But He's an All-Star!
by Corey
I don't like this notion that you're either a buyer or a seller at the trade deadline. Somehow, if the Indians trade Bob Wickman, it means they're playing for next year? It's possible to trade Bob Wickman right now and still make/intend to make the playoffs. I would even say it's possible to trade Bob Wickman right now and maintain the same superb level of performance out of the bullpen for the rest of the season. To do this doesn't even require getting major league talent in return.
And I'm not saying this now as a reaction to Wickman's blown save agaisnt the A's (which was quite sucky, don't get me wrong). The fact of the matter is, Wickman has put up some pretty good numbers so far in 2005, which has come as a major surprise to me. But contrary to popular belief, he has not been the best reliever on the team... more like fourth-best. I can't help but feel that Wickman is playing on borrowed time; each day he narrowly escapes without blowing the game, I breathe a sigh of relief. With his perceived value so high at the moment due to saves and all-star-ness, it would be advisable to trade Wickman to a GM who believes his team needs veteran leadership, "closer magic", and/or really fat players. I'd happily take a few dreaded "minor leaguers" in return ("minor leaguers" being a derisive term in traditional trade analysis).
The Indians are neither buyers nor sellers. If they do nothing, they'll be fine. But I'd love to see them sell Wickman. Maybe some young whippersnapper out there would like to re-enact Richie Sexson's prime years for us, but in a Cleveland uniform.
Meanwhile, the Tribe is off to Seattle, and--surprise!--so am I, and--surprise!--so is Alex. We'll be sure to share some Indians coverage from our trip to Safeco Field. Stay tuned.
And I'm not saying this now as a reaction to Wickman's blown save agaisnt the A's (which was quite sucky, don't get me wrong). The fact of the matter is, Wickman has put up some pretty good numbers so far in 2005, which has come as a major surprise to me. But contrary to popular belief, he has not been the best reliever on the team... more like fourth-best. I can't help but feel that Wickman is playing on borrowed time; each day he narrowly escapes without blowing the game, I breathe a sigh of relief. With his perceived value so high at the moment due to saves and all-star-ness, it would be advisable to trade Wickman to a GM who believes his team needs veteran leadership, "closer magic", and/or really fat players. I'd happily take a few dreaded "minor leaguers" in return ("minor leaguers" being a derisive term in traditional trade analysis).
The Indians are neither buyers nor sellers. If they do nothing, they'll be fine. But I'd love to see them sell Wickman. Maybe some young whippersnapper out there would like to re-enact Richie Sexson's prime years for us, but in a Cleveland uniform.
Meanwhile, the Tribe is off to Seattle, and--surprise!--so am I, and--surprise!--so is Alex. We'll be sure to share some Indians coverage from our trip to Safeco Field. Stay tuned.
10 Comments:
I think they should trade everyone possible. I think they're going to hover in contention uncertainty zone for the rest of the season and ultimately not make it. I'm usually an optimistic guy, but I'm really down on the Tribe right now. Maybe Wedge keeps playing Blake to shortcircuit our chances, hoping to create some difference between us and the wildcard leader. Thereby lessening the PR blow. Although, I have to say, Shapiro's made much more controversial trades than this one would be.
Roger: Nah, we flew (from Chicago) this morning. Which game will your parents be at?
Anonymous: I don't know; state your case and I'll consider axing the 'stache.
Noah: We like C.C. but I'd be all for trading him--for the right price. The Reds would be INSANELY STUPID to trade Dunn for Sabathia straight up though; I doubt that would ever happen. But he is the type of player whose perceived value in the media and among the fans is higher than his actual due to having been a "number one starter" and so-called "clubhouse leader". And you know what I have to say about that.
I love what Millwood and Wickman have done for us, but they aren't going to be here next year so unless we think that we really need them for this year, we should get the most value for them that we can.
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