The Cleveland Indians continued "retooling" for the 2007 season by dealing closer Bob Wickman to the Atlanta Braves for minor league catcher Max Ramirez. Many, including myself, were surprised by the small return for a proven closer, but what we do not know is how many teams Wickman told GM Mark Shapiro he would accept a trade to. As a 10/5 man (10 years in the majors, the last five with the same team), he has that right.
Perhaps that was the best trade Shapiro could get, because he might have had only three or four teams to talk to. I’m not defending Shapiro, but I wanted to remind everyone of that possible constraint.
The deal gives Fausto Carmona an opportunity to close games immediately. If we can do the job, that’s one less thing the GM needs to find in the off season. Carmona throws hard, and also has a hard sinker. Based on the job he has done in the seventh and eighth inning, it looks like he can hande the job. Having a young closer isn’t a bad thing, check out the Red Sox (Jonathon Papelbon) and the White Sox (Bobby Jenks), both guys made the All Star team.
I’m guessing a lefty gets called up prior to tonight’s game against the Twins, perhaps Tony Sipp from AA Akron? There are more moves to come, as I cannot believe Aaron Boone will be wearing the Chief Wahoo logo much longer. By the way, Andy Marte belted his 15th homer last night. One of the things I’m looking forward to is seeing how long it will take Marte to exceed Boone’s HR total after he joins the Tribe.
With rumors swirling about Jake Westbrook and Arizona, I found it interesting that the Diamondbacks called up OF prospect Carlos Quentin yesterday, and he slugged a homer in his debut. Quentin has a good power and walks as much as he strikes out, as well as leading the PCL in being hit by pitches. If the Tribe can get a guy like him for Westbrook, they have to do it.
I go back and forth on dealing Ben Broussard. He has been a productive hitter against right handers, but this year he is off the charts. He’s batting .359 vs. RHP this year, compared to the .260 range the past two years. He’s going to be 30 years old in September and his market value will never be higher, so look for the Tribe to try and move him before the deadline. That would also get Ryan Garko an opportunity to play as well.
The coming week should bring plenty of changes to the Indians’ roster, and it should. Being 21 games out of first allows the brass to check out some young players and accumulate more prospects.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 