Most of the reaction to the deal which sent C.C. Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers was not positive nor negative, but it was inevitable. The Indians’ market size and the contract demands of the big lefty meant GM Mark Shapiro didn’t have an alternative if he wanted more than the two first round amateur picks in the 2009 draft for his ace. So, it’s now official. The Cleveland Indians are looking ahead to the ’09 season.
In return, the main player the Tribe received in return is slugging 1B/OF Matt LaPorta, who will report to Akron to start. My guess is the front office want a very close look at him before sending him to Buffalo. After hitting AAA, the right-handed hitter is just a couple of good weeks away from joining the big club. LHP Zach Jackson is a throw in, but the young righty the Indians picked up, Rob Bryson is someone to keep an eye on. Bryson was just promoted to the high Class A level, and although his ERA was over 4.00, he has fanned 72 batters in less thant 60 innings.
The Indians have one more player coming, considered to be the second best prospect in the trade. Many reports have that player being Taylor Green, a third baseman currently playing at the high A level. Shapiro made the comment that the deal would not have been made without the inclusion of this player, and the Tribe has until the end of the year to decide who will be coming to Cleveland. The decision will probably be made at the end of the month, so the front office can get a good look at him in the Tribe organization before the minor league season ends.
There are most definitely other moves to be made. It is more than likely that Casey Blake is on the block, and he would most definitely be attractive to a contender because of his versatility. It’s also time to remove the dead weight from the big league roster, which means a severe cut in playing time for David Dellucci. It’s time to start looking at the Jordan Browns, Michael Aubreys, and Trevor Crowes of the organization so the management can get an idea of who can help next season. As soon as Josh Barfield is ready to go, he should get a long look as well.
It has been reported that veteran Jeff Weaver will get the start tomorrow night in Detroit, although Jeremy Sowers is also a possibility. Weaver and Manager Eric Wedge seem to be an odd mix, since Weaver is a bit of a hot head, definitely not the attitude Wedge likes in a player. I can’t wait to see the skipper go to the mound at a time that Weaver doesn’t think he should be removed. By the way, the revamped bullpen hasn’t done the job so far, but on the other hand, at least there are new faces blowing the leads.
There are several Indians who are playing for their future in Cleveland the rest of the season. Guys like Ryan Garko, Franklin Gutierrez, Andy Marte, and Jhonny Peralta have to be productive or they likely will lose their spots on the 2009 roster. Mark Shapiro made a huge decision today, but he has several more to make between now and Opening Day 2009.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 