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2011 Preview: Breaking Down The Cleveland Indians Youth Movement 3 Years Later

In 2007, the Cleveland Indians were one game away from their first world series in 10 years and most likely, the Tribe would have won the World Series against a Rockies team that eventually got swept by the Red Sox. However, after the unfortunate ending to a great season, expectations were high for the Tribe in 2008. But after injuries to key players, some bad luck and less then spectacular starting pitching, the season took a turn for the worst and the Indians were forced to clean house.

Part of being a fan of a small market team like the Indians is that you have to be patient and understanding of just how difficult it is in the front office. Many questioned Mark Shapiro for trading away all of Cleveland's big time players after the 2007 season but in a way, he had to.

By the all-star break the Indians were already considered out of the playoff race and after offering the biggest contract ever to an Indians player and still getting rejected by C.C. Sabathia, it was clear that the Indians were never going to be able to resign him. Therefore, the Tribe just could not let him go to Free Agency and get nothing for him. Trades had to be made. From 2008-2010, the Cleveland Indians made seven "Blockbuster" trades to build towards the future. Now, in the 2011 season, all of those "can't miss prospects" are starting to reach the majors and the youth movement that started in 2008 is now reaching its final stage. All that's left to do for the Cleveland Indians is get those players to their full potential and start winning ball games. 

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