Rumors: The Fans Speak

From time to time we will take a look around various message boards and take a look at what the fans are saying. While message boards are not always the most reliable source for Tribe news, they are an excellent way to gauge how the common fan is thinking and gain some immediate reaction as transactions take place.

In order of my favorite message boards:

1. Indians Ink

• There is an eight page thread on the prospects of trading for Jason Bay right here. Most serious fans are well aware that Neal Huntington presents a chance for a legitimate trade partner as he seeks to rebuild the Pirates farm system. With Shapiro as his mentor, and his knowledge of our minor league players first-hand, this is certainly a possibility. Here are what some speculate it would take to get him: DoubleE wrote: "Jason Bay for Ben Francisco and Andy Marte".....While MikeSopp replied, "The Pirates would have no interest in Fransisco since one of the reasons they are considering trading Bay is that they have plenty of young OFs of their own.Marte would be an interest for them. I suspect you would have to add Chuck Lofgren into the mix, and perhaps Kelly Shoppach.I'd love to expand the deal to get Freddie Sanchez and Salmon Torres - that would take putting Peralta in for Marte and another player or two on top of that."
• The second most popular thread in terms of players that fans would like to acquire is not surprisingly, focused on Miguel Cabrera. Some fans are willing to give up a package for Cabrera, such as ClevelandBrown's suggestion that he "would trade Sowers or Lee, Marte, Prospect for Cabrera"....but most are reluctant to give up Adam Miller in the deal. Overall, many have speculated that Cabrera is no longer a 3B and would have to play 1B...this of course would make a deal much more unlikely.
• Here is a surprising thread with a focus on a bullpen addition for 2008. Call me crazy, but I am tired of bringing in average to below-average, cheap and often over the hill veterans, even if I do like the guy. Stick to the booth BA. When you can't pitch for K.C., then, well...your days in the big leagues are done.
• Finally, expect this topic to be one of concern throughout spring training.

2. MLB.com

• According to his team's executive, "everybody" is interested in this guy. Based on our track record, this is actually the type of player that Shapiro would trade for--not overly expensive, good character, slightly above-average player.
• As far as what Tribe player that other teams are interested in, this guy's name continues to surface. Most fans admit that they are reluctant to part with him, especially after his solid 2007 season, but to borrow from an old cliche, you have to give up something to get something.

3. Cleveland.com (Plain Dealer)

• One fan has recently suggested Gagne as a possible bullpen addition. Personally, I would be all for adding one or two quality guys to the pen if we did not have to break the bank. If we are going to spend big dollars or give up prospects, then bring me a legitimate outfielder or third-baseman.

4. ESPN.com

• In case the first one wasn't enough, here is another Miguel Cabrera thread.

And so, there you have it folks. Jason Bay, Miguel Cabrera, and Raul Ibanez are the big "go get em'" guys, while Adam Miller and Kelly Shoppoch are our most coveted players....

...at least according to the fans.

Goooooooooooooooooooooo Tribe!

Cheers!