On Monday, July 16 the Cleveland Indians announced they parted ways with former first-round draft pick, outfielder Trevor Crowe. During his limited time wearing an Indians uniform, mostly 2009 and 2010, Crowe didn't really impress. In 205 total games for the Tribe the former first-round draft pick hit .245 with three home runs and 55 RBIs. He spent the 2012 season playing for Cleveland's minor league affiliates.
Unfortunately for Trevor Crowe his time in the Cleveland Indians organization lacked compatibility. Thinking back to all the injuries the Tribe suffered last season, the opportunities existed at the big league level for Crowe to come up and shine. However, a shoulder injury sidelined the outfielder for most of the season.
Personally I find the reaction on Twitter to Trevor Crowe's release more interesting than the actual news, especially from those individuals who related the release to the Tribe's current fourth outfielder Aaron Cunningham. For instance, one Tribe fan tweeted "The Tribe releases Trevor Crowe but Aaron Cunningham still has a major league job. I know we're talking extra outfielders here but come on."
If you pay attention to Cleveland's sports media, you know Aaron Cunningham receives much dire from the city. Another Indians fan captures my favorite Cunningham criticism with the tweet, "Why is Aaron Cunningham still on this team? #tribetime" This notion proves at least somewhat repetitive around Cleveland.
Now when I say "my favorite Cunningham criticism" I mean so because if a legitimate question, I can only laugh. Attentively watching the Cleveland Indians on a consistent basis over the past two years I conclude Tribe manager Manny Acta loves late inning defensive replacements. Last season he made defensive moves around the seventh inning bringing in Jack Hannahan for third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall. 2012 come the seventh inning you can count on Cunningham to run onto the field to replace Johnny Damon or Shelley Duncan in left field.
Finally, to go full circle and closeout my thoughts here, Indians management obviously likes Aaron Cunningham's defensive skills better than what Trevor Crowe offers overall. So complain about Aaron Cunningham if you wish, but realize he likely won't go anywhere unless Grady Sizemore happens to muster up a miraculous return.
Zachary Fenell fell in love with the Cleveland Indians during the 1995 season when the Tribe powered their way to the organization's first World Series appearance since 1954. While the Indians lost some allure since the 1990s you will still find Zachary watching the games on TV, listening to them on the radio, or best yet taking in a game from the stands at Progressive Field.
More from This Contributor:
Cleveland Indians Reliever Rafael Perez on Rehab Assignment: A Fan's Reaction
Fan's Take: What Do the Cleveland Indians Need to Accomplish to Win the AL Central?
