Don’t question his fanhood.
Jul 11th, 2008 by Lyle Melick
A Cleveland Indians fan[1] is taking the same approach that a team and/or a potential free agent might take at this point in the season, especially a season that is clearly already over. He’s auctioning off his services to the highest bidder. If the Cleveland Indians can “sell” the services of C.C. Sabathia to Milwaukee for the rest of the season, why not a fan. If Jim Thome can say it’s not about the money & then bolt to Philly for (wait for it…) the money, then why not a fan.
At this point, one of you will be thinking “front-runner” or “fair weather” or “you’re not a real fan” because he’s taken this approach. Check out his eBay listing, he’s been with them his whole life. And the Tribe is in possibly the worst slump of his whole life. And the Tribe has thrown in the towel. Management is trying to get the most money for the talent they have. Players have CLEARLY given up on the season. Given what we’ve suffered through in Cleveland, surely we as fans deserve to get the most out of what’s left of the season.
I gotta tell ya, the writing was on the wall before the season started. C.C. didn’t want to be “distracted” by contract negotiations during the season. This is code for “I’m not gonna get what I want from this bunch of cheapskates. Let’s just get through the season with my reputation intact. Then I’ll get what I’m really worth from the Yankees, Boston or LA.” I don’t blame the man for maximizing his earning potential, after all this is America, the land of opportunity. I just think it’s time for the fans to get into the action too. The other “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin” was the steroid scandal that broke last year. While I’m not saying the Tribes many injuries are steroid-withdrawal related, you had to believe it would affect something. (batting averages down, anyone?).
The Indians will not only be rebuilding talent-wise in the off season for next year, they’ll be rebuilding fan-wise. And it likely will cost them more. Fan salaries won’t be going up, that’s not how it works. Fan’s butts won’t be hitting the seats, fan’s backs won’t be walking advertisements.
My services will also be available for the remainder of the year. I don’t have the fan-cred that Alex does, so think of me as a utility outfielder near the end of his career. 25th man on the roster. Slow on the bases, slow in the field, but takes a great line to the ball in the outfield, and can occasionally make contact with the ball in clutch situations. Put me down for the same contract as Alex, just at 10% of his rate. Boston & New York will still cost you $3500 & $10000 respectfully. They’ll overpay for Coco Crisp, why not me? I’d kinda like to go to a contender. Any takers?
Just wait until next year. The National Cheer of Cleveland fans.
[1] http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280244100894
Awesome Blog! I am the guy selling his fandom, and a couple of bloggers say I am not big on loyalty! I am amazed that my previous 39 years counts for nothing. Funny… do you think that’s the way Jim Thome felt when the fans booed him too? The truth is, I will be back with Cleveland next year… but after 39 years of watching the management or the players tell me to wait until next year while they stuff their pockets… I figured I should see if there’s anything out there in the free agent market I can get my hands on! Thanks for the write up! Go Tribe (at least until I report to my new team).
Hey Alex! Thanks for checking in. 39 years of loyalty to the Tribe is more than ownership, management or players can say. There might be a couple of people that have worked for the team that long, but I doubt it. Hope the auction goes well, I’ll be interested to see who the winning bidder is. Go Tribe (next year)!
haha, that is funny. the poor indians….