Yesterday the Tribe traded troubled pitcher Mike Clevinger to the San Diego Padres for about 6 prospects. The trade is another, "wait and see" trade the Tribe is famous for. Today, it's disappointing, but in two years it may be a great one. I think we were all hoping for someone to help us right now, but that's not the way they roll.
But what is interesting is this. Is Clevinger the first major league trading casualty of the the pandemic? Seems so. He violated the team quarantine rules in Chicago, went out, seemingly lied about it, and lost the respect of his team. He did put them in jeopardy, there is no real question about that, and he had to go as the players didn't want him here. And now he, and his silly signature surfer stringy locks, will be on the beaches hangin' ten between starts, or secret nights out.
Mike Clevinger has a great all time record at 49-22, and his ERA is terrific. And he has been one of the best pitchers in the American League, the Major League, The Justice League, heck, any league. But he proved to not to be in the other players league when he lied, and put himself over the team. And that is a fatal flaw, even at this high level. So he's on his way, and I feel this.
He has great stuff and right now is a fine pitcher. But there are a few things with him I have never been comfortable with. One, his violent off balance motion, is not conducive for a long term run in the Major Leagues. He does not really field his position well with his follow through. He is hurt more and more each year, and now his judgment is in question. I feel that even though he has 49 career wins, I don't think he will win 100 in his career. The Padres will benefit right now, and he will help them. But in couple years, they may wish the had their prospects back. But they made the right move here, as bad baseball has been the rule in San Diego for generations.
Even though as a fan, I am sad we didn't get a big player in this deal, I try to remember this. The Tribe has won more games in the American League than any other team since 2013. There have been playoffs, a World Series, and lots of great baseball. They got it right with Corey Kluber who pitched his best years with us and is now hurt again in Texas, as he was here much of his last two seasons. And I think they will get it right with Clevinger.
You can criticize them for many things, and casual fans do, but this is what they do better than anyone. We got Kluber for a song, and Clevinger too, also Carlos Santana, and they have drafted and developed the best pitching staff in the entire major leagues. And the truth is, the Tribe gets this stuff right almost every time. They may lose out to big money sometimes, but no one does THIS stuff better than us. Good move, move on.
Go Tribe.
