First, as always, the Indians links:
Shin-Soo Choo will not play in the WBC, primarily to focus on preparing for his walk year. As for his potential off-season destinations, it's hard to swing a dead cat on the Internet without hitting an article speculating about the Red Sox or Rangers.
Jordan Bastian elaborates on the Indians' choices regarding whether Choo should stay or go.
It's the offseason, so that means that "Hey Hoynsie" is back in the Cleveland paper of record. As always, read the comments afterwards at your own peril.
Hoynsie examines the rebuild/regroup dilemma in a longer piece. The Oakland A's, of course, are held up as the example (as the Indians were after 2007).
Aaron Cunningham has a new home in the Rangers organization. We'll always have The Squeeze Bunt. So, for those tracking minor league deals with Spring Training Invites: Cunningham (Rangers) and Goedert (Pirates) are now gone. Hector Rondon (Indians) and Luis Hernandez (Rangers) have signed. Baseball America has a list of minor league free agents if you'd like to do some shopping.
And from around the league:
Your 2012 Rookies of the Year: Mike Trout (AL) and Bryce Harper (NL). Trout was elected unanimously. Harper squeaked past Arizona pitcher Wade Miley.
ICYMI over the weekend, the Dodgers "won" the rights to talk to South Korean pitcher Ryu Hyun-jin for $25.7 million. They have until after the winter meetings to come to an agreement. If the Dodgers sign Ryu, they might be willing to listen to offers on some of their other starters, particularly Aaron Harang, who was a favorite offseason target for many on this site.
The Red Sox signed C David Ross to a 2-year deal. This leaves Atlanta still looking for a catcher to start the season with Brian McCann injured and also potentially makes Jarrod Saltalamacchia available (he has played a smattering of first base in his MLB career). With the addition of Yan Gomes, the Indians have an extra catcher (Sweet Lou Marson). Atlanta has a lot of pitching.
Jason Bay and the Mets have parted ways. In "Hey Hoynsie" (cited above), Paul Hoynes speculates on Cleveland as a potential landing spot for Bay.