Good Call or Bad Call?

The Tribe released former 1st rd pick Trevor Crowe who posted a career
.245avg with 3HRs and 55RBIs in 205 games with the Indians from 09-11.
Trevor Crowe was always a fan enigma much in the way that Adam Miller
has been for the pitching staff.  He could play all 3 outfield spots,
boasts a speed upgrade to the team, and can hit lead-off.  The problem
with Crowe has been staying healthy and the Indians outfield depth.
Early on he played the same position as Grady Sizemore, then Shin Soo
Choo emerged, and following that Michael Brantley locked down an OF
spot.  Crowe was able to get a few starts due to injuries to those 3
guys, but never a legit shot to hold a spot of his own.  Crowe showed
speed by swiping 24 bags in the show, but never stuck after missing all
of 2011 due to injury.  Crowe was a key piece in a potential deal to
acquire Bobby Abreu this past off-season, but those talks never
materialized to a trade.

Good Call or Bad Call:  Did the Indians do the right thing by not
trading Trevor Crowe for Bobby Abreu?

My Answer:  Good Call - Even knowing the Tribe would release Trevor
Crowe(who requested the release, and will be signing with the Angels), I
don't think I would want Bobby Abreu crowding our lineup.  He doesn't
bring anything but more salary.  He is left-handed, plays corner OF, and
probably needs a defensive replacement in the 7th inning.  So basically
he is a more expensive Johnny Damon that provides a bit more power.
Honestly, because we got Johnny Damon anyways, I feel just fine.  I
think Damon even adds more to a clubhouse than Abreu too, so go Tribe,
nice non-trade.  Also, you got to see what Crowe has coming off an
injury.


Also, the Royals have designated pitcher Johnathon Sanchez for
assignment.  The Royals acquired Sanchez and pitcher Ryan Verdugo(who
got called up to replace Sanchez) in the off-season for Melky Cabrera.

Good call or Bad Call:  Did the Royals make a good trade?

My Answer:  Horrible trade.  The Royals didn't HAVE to make this trade,
they needed quality pitching to accompany their youth at the plate, but
they lost Melky Cabrera who(while I don't have his stats) has only been
an All-Star MVP this season thus far.  Sanchez has an over 7.00ERA, and
went 1-6.  Your offense may still be better this year even without
Cabrera, but if you allow twice as many runs as Jeff Francis was
allowing then you are awful.  I don't know what the market was for
Cabrera, but the A's could have given up pitching, the Indians could
have, the Giants did, but overall there are several teams that need a
big hitter and have pitching to give.  The positive for the Royals is
they get to see Lorenzo Cain and Andre Dyson in CF, who can both really
play and contribute. However even with being able to add to their core,
they traded an All Star MVP for a pitcher who couldn't last a full
season on their roster(that is awful at starting pitching)....ouch.
That is why the Royals are the Royals.

Go Tribe