It was quite a contrast last night. In Milwaukee, CC Sabathia received a hero’s welcome as he won his debut with the Brewers. In Detroit, his former teammates got a Casey Blake double and a Jhonny Peralta home run in the first to take a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately, those would be the only hits the Tribe mustered in a 9-2 shellacking at the hands of the Tigers. Get ready for more tough times ahead with Paul Byrd serving up homers tonight, and apparently minor league veteran Matt Ginter will pitch for Cleveland against the Rays on Saturday. Ouch!
That being said, here are some more thoughts on Monday’s big deal.
The Key to the Deal. Yes, Matt La Porta provides a much needed power bat to the organization, but in many ways, the key to the trade is Fausto Carmona. Before he injured his hip, Carmona had an inconsistent 2008 season, walking more hitters than he struck out (38/23). The fact that he had an ERA of 3.10 despite these control problems is a testament to how good his stuff is. If the right-hander can throw strikes, he would replace Sabathia as the ace of the staff, with Cliff Lee as the #2 starter going into next season. The Tribe needs a Fausto Carmona closer to the 2007 model than the 2008 pitcher.
Scouting Problems. The deal underscores the problem the Indians’ scouting department has had since the turn of the century. They have been unable to draft a productive hitter. Last year’s #1 choice, Beau Mills is hitting pretty well at Kinston (.276/.361/.492) with 41 extra base hits in 83 games. Another left handed hitter at Kinston, Nick Weglarz, just 20 years old, also shows promise (.272/.398/.449). However, both are 1B/LF/DH types. 3B Wes Hodges is doing well at Akron, and hopefully we will see him in Cleveland before the season ends. However, there isn’t much at AAA Buffalo, outside of another left-handed hitter, 1B Jordan Brown. Obviously, the need for a right-handed power hitter was dire for the Tribe.
Let’s Be Aggressive. Watching the Red Sox’ game the other night, made me think that Jonathon Papelbon would never have been given the job as Tribe closer as a rookie. According to the Indians’ thinking, you have to have a veteran in that spot. Why? Here’s hoping La Porta is moved to Buffalo after a good week at Akron, and then up to the big club if he has a couple of good weeks at the AAA level. There is no reason to hold him back. Also, let’s take a look at Hodges, and some more pitchers such as Jeff Stevens. Why not give Stevens a shot at closing? He might just do the job.
It Should Have Been Us Last Year. The Brewers made the bold move the Indians should have made last season. The Tribe did pick up Kenny Lofton to replace an injured David Dellucci, but Mark Teixeira was on the block, but the Indians didn’t pursue him. Would they have won the World Series by making a deal for the slugging 1B? Maybe not, but perhaps they would have. The Indians are hesitant to deal prospects, but the players the Rangers would have wanted would have been guys like Adam Miller (now injured), Ryan Garko (struggling), and Ben Francisco (an okay player). Over estimating their minor league talent is a definite problem for this organization.
The Heat Has Been Turned Up. Ryan Garko, Ben Francisco, and Shin-Soo Choo should have a little more pep in their step today. Matt La Porta was brought in because these guys have been less than overwhelming. They have been handed regular jobs, but haven’t taken advantage. Garko in particular has been a huge disappointment after solid seasons in 2006 and 2007.
The Indians need to give us a reason to watch them the rest of the season. Trotting out Jeremy Sowers every fifth day doesn’t do it. Neither does penciling Dellucci in at the DH spot. If Mark Shapiro is serious in having a contending club in 2009, he needs to find out about some young players, and why not try something different by using some youngsters.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 