For the latest talk on the Tribe from the perspective of Steve Michalovich
"I don't feel we have any pressing needs," Shapiro said. "If the opportunity is there and the moment creates itself to be opportunistic or reinforce the club, we'd certainly do that from a position of depth."
Talk is Cheap, but Will Shapiro Pull the Trigger? – 11-28-07
Trade scenarios are flourishing among Tribe fans, but what is realistically in the cards?
Cliff Lee and Jason Michaels for Ronnie Belliard and Austin Kearnes.
Josh Barfield and Franklin Gutierrez for Jason Bay.
Jhonny Peralta and Adam Miller for Miguel Tejada.
Break the bank on Miguel Cabrera.
Fans have even pleaded on blogs and message boards for names such as Andruw Jones and Torii Hunter to sport Chief Wahoo on their sleeves. Wait, don’t we already have a gold glove centerfielder?
The Cleveland Faithful is ready for the Indians to spend some cheese and make some impacting deals, although front office doesn’t appear primed to make bold, risky moves.
"I don't feel we have any pressing needs," Shapiro said. "If the opportunity is there and the moment creates itself to be opportunistic or reinforce the club, we'd certainly do that from a position of depth."
In other words, don’t expect to see too many moves in the upcoming Winter Meetings.
The one asset this team will explore is a power bat to slip somewhere in the heart of the order. They won’t shell out big bucks for the likes of Cabrera, but a reasonable swap for Bay is very possible.
The Indians have built this team up with smart signings and thoughtful trades, and throwing away prospects to land a big bat is just not the Shapiro way.
In the 90’s, players such as Brian Giles, Richie Sexson and Sean Casey were dealt for short term fixes in a playoff run. Those players were afterthoughts once departed, but have all since gone on to all-star seasons.
This team needs to continue to build on promising youth and not rid themselves of the likes of Miller, Gutierrez and Asdrubal Cabrera, among others.
Next week’s meetings may be relatively quiet, but Shapiro is crafty. There may be some noise - just not a big score such as Miguel Cabrera.
But fans are always general managers on the message boards, so add your thoughts and continue the wheeling and dealing – because the rumors and buzz are half the fun to being a fan.