Manny-Thome Reunion in Cleveland?

As a longetime fan of the Cleveland Indians, I would love to see Manny Ramirez and Jim Thome reunite in Cleveland next year (see http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4063800). Thome's a free agent and Manny can opt out of his second year in L.A. if he so chooses. I'm only 22, but I've been pulling for the Tribe for over 15 years. I remember when both guys were up-and-comers in the Indians organization. I remember the lineup for years had: Kenny Lofton in center, Omar Vizquel at short, Manny Ramirez in right or left field, Sandy Alomar, Jr. behind the pate, and Jim Thome at either third or first base.

I can recall Dick Jacobs selling the team at the turn of the century, and the work he, John Hart, and others put into the organization went down the tube. There was talk about getting younger and trimming payroll. David Justice was the first to go. He was dealt for Ricky Ledee, Zach Day. and Jake Westbrook. Sandy Alomar, Jr. was not resigned at the end of the season. Boston outbid Cleveland for Manny's services. Kenny Lofton was not resigned in 2001. The team traded Zach Day for Milton Bradley during the 2001 season. Bradley was hailed as the heir apparent, but it didn't work in Cleveland. Philly out bid Cleveland for Jim Thome at the end of the 2002 season. Omar Vizquel was not resigned at the end of the 2004 season. To me, this is the day the music died...in Cleveland.

I'll admit I've booed both guys when I've seen them play on tv. I've been harder on Thome because at least Manny won a couple of rings in Boston. I would welcome both guys back with open arms if they chose to come back. I'm begging Larry Dolan to open up his wallet and pay the guys 10 million each to return.

Each time the Tribe comes on tv (which is either on Fox or TBS in Birmingham, Ala.), I see thousands of empty seats. Management doesn't realize you have to spend money in order to get people to watch the team. If they sign Thome and Manny, maybe then, fans will sell out the "the Jake", sorry "Progressive Field" like the old days in the 90's.