Written by Jeff Rich

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You don't have to be analytical.  You just have to open your eyes.

While it remains to be seen what they will do, and we can speak about what they could have or would have done until we are all blue in the face, the Cleveland Indians have played themselves into the "Sellers" category as their current swoon has them headed for the cellar.  Instead of preparing for October, it might be time to start preparing for April already, and maybe strive to be "Buyers" next July.

The Indians don't have much to sell these days, nor did they have the resources to do the buying that many fans dreamed about 3 weeks ago, but the cupboard isn't absolutely bare.  It's just close.  Derek Lowe, Casey Kotchman, and Johnny Damon don't promise to bring much back to the Indians farm system, but teams might be willing to mortgage their own futures for arbitration eligible players like Shin-Soo Choo or Chris Perez.  A deal like that could involve something a little more guaranteed than a prospect.

According to a joint report from Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi, the Giants have some interest in acquiring the Indians closer:

"The San Francisco Giants, seeking late-inning help, are interested in Perez, according to major-league sources. The Indians could entertain moving Perez for two reasons – they are deep in relievers, and Perez likely will earn about $7 million next season in his second year of arbitration."

What makes this rumor more interesting than most deadline rumors that involve the departure of All-Stars from teams out of contention is that the Indians may not be looking into San Francisco's Farm System to make this one happen:

"If the Indians trade players such as Perez and Choo – players under control beyond this season – they would not want prospects in return, but players who would strengthen their current club, sources said."

Those of us that follow these things know to take information from "sources" with a grain of salt, but with the capable Vinnie Pestano in place to take over the closer role in Cleveland, this is something to think about.

Perez, the controversial reliever has saved 26 games in 28 opportunities for the Tribe this season, while posting a 3.06 ERA.  Since coming over from St. Louis in the 2009 Mark DeRosa trade, Perez has appeared in 196 games, saving 86 of them with a 2.92 ERA.