Did Cliff Lee just cost the Indians Bartolo Colon, and is that a bad thing?

Go ahead, read that title over a few times and let it settle in. It appears that the Cleveland Indians are not only trying to sign Bartolo Colon, but they may end up in a bit of a bidding war for the services of the 37-year-old righty.

While nothing has been confirmed as of yet, Colon told reporters prior to a start during yesterdays Dominican League playoffs that there were three teams interested in potentially signing him. Of course, the team that's already been talked about all winter are the Indians. That's not a surprise. What is a bit of a shocker are the other two teams.

Who are the other two teams? As hard as this is to believe, it appears as though the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees have been scouting Colon. The Rangers and the Yankees were both the rumored winners in the Cliff Lee sweepstakes at one time or another during this past offseason. Now, they apparently decided to find another Tribe starter.

Rumors were abound that both teams were fishing around Ontario and Carnegie to see if Fausto Carmona was available in a deal. When that door was politely closed, they apparently decided that it was imperative to sign anyone that used to wear Chief Wahoo on their jersey.

I seriously couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.

Colon was fairly dominant in his seven starts for Águilas Cibaeñas, going 2-1 with a 1.47 ERA. The Indians, in need of a veteran starter, were known to be interested in their former ace. While Colon being a factor in free agency is somewhat jokeworthy, it may turn out that the joke is on the Indians after all.

The culprit of this potential battle for Colon's services is former ace Cliff Lee. While I'd like to think that Lee didn't do this on purpose, I'm starting to wonder. Is there some greater conspiracy at work here? Did Rocky Colavito bury an old jersey under home plate at the Jake? Is Jaret Wright somehow involved?

When Lee spurned both the Yankees and the Rangers by signing with Philadelphia, the move certainly took the Yankees by surprise. There's no doubt that the Yankee-ego had all but assured itself that Lee was a lock. Nobody spurns the Yankees when they throw around that kind of cash. Oops.

Both the Yankees and the Rangers teams have been actively seeking players that can add depth to their rotation. The Rangers have been more active. The Yankees, well, haven't. They seriously didn't have a back-up plan in place, until now of course.

After the Lee debacle, the Yankees have been hoping that Andy Pettitte would return for one more season, but with retirement seeming more and more likely for the lefty, the Yankees may be ready to turn in another direction. Apparently, Bartolo Colon may be at the top of their list.

Seriously, that's hard to say with a straight face.

The Rangers weren't as stoic and whiny as the Yankees after losing Lee. They went out and signed Brandon Webb to a one-year, three million dollar, incentive-laden deal. Webb has only made one start since the start of 2009, so the gamble is obvious for the Rangers, but they have contingencies in place.

It's believed that the Rangers would like an alternative to Webb should the lefty not pan out, and since they only dropped three million, they had money for another insurance policy. Enter Bartolo Colon.

Both teams seem set for return to the playoffs, and at the very least, are a lot closer to the playoffs than the Tribe. If that's important to Bartolo (and that's questionable), the Indians may not have a chance in this fight.

Cleveland is the one team that can guarantee Colon a sure-fire spot in the rotation. I've read some stuff saying that Colon would be the #5 starter, but the number by his name doesn't matter. As long as he's healthy, he'll start for the Indians.

The Yankees and Rangers would likely spot start him unless someone didn't pan out. In other words, he'd end up in the same situation that he walked out on in Boston and Chicago, his last two major league destinations. So perhaps these three teams are on some even ground.

Still, you have to find the ironic humor in all this. Cleveland needs a starter, and they've been universally panned for even considering Colon. The former Cy Young winner is believed to be long past his MLB prime, has spent the better part of the past ten years eating (although he's supposedly in great shape), and seemed to be an easy get for the Tribe, should they decide to go that route.

Now, Bartolo Colon has not only managed to become relevant, but has potentially placed himself in the middle of three teams looking for a starter. Only in Cleveland.

The ultimate irony in all of this is Cliff Lee. He was acquired by the Indians many moons ago through a trade with the now-defunct Montreal Expos. Who did Cleveland give up to get Lee, Grady Sizemore, Brandon Phillips and Lee Stevens? How about Bartolo Colon. So Colon left because of Lee in 2002 (which was a good thing), and now, perhaps he's done it all over again (perhaps another good thing).

So, what does all this mean?

I'm still not sure that I even want the Indians to sign Colon. There's nothing that indicates he can be effective at 37, or 47, or however old he may be. I can tell you that having the Yankees and Rangers interested sure makes me want the Indians to sign him all the more.

I know that it's not very Sabr of me, but such is life. It may be the only win the Tribe can get against the Evil Empire and the World Series runner-up Rangers this season, so I'll take what I can get.

The real humor in all this is that it's distinctly possible that Colon has made these comments with the direct intent to garner more cash with whomever he ultimately signs with. It's a common ploy for most agents and players to let it be known that they are wanted somewhere else, and Colon has been around the block a few time.

For some reason, this all makes some sort of strange, 'you have to be kidding me' sense. The New York Yankees and Texas Rangers outbidding the Indians for Bartolo Colon.

Shhhhh, I hear Jamie Moyer is available.

Is Bartolo Colon about to re-sign with the Indians?

There's something strangely fitting that former Tribe starter Bartolo Colon is rumored to be a potential free-agent target for the Indians during the 2010-2011 hot stove season.  No, I'm not talking about Colon now "fitting" into his old Tribe jersey now that he's allegedly lost 50 pounds, I'm talking about how he could fit on this team as a relevant starter.  Seriously, I know you all are chuckling.  I know most of you think that Colon is long past his prime.  I know that you think this rapid weight loss is bogus, or some sort of Oprah-Winfrey like rubber-band diet.  I know that you all think he's really a grandpa.  I know you think he's past his prime.  But c'mon, you've got to open up your mind a bit here.

I'm going to assume that the five of you that read my sad excuse for a blog are seated in front of your computer while viewing this exquisite and well thought out piece, and while you are likely dedicating the next ten minutes of your life into a wonderful retort about how insane I am (you'd be correct), please try and remain calm for a few more moments.  Give me some time here people,  so please take this moment to relax, get nice and comfortable, close your eyes, and think back to the good ole' days of 1998.  Don't worry, if you can't remember back that far, I'll help you along a bit.  Ah, yes, 12 years ago when the Indians were one of the upper echelon.  Back then, Mr. Colon was a 23-year-old ace-in-waiting.  He had helped the Tribe along to their second World Series appearance in three years back in 2007, and had really emerged as a plus pitcher in '08.  He would win 14 games that year, and would then go on to win 10 or more games in his next four seasons with the Tribe.  He was good...really good.  So good, in fact, that the Indians dealt him away for a net return of Lee Stevens, Cliff Lee, Grady Sizemore and Brandon Phillips.  While Stevens turned into an afterthought, Lee and Sizemore became extremely valuable pieces to the Tribe cause, and Phillips did the same, just not for the Tribe (you're welcome Cincinnati).  Colon continued to pitch well for a variety of teams before winning the Cy Young with the Angels in 2005.  It was his last relevant season.

Okay, now open up your eyes.  I wanted to be fair to the former ace before we took a look at the reality of the "fit."  Yeah, I know, you thought I was being serious.  You thought I really thought that Colon was a perfect fit.  Please let me rephrase a bit.  I don't think he's a good fit, but the Tribe brass does.  No, I'm not kidding.  For once, I'd like to believe Paul Hoynes, who stated on his twitter account a few days ago that the "Indians have no interest in re-signing Bartolo Colon, who quit on his last 2 teams."  Tonight, during Bart's start with his Dominican team, sitting in the stands was one Manny Acta.  Of course, he could just be taking in a game...right?

Colon is nothing if not interesting.  'Manny being Manny' is a popular phrase, but there was also Bart being Bart.  Remember when I said that he was 23 years old back in 1998?  It turns out that a birth certificate showed up in 2002 with a birth date of 1973, instead of 1975.  So, as it turns out, Colon wasn't as promising a prospect as he was.  Granted, a 25-year-old winning 14 games is still fairly outstanding, but it's just not the same as a 23-year-old.  Like many players from the Domincan, questions to this day remain about Colon's age.  Is he really 37?  Is he 40?  Is he 50?  Is he still alive?  It's hard to tell.

There's also the issue of Colon's weight.  With the Tribe, Colon consistently struggled with his weight.  While he was never a svelte starter, Colon did manage some eating restraint.  Over the years, however, Colon's food demons had seemingly caught up with him.  Of course, once they did, Bart actually ate them too.  I remember seeing some listings of Colon's weight back in 2006 and 2007 as somewhere around 185 pounds.  Now I could believe that he was 185 pounds back then, perhaps if he was filled with helium, and not the better part of the Golden Corral buffet. 

Colon hasn't pitched for the Tribe since June of 2002, and hasn't pitched for any major league team since 2009.  In 2008, the Red Sox signed Colon, and he pitched fairly well.  Still, Colon wasn't considered a starter with the Sox, and after making seven solid starts, Boston manager Terry Francona planned to meet with Colon about moving him to the pen.  Colon allegedly never showed up to the meeting...twice.  Then, Colon headed off to the Dominican for "personal matters."  While I can't speak to what those matters were, it's generally believed that Colon was ticked off about relieving, and spot starting.  Apparently it's better to not pitch at all, or in this case, pitch in the Dominican.

Colon then signed with the White Sox.  After his initial signing, it took the White Sox three days to locate Colon to talk to him.  He'd again pitch fairly well.  He'd go 3-6, but he had a respectable 4.19 ERA before going on the DL on June 9th.  Colon would rehab in Arizona, but in late June, he disappeared again.  Manager Ozzie Guillen speculated that Colon was "depressed a little bit" because of his affinity for Michael Jackson.  He would turn up, but injuries derailed his season.

Is there anything that's fitting about this potential signing that isn't some two-cent joke about his weight?  There is a certain amount of nostalgia, but it's not like the masses of Cleveland are clamoring for a reunion with the former enigmatic starter.  He was good, bordering on great, but wasn't nearly as beloved as some of the other members of those great teams.

There is the Cliff Lee factor.  Lee was the young pitching prospect in that deal I mentioned before that sent Colon to Montreal.  Unless you live under a rock. Lee just signed a five-year, $120 million dollar deal with the Phillies, managed by Charlie Manuel, Colon's last Tribe manager.  The Phillies, a relevant, big-market team are signing relevant, marquee baseball players.  In this case, Cliff Lee, the pitcher the Indians hoped to help take Colon's place, which he did, and then some.  Perhaps signing Colon to a minor-league, sub-million dollar contract is some sort of karmic balance to Lee's massive deal.  While Lee fits himself in a staff of aces, Colon could himself in a staff of players half his age.

In a bit more serious tone, Colon is a low-cost option to come onto this club and potentially fill a hole as a veteran starter.  Of course, there's that thing about him quitting on his last two teams.  There's also a bit of an injury issue.  There's also that bit about not having pitched in an important game in over a year.  There's also his weight problems.  Of course, there is all that nostalgia!  Maybe the plan is to sign Manny as well, and create some sort of quirky Cleveland sitcom.  I'm sure we could get Betty White involved, and maybe Cerrano as well.  I'm sure we could work some sort of Allstate tie-in.  Wait a second, what are we talking about again?

My guess is that there are better options that bringing back Bartolo.  Of course, if he does sign, and it pans out for the Tribe, I could always change the name of my blog...

For those wondering at home, Colon got lit up a bit tonight, giving up six runs, three earned.  The three unearned came on a throwing error by Colon on a bunt.  Overall, Colon is a respectable 3-1 with a 1.54 ERA in six starts, and 35 innings pitched.  He's struck out 29 and walked only 3.

All-Aught Indians--#3 Starter--Bartolo Colon (2000-2002)

Bartolo Colon came up with the Indians as one of their top pitching prospects, but was overshadowed by another bright young gunner, Jaret Wright.  Wright seemed to be the future ace of the staff in 2007, going 8-3, while Colon made his debut the same year, going 4-7.  Wright would hang on with the club through the 2002, struggling with injuries and mechanics problems.  Colon would also last until the 2002 season with the Tribe, becoming the ace of the staff, and also one of the best pitchers in baseball.  The All-Aught Indians #3 starter is Bartolo Colon.

Colon entered the 2000 season coming off his best season, having gone 18-5 with a 3.95 ERA.  Remember, this was the height of the steroid era, and only seven total AL pitchers that year had an ERA under 4.00.  Colon finished fourth in the A.L. Cy Young race.

Colon would come out of the gates in the new millennium struggling.  While his record would stand at 6-2 on June 3, he had given up six runs in an outing twice, and was sitting on a 4.23 ERA.  He had also struggled a bit with injury, spending the latter part of April on the DL with a pulled oblique. After a loss on July 26, Colon's record stood at 4.49 ERA.  He wouldn't lose another game that year.  He would end up at 15-8, and he would lower his ERA to 3.88.  His signature win that season came on September 18th in a start in New York.  In his only shutout of the season, Colon would throw a one-hit shut out, walking one and striking out a season high 13.  Overall that season, he would strike out 212 batters, becoming the first Indian since the 70's (Dennis Eckersley) to strike out over 200 batters.

Colon would consider his patter in 2001.  On June 30, Colon was 6-7 with a 4.89 ERA.  Colon wouldn't lose a game in July, going 4-0, dropping his ERA to 4.39 in the process.  Colon would only win one game in August, but he would continue to drop his ERA, to 4.12.  In September, Colon would go 3-1, bringing his record to 14-11, and dropping his ERA to below 4 for the first time all season.  He'd get lit up in a meaningless game in October against Kansas City, which would put his ERA over 4.  Still, a typical season tantalizingly close to great, but back-and-forth enough to make people wonder if he'd ever go from being an almost great, to a Cy Young winner.  Then came the playoffs, and we got to see just how big game Colon, in his prime, could be.

The Indians were going up against the Seattle Mariners, who had won 300 games that season, and were heavy favorites to beat the Tribe.  Colon promptly shut the Mariners down in game one.  He went eight innings, giving up six hits and two walks, while striking out ten.  He was dominant, and put the Mariners on their heals.  Colon was equally dominating in his game four start.  Then came the sixth inning.  Colon would almost get out of a bases loaded jam with a 1-0 lead, but would end up giving up three runs before leaving the game.  Still, his big game performance couldn't be overlooked.  He'd finish the series with a 1-1 record and a 1.84 ERA.

Colon would save his best for last in 2002.  It seemed as though Colon finally figured out how to bring out his best from start-to-start.  He would make sixteen for the Tribe that season, and he'd win ten of them, going 10-4, with an impressive 2.55 ERA.  He stopped trying to strike out every hitter, and began to pitch.  Colon's best starts of the season were back to back complete games at the end of May.  He'd give up one unearned run in the first game against Toronto, and shut out Chicago.  It turns out that Colon was pitching too well for an Indians team that was struggling.  He was traded to the Expos after his last start...ironically enough...in a win against the Expos for his tenth win.

Colon's 2 1/2 years with the Tribe were enough to put him in this club of Indians elite.  Colon was 39-24 with a 3.67 ERA.  He'd strike out 488 batters in 536 2/3 innings pitched, and 80 starts altogether.

Colon's final piece to this All-Decade team was his return in the trade.  The Indians would receive Cliff Lee, Brandon Phillips, Grady Sizemore and Lee Stevens.  Two of those players show up on this All-Aught roster.  Another (Brandon Phillips) surely would show up on Cincinnati's.  Not a bad haul for one of the best pitchers in the game.