Jeff Mount: Thankful for Hope

What am I thankful for?

As an Indians fan, I think I am thankful for hope. Aside from the one team lucky enough to go all the way each year, the other teams are basically divided into those who have hope and those that don’t. This is not based on won-loss record, or on the size of your payroll, but on whether you have a core group of players who are capable of reaching the postseason, a farm system with prospects you can use to fill the remaining holes via promotion or trade, and a front office (including ownership) with the commitment to winning and the judgment needed to get the right players and get rid of the wrong ones.

I have had issues with some of the moves Chris Antonetti has made, and we will always wonder whether the Dolans could be spending more, even though they can certainly point to last year’s attendance as evidence that a larger payroll and more wins do not translate to more seats filled.

But, barring a Sizemore-like run of injuries or a sudden streak of bad moves, the Indians appear to be in a sweet spot for at least the next two years. Given that we are only a year removed from watching Aaron Cunningham, Brent Lillibridge and Jose Lopez, the fact that we have hope is a remarkable thing.

Oct 3, 2012; Cleveland, OH, USA; Fans hold up signs showing their support for Cleveland Indians interim manager Sandy Alomar, Jr. (not pictured) during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports