In one of the most incredible swoons in baseball history my beloved Cleveland Indians have gone from first place to dead last in the space of about one month. This team has come apart at the seams.  They won't come back, this season is over for Indians.

Current Streak is 8 straight loses - Sabathia Traded!

Cleveland couldn't beat the school for the blind right now. C.C. Sabathia has been traded to Milwaukee for four players. They are outfielder Matt LaPorta, pitchers Rob Bryson and Zach Jackson and another player to be named later. I'm not sure I've heard of any on those guys but I don't follow the National League either. Sabathia was a goner anyway after the season. With last year's Cy Young award he  became too big for his britches (if that's possible)  At any rate, he wants more money than the Indians can afford to give him. It's an all too familiar scenario. Cleveland develops a stud and then he wants the big bucks and he's signed away.

Borowski Finally Released!

What the hell took so damned long? Mark Shapiro a baseball genius? Jesus H. Christ, having Borowski as your closer was an embarrassment! I can't imagine any team picking him up.

Hafner is Done!

Travis is currently injured along with about half the rest of the starters. Not sure he's really hurt but from what I've seen last year and this Hafner is washed up. If he does come back, don't expect much out of him, he's finished. Victor Martinez, on the other hand, will be welcomed back. He's solid and one of the leaders of the club. His absence has been sorely felt. Although, I must say, Kelly Shoppach has been a capable replacement, especially at the plate. Sometimes Kelly needs a figgin' basket behind the plate though. He's a real adventure as a catcher.

Speaking of Adventures

Say no more than Shin-Soo Choo (if you can). I guess in 2008 it's a requirement for all big league teams to have at least one Japanese player on their roster.  This guy should go back to Japan and learn how to 1. Catch a baseball 2. Hit a baseball 3. Throw a baseball.  He's listed at 5'11" but I swear it's more like 5'5".  Add to that his vertical leap of 1" and you've got fun in right field when he's in there. A right fielder traditionally gets fewer balls hit at him than any other outfield position. Good thing! Thank God Grady Sizemore has the speed to cover most of the outfield by himself. Come on now, what the hell is Choo doing on this roster?

Wedge Still WILL NOT look anybody in the EYE!

What's with this guy anyway? I've heard it said that a liar can't look you in the eye. Eric can't be lying all the time. It's uncanny. I saw Wedge charge the first base ump last night to argue a call. Shit, he looked everywhere but AT the umpire during the exchange. TV interviews with Wedge are hilarious - he simply refuses to look at the camera!  Maybe he's just shy.

Painful to Watch

But anyway. Too bad it's just early July and there's nothing to look forward to with Cleveland baseball. We'll get 'em next year - right?  Not likely.  While the starting pitching has been stellar, any attempt by anyone out of the Cleveland bullpen is nothing more than an invitation to batting practice. Cliff Lee has been outstanding! I'm pleased that he and Sizemore were named to the All-Star team. Of course, Carmona has been on the DL forever now so we don't know if he'll be worth a shit when he gets back or not. Paul Byrd has been OK at times and Grady Sizemore remains rock steady.

I'll just wait and  see what shakes out for the Tribe. They're knee deep in the rebuilding mode. We're going to see a lot of new names out there. I just hope a couple of them can play baseball!