Supposedly, the Indians are looking to trade for Dan Haren, the ace of the Oakland A’s. Quite frankly, this deal needs to get done – quickly. Maybe Mark Shapiro is more of a genius than anyone gives him credit for (although he does get a fair share of compliments already, I’m sure). The Tigers go out and trade for more offense, which they certainly had a surplus of last season. The rotation is relatively the same, only with newcomer Dontrelle Willis, the Motown Kitties now have a pitcher who had a 5.17 ERA last season. To combat not only the addition of Willis, but to stifle what will most assuredly be a prolific Tigers offense, Shapiro is reportedly looking at Dan Haren, the starter for the AL in last season’s All-Star Game.
Haren also comes cheap, making $4 million in 2008, $5.5 million in 2009, and $6.75 million in a club option for 2010. A third ace in a rotation that already contains two would still make the Indians the front runners to repeat as division champs. Good pitching truly does beat any offense. Just ask the Yankees.
If the Indians were to grab Haren without giving up too much (the usual Laffey or Sowers, Cliff Lee, Franklin Gutierrez, and Kelly Shoppach deals have been thrown out there), he could also act as some insurance should the Tribe be unable to re-sign C.C. Sabathia to an extension. But imagine if Sabathia did sign an extension, much like the one Peavy has signed with San Diego. Three legitimate aces in a strong five-man rotation.
The corner of Carnegie and Ontario would suddenly become Murderer’s Row.
