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Cleveland comeback: from razed to revitalized in two years

Sporting News, The, Feb 18, 2005 by Ken Rosenthal

On the day he traded righthander Bartolo Colon--June 27, 2002, with his team a mere seven games out of first place--Indians general manager Mark Shapiro angered fans by suggesting the team would contend again in 2004 or 2005.

Shapiro knew that if he didn't start to rebuild right then, he might be digging an eight- to 10-year hole. Through a series of stunning trades, including the Colon blockbuster, he proved he had the right idea.

The Indians were one game out of first place last August 14 and wound up finishing 80-82, third in the American League Central. Shapiro spent the winter putting the finishing touches on a contender, adding veterans with postseason experience to the team's young core.

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"We're done rebuilding," Shapiro says. "That being said, as demonstrated by Oakland, the rebuilding process in a small to mid-market is never something you finish. But our expectations are to contend, and contend from Day 1."

Shapiro wanted to "artificially recreate the draft" with his trades but used an interesting twist. By adding players at Class AAA rather than at the lowest levels, he gave the Indians a chance to return to prominence quickly.

Colon brought lefthander Cliff Lee, a 14-game winner last season, and two other gifted youngsters, center fielder Grady Sizemore and middle infielder Brandon Phillips. Shapiro also has succeeded with several of his lesser deals:

* First baseman Ben Broussard arrived from the Reds for third baseman Russell Branyan.

* Outfielder Coco Crisp was one of two players the Cardinals parted with for lefthander Chuck Finley.

* DH Travis Hafner came in a four-player trade with the Rangers that cost the Indians righthander Ryan Drese.

The Indians' farm system has produced ace lefthander C.C. Sabathia and All-Star catcher Victor Martinez and features numerous prospects in waiting.

Shapiro had the financial flexibility to sign free-agent third baseman Aaron Boone last June, and he made aggressive runs at Jon Lieber and Matt Clement this offseason before signing righthander Kevin Millwood.

The Indians guaranteed Millwood $3 million, but he will lose a prorated portion of his $4 million signing bonus for each day beyond 20 days he spends on the disabled list because of a shoulder or elbow injury. Thus, if Millwood breaks down, the team will have the financial flexibility to acquire another starter. The Indians' other offseason acquisitions will fill no more than complementary roles.

The heavy lifting is done.

Cleveland comeback: from razed to revitalized in two years

Sporting News, The, Feb 18, 2005 by Ken Rosenthal

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