Dear Mark Shapiro

Dear Mark Shapiro,

I would like to congratulate you on an amazing season that barely fell short, yet it did fall short of the ultimate goal. That is exactly what I would like to talk to you about. The majority of the roster lacks experience; more importantly they lack playoff experience. This fault was exploited in the playoffs, ultimately ending in a pre-mature exit from the playoffs. Holding the lead in the American League Championship Series by a margin of three games to one, then the inexperience kicked in, and you know the rest of the story. The inability to close out the series screams the need for some kind of addition.

I do recognize the effort to acquire some kind of veteran. The mid-season acquisition of Kenny Lofton and the re-signing of Casey Blake added a temporary fix to the experience problem. In Game 1 of the American League Division Series, it was apparent that a veteran lift was needed after the 4 hit game by Kenny Lofton. Although this lift was obviously not enough to take the tribe to the World Series, it definitely gave the young talent a chance to go deeper into the playoffs. It was exciting to see the Indians go this far this year, but a World Series appearance will definitely be expected by the die-hard indians fans next season.

There is only one answer to this problem; one that is always avoided by any and every Cleveland Indians GM. That problem that has deterred the indians from winning a World Series in 60 years. The only solution is to spend the money and sign a big name player. Although the farm team has been strong for a while, it is time to spend some money and pick up a seasoned veteran who’s calling for the cash. Not only would this solve the lack of playoff experience problem, but also it would boost the number of fans attending games. Since the beginning of the rebuilding stage, ticket sells have not been the same, and it would be amazing to get back to the sell-out-everygame days. A big name player would attract more fans.

As a die-hard Cleveland Indians fan for the past 12 years, I feel that it is my duty to inform you that we should be in the running for Alex Rodriguez. He is the one and only solution to our 60 years of failure to win the World Series. He will provide some power in the middle of the lineup, and a quick glove at third. This will allow you to trade Andy Marte for another relief pitcher, to strengthen the bullpen. I hope that you will make the right decision for the team and the fans and give an offer to A-rod.

Sincerely,

A life-long tribe fan