Now that the trading deadline has passed, and GM Mark Shapiro doesn’t consider swapping out a quarter of his roster "sweeping changes", let’s take a look at the what happened in the week that was–
The trade of Cliff Lee was the biggest question mark because the Indians did not get any top prospects close to the majors in return. Sure, we may see Carlos Carrasco, Jason Donald, and Lou Marson before the season is over, but the glitter on all three prospects has lost its glow, at least a little bit. Jason Knapp was said to be the prize in the deal, but he is dealing with a fatigued shoulder, and is at least two years away.
The Victor Martinez deal, although it helps the hated Red Sox, at least brings a pitcher who should be in the rotation, Justin Masterson, by the end of the season. Masterson’s debut with the Tribe was very good, as he fired three scoreless frame against Detroit on Saturday night. The other two pitchers Shapiro received are in the Class A ball, but Nick Hagadone is a southpaw that throws in the high 90’s, and Bryan Price was Boston’s first draft pick a year ago.
Of the other players dealt last week, Ryan Garko and Ben Francisco are nice players, and could help their teams down the stretch, but they are just average players at best. The Indians dealt both before they had to start paying them decent money now that they were arbitration eligible.
One of the problems the Indians still have is that Matt LaPorta is still in the minor leagues, even after all these moves. The front office needs to see LaPorta play everyday at the big league level, so they can truly evaluate him. Remember, it’s not like he’s struggling at Columbus, he’s hitting almost .300 with a very good OPS.
Andy Marte was recalled from Columbus after the Garko deal, and so far it appears Eric Wedge is playing the same old games with him. Marte went 2 for 3 in his first game, and then sat the next day. After an 0 for 6 in his next start, he once again was on the bench the folllowing night. If he’s not going to play every day, it is impossible to judge whether or not he has improved as an everyday player.
Trevor Crowe looks much better at the plate than he did when he was sent out earlier this year. He drove the ball in all three games this weekend, so maybe there is a future for him at the big league level. He received the call after Francisco was dealt because of his ability to play centerfield, which is needed because there is no other back up for Grady Sizemore.
I also think somehow they need to bring up 1B/OF Jordan Brown from Columbus as well. After winning back to back league MVP awards at Kinston and Akron, Brown scuffled last year. However, this year he is hitting .333 with 12 HR and 58 RBI’s for the Clippers. He deserves a look see as well.
So does starter Hector Rondon, before his innings get to the point where the front office wants to shut him down. Rondon has started out 3-1 with a 2.63 ERA at Buffalo after an outstanding half season at Akron.
There has been plenty of speculation that these moves ensure that Eric Wedge will be back as the field manager next season. Here’s hoping that’s not the case. This ballclub needs a new voice, and a new coaching staff. It seems like the staff in the minor leagues has done a better job fixing what was wrong with guys like Marte, Fausto Carmona, Crowe, etc. than Wedge’s staff. If the team is going to rebuild, a new skipper is in order as well.
Hopefully, GM Mark Shapiro is correct in thinking there is an outside chance the Tribe could be back in contention as early as next year. There is no way anyone is looking forward to a so-called "five year plan".
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 