Francona optimistic regardless of potential trades

MINNEAPOLIS -- Indians general manager Chris Antonetti is exploring multiple avenues for potentially upgrading his team via trade. Manager Terry Francona has been in constant communication with the general manager throughout the process.

Francona does not believe the team necessarily needs to make a deal leading up to the July 31 Trade Deadline.

"I enjoy our team, and that's a good feeling," Francona said on Saturday. "There's been a time or two when I haven't always felt that way -- not about this team -- and that's not a good feeling. I guess what I'm saying is, regardless of what happens, I'm fine.

"I like what we have, and I think better days are ahead. That's just how I feel. There are no guarantees, but that's how I feel."

Cleveland's top priority appears to be pursuing help for the bullpen, especially to shore up the club's left-handed relief. The Indians have also been exploring the starting pitching market, and have been linked to reports about Cubs right-hander Matt Garza. Chicago has reportedly asked for third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, though it is highly unlikely that the Tribe would part with him as part of the deal.

Francona said he does not pay much attention to the rumors.

"I don't get too caught up in all the rumors and everything," Francona said. "I have an inside view of what's going on. So I know what isn't going on more often that not. And I really enjoy this team a lot. I know Chris is always trying to make us better -- that's his job."

Francona added that there are coveted prospects in the Tribe's system that he would hate to see included in any trade.

"The one thing I never really want to do is, I don't ever want to press [Antonetti] to do something," Francona said. "I know he cares, but I also know that we have some prospects in our Minor Leagues that we don't want to lose, and I feel really strongly about that. I know he does, too.

"This is a good group to see how good we can get. When we play the game right, we can win."