If you are a team like the Cleveland Indians, currently 3rd in the AL Central at 43-44, then you know deals must be made to make a run at the postseason. The tribe is on the verge this year, and if they want to keep up with the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals, then they have to find someone to help lead them to the promise land.
According to reports out New York and Ohio, Bartolo Colon, the cagey 41 year-old veteran who has enjoyed a late-career resurgence over the past couple of seasons, might be the man for the job. He's currently holding an 8-7 record for the hapless New York Mets, with an ERA of 4.04 over 113.2 innings.
According to the New York Post's Mike Puma, the Mets are willing to entertain offers on Colon.
"Though Colon is owed $11 million for next season, the view within the industry is that contract won't prohibit the Mets from making a deal with a contender in need of rotation help. An AL executive called Colon's contract "relatively friendly," Puma writes.
Although the Mets, who are 39-49 are not in a rush to deal anyone, will want to get whatever they can for someone willing to sign Colon to a short term deal.
According to Fox Sports Ohio, a return to the Indians might be the perfect deal for the RHP.
Colon began his career in Cleveland in 1997, and could give the team the extra pitching punch they need to catch make it to the playoffs. It's doubtful they would make a long term deal, but Colon might be just what they need this season, and if they do well, he could end his career as a returning hero.
Currently the Indians don't have a true 'ace' on their staff, and it would be great for Indian's fans if they could pick one up, but Colon could offer help. Luckily for the Indians, the other teams in their division are in need of pitching too.
As with most seasons, the right trade this time of year could decide who keeps playing this fall.
