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Indians, Hafner part ways, possibly for good | MLB.com: News
Pronk!!! I am sure Jeremy is happy. LOL!
Pronk!!! I am sure Jeremy is happy. LOL!
CLEVELAND -- Travis Hafner made a home in Cleveland. On the field, he rewrote sections of the Indians' record book with fantastic displays of power in his prime. Away from the ballpark, he adopted the city as his own, started a family and pushed away any thoughts of suiting up for a different team.
A decade spent in one town can feel like a lifetime for a ballplayer.
"When it's happening," Hafner said, "you just feel like you'll be in one spot forever."
That mentality changed drastically on Wednesday, when the Indians announced that they had declined Hafner's $13 million club option for the 2013 season. Given the aging designated hitter's decline in production, and his lengthy history of injuries, the price was simply too much for Cleveland to pay.
Hafner knew the decision was coming. During his season-end sit-down with Indians general manager Chris Antonetti, Hafner was informed of the direction the ballclub planned on going. Hafner will receive a $2.75 million buyout, as well as a chance to dip his toes into free-agent waters this winter.
A decade spent in one town can feel like a lifetime for a ballplayer.
"When it's happening," Hafner said, "you just feel like you'll be in one spot forever."
That mentality changed drastically on Wednesday, when the Indians announced that they had declined Hafner's $13 million club option for the 2013 season. Given the aging designated hitter's decline in production, and his lengthy history of injuries, the price was simply too much for Cleveland to pay.
Hafner knew the decision was coming. During his season-end sit-down with Indians general manager Chris Antonetti, Hafner was informed of the direction the ballclub planned on going. Hafner will receive a $2.75 million buyout, as well as a chance to dip his toes into free-agent waters this winter.
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