When it comes to teams flying under the radar in the 2013 Major League Baseball season, it begins and ends with the surprising Cleveland Indians. They were expected to be an afterthought in an American League with many deep and talented teams, but less than a week away from the trade deadline, the Tribe sit three games behind the Detroit Tigers in the Central and only one game out of a Wild Card spot.
The Indians are in a tough spot when it comes to the trade deadline. The odds are likely against them. It is tough to see them overtaking a red-hot Tigers team that has been known to play better as the season progresses, and it is also tough to see them beat out all sorts of competition in the Wild Card race, despite being only a game out.
Trading for youth or staying put will make it look like the team is giving up despite being so close, but giving away key prospects in order to make a run is certainly a huge risk. Asdrubal Cabrera’s name has been thrown around in trade rumors since his contract is up after next season, but he will likely stick around due to how well the team has been performing.
Cleveland’s success has come from many places. Looking at the team’s lineup, no Indian’s stats are very remarkable; in fact, every single hitter is batting under the .300 mark. Somehow, however, they have managed to get the key hits at the times they are needed.
Another factor working for the Indians has been their starting pitching. Ace Justin Masterson has had a terrific year, while Corey Kluber has made a name for himself and Scott Kazmir has worked his way back into the the show as a consistent starter. Ubaldo Jimenez has been inconsistent, but pitched an absolute gem on Sunday, shutting out the Texas Rangers.
The pitching has been good recently, but trading for another starter to add some more depth to the rotation would be a smart move. The issue is that available starting pitching is at a premium this year and the Tribe (or anyone else) would likely have to overpay for it based on the return the Chicago Cubs received in the Matt Garza deal. Cubs starter Jeff Samardzija could fit the mold of a depth starter for the Indians.
What the Indians need most is bullpen help. The ‘pen has been inconsistent in TribeTown and Cleveland will definitely try to make a run at some relievers. Texas’s Joe Nathan and Philadelphia’s Jonathan Papelbon are two relievers whose names have been on the block that GM Chris Antonetti could look at, but they will likely have to come at high prices with many other teams bidding for their services.
If Cleveland deals for a reliever, expect it to be somebody that would come at a lower price that Nathan or Papelbon, and a lefthander at that. Southpaw Indian relievers have had massive struggles this season and have created a huge hole in the team’s framework. If a left-handed reliever come to Cleveland, he could work wonders for the team in close games.
As far as offense goes, the position the Indians need the most help at is clearly third base. Players from virtually all other positions have made some big contributions, but the duo of strikeout king Mark Reynolds and underachieving Lonnie Chisenhall have not been getting the job done at the hot corner.
Michael Young from the Philadelphia Phillies would be the ideal addition, but this could yet again be another case where the Tribe would have to give up too much. Los Angeles Angels third baseman Alberto Callaspo or Miami Marlins third baseman Placido Polanco, while not huge impact players, could fit the bill at a low cost and be a slight upgrades at third.
The Indians could also look to add another bat, as designated hitter Jason Giambi has been struggling mightily and outfielder Drew Stubbs has been underachieving. Look for them to stay put, however, when it comes to hitting, as bullpen help is what they need most.