The Biggest Offseason MLB Move: Cleveland Acquires League MVP

By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, January 31, 10:19 AM

CLEVELAND — The Indians have acquired versatile Russ Canzler, last year’s MVP of the International League, from Tampa Bay for cash.Canzler played four positions — right and left field, third and first base — last season. The 25-year-old batted .314 with 18 homers and 83 RBIs at Triple-A Durham. He made his major league debut for the Rays on Sept. 11 and got one hit in three games. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2004 and was signed as a minor league free agent by Tampa before last season.

Canzler led the International League in doubles (40) and slugging percentage (.530), finished second in runs (78) and third in hits (149). He appeared in 41 games in right field, 33 in left, 40 at third base and 17 at first.

Roll Tribe. Just when you thought this off-season wasn't going to offer any excitement, The Cleveland Indians do it again! Just hustling the shit out of International League MVP : Russ (edit copy edit paste) Canzler. Not much of a looker though, is he? Pujols, Reyes, Wright, Fielder, Crazy Chinaman the Rangers paid 100million just to talk to, and now (edit paste) Canzler. Big day for the Indians, scooping up the Minor League MVP and all. Losing Canzler must make this a crippling day for the fans of AAA Durham Bulls. (Took a lot out of me not to make a Bull Durham/Tim Robbins joke).

In all seriousness this is a decent move for the Tribe. Granted it doesn't even tilt a camera off of Detroit and Fielder but, we need a righty bat somewhere in the lineup. Apparently with Brantley, Choo, Fukudome, Carrera, Sizemore, Kipnis, Chisenhall, Hannahan, and Hafner the equipment manager was only ordering left handed bats last year so we could  save the money and hang onto Sizemore for a year. Now, obviously, Canzler's numbers aren't going to immediately translate to the bigs. I mean dude has only played 3 games in the league. But, ya know, rather get younger than older. Maybe in 5 years when we've fostered his growing talent we can send him to a real team. At some point you gotta wonder when the Indians are gonna pony up for a proven superstar. Maybe next year...

This'll cheer you up!