It was simply a feel good story. I never thought trading for him would affect the team’s performance. It just made me feel good to hear/see Tribe fans react when Thome was in the on-deck circle for the first time, and each and every time he comes up to bat. To me, that’s what baseball is about. Entertainment. Loving the players on your team – win or lose.

I understand your frustration, we all have it. We’re Cleveland fans. I just think you can’t go and hate on one of the most feel-good moments of the year – Thome back in a Tribe jersey. If you didn’t appreciate that moment, I just think there’s something wrong with you.

The Indians are in position to contend next year. IF they do SOMETHING. Preferably something BIG. Given the trade they made, it might actually happen. I personally want to see them dig up CCs old uni and replace the name with Fielder. Everyone send a Tommy’s menu to the Milwaukee clubhouse – vegetarian delight!

Detroit is in a much better position because our owner actually spends money on our team instead of trading away players when they reach arbitration. Unlike in the past, the Indians don’t get good returns on these trades (think Cliff Lee). This is why when Cleveland finishes the year below .500, they will have had only two winning seasons in the last ten years.

The proposed lineup quite simply isn’t good enough to compete with Detroit, especially when it requires that Sizemore and Hafner are healthy, which is a near impossibility (you can probably through Choo in there too). Cleveland was a nice story in the beginning of the season, but it was apparent that things would come crashing down. You can’t fake talent.

Let’s not take the cynical approach as a knee-jerk reaction to the season ending.

Stu, if you think Cleveland bringing back Thome was a waste of time, I think I’d probably question where your heart is. And Fukodome has arguably been our best hitter over the past month.

Jiminez, I somewhat agree with you – still a question mark.

Rotation:
Jimenez
Masterson
Carmona
Tomlin
Carrasco (unless he needs Tommy John, then this spot is probably up for grabs)

Bullpen: if we hold on to the core, should be fairly solid again.

Lineup — just going with what we know now. Some of these names may be gone.
Brantley
Cabrera
Choo
Hafner
Kipnis
Santana
Chisenhall
Sizemore
Marson/LaPorta

That’s a pretty decent lineup, and I’d say even very good if it stays healthy and the young guys make a little progress over the off season. We’ve got strong utility guys in Hanahan, Donald, and Carrera available as well.

If you consider any roster moves, things could look really interesting. This is just what we have right now. I’m sure we’ll see moves to add pitching and a right handed bat.

Keep in mind that Detroit and CWS are aging. Unless they make pickups, or their starting pitching performs to the high expectations, they won’t be as strong next year as they were this year.