Tribe’s Shapiro will be eyeing a relief pitcher at winter meetings

By PAUL HOYNES

LAS VEGAS — The winter meetings, which begin today at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino, haven’t had a big impact on the Indians since Mark Shapiro became general manager in 2001.

There have been moments, both good and bad. But as far as team shaping goes, the three or four days in December that the meetings occupy haven’t changed the course of the franchise.

It will probably be more of the same this week, but one never knows. Shapiro, trying to do a lot with a little, feels the Indians aren’t that far away from regaining control of the AL Central if he can make a couple of good moves.

For the second time in the last three years, Shapiro goes to the meetings seeking a closer. Following a 2006 season in which the Indians managed only 24 saves, Shapiro signed not one, but two closers. He signed Joe Borowski along with relievers Aaron Fultz and Roberto Hernandez just before and during the winter meetings.

Later that offseason, he signed closer No.2, Keith Foulke. Foulke retired before the start of spring training, but Borowski led the AL in saves with 45 in 2007. Borowski, along with Hernandez and Fultz, turned out to be short-term solutions.

There are candidates available this winter as well. The top four free agents available are Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman. At the end of last season, Rodriguez wanted a five-year deal, but with the downturn in the economy and influx of closers available in free agency and trade, it’s become a buyer’s market, which could help the Indians.

Shapiro is hoping that one of the top closers slips to the Tribe on a two or three-year deal. Scouts feel that Hoffman, 41, a life-long National Leaguer, could come over to the AL and be successful on one-year deal. They feel he throws enough strikes, and that his change-up is still effective, where it would keep pressure on the hitters.

There are several closers available through trade, but the Indians would rather sign a free agent and keep their players.

The Indians tried to acquire Houston Street last season when he pitched for Oakland. The A’s traded him to Colorado as part of the Matt Holliday deal. Speculation is strong that the Rockies will trade Street this winter, but sources say the Indians’ interest has waned. The Rockies reportedly are asking for lefties Aaron Laffey or Rafael Perez.

Jose Valverde, who led the NL in saves last season for Houston, reportedly might be available. The Astros are looking for catching, an area of strength for the Indians. Shapiro, however, would have to be overwhelmed to trade Kelly Shoppach, who hit 21 homers in replacing injured Victor Martinez last season.

Seattle could listen to offers for J.J. Putz as well.

Shapiro’s second biggest need this week is an infielder.

If the Indians don’t sign Casey Blake to play third base, they have talked about signing a second-tier middle infielder. It would allow them to move Jhonny Peralta to third, while rotating Asdrubal Cabrera, Jamey Carroll and the new infielder between second and short. Free agents David Eckstein, Alex Cora, Mark Grudzielanek, Nick Punto, Mark Loretta, Craig Counsell and Juan Uribe are available.

The Indians and Dodgers are the leading contenders to sign Blake, who is looking for a three-year deal. The Indians are talking a shorter deal.

The Indians’ last big need is a starting pitcher. Shapiro is not expected to address that until later in the offseason.