Whose improvement is most important to the Indians?

Tribe items

It's Q&A day for the two most prominent beat writers...

Jordan Bastian answers reader questions: The lead query is which potential comeback would mean the most for the Indians. I think the clear answer is Jason Kipnis, both because his ceiling is higher than any of the other guys we're hoping to see rebound, and because he's under team control for the longest term. Other responses touch on Jason Giambi's potential coaching role, Corey Kluber's finances, and what uniform number Gavin Floyd might wear.

Hey Hoynsie rides again (is it just me, or is Hoynes answering questions four times a week lately?): Hoynes doesn't think it's likely we see any other new faces added to the bullpen mix. Additionally, he says the Indians wanted Josh Donaldson but were shot down and he's high on the chances of Michael Bourn bouncing back, but less optimistic about Swisher.

Tribe bench coach Brad Mills raises bulls and Hoynes has ~1,000 words on it. Is there a way this hobby could somehow benefit the Indians? Please explain your theories in the comments.

Around MLB

Jonah Keri counts down the worst contracts in MLB. Swisher and Bourn make the honorable mention, but (thankfully) the Indians don't have anyone with an especially terrible deal. Jonah and I disagree on what makes a contract especially bad; I'd have Pujols at the top (bottom?) of the list.

Dave Cameron looks at what the Padres have done, arguing that they're still only something like the 7th best team in the National League, but pointing out that the Royals were something like the 7th best team in the American League last year, and managed to reach Game 7 of the World Series.

The Padres are reportedly preparing an offer for Cuban free agent Yoan Moncada, so they might not be finished with their overhaul. He's probably not going to reach MLB any sooner than midsummer, but has the potential to make a big impact when he does arrive.

John Paschal at The Hardball Times asked a number of baseball writers which player they hate the most. (and why) I'm bummed I didn't get the chance to share my Frank Thomas story with a new audience, but I enjoyed reading the responses all the same. Part 1 is here, part 2 is here.