Why the Cleveland Indians will continue to stink part one

Amidst a 25-34 record and a half game removed from fourth place, the Cleveland Indians enter tonight's game at "the Jake" (I know it's Progressive Field, but more about this in the future blog) threatening to climb out of the AL Central cellar. I've been recently pondering Cleveland's downfall, and I've come to the conclusion the Indians are jinxed and have the worst organization in the majors.

First of all, let me start off with the annual amateur draft since today is the first day of the 2009 Draft. The Indians have the worst scouts and management in all of baseball. Of 16 first round picks from 2000-2006, only six have suited up for the Tribe. One player (Alan Horne who's pitching with the Yankees Double-A affiliate, the Trenton Thunder) failed to sign with the Tribe. Adam Miller had reconstructive surgery on his finger recently, and it's uncertain if he'll pitch again. Three others are not on any of the minor league baseball rosters. They are either playing overseas, in an independent league, or out of baseball altogether. Eight of the players are playing in either the Double-A or Triple-A affliates of other major league teams.

Here are some of the noticeable first round picks who have played for the Indians:

• Orioles pitcher Jeremy Gutrie, who was taken in the first round in 2002, pitched in cups of coffee with the Indians from 2004-2206, has found his niche with Baltimore after signing with them in 2007.
• Michael Aubrey, the first round pick in 2003, played in a handful of games last year. However, he was removed from the 40 man roster after the end of the season, and is currently in Cleveland's farm system, Triple-A Columbus.
• Jeremy Sowers, the first round pick in 2004, flashed signs of brilliance as a rookie (posting a 7-4 record with a 3.57 ERA in 2006). He's been erratic ever since. His ERA over the past few years has been 6.42, 5.58, and 5.40 (this season). Hey, at least his ERA is going down. But, then again, it has no where else to go but down.
• Trevor Crowe, the 2005 first round choice, made is debut this season, but has been less than spectacluar. He's batting .200 in 50 at-bats and 21 games. He's currently on the 25-man roster in the place of the injured Grady Sizemore.
• David Huff, the first round pick in 2006, made his debut this season. Like Crowe, he's struggled to adjust to life in the majors. He's 1-2 with a 8.71 ERA in five starts. However, he did pick up his first big league win over the White Sox on Sunday.

Only, 12 players drafted in every round of the 2000-2006 drafts have appeared in a game with the Indians. The players who have played one game for the Tribe are:

• Brian Tallet (pitcher, 2nd round in 2000, now with Toronto)
• Joe Inglett (second baseman, 8th round in 2000, now with Toronto)
• Guthrie (see the list above)
• Ben Francisco (outfielder, 5th round in 2002, currently with the Indians)
• Ryan Garko (catcher turned first baseman, 3rd round in 2003, currently with Indians)
• Kevin Kouzmanoff (third baseman, 6th round in 2003, currently with San Diego)
• Aaron Laffey (pitcher, 16th round in 2003, currently on 15-day disabled list)
• Sowers (see above)
• Scott Lewis (pitcher, 3rd round in 2004, currently on 60-day disabled list)
• Chris Gimenez (catcher, 19th round in 2004, currently with Indians)
• Tony Sipp (pitcher, 45th round in 2004, currently with Indians)
• Jensen Lewis (pitcher, 3rd round in 2005, currently with Indians)

That's right ladies and gentlemen. The Indians only have five, one-two-three-four-five players drafted in the draft on their active roster. That's pathetic. It's interesting to note that several talented players in the majors failed to signed with the Indians: Conor Jackson (outfielder/Diamondbacks/ 31st round in 2000), Ryan Church (outfielder/Mets), Brian Wilson (pitcher/Giants), Luke Scott (outfielder/Orioles), and Tim Lincecum (pitcher/Giants/45th round in the 42nd round in 2005). Jackson and reigning 2008 NL Cy Young Award winner Tim Lincecum failed to sign with the Tribe after getting drafted in the 31st round and 45th round respectively.

I sincerely appologize for having to break this blog into two parts, but I didn't plan on writing the first blog on the Cavs. I sort of went with the flow. Anyway, I'll post part two tomorrow. As for a sneak peek, I'll review several of Cleveland's trades that went awry from the past 12 plus years. Until tomorrow. God bless and take care.