CLEVELAND, Ohio -- It's the end of July and, again, the Indians are approaching the trade deadline with two eyes toward next year.
Welcome to purgatory.
Last July, the Indians dealt Justin Masterson and Asdrubal Cabrera. Coincidentally, the starting rotation took form and the team enjoyed a 32-22 finish. A substandard first half, though, prevented the Indians from attacking the trade season with a buyer's mindset, well before the organization's budgetary restraints had a chance to run interference.
This year, a dismal first four months have done more of the same. The Indians could -- and should -- deal a few veterans (David Murphy, Ryan Raburn) who might not remain with the team past October.