CIN/CLE Trade Idea

[dabvu2498]

Originally Posted by cincyinco

Why would the Indians trade for Larue and his awful contract when they have one of the best young catchers in the game in Vic Martinez?

Victor Martinez will not be a catcher much longer. His defensive skills are awful. I do, however, believe Cleveland thinks that Kelly Shoppach is the answer, so Jason LaRue is unnecessary for them anyway.

Any way you slice it... no way Cleveland does the deal mentioned above.

[Newman4]

I saw that the Indians were playing Shoppach some with Martinez at first base. Thus, the idea for the trade. With Shoppach unproven, I thought if the Tribe wanted to make a run of it next year, Wedge might feel better with a proven vet bac kthere on days when Martinez needs a rest or if they decide to play him at 1B because of his bat. Claussen needs a change of scenery and would be a lower priced option in their rotation. To say Wagner needs a change of scenery could be an understatement.

Westbrook has averaged a little over .700 OPS against the past three seasons (04-06) and has over a 3:1 GB/FB ratio. He's signed next season for about the same amount the Larue/Claussen combo will make (6 million). He doesn't strike out a lot of batters, but has about a 2:1 K/BB ratio, so he does walk that many either. 8 complete games in the last 2.5 seasons, over 200 IP in 2004 and 2005.