An Open Letter to Cleveland from the Cubs: You're Welcome

Dear Cleveland,

It is popular these days in Chicago, during the resurgence of the Blackhawks, for people to refer to something former 'Hawks head coach Denis Savard said last year. He said his players needed to commit to the Indian.

Apparently, Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry read that memo this December.

First of all, you're welcome for the addition of a solid closer in Kerry Wood. He gave the Cubs his best time and time again for a decade of arm issues and heartbreak. If the Tribe needed a bullpen stud, they got one. There are few in the game that are as committed to their craft and carry the presence in the clubhouse that "Kid K" does.

Next, and most notably on this New Year's Eve day, you're welcome for Mark DeRosa. The Indians traded three minor-league pitching prospects, only one of whom resembles a major-league-ready pitcher in the next two years, for DeRosa on Wednesday.

In 2008, the Indians traded Casey Blake to the Dodgers, creating a void at third base. DeRosa is a solid third baseman; it's probably his best position. The former Penn quarterback has the size and arm strength to play the hot corner effectively if needed.

Many observers think that the Indians should move range-deficient shortstop Jhonny Peralta to third base.

This would allow Asdrubal Cabrera to move from second base back to shortstop, and DeRosa would naturally move into the position he played most frequently in Chicago—second base.

If DeRosa stays at second, he'll do a fine job and improve the defense of the Indians.

DeRosa also had 184 at-bats as an outfielder last year, spending time covering for an injured Alfonso Soriano and a mediocre Kosuke Fukudome.

So, if Cleveland fans were worried about replacing Franklin Gutierrez in the outfield, DeRosa could do a fine job out there as well.

Perhaps most importantly for a Cleveland team trying to get back to prominence in the wide open American League Central, DeRosa brings leadership and clutch hitting. He was arguably the Cubs' best clutch player the last two years, seasons in which he eclipsed his "career year" in Texas that led to his three-year contract with the Cubs.

In DeRosa and Wood, Cleveland has plucked to fan favorites and true gentlemen of the game away from the Cubs. Your team will be immediately better, and more competitive, because of the moves.

You're welcome, Cleveland.

Sincerely,

Chicago