Why the Cleveland Indians Won't Win the 2007 World Series

Right before the trade deadline in 2002 the Cleveland Indians traded away their ace pitcher, Barolo Colon, for a few prospects. In exchange for Colon and Tim Drew the Indians received Lee Stevens, Brandon Phillips, and some minor leaguers named Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee. Indians fans were outraged when they were told by the Cleveland front office that this trade was the first step to bringing a World Series contender back to Lake Erie. The fans were told that the Indians would be a World Series caliber team in 2007-2008. Five years? Fans had to wait five years? How could any front office make such a claim in a world full of free agency, contract disputes, and injuries? Trading away an ace never leads to anything good and was going to be the first step for the Indians' drop back to perennial losers.

Here we are in 2007 and it looks like General Manager Mark Shapiro knew what he was talking about after all. As of the writing of this piece the Indians are in first place in the American League Central with about two weeks of baseball left and appear to be headed to the playoffs. There is, however, a big difference between playing baseball in October and winning the World Series. That is a fact the Indians are about to painfully learn. While talented, the Tribe simply cannot overcome all of the odds to become 2007 World Series champs. Here's why.

First reason the Cleveland Indians won't win the 2007 World Series: The New York Yankees