Fire Eric Wedge: The Final Plea

The Cleveland Indians, a choice by many including myself to rebound into 2007 form, and make this year’s postseason, fell into last place earlier this week. Yes, they now stand a game and a half behind the Kansas City Royals, who, like last September, have played good ball the final few weeks.
 
Since Labor Day, the Royals are 12-3, while Cleveland is a pitiful 1-13, losing nine in a row currently and more than ten games to KC in the standings. Has there been a better time to finally admit, despite the mid-season trades of a few key players and an injury or two (all teams have injuries), Eric Wedge has lost this team, as they sputter toward the worst record in the AL and potentially 100 losses?
 
Some say Cleveland has a “good young crop of players that will put them in contention for the future.” I disagree. For one thing, Columbus, the AAA affiliate of the Tribe, finished with the second worst record in the International League this season. 
 
While the Indians have some decent prospects like 22 year-old Michael Brantley and 24 year-old Matt LaPorta, others have run their course, proving now in their mid to late 20s, they may not be the “answer”: Jeremy Sowers, Andy Marte, even 2007 hero Fausto Carmona, who’s arguably been one of the worst pitchers in the AL the past two seasons.
 
A great book on how the Tribe wisely rebuilt after 2001, planning for their runs in 2005 and 2007, is Dealing by legendary Cleveland sportswriter, Terry Pluto. Published in early 2008, it culminates with the miraculous 2007 run, leaving readers upbeat. Clearly, there is no expectation of the collapses of 2008 and 2009. Perhaps the book needs an updated edition.
 
Or perhaps, Eric Wedge finally must go!?

Tags: cleveland indians, Eric Wedge, fire eric wedge, MLB

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