The Trade Deadline come and went, and there were big moves. The biggest may be the rebuilding that the Philadelphia Phillies are beginning to go thru. The traded Shane Victoriano to the Dodgers and Hunter Pence to the Giants. They are still linked to waiver wire rumors that have Joe Blanton being moved. GO CATS!! In the AL Central Royals closer Johnathon Broxton was shipped off to Cincinnati for two minor leaguers.
The Chicago Cubs continue to revamp their farm system by trading Ryan Dempster, Reed Johnson, Geovonny Soto, and Paul Maholm for all prospects.
However, the Indians made a trade too. The Indians traded Stephen Wright who is a minor-league knuckleballer with Akron to the Red Sox, for 1B/OF Lars Anderson. Anderson has around 9 major league At-bats, so he does have some experience. He is mostly like Matt LaPorta, a formerly big time prospect who just hasn't stuck yet and his star has faded. Maybe he will be a Brandon Phillips for us, but most likely you won't see him as long as the Grimmace era is ongoing in Cleveland. I hope Lars called Tony Sipp and said "I am feeling skinny Tony!". I can keep going, don't be alarmed when you hear him hit HRs either, he makes a loud and disturbing sound when he swings, but don't be alarmed, he is fine.
So what did the Indians do? First off, I believe they really did try to trade Jose Lopez to the Yankees, especially when you see that the Yankees acquired Casey McGehee from the Pirates who basically plays the
same positions. However, from what I can tell the Indians have successfully installed the "Shelley Duncan Plan". Yes, our very own Shelly Duncan inspired, and designed the master plan that is in effect by the Chris Antonetti regime. Mr. Duncan has said several times that the Indians did not need to make any trades, they can win with the talent they got right now. It's just about execution, but he sees a playoff team in the clubhouse. Well, congrats, there were no additions, no subtractions, and now Operation Duncan Drop is underway. The 'Drop' is referring to the Indians recent trend in the standings. Even Manny Acta said that if you can't make up 5 game deficit in 60 games than you have no business being a playoff team. Currently it is 6 games back and 59 games left after dropping our first game to the Royals.
What do you think of the Tribes lack of movement at the trade deadline? I totally agree that 5 games back is totally recoverable, but the Indians got a tough 60 games, they got several meetings with the Tigers, the A's, Red Sox, and I believe at least one more meeting with the White Sox. They can't sell the entire team, they aren't far enough back to quit. However, the eye, paper, logic, and luck test are all not in the
favor of the Indians. The Tigers or White Sox will win this division. That's not me quitting on the season, that's not being a pessimist, but it's the way the season is trending. If you disagree, great tell me about it, comment, whatever. However, if the reason is "We just need _______ to get going and we will be right back in it" then don't talk to me. The whole season we just needed ________ to find his form and we
would be a playoff team. Facts are that we got a platoon at LF, 3B, and DH. Last I checked playoff teams don't platoon that many positions, and if they do, at the trade deadline they don't ignore it and bring in a
guy to play every day at that spot.
Daniel Hahn
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