CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians longed for a fresh start. They had dealt away every veteran player within a five-mile radius of the team clubhouse.
David Murphy and his calming presence? Off to Los Angeles.
Brandon Moss and his self-oppressive struggles? Off to St. Louis.
Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn, and those daily reminders of cash -- a limited resource around these parts -- being flushed into oblivion? Off to Atlanta.
The team ushered in a new era, complete with clubhouse contracts signed by everyone on the roster. Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber and Yan Gomes emerged as the Indians' new sheriffs.