Save Jake Westbrook! Actually…
As Bob pointed out in a previous post, the Indians are reportedly talking to the Reds once again about an Austin Kearns/Jake Westbrook trade. At first glance, it’s easy to say, as Bob did:
I think that Mr. Dolan needs to understand that keeping a nucleus together is critical for success, even if it means spending money.
But then I read this:
Losing Westbrook would leave a giant hole in Cleveland’s rotation. According to a rival team, Shapiro has been in recent discussions with free-agent right-hander Jeff Weaver (14-11, 4.22 ERA for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2005). Weaver, 29, made $9.5 million last season, but the market for him has been thin, and he might be willing to take at least $1 million less on a one-year contract. The cost of his salary would be offset by the departure of Rhodes ($3.7 million) and Westbrook ($4.25 million). Michaels will make $1.5 million this season.
Now, there’s no way you can trade Jake Westbrook without getting a competent replacement for him. I agree wholeheartedly. But Weaver is Jake Westbrook, or a damn fine clone:
Weaver
2005: 14-11, 4.22 ERA, 157 Ks, 220 IP
2004: 13-13, 4.01 ERA, 153 Ks, 224 IP
Westbrook
2005: 15-15, 4.49 ERA, 119 Ks, 216 IP
2004: 14-9, 3.38 ERA, 116 Ks, 211 IP
You may be tempted to say that Weaver’s older, and he is, but only by one year (29-28). So if Shapiro’s able to land a power-hitting outfielder, albeit one with some issues but one with a lot of potential too, without losing anything in terms of starting pitching, would that be such a bad thing?
Everybody likes Westbrook, just like everybody loves Coco, but again, Westbrook’s not a great pitcher, nor will he ever be one. He was so erratic last season that he often wasn’t even a very good pitcher. Granted, you’re not getting someone with Andy Marte’s potential in return, but Kearns is still just 25 (younger than Coco, by the way) and he’s got GOBS of power. And by trading Westbrook, Dolan would then open up his wallet for Weaver, which is what we all want to see him do, right? Start spending. Well, he may do just that soon.
And for everyone accusing the Indians of not trying to compete, think again. Shapiro’s gearing this team up for a playoff run, but in the process he’s also solidified the future of the franchise. Without question, we’re talking about one of the best general managers in baseball. It’s a shame so many Cleveland fans don’t recognize it yet. But they will soon.
If they can sign Weaver, this deal would be brilliant. In effect you get Kearns for free. He has serious power from the right side, which is exactly what this team needs.
Mr Dolan is not interested in keeping the team together or in untying the purse stings. When will everyone realise this. The Dolans are not interested in winning if it means spending real money to do it. The team will contend, but when you down grade as much as we have this off season, you have no chance to win and that is the exact message you send the team.. Trade Coco, for a minor leaguer, is something for nothing and Michaels is no replacment and will prove it soon enough, you guys are dreaming talking about the numbers. Chemistry wins pennents, as much as talent and the Tribe has substracted too much of both. You can not win by tearing the team apart….
It’s a good thing you’re not running this team, Anonymous, because you obviously have no clue what you’re talking about.
I’ve been one of Dolan’s biggest critics, and I’ve bitched about his apparent refusal to spend money on the open market. But while this team may have taken a small step back for 2006, they’ll still be competitive this season and they’re primed to be even better moving forward.
This is one of the most inaccurate statements I’ve read or heard anyone make regarding this trade. When Shapiro dealt Bartolo Colon for Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips, was that “something for nothing”? How about when he traded Einar Diaz and Ryan Drese for Travis Hafner? Or Chuck Finley for your boy Coco? When are people going to realize that Shapiro knows what he’s doing?
I agree that Dolan needs to spend some money, and I’m hoping they’re a little more aggressive early on in free agency next year to help them land a proven guy who’s going to help them win rather than waiting around for the scraps like Paul Byrd and Eduardo Perez. But this Coco trade wasn’t about money. The Indians weren’t looking to trade Coco — the Red Sox came calling and they dangled one of the best prospects in the game. If they weren’t getting Marte in return, the Tribe would’ve signed Coco, just like they signed Hafner and Victor Martinez last season.
Make no mistake about it: this trade was about improving over the long haul.