The Indians have acquired 24-year old lefty swinging 1B Lars Anderson from the Boston Red Sox for 27-year old righty knuckleballing starting pitcher Steven Wright.  Anderson came into this season as the Red Sox’ #28 prospect according to Baseball America.  Anderson played in 6 games for the Red Sox earlier this year and he was 1 for 8 (.125 avg, .250 OPS) with 1 run scored.  He also played in 93 games in AAA-ball this year for the Red Sox in which he was 88 of 340 (.259 avg, .774 OPS) with 49 runs scored, 9 homers, 52 RBIs and 1 stolen base.  Anderson has now played in 30 games in his first three years with the Red Sox and he is 8 for 48 (.167 avg, .455 OPS) with 7 runs scored, 0 homers and 4 RBIs.  He is still only 24 years old, so he might be able to help the Indians down the road.  Steven Wright pitched in 20 games (all starts) in AA-ball for the Akron Aeros this year and he was 9-6 with a 2.49 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.

The Cleveland Indians appear to be about to come to their senses and pull 27-year old righty Josh Tomlin from the starting rotation.  He has been absolutely brutal since June 1st for the Indians.  Tomlin has started 10 games in June and July and he is 3-6 with a 6.51 ERA and a 1.55 WHIP!  Overall this year, Tomlin has pitched in 17 games (16 starts) for the Indians and he is 5-8 with a 5.87 ERA and a 1.42 WHIP.  Tomlin has given up 114 hits while only walking 21 batters and whiffing 53 in 95 innings so far this year.  While it’s commendable that Tomlin pounds the strike zone, it’s a big problem that he also doesn’t miss many bats.  This is a move the Indians had to make.

The Cleveland Indians need to be aggressive if they want to really compete for the playoffs this year.  They really need a righty swinging thumper for LF or DH.  Hunter Pence (a Cleveland Indians’ fan), Corey Hart or Alfonso Soriano would be a perfect fit for the Indians.  They could also use help at 3B.  Extracting Chase Headley from the Padres would be outstanding, but it the Indians aim lower…Ty Wigginton of the Phillies would be a good fit.  The Indians could also use a starting pitcher.  James Shields, Matt Garza and Jason Vargas has the highest upsides.  If the Indians aim lower, 1B Gaby Sanchez (Marlins) and infielder Jeff Baker (Cubs) make the most sense.  Cheaper starting pitchers that could appeal to the Indians are righties Joe Blanton, Kevin Correia or Lucas Harrell or lefties Paul Maholm or Clayton Richard.  The Indians just can’t afford to stand pat.

The Cleveland Indians have designated 26-year old righty swinging outfielder Aaron Cunningham for assignment.  Cunningham played in 72 games for the Indians this year and he was 17 of 97 (.175 avg, .493 OPS) with 5 runs scored, 1 homer and 7 RBIs.  He has now played in 222 games in his first five years in the majors and he is 99 for 452 (.219 avg, .628 OPS) with 47 runs scored, 7 homers, 51 RBIs and 4 stolen bases.  The Indians will likely try to deal Cunningham as he might not clear waivers.

UPDATE:  (7/28/2012) – Aaron Cunningham has cleared waivers and he has accepted an outright assignment to AAA.

The Indians have acquired 28-year old righty swinging IF/OF Brent Lillibridge from the Boston Red Sox for 26-year old righty reliever Jose De La Torre.  Lillibridge has played in 59 games for the Red Sox and White Sox so far this year and he is 13 of 79 (.165 avg, .389 OPS) with 10 runs scored, 0 homers, 2 RBIs and 7 stolen bases.  He has now played in 295 games in his first five years in the majors and he is 114 of 538 (.212 avg, .630 OPS) with 85 runs scored, 16 homers, 58 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.  Jose De La Torre pitched in 34 games (0 starts) in AA+AAA-ball so far this year and he is 8-1 with 2 saves, a 2.91 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.  The Indians hope that Lillibridge will be able to help them off the bench with his speed and defensive versatility.