NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. -- The Indians are sitting back and waiting. Heading into this offseason, Cleveland knew that might be the most prudent approach for this winter's crop of first basemen. It is the approach that has helped the club emerge as a surprising contender for free-agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion.
When Encarnacion's name was linked to the Tribe on Monday, it seemed like a pipe dream for the Indians. By Day 3 of the Winter Meetings on Wednesday, Cleveland signing the first baseman still felt improbable -- given the way the team typically operates -- but it no longer seems impossible.