The Bonfire of the Indians

 Well, that was an interesting trade deadline day for the Tribe.  The next tradeable piece -- Eddie Rosario -- was sent packing for Kung Fu Panda and $2 million in savings (which, with this club, is paramount). As Rosario was hurt and ineffective, this was probably the best possible return; on the other hand, yet another OF FA acquisition was...not good.  Maybe it's something in the front office?

Then, we moved Phil Maton and a prospect to the Astros for Myles Straw.  On the one hand, given his lack of offense, he fits right in with this club!  On the other hand, he is a plus defender (something they seem to value in CF), has some speed, and will probably hit enough to be a #9 hitter.  If to get this it cost us Phil Maton, I think you make the trade.  One would have thought that Francona's absence would have made Bryan Shaw expendable, but I guess 29 other managers and GMs don't have the same capacity for roller coaster relief outings.  Alas.

As a coda, we then sent Jordan Luplow -- a player I liked -- and DJ Johnson (we hardly knew ye) to Tampa for yet another pitching prospect.  I know, the way to get a MLB starter is to start with 5 MiLB starters...but it did seem a bit much, given the club's other needs.  Luplow, I guess, was too injury-prone for the club, which sucked; if he had been able to hit righties semi-competently, he would stll be around...

https://www.nationalreview.com/2021/07/the-american-right-hits-its-hippie-phase/

Interesting, but I am not quite convinced.