NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If the Indians are going to trade shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, they're going to try and get everything they can for him.

The going price on the Indians' two-time All-Star is three to four players, preferably four. The Indians had the framework of a deal in place in which they would have received one big-league pitcher and two high-level prospects. When the Indians asked for a third prospect, the deal dissolved.

The particular team the Indians were negotiating with planned to change Cabrera's position, but right now he's the top shortstop available this winter through free agency or trades.

"He's the best guy out there at that position," said one scout. "They're going to get something good for him, but they're asking for a lot."

The Indians need a lot after losing 94 games last season. It's the main reason they're listening to offers on four of their best players: Cabrera, closer Chris Perez, right-hander Justin Masterson and right fielder Shin-Soo Choo.

"We'd consider anything if it's the right deal," said GM Chris Antonetti. "It all depends on what we get back."

Cabrera, 27, is signed through 2014 for a combined $16.5 million. He has a limited no-trade clause which prevents him from being dealt to the Yankees, Boston, Detroit, San Francisco, Washington and the Mets. No trade clauses can be negotiated away, but it does make things a little more difficult.

One has to wonder if the Yankees, who will open next season without third baseman Alex Rodriguez because of impending hip surgery, came calling for Cabrera if he waived the clause? Cabrera could play third or Derek Jeter, coming off a broken ankle, could move to third and Cabrera could take over at shortstop.

St. Louis and the Indians have been linked. The Cardinals have aging shortstop Rafael Furcal and a backlog of talented young pitchers that would interest the Indians. Right-handers Trevor Rosenthal, Joe Kelly and Shelby Miller dazzled out of the Cardinal bullpen in the postseason last year, but all three could be starters.

Oakland is looking for a shortstop as well. They have a rotation of young starters in Tommy Milone, Jarrod Parker, Travis Blackley and A.J. Griffin. GM Billy Beane said at the GM meetings there was no way he was going to trade his young starters, but it's not like Beane has been shy about making a trade or two.

The switch-hitting Cabrera hit .270 (150-for-555) with 35 doubles, 16 homers and 68 RBI last season. The last two years, Cabrera's production has dropped in the second half following nose-dives by the Indians in the AL Central standings.

One of the first moves the Indians made this winter was to acquire Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes from Toronto for reliever Esmil Rogers. Aviles was Boston's starting shortstop last season. He's best suited for a utility role, but he's shown he can play shortstop for a full season. In the minors, the Indians have an array of prospects who are a couple of years away from the big leagues.

A scout said the asking price on Perez was a lot less pricey than Cabrera. Perez is under the Indians' control for two more years and has converted 75 saves in 83 chances over the last two years. If the Indians trade Perez, set-up man Vinnie Pestano would slide into the closer's role.

The Padres are in the market for starting pitching and reportedly have asked about Justin Masterson and Ubaldo Jimenez. Masterson and Jimenez were a combined 20-32 last season, but they were durable. The Padres could use some durability after having 18 pitcher start for them last season.

Masterson has two years left before free agency. The Indians exercised Jimenez's $5.75 million option for 2013.

Choo can be a free agent after the 2013 season. He'd be a one-year rental because Scott Boras is his agent and will steer him into free agency. Boston likes Choo, but it's questionable how much they'd give up to get him.

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