INDIANS-8/7/02

LATEST TEAM INFO:

Now that the trading deadline has come and gone, it is time to look at how successful the Indians have been in the first stage of the rebuilding process. To do so, each trade needs to be analyzed and given a grade, ranging from A+ to F. Starting with the Roberto Alomar deal, every trade will be broken down and deemed a success or failure, given the performance and potential of all players involved.

Traded Roberto Alomar, Danny Peoples, and Mike Bacsik to the Mets for Matt Lawton, Alex Escobar, Billy Traber, Jerrod Riggan, and Earl Snyder

The moment this trade was announced, many Indians fans vowed to stop watching the team forever. Perhaps they should reconsider their stance. The Indians traded two lesser prospects and a struggling second-baseman in exchange for a potential future star outfielder, a future No. 2 or 3 starter in the big leagues, a solid future set-up man, and a young third-baseman who has begun to turn heads and is highly-regarded by Indians brass. Many fans complain that Lawton is struggling and they would much rather have Alomar. However, upon further inspection, Lawton has actually outperformed Alomar when the numbers are broken down per at-bat.

Lawton: HR every 30.2 at-bats, RS every 5.5 at-bats, RBI every 8.1 at-bats, SB every 60.4 at-bats
Alomar: HR every 51.4 at-bats, RS every 6.7 at-bats, RBI every 10.8 at-bats, SB every 34.3 at-bats

It’s obvious that Lawton is outperforming Alomar in key categories. It’s also a shame that many fans have no idea that Lawton is putting up nearly identical numbers to Alomar, and that the Indians acquired some very good players in addition to Lawton. The only legitimate complaint is the injury to Escobar, but that was beyond control of the Indians, and he should continue to build on the promise he showed during spring training. Over time, fans will realize that this was a very good deal.

GRADE: A-

Traded John Rocker to the Rangers for Dave Elder

It is a shame that John Hart had his heart set on Rocker, because he has been nothing but a bust. Shaprio salvaged the little value that Rocker had left, and traded him back to Rocker in Texas. Elder has been a pleasant surprise, while Rocker has done nothing for Texas. Should Rocker regain his prime form, this deal would be a major disappointment. But Rocker has done nothing in Texas, and Elder has pitched well at every level Cleveland has sent him to. Another job well done by Shapiro, with the grade lowered a tad to account for the off-chance that Rocker should recover.

GRADE: B

Traded Rashard Eldridge to the Rangers for Chris Magruder

Eldridge certainly has potential, but Magruder is closer to sure-fire than is Eldridge. This was a minor trade, but one worth mentioning with Magruder making an impact in the big-leagues. While it is unclear whether or not Eldridge will pan out, Magruder looks to be a decent reserve for the future. Eldridge fits better into the rebuilding process, but Magruder is a solid addition and should provide decent production until we are ready to contend once again.

GRADE: B

Traded Bartolo Colon and Tim Drew to the Expos for Brandon Phillips, Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore, and Lee Stevens

Contrary to popular belief, Cleveland could not have acquired a higher level of return than they did in the Colon-to-Montrael deal. The Indians acquired three top prospects: a future stud shortstop, a future No. 2 starter, and a patient outfielder with enormous potential. Add a red-hot Stevens into the mix, and Cleveland got a tremendous return for their former ace. Drew was a decent prospect, but was no more than a future No. 4 or 5 in the big leagues, and is not expected to be ready for the big leagues next season, when he will run out of big-league options. Acquiring three top prospects, all of whom could become stars, was a brilliant move by Shapiro.

GRADE: A-

Traded Chuck Finley to the Cardinals for Luis Garcia and Covelli Crisp

Finley is still a solid big-league pitcher, but he did not fit into the plans for the rebuilding process. Given the opportunity to acquire Garcia, a first-baseman/outfielder with tremendous power potential, and Crisp, a rising prospect, Shapiro pulled the trigger. Garcia is compared to a young Richie Sexson, and has the potential to hit 30-40 home runs in the majors. Crisp was never considered to be a “hot prospect”, but he has slowly worked his way up the prospect ladder with two solid years in the minors. Garcia is projected as a regular in the big leagues at a corner outfield spot, and Crisp could very well work his way into the big league starting lineup in two years.

GRADE: B+

Traded Paul Shuey to the Dodgers for Ricardo Rodriguez, Fernando Cruceta, and Terry Mulholland

Shapiro simply could not have asked for any more in return for Shuey, who was once a top prospect before succumbing to multiple injuries that have dimmed his potential. Rodriguez was highly-regarded as the top prospect in the Dodgers organization, and projects as a front-of-the-rotation starter, possibly even a staff ace. Cruceta has even better stuff than Rodriguez, and has an incredible upside. Mulholland was simply a salary dump, one that persuaded the Dodgers to trade even more value in the form of prospects to Cleveland. This was the best trade Shapiro has made in his term as Indians General Manager.

GRADE: A+

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

The Paul Shuey trade did much to improve the morale of the fans, despite the solid performance Shuey has given the Indians over his career. Fans who did not believe in the rebuilding process are taking notice of the exceptional value Shapiro received for Shuey, and are beginning to realize the hoards of talent that await in the minor leagues. Fan morale should only continue to improve, as we should receive a taste of the talent during September call-ups.

Perhaps one idea that has been overlooked by Indians brass is a system that would air minor league games on Tribe affiliates. There is no better way to expose Indians fans to the young talent in our organization, and such a system would be to the advantage of all sides. Even a small number of games – say, 5 per minor league affiliate – would do wonders to expose the young talent to all fans. This is one idea that the Indians should try hard to impose upon potential buyers in the cable industry.

RUMOR MILL

With the passing of the trade deadline, the rumors have subsided. John Hart was known for making trades after the July 31st trading deadline, but that was with a contending team. Any future trades are not likely to be made until after the season, when waivers are not a factor.

DOWN ON THE FARM

The short-season leagues are kicking into full-swing, and it is time to take a look at some of the early performances out of one of those teams. This report shall recognize both the hot and cold hitter and pitcher from the Mahoning Valley Scrappers.

WHO’S HOT

Catcher Jeff Haase was selected by the Indians in the 2001 amateur draft. Not considered to be a top prospect, Haase is surprising the Indians brass, hitting .320-8-26 in 31 games. Defensively, Haase can play third base and catcher, but needs to cut down on the errors. He could add to an already stacked catching position in the Indians system.

Brian Slocum was selected by the Indians in the 2002 amateur draft, and has already started to impress the Tribe brass with his command and poise. He is 2-0 with a 0.87 ERA in 5 starts despite working on a strict pitch count. His 15 hits allowed, 6 walks, and 18 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings pitched all represent favorable ratios for such a young pitcher.

WHO’S NOT

Mike Conroy was a budding outfielder selected by the Indians in the 2001 amateur draft. He was expected to “break out” this season after a weak 2001 campaign, but has yet to perform up to the expectations of Tribe brass. His .139-0-11 stat line represents a great disappointment. Conroy will soon find himself off the prospect charts should he continue to show poor development.

Reliever Kevin Martin has the ability to control batters, but has caught some unlucky breaks to this point in the season. Martin – with 29 hits allowed, 6 walks, and 23 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched – has struggled to an 0-2 record and 5.22 ERA in 14 appearances. Expect the ERA to fall and the wins to rise, as there is nothing to indicate a prolonged struggle.

INJURIES:

RP Bob Wickman
Status: Ailing
Prognosis: Wickman, on the DL with a sore right forearm, was not effective in the time period preceding his trip to the DL. His arm has been troublesome all season, and has dramatically affected his ability to pitch effectively. Be cautious with Wickman upon his return to closing duties as he may not return to top form until after this season.

QUICK VIEW:

WHO’S HOT (last 30 days):

2B Ricky Gutierrez: .360-2-21
DH Ellis Burks: .346-8-21, with 20 runs scored
SS Omar Vizquel: .330-3-10, with 18 runs scored
RP Mark Wohlers: 4 saves, 0.00 ERA in 14 appearances
SP Jason Phillips: 1-0, 2.13 ERA in 2 starts

WHO’S NOT (last 30 days):

3B Travis Fryman: .188-0-2 in 32 at-bats
C Einar Diaz: .197-0-3 in 71 at-bats
3B Bill Selby: .204-2-11 in 54 at-bats
SP Jaret Wright: 0-2, 16.62 ERA in 3 starts
SP Ryan Drese: 1-2, 13.25 ERA in 5 starts