The winter of 1976 was perhaps the most active offseason in Cleveland Indians history.
The Indians finished 1976 at 81-78, their best season in years. They had a good rotation, led by 16-game winner Pat Dobson, up and coming starter Dennis Eckersley, and the three pitchers received in a trade for Gaylord Perry – Rick Waits, Jackie Brown and Jim Bibby.
The bullpen was anchored by Dave LaRoche (2.24 ERA), Stan Thomas (2.30) and Jim Kern (2.