Indians Make Trade for another "over 30" third baseman...

After the Andy Marte Experiment, the Indians have gone back to the established, over 30 years of age vet third baseman with today's trade of three pitching prospects in exchange for Mark DeRosa of the Chicago Cubs. Ever since Jim Thome could not handle the hot corner to the Indians satisfaction in the early 90's, the Indians starting third baseman have all been at least 30 years old, with the exception of the Andy Marte experiment.

This trade will probably help Cleveland in 2009 as De Rosa had the third highest OBP for a 3rd baseman in either league, just barely trailing the number one and two guys. It is a bit scary to see the Indians trading three prospect pitchers when so few pitchers from their own organization ever make it to the majors as an Indian. Factor in that Mark Guthrie got away and one wonders if any of the three pitchers that were traded will come back to haunt thoe fans who like to focus on the ones who got away.

Assuming Carmona and Lee pitch well, and Reyes can last the season without getting injured (a BIG if), the Indians will be just one starting pitcher away from being a legitimate contender. The Indians have assembled several "grit" players in De Rosa and Jamey Carroll in the infield, Grady Sizemore, Shin Soo Choo in the outfield, and Kelly Shoppach behind the pitch. Grit Players tend to run out every ball they hit, and aren't afraid to get their uniforms dirty, and this probably is the grittiest the Indians have been in a long time.

Just imagine if CC Sabathia had made good on his vow to bring a championship to Cleveland and had extended his stay in Cleveland a couple more years. The Indians would go into 2009 with back to back Cy Young Award Winners in the same starting five rotation, with Carmona, Reyes, and the midseason return of Jake Westbrook, what a solid pitching rotation that would have been. CC Sabathia on the 2009 Indians team, that's how close the Indians came to being a certified contender in 2009 rather than one of the dozen or more bubble teams that could go all the way, or end up mired at .500 or less.