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Wednesday, July 12
Indians fans give midseason report
We told you what we thought of the Indians' first-half performance, now you've told us. Here is what you had to say about what the Indians have to do in the second half:

GM John Hart needs to make a few moves and one non-move. He needs to keep Manny. If Manny walks at the end of the year, so be it, but don't trade him now. Check out Houston's season after trading Carl Everett for nothing and Mike Hampton for nothing.

Dave Phillips
Cleveland


Getting rid of Hargrove was a mistake, but don't fire Manuel midseason. If the team continues to lag in the second half, look to get Gaston into the manager's slot next year.

Eric Fitch
Marietta, Ohio


My vote goes to third baseman, Travis Fryman. A large measure of a true MVP is his ability to increase his production when his team is in a time of need. And Fryman has done just that.
Zach Moore
Shuey, DePaula, and Nagy have been hurt, but Brewington, Speier, and for the most part Brower have shown themselves to be capable big league pitchers. These injuries do not explain the poor performances by Vizquel, Thome, and Sexson. Travis Fryman and Sandy Alomar are the only two regular starters playing up to their potential. I think it's time to trade Lofton and Vizquel and Manny if he refuses to sign.

Marty Whims
Akron, Ohio


A little adversity (or a lot, in this case) is just what the Indians needed. The Indians will not be coasting into the postseason this year, and I for one think that this could be the best thing for the team in the long run. They will have to scrap and struggle to grab the wild card which will make them a better team when they get there. Even if they miss the postseason, they will have the opportunity to drop some of the dead wood on this team and rejuvenate, and they will bring a whole new attitude to the field next season.

Michael Schaefer
Cleveland Heights, Ohio


Charlie Manuel, I believe is a good Triple-A manager and an excellent major league assistant coach. I do not believe that he has the people skills that Mike Hargrove had. It seems to have shown this first half of the season.

George Hamilton
Littleton, Colo.


As an Ohio native, I love my Tribe, but they are not going to be carrying the American League to the World Series any time soon. There is always next year, Mr. Hart (hint). How easy is it going to be to get Hargrove back though?

Jeff Duty
Myrtle Beach, S.C.


I really knew the season was in jeopardy when the Tribe signed Jaime Navarro, what a joke.

Mike Meiser
Coshocton, Ohio


The Indians need to get rid of the cancer in the clubhouse, that being Kenny Lofton. He brings the team down much like Albert Belle did. If they get rid of him it will be like Griffey leaving Seattle, a good thing!

Jeff Smith
Madison, Ohio


My vote goes to third baseman, Travis Fryman. A large measure of a true MVP is his ability to increase his production when his team is in a time of need. And Fryman has done just that.

Zach Moore
San Francisco


Yes, injuries did cripple this team in the first half and that is the major reason for their disappointing record. However, this shouldn't hide the fact that there have been numerous breakdowns in fundmantals (moving runners, not taking a strike at proper time, cutting down swing) and mangerial strategy. Has anyone else noticed some of the ridiculous decisions made of late?

Jim Carney
Columbus, Ohio


Signing Manny is a must. He is the heart and soul of that lineup and in my opinion can not be replaced (not even by Juan Gonzalez). Lofton and Roberto Alomar need to come to life the second half, especially Lofton. He needs to get on base and steal bases like he used to. As far as pitching, Hart needs to land another starter or it's over for this season. The one thing Hart shouldn't do is start trading veterans to retool for next season.

Gregg Neuberger
Youngstown, Ohio


I agree with Rob Neyer. This year's Indian team is typical, while last year's was unusually good. They strike out too much, are fundamentally unsound, have become an 'old boys club', and have a thin pitching staff which combines age and inexperience. I think many Indians fans would like to see the team 'reload' with younger players with a different approach.

Peter Meiksins
Cleveland


Forget Manny. He is a free agent at the end of this season and the chances of signing him are slim. Focus on other aspects. Put the brakes on the Buffalo to Cleveland shuttle. Shuffling players like this is a disruption, stick with what you have, they are good enough.

John Hawthorne
Barberton, Ohio

 

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Midseason report: Cleveland Indians

MLB midseason reports