Garrett Atkins to the Tribe?
Trade Speculation from Buster Olney of ESPN - Would it Make Sense?
The Cleveland Indians have been horrible offensively in 2008, so much so that trade speculation and rumors are surfacing - the first around Garrett Atkins of the Rockies.
The Cleveland Indians currently boast one of the worst offenses in Major League Baseball, so much so that the trade rumors (or, at least, the speculation by national pundits) have begun to fly – the first involving third baseman Garrett Atkins of the Colorado Rockies. With Ian Stewart waiting in the wings, it makes sense that the Rockies could be potentially shopping Atkins, and the Indians have a wealth of something the Rockies desperately need: pitching.
In 2007, the Cleveland Indians were able to reach the seventh game of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox. Granted, the Tribe lost after blowing a 3-1 series lead, but it was an accomplishment in itself for the young team. Perhaps falling into some sort of mental trap, the Indians have been unable to capture the offensive magic of last season.
Despite battling for first place in a weak American League Central division, the Cleveland Indians boast the worst batting average of any team in the AL. They are also not far from the bottom of the pile in the Majors, either. Additionally, the team boasts one of the worst on-base percentages (OBP) in the league. Only four teams in the AL (the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals, Minnesota Twins, and Seattle Mariners) have a weaker on-base percentage than the Indians.
It is obviously difficult to score runs without getting on base, but the problems do not end there. The Indians’ offense also lacks a significant amount of power, as their best hitter, catcher Victor Martinez, has yet to hit a home run in 2008. It also does not help that the team’s supposed slugger Travis Hafner has been in a year-long slump, dating all the way back to the beginning of last season. With Hafner struggling mightily to find any sense of a rhythm, the Cleveland Indians offense has been sporadic, and frustrating to watch for fans.
What the Indians Plan to Do
Manager Eric Wedge has begun to shake up the lineup in hopes that it can provide some sort of a spark in a lackluster offense that features a number of hitters battling to simply stay above the Mendoza Line. One of the biggest moves has been moving Travis Hafner from his normal position of third in the order as far down as sixth. Shortstop Jhonny Peralta, despite his immense struggles at the plate, has recently been moved to third and second in the order. One of the only true mainstays has been centerfielder Grady Sizemore hitting at the top of the lineup, along with Martinez in the cleanup spot..
If nothing else works, General Manager Mark Shapiro will have to begin making moves to make some sort of improvement. Buster Olney of ESPN has offered a trade idea out of pure speculation, and it involves Garrett Atkins of the Colorado Rockies. Atkins is a productive hitter at Coors Field, and is off to another fast start in 2008, hitting .335 with an OBP currently sitting at .360. Potential names to be considered from the Indians’ perspective would be pitchers Adam Miller, Aaron Laffey, and second baseman Josh Barfield. Not every player would be involved in a deal, but it will certainly take young talent to obtain the 28-year-old Atkins out of Colorado.
Third base remains an area of concern for the Indians. Andy Marte has been unable to show any sign of returning to the form that made him a top prospect, and Casey Blake, despite his value as a player who can play any number of positions, simply cannot produce as an everyday third baseman. In that regard, Atkins would fit right in, giving the Tribe some pop at a traditional power-producing position.
While this is nothing more than speculation, the Indians have to consider making a large splash in order to stay in contention. The pitching staff (especially the starters, leading the league in ERA) has done its part, but the offense must improve if the Cleveland Indians want any chance at reaching the ALCS in 2008.
