The trading deadline is truly a special time for baseball fans. An oasis of activity in the middle of a lazy summer of baseball. Aside from opening day, there really isn't another time where fans of all teams remain interested. Recent deadlines have proved anticlimactic here in Cleveland. And Jarad Regano hopes this one is as well.
The trading deadline is truly a special time for baseball fans. An oasis of activity in the middle of a lazy summer of baseball. Aside from opening day, there really isn't another time where fans of all teams remain interested.

Recent deadlines have proved anticlimactic here in Cleveland. The last two July's were very different in terms of where the Tribe stood. August 1st told the same story though. No purchases, no sales.

This is lining up to be a different type of summer. With the Indians looking primed for a three month death match for a playoff spot, another bullpen arm or power bat would be welcomed. With Keith Foulke's contract sitting in a bank account like a newly received tax refund,, money would not even be the factor it usually is.

My personal wish list always had right-handed bat at the top of it. But the Tribe is second in the majors in run scored. Doing this a second straight year crushes the abberation argument to pieces. I have come to grips that our lineup will not be as sexy as some other contenders. But what would a big name really improve?

The bullpen, on the other hand, features a back end with a 90 percent closing ratio and one of the best set-up men in the league. Would a more pitch efficient closer be more fun to watch? Maybe. But could the results be that much more improved? I doubt it.

That leaves the 7th inning guy. I simply cannot make an argument for a small market team to give up a potential regular for a middle reliever. And with options such as Jensen Lewis and perhaps even Adam Miller, your options may be just as good from within.

The two names that I am afraid could be cast aside the way of Ryan Church, Willy Taveras and Luke Scott are Franklin Gutierrez and Ben Francisco.
I adhere that both may be nothing more than 4th outfielders. But I also know that both have the potential of going for 20 bombs and 20 steals a year. That would look pretty good for the current station to station Tribe. I have no idea at this point which has a better shot at doing it though. The Indians don't either.

So stand pat, Mark. Be overwhelmed or say no thanks. While the farm system may be deprived of impact talent, the depth may be unrivaled. Have these guys weed themselves out here, not in another uniform. And for once, I promise not to cry about money unspent.