With the news that Aaron Boone is leaving the Tribe, it's time for a post mortem. This year had to be one of the most disappointing years in a while, because we actually had expectations from the club, something we last experienced in 2001.

I don't envy the Indians mission at all. They have to find ways to get more butts in the chairs at Jacobs Field, but seem to be going back to "the sleeping giant" years that were the abyss of '60s-'70s-'80s-early '90s baseball in this town. Clearly, they are Number Three once again in the pecking order. The Browns will never relinquish the top spot and the Cavs are a solid number two. But what went wrong with 2006? Was it organizational arrogance, lack of payroll, or just bad luck? Answers with a Magic 8-Ball look ahead to 2007.

The AL Central: The Tribe was supposed to contend with the White Sox for the division crown. Minnesota was going to be better, and Detroit was going to improve. And Kansas City sucks. What happened? Amazingly, Detroit started off so hot, they could stagger to the finish and still make the playoffs. And they did exactly that. Minnesota compiled an insane record since mid-June and won the division on day last. The White Sox didn't win games when they didn't score, unlike last year. If they didn't hit, they didn't find a way to win. KC still sucks, although they beat us pretty good early in the year. The future? Looks tough. Minnesota and Chicago do not look they are heading down. Detroit may, but the pitching should keep them up there as, at least, our equal. So, we have to leapfrog three teams, while many needs must be addressed over the winter.

Magic 8-Ball says: Outlook not so good.

Catching: Victor Martinez can't throw me out but his offense was above average, especially at catcher. Kelly Shoppach proved to be a good backup. The dilemma. The pitchers seem to like throwing to Martinez, but they can't afford to give up baserunners with him behind the plate. I don't see this being corrected soon. However, he'll still start in 2007.

Magic 8-Ball says: Most likely.

First Base: The early year platoon of Perez and Broussard produced some offense, but lacked defense. Then they both got traded to Seattle. One of the bright spots was the emergence of Ryan Garko. All he did since mid-August was hit. Should be a shoo-in at first base for 2007.

Magic 8-Ball says: Signs point to yes.

Second Base: Ronnie Belliard had another solid year on defense, but his hitting was down and was a trade deadline package to Saint Louis. I don't want him back. Keeping Ramon Vazquez over Brandon Phillips was awful and Joe Inglett is, well, he's Joe Inglett. Hector Luna? 'Nuff said. Big question mark for 2007.

Magic 8-Ball says: My reply is no.

Shortstop: Jhonny Peralta had a disappointing year. The Bob Feller statue showed more range in the field and the guy had an awful year at the plate. He just seemed disinterested from Day One. Lots of strikeouts and not much clutch hitting. Will start here in 2007, but let's keep an eye on him. His contract makes him affordable in a trade.

Magic 8-Ball says: Reply hazy, try again.

Third Base: Boone was a disaster. A quick first week turned into another bad start. Stayed with us the whole year, because no one wanted him. Good professional though. He kept his mouth shut and actually played OK when they needed him the last two months. Too early to tell on Andy Marte. He couldn't hit at home. Showed some power and decent enough defense although I think he's got a scary arm. Kevin Kouzmanoff is interesting, but way too green at this point. Another big hole to fill.

Magic 8-Ball says: Concentrate and ask again.

DH: Travis Hafner. Should be a three-time All-Star. Would have out-Papied Big Papi, if he stayed healthy. No problems here.

Magic 8-Ball says: It is decidedly so.

Left Field: Jason Michaels did not come as advertised. He was supposed to be the on-base percentage guy with lots of walks mixed in with his hits. Walked 43 times and whiffed 101. Should be a bench guy. Another open slot for 2007.

Magic 8-Ball says: My sources say no.

Center Field: Grady Sizemore is on the edge of stardom. Never quit playing and led the league with 92 extra base hits. Solid.

Magic 8-Ball says: It is certain.

Right Field: Casey Blake. On paper, it appeared Blake rebounded from his dismal 2005 with a decent season, hitting 19 homers and knocking in 68. But he was on the Disabled List twice, sticking us with Franklin Gutierrez (nope) and Shin-Soo Choo (maybe) in the interim. And half of those power numbers came before June 1. He hit .194 in June and .219 in September (whiffing 25 times in 96 at-bats that month). Probably gets the starting nod in '07.

Magic 8-Ball says: Don't count on it.

Starting Pitching: C.C. Sabathia had a lower ERA, but instead of "dominating" as described this past week by a team official, he is now a .500 pitcher. Good staff member, but far from being an ace. Jake Westbrook won 15 games and has now been a solid starter for three years. I begrudgingly give him his due. Cliff Lee won 14, but once again had some bad stretches. Still, he's won 32 the last two years and we must keep him. Paul Byrd had to be labelled a disappointment. He was our big free-agent signing and pitched fairly mediocre ball most of the year. It seems every time he reaches 200 innings, the next year he stinks. He followed that trend this year. Jeremy Sowers makes us think what would have happened if the Jason Johnson Experiment had ended earlier. Sowers appears to be mentally tough enough to make it and won 7 over the last three months. Big upside here.

Magic 8-Ball says: Outlook good.

Relief Pitching: Not much to say here. Bob Howry and Arthur Rhodes left. Wicky Wicky Bob went to the ATL, because he didn't have an opportunity to save many games here. Carmona should have stayed on as a starter. I think Cabrera was hurt by the World Baseball Classic and never recovered his form. Betancourt is OK, Matt Miller can't stay healthy, Jason Davis has had way too many chances to impress and failed each time, and the cast of a thousand others were bad. A 2005 team strength became a team failure in 2006.

Magic 8-Ball says: Very doubtful.

There you have it. Some terrific, some good, some average, some lousy and some really putrid stuff happened. Of course, we'll be back next year.

Meal of Links

This man's goal: To drink in each Starbucks around the globe. I need a goal. 2,600 Tim Hortons in Canada...Yonge Street, the longest street in the world...another 290 in the States...pack small spoon for chili...no stores in Northeast Ohio...check Tim Hortons Trip Planner...let's see, carry the two...aha!...need more vacation time.

Congressman Foley resigns and who could have predicted...3...2...1... he's gay, was molested by that ubiquitous "clergyman" and he's an alcoholic. It's amazing how many folks get that 28-day vacation from the heat by checking themselves into a clinic. I expect him to be on Larry King by November 15.

Oprah has her Book Club, so does ESPN. Apparently, some sports fans can read. Joshua Prager's "The Echoing Green" is the latest selection. It's about the 1951 Giants ("The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!...") and amongst other things, delved into how they may have cheated to win the playoff game against the Dodgers, 55 years ago this day. I heard an interview with Prager on Bob Edwards' XM show this a.m. Good stuff.

Exercise Yard

Only in Philly. The "Lincoln Financial Fan of the Game" is ejected. That's hilarious.

Visitor

42 Across: Alice's restaurant patron (4 letters) Answer: Arlo