Indians Mirror Precedent, Brewers Seek Playoffs

Since 2000, the Cleveland Indians have obeyed an outline. They have not improvised. The Indians cultivate talent. They promote talent. Their talent shimmers. The Indians ignore market value. They trade their talent. No exceptions or exemptions. If someone merits riches, they are expelled.

On Monday, the Indians traded C.C. Sabathia to the Milwaukee Brewers. As reciprocation, the Indians received minor league outfielder Matt LaPorta and minor league pitchers Rob Bryson and Zach Jackson. “We all headed into this season with what we feel are well-founded expectations for a championship-contending season,” said Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro. “Four core players on the DL -- tough for almost any franchise to overcome -- as well as disappointing performances from many components of our team, most noticeably in the bullpen, leave us at the juncture we're at. There wasn't much doubt or question in our mind that it was nearly impossible for us to become a contending club this year.”

Currently, the Brewers are 49-40. In the National League Central, they trail the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals. Milwaukee’s deficit is four contests. “It's hard to tell people in years past, 'Three years from now, we're going to be good,'“ said Ben Sheets. “We want to win now.”

During his career, Sabathia has amassed a 106-71 record. He has posted a 3.83 earned run average. In 2007, Sabathia garnered the American League Cy Young Award. This season, he has registered a 6-8 record. “If anybody's ever seen me pitch, I'm out there laughing and having fun,” he said. “That's just me, and that's something that I didn't do last year. When we get to the playoffs, I'll definitely be doing that.”

Since 1983, the Brewers have logged a 1,924-2,168 record. They have accrued zero playoff appearances. Their opinion? Sabathia will alter this. My opinion? He will not.