Half-Full & Half-Empty: Some Offseason Tidbits

Shapiro considered Delmon Young

According to the Plain Dealer, Shapiro was at least considering trading for Delmon Young...this is good news. I do like to hear that we are not just standing pat while the Angles, Red Sox, and Yankees are proactive in their attempts to improve themselves. Why didn't we land him? Because they apparently wanted Adam Miller. It is suggested that we countered with Cliff Lee. Which, to no surprise, the D-Rays probably laughed. While I would certainly consider trading Miller for a M.Cabrera type....not so much for Delmon Young. That said, Cliff Lee is hardly the only player we could have countered with. He eventually went for Matt Garza, who is a harder thrower with more upside than Sowers or Lee so kudos to the Rays.

Raul Ibanez to the Tribe?

According to Mlbtradrumors.com, the Tribe is showing interest in Ibanez and he may be able to be had for Cliff Lee. In a heartbeat! Lee's value has decreased to the point that he may not even be an option for our 5th starter. Having Sowers, Laffey, A.Miller, and C. Lofgren in the wings, I'm not sure what Shapiro is waiting for if this is all it would take in fact for a legitimate outfielder and of course, excellent clubhouse guy.

Betancourt Seeking Multi-year Deal

Rotoworld precisely points out that Raffey B. was grossly underpaid last year at $ 840,000. In addition, he will be 33 in April, so I don't blame him for asking for a raise. He deserves it. And quite frankly, a substantial raise, say 2-3 years at 3 million per, is still a bargain for one of the best set-up guys in the league. Get'er done Tribe.

Carsten Charles Proposal Coming Soon

MLB.com also reports that a proposal will be made soon for C.C.. Exactly how big it is and the years involved of course remains to be seen. However, I will be very happy once this first step is taken. We will finally have an idea of what he is commanding, how close we are, and what our options are in both the immediate and long-term future...something that right now there is a ton of uncertainty about.

Utility Infielder Prerequisite: Speed

According to mlb.com, "At present, the Tribe's only direct need for '07 is a utility infielder, and Shapiro and his staff are investigating ways to fill that need in the trade market, placing a high value on speed." Ummmm...I do like the speed thing...as we are a Very, Very, Very slow team, especially in the middle of the line-up. Of course the "only direct need" comment is a little concerning. I hope he is just making an attempt not to sound desperate. Which we are not. But Michaels/Dellucci/Choo/Blake/Francisco is still one of the worst LF combos in the entire league.

Shapiro added, "I do feel that if we do stand pat with the guys we've got, we're going to get some improvement," Shapiro said. "I think David Dellucci will be better and healthy. But if you look to add a veteran guy somewhere, it's going to be a spot where we didn't get production last year."

Uhhhh....how could Dellucci get any worse? By missing the entire season perhaps? Improvement? I had strep throat last week, and the first day after I started Amoxicilin, I had some improvement---BUT I STILL FELT LIKE GARBAGE!

Boy am I grouchy this morning.....

Gooooooooooooooooooo Tribe!

Cheers!