New Year’s Day came on June 30 this year for the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe front office officially started when the team dealt first baseman Eduardo Perez to Seattle for minor league infielder Asdrubal Cabrera. Cabrera was ranked as the #6 prospect in the Mariner organization and is playing at the AAA level at just 20 years old.
This is the first move made with next season in mind. Perez was having a solid year as the right handed hitting half of the first base platoon with Ben Broussard. GM Mark Shapiro was look to move anybody who is not going to be a part of this team next season, and with Victor Martinez apparently getting more time at 1B, and with Ryan Garko on the farm, Perez didn’t have a future here and with a weakness in the middle infield in the organization, this was a good move to make.
More of this type of move is expected in the coming weeks. Look for Aaron Boone to be moved so the Tribe can elevate the red hot Andy Marte from Buffalo. Bob Wickman, who is on a one year contract, may be traded to a contender looking for relief help down the stretch. Broussard may go as well.
I don’t look for Paul Byrd to be dealt because he is on a two year deal, and can help this team in 2007. Ronnie Belliard will probably stay since the organization has no one to take his place, and he has played better in the last month. It’s time to look at guys like Marte, Franklin Gutierrez, Garko, and Joe Inglett to see if they can contribute next year. Shapiro and Wedge think this team can contend next year, and so do I.
Couple of notes from the weekend: Wedge certainly looked like an idiot putting Travis Hafner up with the bases loaded on Saturday. It was an excellent move since the Reds had to pitch to him. Pronk came through as usual.
It was nice to see Guillermo Mota pitch well over the weekend. Maybe something can be salvaged with him this year, after all. Did you see Jason Johnson’s performance in his Red Sox debut? He went just four innings, allowing five runs. Guess Boston’s infield defense can’t create miracles.
As expected, Grady Sizemore was the only Cleveland player picked to the American League All-Star team. Hafner can be elected by the fans in an internet vote this week, but the nod will probably go to Francisco Liriano of the Twins. I don’t understand why Garko is being rumored to be sent out when Jason Michaels gets activated from the DL. Does the Tribe really need Ramon Vasquez and Inglett?
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 