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.

Milton Bradley is Headed to the Cubs, Multi-Year Deal offer may be a Mistake.

Bradley prides himself on being a good teammate, but eventually Bradley ends up being either restrained, defended, or shown the door by his managers. It's always something with Milton because Milton Bradley has a narcissism complex.

If you want an example of Bradley's narcissism, just go back to the 2008 All Star Game. Bradley was fawning all over Josh Hamilton during Hamilton's prolific home run derby debut in which he hit 28 dingers in round one. Nothing wrong with the fawning, however, while Bradley was mopping Hamilton's brow between home runs, Bradley also managed to ignore the 71 year old pitcher on the mound, Clay Council. When Milton posed with Josh and then took a picture of the two of them, once again, he ignored Clay Council.

Milton Bradley has been unable to relate to anyone older than himself for probably his entire career. His obliviousness towards a 71 year old pitcher who threw over 50 pitches to Josh Hamilton in round one of the All Star Home Run Derby shows Milton still has some growing up to do.

However, the real reason Milton Bradley should not sign with the Cubs is Bradley seems to get nagging leg injuries practically every season. In the American League, Bradley, could DH during the nagging times, in the national league, he either sits on the bench or risks making a minor injury into a major one by playing through the injury. There are a few instances of nagging injuries getting worse because Bradley continued to play in the field.

Then there are the fans who have the ability to get under Milton's skin. If Bradley's team is going on the road and it is a given that Milton will be treated shabbily by the opposing team's fans when he is in the outfield, a couple of days at DH is not such a bad option. Milton Bradley should be playing in the American League, it suits his game more.