Today's post will be Cleveland-centric, so deal with it. I was born and raised in NE Ohio and a fan of the Indians before the 1987 SI jinx, so seeing a player return from the mid 90's glory years is awesome. The fact that it is Thome, my favorite player after Albert Belle, makes it even better. So needless to say, I'm happy that he is back, but the cynic in me has some questions. This trade couldn't have taken place any earlier, say prior to the trade deadline, since the Indians had a healthy Hafner at the time and no need for a left handed bat coming off the bench. But now that Hafner is hurt, the Indians need Thome, except that I'm afraid it's too late to make a difference for this season. The Tribe is 6.5 games back of a suddenly hot Tigers team and after what the Mariners did to the Indians this week, things aren't looking good. But I am not giving up just yet and perhaps Thome provides some spark to the team. I know it will to the fans. As happy as the fans are, including me, I cant help but feel bad for Thome. He could hardly refuse the trade to Cleveland as I'm sure he enjoyed his time there and technically the Indians are in contention. But he really would have preferred to go to Philadelphia and reunite with Charlie Manuel. This would have given Thome his best chance at a World Series ring this season. But Thome did what perhaps only he would do, accept the trade to the Indians and not look like a spoiled player trying to get his way. That isn't how he operates. Though it is doubtful anyone would have given him grief if he had. He certainly wouldn't have deserved it, but then again, we are talking about a fanbase in Cleveland that at times acts a bit irrational. Speaking for myself, I would have become a Phillies fan for the remainder of this season cheering for Thome to get his ring. All this brings me to the main thought, and what happens after the season? Will Thome retire? To my knowledge, he hasn't said publicly one way or the other. If he doesn't, this little trip down memory lane in Cleveland won't have the happy ending everyone wants. It is doubtful the Indians would bring him back for a full season with Hafner under contract. So that would leave Thome looking for another A.L. team to sign with, putting him in the position of leaving Cleveland once again. Will the fans be clamoring again next year for him to return if he is out of the race and the Indians are in it again? Doubtful, it just wouldn't have the same meaning a second time. So enjoy this last month of the season Tribe fans, cause most likely you'll be watching Thome hit bombs in Cleveland...but next year he'll be doing it in another teams uniform...again.
Picks not going so well as we're under .500. Today we are taking the smallest of 'dogs, over 10.5 in the Yankees-Orioles game. The Yankee offense is awesome and Burnett is pitching for the Bronx Bombers. That is a recipe for alot of runs. Remember to check me out daily on twitter, @vegasobie. Good luck, but never bet what you cant afford to lose.
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