Who Will the Cleveland Indians Trade Next?

(Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Over the weekend, the Cleveland Indians started the process of what many believe is their fire sale to end their 2009 season.

Mark Shapiro and company believe that there is still a sliver of hope, because they traded from a deep spot to improve on a weak one and did it with major league talent.

However, one relief pitcher is not enough to turn a season around.

Healed injuries to Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jake Westbrook, and Aaron Laffey, combined with the turnaround of Fausto Carmona and several key bullpen components would be enough, but how many names did I just mention?

In other words, unlikely is the answer to the question, "Can the Indians turn it around, despite being in last place in the entire American League at the start of June?"

So while the Indians twiddle their thumbs for the next few weeks, trying to do their best to turn it around, everyone else is going to speculate as to which player is next to be dealt.

There are several candidates, as once again the Indians have some players that are going to be free agents either this year or the next.

The difference is, the Indians didn't plan on bringing back CC Sabathia, Paul Byrd, or Casey Blake.

This year, the talent isn't as star-studded and there is a chance that the Tribe could bring back some of the pieces that they could trade.

When I say the talent isn't as start-studded, I'm no doubt not including Victor Martinez and Cliff Lee from the discussion of soon-to-be free agents that could be traded.

Why is that?

I guess we should just start from the top and work our way down. For reference, here is the 40-man roster and salary chart, which is my main source for all contract information.

SP Cliff Lee

Current Salary: $6,000,000

Years Left: One, Option Year for 2010

Should he be traded?

There were some people out there that wanted to trade Cliff Lee before the season started because they either thought Lee was a fluke, or they wanted to maximize his value.

I can't formulate a word for those people, but I don't agree with them. Not in the least bit.

Lee proved that he wasn't a fluke, and, if anything, he's only increased his value by proving last year wasn't a fluke.

So should the Tribe get rid of their Cy Young ace for the second year in a row at the deadline?

Absolutely not.

With an option year left on his contract and the slight chance that they could re-sign him after, there is no reason to trade him. Lee won't command as much money or as long of a deal as Sabathia did because of his age and overall hype.

The Indians also expect to contend in 2010 and they can't do that without an ace pitcher, something they currently don't have if they get rid of Lee.

Will he be traded?

No, but reports have indicated that the Indians would listen to an offer if it was something that they could simply not refuse. It would have to be a mega-package though that would include a major league ready starting pitcher.

C Victor Martinez

Current Salary: $5,700,000

Years Left: One, Option Year for 2010

Should he be traded?

There is absolutely no reason to trade Victor Martinez and there is one main reason why. He's your best player and there is a very good chance that you can re-sign him after his option year in 2010 is over. He won't cost a bundle like Sabathia did either.

There are also many other reasons why you shouldn't trade Martinez.

Let's start with the fact that you'll absolutely crush the fan base if you trade away a fan favorite such as Martinez. No one plays harder and cares more about the Cleveland Indians organization than Victor.

You will alienate everyone, and the attendance at games will continue to plummet at a harsher rate than it already is now.

Martinez is also the bona fide leader of this team, their heart and soul. If you trade him, you send a very disheartened message to everyone about next year and their chances.

Plus, he has an option year. Why would you trade an All-Star catcher that has an option year for the cheap price of $7 million?

Will he be traded?

Not a chance. While the Indians might entertain a very good offer for Lee, they won't listen to any for Martinez.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?