What They're Writing

Every Sunday we will look at what both local and national sportswriters have to say about our Tribe in a "What They're Writing Post". Despite it being the off-season, this is one of my favorite times of the year as we look forward to next year and the potential additions that can be made to improve the Indians. It is also a time of year when I miss the contributions of Hal (R.I.P. Mr. Lebowitz) desperately. That said, there is plenty of good stuff out there for your morning read:

1. The Morning Journal

• I couldn't agree more with Jim Ingraham as he advocates being open to trading Cliff Lee and/or Johnny Peralta in an effort to improve the Tribe and NOT follow the footsteps of the Cavs in 'stand pat' approach to getting better.

2. The News Herald

• While I am not a big fan of Les Levine and his paltry attempts to fill Hal's space on Sundays, he did offer an interesting tidbit, stating that Chip Caray actually apologized to the Tribe brass for admittedly knowing very little about the Tribe and the American League in general during his pathetic attempt at calling the ALDS. My question is of course, who in the heck is responsible for such incompetence? Ted Turner? Bud Selig? Both?

3. The Akron Beacon Journal

• Patrick McManamon offers this tiny blurb about a Tribe minor leaguer who won the Eastern League Player of the Year while at AA Akron. A 6', 200lb., soon to be 24 yr.-old, left-handed 1st baseman, drafted in the 4th round, who surprisingly hit .333 against both left and right-handed pitching in 2007. Here is a look at Mr. Brown's entire 2007 season.

4. The Canton Repository

• Unfortunately, I would have to agree with much of what Andy Call offers in a good summary to what to expect this off-season. First, cut bait with Lofton, Nixon, and Gomez (I wish he'd stick around, but with Barfield, there's no room). Second, pick up the options on Byrd ($8 mill), Borowski ($4 mill), and Fultz($1.5 mill-very cheap). Third, worry more about signing C.C. than current big name free agents.

5. The Cleveland Plain Dealer

• Recently acquired sports writer Terry Pluto agrees with Ingraham in that the Tribe should be pro-active and consider trading Peralta and Lee and go after Carl Crawford. He also adds Jason Bay to that list and reminds readers that Neal Huntington, the new GM of the Pirates is a former Tribe assistant.
• Bud Shaw addresses C.C.'s contract by curiously comparing the question of 'whether or not a business deal can be struck that is fair for both sides?' to 'what is the meaning of life?'
• Somehow, the Byrd and HGH controversy has Bill Livingston analyzing the potential use of steroids by the Indians of the 1990, specifically Albert Bell.
• Joey Morona offers a chance for the public to answer 10 questions facing Mark Shapiro in the Cleveland Plain Dealer's Indians blog (Tribe Tracker).
• As much as I like Hoynsie, he ignores the magnitude of a lack of a true salary cap in baseball, by offering this answer to the question: "The salary cap is a problem, but the measures MLB have taken are leveling the playing field. Seven different teams have won the World Series in the last seven years. If Colorado rallies to beat Boston this year, it will be eight. "

6. The Chronicle Telegram

• Chris Assenheimer reminds us that Ingraham and Pluto may be guilty of wishful thinking as Shapiro states, “We don’t have that many decisions to make,” Shapiro said. “My basic desire is to not make any changes.”
• Assenheimer also gives us Wedge's views on the future as he states, “I’m not looking for us to be here today and gone tomorrow.” Those who disagree with this are obviously John Hart lovers.

7. ESPN.com

• In case anyone cares, we are one of 13 teams on Curt Schilling's wish list. Don't get your hopes up folks. We have tremendous depth at starting pitching and in case you missed it, read Wedge's views on the future as mentioned above.

8. MLB.com

• Anthony Castrovince states that Andy Marte is 2008's version of Johnny Peralta...it's is time for the 3B prospect to "shape up or ship out".
• Castrovince also looks at Jeremy Sowers as "The looming question, of course, is just where Sowers fits in with this team next year."
• In a piece about those calling the games for us in Cleveland, we are reminded that we should appreciate how good the men in the booth are as Tom Hamilton, Mike Hegan and Rick Manning are all eligible for the Frick Award, --named for the late broadcaster, National League President, Commissioner and Hall of Famer -- has been presented annually since 1978 to a broadcaster for "major contributions to baseball".
• If you are hoping for a Lofton resigning, Castovince may put a damper on your wishes.
• If you can't wait to never see Trot Nixon in a Tribe uniform again, you like this piece.
• You are not alone if you are wondering where Josh Barfield will fit in 2008.
• The 2008 schedule was released and in case you care, both Boston and the Yankees will visit Cleveland in April.