My thoughts on the Indians trades last night?

I love them. I've actually seen this written on the Land of Ignorance (Cleveland.com) that some are comparing this trade to Rocky Colavito for Harvey Kuenn, which is currently the dumbest analogy on the boards. Colavito, the most popular player ever for the franchise compared to 4 minor leaguers who have appeared in a combined, what, four games for the club.

This is why I love the Ubaldo Jimenez trade. First of all, this trade is so anti-Shapiro, can we finally put to bed the idea that he is still the GM, instead of Chris Antonetti? Antonetti's got balls the size of church bells with this deal.

He locks up a 27-year old Jimenez (a pitcher ALL of the contenders wanted) through 2013 with a fairly cheap contract. $2.8 million this year, then $4.2 million and $5.75 million for 2013. Years, if you recall, when we were actually supposed to contend. Quite frankly, Antonetti should demand something else from the Rockies for starting Jimenez last night. That is not how it works.

Losing Matt McBride and Joe Gardner...meh. I thought Alex White looked good in his stint here in April. But if he is targeted as a non-closing relief pitcher in the future, this deal's pain only lies with losing the upside of Drew Pomeranz.

If Jimenez plays a part in the Indians making the playoffs, let's say 2 of the next 3 seasons, how is this considered a bad move? And if I see one more person cite Ubaldo's ERA this season, I will take action. The dude was injured and seems to be fully recovered. Toss out the first month-and-a-half, and he's a different pitcher.

Remember the year C.C. Sabathia was traded? Every contender wanted to trade for him. His record that year when the Indians finally did trade him? Age 27, 6 wins, 8 losses, 3.83 ERA. He's been 66-22 since. Not saying Ubaldo can equal that, but he's a damn fine pitcher.

Mid-market teams must take these risks.

As far as Orlando Cabrera being traded, Keith Law said it best. "The Giants, tired of playing a statue (Tejada) or an automatic out (Crawford) at short, acquire Orlando Cabrera, who is both."

How we got a breathing human in return for Cabrera is a mystery.

Jeff Passan breaks down the trade.

Meal of Links

Samuel L. talks about, well, what it's like to be Samuel L. Loves that golf.

Lunch with Angelina Jolie. She had the penne with chicken.

They called it "Football".

Babes of the '80s. Then and now. Daryl Hannah seems to have made a turn, not from the '80s, but from as recent as "Kill Bill". Jennifer Beals needs to be studied, she remains outstanding.

Exercise Yard

One of the best things ESPN has ever done, "30 For 30", returns this fall. Finally, the much-delayed Alex Gibney doc on "Bartman" is first out of the gate.

Other topics include Renee Richards, Chuck Wepner, and Charismatic. Charismatic should be good as Chris Antley's story will intersect.

Visitor

None, on another hot Sunday.