We're Winners!

Don't you feel like a winner?

Cliff Lee pitched a complete game four-hitter in his Philadelphia debut. In fact, Lee had half as many hits at the plate as he gave up.

And when my 11-year-old heard about the trade of Victor Martinez, the team's leader, he asked, "Are they just selling the team?" Silly boy, no they're just selling us out.

But the experts say the Indians were trade deadline winners.

ESPN's Jayson Stark said: "But of the teams that spent July selling off, nobody reeled in the quality haul of prospects the Indians did."
Buck Showalter agrees. (Hey Buck, how'd you like to manage this team next year if you like 'em so much?)

At least now I understand why Eric Wedge wasn't fired earlier in the year ... he's got a dugout seat to watch these "winners" for the rest of the season.

For the Love of the Tribe

So what if the Indians are in last place? So what if I cried when they traded C.C.? When it comes down to it I still love the Indians — the excitment of seeing Grady Sizemore make a diving catch, the hot dog races, Casey Blake's beard. I will never be able to throw away my Kenny Lofton jersey or not turn on a game — no matter how bad it gets. With 24 home games left, the Tribe returns tonight to Progressive Field for the first time after the All-Star Break to take on the Minnesota Twins. Even if we aren't chasing the pennant this year, there's still plenty of questions left to answer: Can Grady keep hitting home runs to stay on top of the AL league leaders? Will Victor and Pronk ever return? Will Cliff Lee have a second half just as impressive as the first? I don't know about you, but I will be watching.