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Will today mark the end of Borowski, and the beginning of trade talks for Sabathia and others?

Today’s an off day for the Cleveland Indians.

It seems such a harmless sentence, but with the Cleveland Indians playing baseball far south of good, today’s off day might mean the beginning of a major shake-up for the Cleveland Indians team in general, and to, specifically, their bullpen. When Mark Shapiro was asked about his bullpen, and specifically, Joe Borowski, he replied,

“We’ve got an off day. We’re going to be meeting, we’re going to be talking, we’ve got a lot of things that we’ve got to work through right now. We’ll be working on the off day to try to solidify some things, make some decisions and go from there.”

I’m sure Borowski wasn’t exactly jumping up and down at that quote, when Shapiro has already been pretty clear about Borowski having the job since signing him before last season. It may be the quote that leads to an imminent departure for Borowski, and the beginning of the end for several other Indians.

It does appear that there will be changes made. According to the Plain Dealer, Shapiro, Eric Wedge, Chris Antonelli, and the rest of the coaching staff will be meeting today to talk about the future of the club. So what are the changes? In the short term, look for the Indians to overhaul their bullpen, and I believe that will start with Joe Borowski either being released outright, or traded for anything to a team that needs an arm, any arm. I don’t know that there is even a market for Borowski after his weekly implosions, but there might be if the Indians ask for barely anything back. Borowski would be owed less than $2 million on his contract, since this is his option year. Cutting ties with Borowski wouldn’t be a surprise.

Waiting in the wings in AAA are several players who have been playing well. Jensen Lewis seems to have regained a bit of his electric status from last year. In Lewis’ last nine innings, he has a 2.00 ERA, with eight hits, 11 K’s and six walks. In his last six innings, he’s given up only two hits, with five K’s and no walks and a 0.00 ERA. Brian Slocum was also recently moved to the pen, and has been spectacular. In his seven games in the bullpen, he’s given up only eight hits in 13 innings. He’s struck out 10, and walked only three. His ERA? Try a paltry 0.69. Sure, a seven game try-out isn’t a big enough picture, but anything would be better than what the Indians have gotten so far. Jeff Stevens is also there, although he’s struggled in his last three outings.

Past the bullpen, look for potential trade talks involving several Indians, including Casey Blake, Paul Byrd and potentially Rafael Betancourt to culminate over the next few days and weeks. Blake is a lock to go, with several teams looking at him, including the Cubs, A’s and Dodgers. Byrd might be interesting to a team with solid starters, who’s looking for an innings-eater for the stretch. He might be a salary dump for the Indians, to a club in a bigger market. There should be a big market for a guy like Betancourt. He’s struggling mightily this season, but he still should be enticing to a league that is hungry for good relievers. Remember, he’s less than a year removed from being the best set-up man in baseball.

Am I expecting much in return for any of the players involved? Not really. I see it as a chance for Tribe brass to finally get a look at Andy Marte over a long haul, and clear out the space for next year’s club. Unfortunately for the Indians, Jeremy Sowers looks like garbage, and there’s not a whole lot in regards to major-league ready pitching in Buffalo. Of course, out of nowhere comes David Huff, another lefty who the Indians selected in the supplemental first round of the 2006 draft. He’s pitching well in AAA, although erratic. Still, Cleveland might be willing to take a look at him if they choose to dump the middling players that riddle this lineup.

Oh, and what about C.C. Sabathia? Consider trade talks begun. It’s being reported today by Buster Olney that the Rays aren’t interested in Sabathia (nor are the Red Sox). Of course, less than a week ago, Olney was proclaiming the Rays as the front-runners, so you know how far you can throw anything these guys say. So who might be involved? Chalk up every team in the league that has a shot at the playoffs. What’s at stake? I’m sure Cleveland will be looking for a deal similar to the one the A’s got for Danny Haren in the offseason. Cleveland will need to get at least two of the top three prospects, however, to make sure that Cleveland is compensated for the potential to get two extra #1’s in next season’s draft. More will be needed, but that’s where Shapiro will start. That should eliminate several teams who just don’t have the firepower to deal (do you hear that New York, Philly and Chicago?).

Think about the Rays though, sitting there after a sweep of the Red Sox. Imagine on top of that, you add C.C. Sabathia without giving up a current player off the roster. Imagine if the Indians could sell them on that, and get David Price in return. If you don’t know about this kid, click the link. He’s the real deal. I know the Rays’ fans will come out of themselves about Price, saying there’s no way he goes. Getting him would be a coup, and it’s certainly doubtful. At the same time, it’s not as impossible as people think.

Sabathia is a known commodity, and if the Rays think this is the year, they should go after him instead of banking on the future (which they have a ton of already). Not only that, but the Rays would then be either guaranteed of first dibs at Sabathia, or two first round picks, and you know how much they love picks. As good as Price looks so far, and it’s real good, he doesn’t come wearing a reigning Cy Young Award. Adding Sabathia THIS YEAR makes the Rays the favorites in the East after their sweep.

You combine that with the future stadium referendum, and you might just have the perfect mix.

Will Shapiro jump? He better, and soon, because there might not be a better suiter in regards to talent.

It should be an interesting day to be a Cleveland Indians’ fan. I wouldn’t day fun, but definitely interesting.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 3rd, 2008 at 12:21 pm and is filed under Oakland A's, Jensen Lewis, Casey Blake, Eric Wedge, L.A. Dodgers, David Price, Chris Antonelli, Mark Shaprio, Brian Slocum, Rafael Betancourt, Dan Haren, Joe Borowski, Andy Marte, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians, C.C. Sabathia, Paul Byrd, Jeremy Sowers, James Pete, Tribe Report. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.