Lovullo thinks that the extensive work he has done with most of the players on the team gives him some advantage. After all, they seemed to be winning on his teams, right? Perhaps if we used some of the people that developed the talent in the lower ranks, it could translate to a better final product in the major leagues. The only reason I consider this scenario likely is because of the success that Lovullo had while in the minor leagues with the Indians’ organization.

I sincerely hope he gets an opportunity this season to be with the Indians in some capacity. I do not, however, want the Indians to load up on a young coaching staff without too much big league experience.

We knew this was coming as soon as the Phillies and Yankees clinched World Series berths. CC vs. Cliff. Game One. The rumble was on in the Bronx with two pitchers transplanted from the wasteland that has become known as Progressive Field. Even that still rings ugly in my ears. Ugh!

So Sabbathia and Lee combined for two solid pitching performances. Ho hum. What else is new?  However, one that stands out…goes to the guy the Indians actually could have kept. We knew CC was a goner. In turn, we may come out okay in that deal as long as Matt LaPorta keeps developing into the solid hitter we project him to be. Financially, CC was off to bigger and better places…greener places. Or I guess, greener pastures.

Anyway, we could have saved Cliff Lee. Here is a guy who went from Cy Young runer-up, to major arm surgery, to Cy Young winner in 2008. He wasn’t costing the Tribe a fortune…yet. But we decided to ship him away anyway, for a slew of minor league prospects. The prized prospect, J.A. Happ, wasn’t included in the deal either. Basically, the Phillies really played us for chumps. Thanks Shaprio!

So during game one of the World Series, Cliff Lee proceeds to throw a complete game, giving up only one run, but striking out ten. Mind you, he made some fantastic defensive plays as well. Lee owned Yankee Stadium for one night. The first World Series game even in Yankee Stadium part two is a Cliff Lee gem. Go figure. We still can’t escape it…

Acta is young, energetic, and a hard worker. When he lost the Nationals job, he immediately started scouting rosters of teams he would potentially end up with…including the Indians. How ignorant can the guy be? Even he knew Eric Wedge had one foot out the door.

Sure, Acta doesn’t bring over a winning resume’ as a manager. As noted earlier, he was a third base coach on several winning teams, which says something about him. He has experienced a winning atmosphere before.

I really liked Bobby Valentine for the job, but he completely blew his face-to-face interview. The guy was unsure of whether he really wanted the job, and made that clear to the Indians front office. What were Shaprio and Dolan supposed to do? There is no way you entrust this organization to someone who doesn’t really want to manage the team.

That being said, this race seemed to be between Acta and Torey Lovullo. When the Astros offered Acta a deal, Cleveland responded with a 3-year offer sheet. Acta took Cleveland’s offer over that of his former team. Once again, there is a reason for that. Maybe our Indians aren’t in as bad of shape as the Houston Astros? Maybe Acta sees this young talent as something that can bring Cleveland back to life in a few years?

Lastly, Acta reportedly works well with Latino players. His communication skills are superb, something that can greatly enhance the team chemistry in the clubhouse and on the field.

All of these assets can certainly produce wins, but Acta isn’t alone now. The coaching staff must bring more experience to the table for such a young manager. Are there any former Indians in the mix for these jobs?