Random Thoughts Aug5'07

Deadline Dud
For the third time in the last four years (’04, ’05, ’07), Indians’ GM Mark Shapiro failed to pull the trigger on any significant acquisitions prior to the July 31 trading deadline to help his team during the stretch run. All the Tribe has to show for his (Shapiro’s) efforts is Kenny Lofton. That’s not a good track record spanning three contending teams in four years. In 2004, we were told they weren’t ready to contend – even though the standings said otherwise. In ’05, he made no moves and the team wilted in September. We’ll see what happens in ’07.

One thing is also clear, the Indians aren’t likely to be playing come October if their recently signed eight figure a year players, Travis Hafner and Jake Westbrook, don’t step up during the final two months of play. Both have been disappointments so far this summer.

The irony is one can argue the Tribe is better prepared for a short series today that 10 years ago when post-season appearances were the norm in Cleveland.

CC and Carmona give the Indians more than a puncher’s chance if they (Indians) were to advance. Having those two on the hill five times in a seven-game series bodes well. Unfortunately, you have to get there first.

The other factor no one is talking about is the real possibility that CC is pitching for the last time in an Indians’ uniform in August and September. Unless the Tribe is ready to break the bank to sign him – can you say $20 million a year - he will likely be dealt before next year’s July 31 trading deadline arrives.

So why not go for it in ’07 while you still have the core of this team intact and two horses on the mound?

Only Shapiro can answer that question. A GM earns the bulk of his paycheck during the off-season and prior to the trading deadline. Shapiro gets an A- for his off-season work, but a D for his July deadline performance. The Lofton pickup kept him from earning his third F in the last four years. A couple of quality bullpen arms and another big bat were desperately needed. Once again, he didn’t get it done.

Trot
Trot Nixon should be sitting and the younger, more athletic outfielders on the roster should be playing. Nixon’s numbers don’t justify his bat staying in the line-up. This isn’t the first time a manager stays with the veteran down the stretch hoping his experience will make a difference. We disagree this time.

Quinn & Camp
Let’s not get carried away with Brady Quinn not being signed and in camp just yet. He’ll eventually arrive. This is just the business side of sports rearing its head. Besides, all will be forgotten after his first good pre-season performance.

KG
Give Danny Ainge credit for thinking out of the box and acquiring Kevin Garnett. Most GMs don’t have the guts to do what he did. Ainge now has three all-stars on his roster – all of whom are itching for a chance to reach the Finals. Ainge isn’t thinking five years down the line. He’s going for it now.

Besides, in today’s professional sports world, you can’t think beyond three years. Too much changes too quickly today to believe any GM who still uses the worn out line - “We aren’t going to mortgage the future for a chance to win now.” If you hear that silliness, it’s often a GM covering his @$$ for non-activity and poor production.

As for the Celtics, they are far from a perfect team, but they have created excitement, improved their roster and put themselves in a position to compete in the eastern conference.

Tank In Cleveland
The Browns should sign recently released DT Tank Johnson – formerly of the Chicago Bears. From a football standpoint, he would be one of their best defensive linemen. It would be a minimal risk deal for the Browns. If he reverts to his old habits, you release him. If he behaves off the field, you’ve added a solid run stopper in the prime of his career.

Culpepper In Oakland
Speaking of quarterbacks, the Raiders made a good move adding D. Culpepper to their roster. He was putting up Hall of Fame numbers when he was healthy and throwing to Carter and Moss. He’s fallen on hard times since, but he’s still relatively young for a QB, and if healthy, is still better than 80% of signal-callers starting in the NFL today. Besides, he will at minimum, be a good mentor for J. Russell, once he reports.