The Browns beat the Texans 27-17, but you already knew that. It was a satisfying win that kept them in the playoff chase in what continues to be an unbelievable season. Seriously, if I am still asleep, someone please have the common courtesy to wake me up. Smack me, punch me in the face – anything to get me up. With five games left to play, the Browns are sitting pretty with the easiest record in the NFL (if I’m wrong about that, find me a team with a better final stretch). However, it concerns me that every team Cleveland plays from now on will essentially be a patsy, if those even exist in the NFL. Every game acts as one of those dreaded “trap” games, where an upset is lurking behind every corner. A team runs into those every once in a while, but the Browns have to worry about that for the rest of 2007-08. If they play their game offensively, great. They’ll be sitting pretty in the playoffs. The defense needs to step up and get healthy to prevent any upsets.
I’ll say it again: the Indians should go after Miguel Cabrera. I realize this is not any earth-shattering statement, because plenty of people have been clamoring for this deal to take place, but it should be reiterated as much as possible. For what the Marlins are asking, it would be an easy deal for the Tribe, if they are willing to give up, oh, I don’t know, Cliff Lee. He was great down the stretch and in the playoffs, remember? I’ll take my chances giving up Ben Francisco, Andy Marte, Jeremy Sowers, Asdrubal Cabrera, or even Rafael Perez (though not all at once) if it means Miguel Cabrera will be putting on an Indians uniform. People don’t want to see those guys leave, especially with their potential, but how many of them will end up playing at a higher level than Cabrera? He is a rare, outstanding player, and would fit in nicely at third.
“But what about Casey Blake?!” you might say. He’ll be fine in the outfield again. He’s got some pop; it’s like we got a better corner outfielder for free.
And if the deal takes place, and Cabrera bombs (or every prospect we trade turns out to be great), oh well. They’ll be in the NL anyway, where our crushed dreams can wither away in far-off Florida.
