Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Indians' Arms Race
Would you trade Kevin Millwood and Scott Elarton for Paul Byrd and Jason Johnson?
Of course not.
Indians general manager Mark Shapiro does not shy away from that fact; he's smarter than that. Which is precisely why it might make a little sense to hear him out, instead of writing off the 2006 season as a disaster-in-the-making.
It was slim-pickings this winter for baseball exec's. There was no replacement for Kevin Millwood's 2005 production--maybe not even from Millwood, himself. Tell me, was a repeat performance guaranteed from a 30-something with a fat new contract and lingering arm trouble? Didn't think so.
As much as fans may have wanted Shapiro to throw every last dollar at the American League's ERA leader, he was wise to pocket the cash. $60 million for Millwood is ridiculous. Period.
The Indians choose to no longer play that game (in case you failed to notice, neither do the suddenly frugal Yankees). That does not mean you should not automatically exclude them from chasing a free agent worth overpaying down the road, but you should also not bet the ranch on such a longshot.
So, that means settling for rent-a-pitchers every winter? Not if a few minor leaguers can help it. Keep your eyes on these arms, starting this spring:
Jeremy Sowers: Closest to a big league starter, Sowers (left) could be an option this year if injury or ineffectiveness opens a spot in the roation. He mixes savvy with five pitches, including a curve that offers proof of gravity. In his first pro season, he shot through the system faster than an Adam Miller fastball...
Adam Miller: A flame-throwing righty who's fastball tops 100 mph. A strained ligament in his throwing arm set back his progress last spring, but his stuff (including a hard slider) is still too good to ignore. The Indians believe he could be an ace in the future.
Fausto Carmona: Intense and intimidating, this 6'4" righty should be in the mix for a big league call-up sometime this season.
Jason Davis remains in the picture as a starter, though Shapiro says he's a candidate for a spot in the bullpen for 2006. Such a move might be necessary because the Indians simply have too much pitching that is nearly ready to live up to the promise.
That, of course, is if you believe the Tribe's glass is half-full.
Indians fans and GM wanna-be's, speak your mind. E-mail me at chandler@newsnet5.com
Your comments will be posted on this blog (provided you keep it clean).
Of course not.
Indians general manager Mark Shapiro does not shy away from that fact; he's smarter than that. Which is precisely why it might make a little sense to hear him out, instead of writing off the 2006 season as a disaster-in-the-making.
It was slim-pickings this winter for baseball exec's. There was no replacement for Kevin Millwood's 2005 production--maybe not even from Millwood, himself. Tell me, was a repeat performance guaranteed from a 30-something with a fat new contract and lingering arm trouble? Didn't think so.
As much as fans may have wanted Shapiro to throw every last dollar at the American League's ERA leader, he was wise to pocket the cash. $60 million for Millwood is ridiculous. Period.
The Indians choose to no longer play that game (in case you failed to notice, neither do the suddenly frugal Yankees). That does not mean you should not automatically exclude them from chasing a free agent worth overpaying down the road, but you should also not bet the ranch on such a longshot.
So, that means settling for rent-a-pitchers every winter? Not if a few minor leaguers can help it. Keep your eyes on these arms, starting this spring:
Jeremy Sowers: Closest to a big league starter, Sowers (left) could be an option this year if injury or ineffectiveness opens a spot in the roation. He mixes savvy with five pitches, including a curve that offers proof of gravity. In his first pro season, he shot through the system faster than an Adam Miller fastball...Adam Miller: A flame-throwing righty who's fastball tops 100 mph. A strained ligament in his throwing arm set back his progress last spring, but his stuff (including a hard slider) is still too good to ignore. The Indians believe he could be an ace in the future.
Fausto Carmona: Intense and intimidating, this 6'4" righty should be in the mix for a big league call-up sometime this season.
Jason Davis remains in the picture as a starter, though Shapiro says he's a candidate for a spot in the bullpen for 2006. Such a move might be necessary because the Indians simply have too much pitching that is nearly ready to live up to the promise.
That, of course, is if you believe the Tribe's glass is half-full.
Indians fans and GM wanna-be's, speak your mind. E-mail me at chandler@newsnet5.com
Your comments will be posted on this blog (provided you keep it clean).
Posted at 1:58 PM
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