To trade or not to trade

Last year Joe Smith cost us Samad Taylor and Thomas Pannone -- in July

Last year Jay Bruce cost us Ryder Ryan...a week later in August

A look this morning shows that the Indians are 11.5 games up from their nearest rivals in the AL Central, both of whom are 2-8 in their last 10 games and likely will be big time sellers as we approach the trade deadline.

So, unless an incredible disaster occurs, we are going to win the AL Central and make the playoffs.

August trades generally cost you less than July trades and late August trades generally cost even less as you are getting the guy(s) you want for a shorter period of time.

So why rush?

The Indians don't need a particular RH hitter.   They just need a RH hitter who does not play 1B, SS or catcher.

The Indians don't need a particular reliever, they just need an upgrade (or two) in their relief corps.

Look, the Indians are not battling for a playoff berth here like many other teams.   They are likely in the playoffs.

Let's do some bargain hunting.   I would rather have another Jay Bruce trade than a Joe Smith trade.  And I don't care if we make that trade July 31, August 1 and August 30.  

So, let's wait, take a deep breath and make trades later than earlier.   It is important to remember that teams that are buyers on July 31 are often sellers on August 31.   So let's make our trades when we need them, on August 31, rather than when it is a seller's market on July 31.

We do not need to give away significant assets in our farm system.   We need to KEEP those assets.  We are a small market team and we need to act like one.

Yeah, upgrade the team where you can but DON'T trade away our good prospects.   We don't need that to make the playoffs and, as everyone says, once you are in the playoffs anything can happen.