Smith struggled in his first stint with the Tribe this year, compiling a 7.71 ERA and walking 6. Smith has worked hard and had a 1.96 ERA with the Clippers in 20 appearances. Smith looks to improve during his second stint and I hope he can help fortify our bullpen.