Derek Anderson, Ringer
February 1, 2008A Rooting Interest
February 1, 2008“He’s been an absolute warrior for us,” general manager Mark Shapiro recently said. “He’s one of the hardest workers and the most selfless players on our Major League team. In so many ways, he embodies what this team is all about.”
Yeah, I know. I’m being a jerk. The Indians didn’t extend C.C. Sabathia, they avoided arbitration by signing Casey Blake to a one year deal. Details were of course not made available right away, but apparently the Tribe third baseman had asked for $6.9 million (is that dollars???) and the Indians had offered $5.4 million, so the actual total lies somewhere in the middle.
Anyone who has been tortured has read my ramblings during baseball season can probably tell you that I have a nickname for Mr. Blake. I may not have influenced the greater Cleveland area with this moniker yet, but I do have my wife calling Casey by the endearing nickname- Death. Here, I’ll use it in context, “Who’s up hon? Death. Oh no…” You get the idea.
To be honest, Casey earned that nickname a few years ago, and it came about quite innocently. I was simply watching a game when Casey grounded into an inning ending double play. I called him an inning killer or something of that nature. He had been in a bit of a slump, and so when he approached the plate later that game I sort of blurted out, “Oh great, here comes Death!” The name just stuck. Honestly, Casey Blake is one of the more self-less guys in the majors. He will learn a new position, come off the bench, do whatever the team needs him to. I’m all in favor of guys like Casey. I thought Blake played third base better than most Indians I’ve seen in my lifetime last year. His defense was superb, right up until the ALCS. He made the routine plays every time, and showed good arm strength of throws from the line and his knees.
At the plate Casey is never going to be an elite player. That’s just the way it is. He had a few heroic moments last year, but he is what he is- a .260 hitter that will probably get 20 homers and 70 rbi. Truthfully, you need guys like Blake on the team. Not everyone will be .300/35/90 players. Blake gives his best effort everyday, and on a young team (2nd youngest in the AL) that is important.
I suppose I don’t blame Casey for his asking price. He once again was only going to get a short term deal, and since there is no guarantee on his playing beyond the ’08 season he needed to get as much as he could. Let’s face it, Casey would never get $6 million to play for the Pirates, Royals or Rays. And a contender wouldn’t pony up that much for a bench player, so he is more valuable to the Indians than anyone else.
So we get our ultimate utility player, and Blake gets $6 million for this year. Not a bad trade off I suppose. Now, about that other contract….
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6 Comments
I love Casey Blake. He’s everything that’s right about baseball to me. Sure, he’s not a good hitter, but I don’t think anyone other than maybe Grady likes to play the game more than Casey. Yeah the Indians seemingly overpaid a bit for him, but he’s a great leader on the team and he’s 34 years old with no long term contract insight. I say good for Casey for getting some financial security (relatively speaking). I don’t think I’ve ever seen a baseball player squeeze more out of less than Casey’s effort with such little raw talent.
As much as I get frustrated with the bearded legend, I do really like him. He’s a great role player who can play just about every position on the field. I also did hear on the radio about an hour ago that the Mets agreed to terms with Santana on a 6-year $150 million contract. I hope that those reports are not accurate. If they are, I’m pretty sure we can kiss CC goodbye. No way the Indians can afford that type of money. So, if that is the case, do the Indians trade him now for some ready to go talent, or let him pitch and let him walk? I’d take one of those packages from the Yankees or the Red Sox for him.
CC won’t get that kind of money, Jeremy. The Indians will be able to re-sign CC if they can agree on the 5th year. If they can’t then CC will look elsewhere.
As for trading CC, I would be upset with the Indians if they did. They can win the World Series this year, and they need CC to do that. Now, should the Indians falter and fall out of contention, then you have to at least think about it.
I think it’s gonna be interesting for sure. I hear that the Tribe is willing to do $20 million per year, but length of contract is an issue. But if they can’t get it done, why not try to get something in return?
No way you trade him before the all-star break for certain. This is the Tribe’s best team since Ramirez and Thome were slugging for the Indians, and my opinion is this one can be even better. No, they won’t out-slug Boston, Detroit, or New York but we have the pieces to do more than just contend. I’d rather have Sabathia for a shot at it than trade him and wait a few years again.
Lets not forget, either, that this thing isn’t over…..The Indians can still re-sign him. You’ve gotta believe CC will do a 5 year deal if he’s sincere about wanting to stay in Cleveland. It will be interesting to see what Sabathia’s guys coutner with now that we know what Santana’s deal is. Hopefully things will heat up soon.