Beat writer Paul Hoynes answers the best (and otherwise) from this week's readers mailbag.
Justin Masterson might not be a starter for some other teams in the big leagues, but he fits a need for the Indians, says Paul Hoynes.Hey, Hoynsie: Didn't the idea of "leveraging" Justin Masterson out of the starting rotation begin in June when the Boston Red Sox were trying to reacquire him for use as a long reliever? If so, does his current status indicate he will be offered back to the Sox again next year? -- Steve Gaylo, Thompson
Hey, Steve: Last week manager Manny Acta said if the Indians were an elite club, Masterson would be pitching set-up for them instead of starting. The Indians are light years from being an elite club and they need starting pitching badly.
I predict Masterson will be in the rotation next year. If he isn't, he will not be traded back to Boston.
Hey, Hoynsie: Has Indians CEO Paul Dolan commented publicly about the leaked financial statements of the Pirates and Marlins? -- Jeff Greene, Cleveland
Hey, Jeff: What did you want him to say, "I'm sure glad the Indians' statements weren't made public?"
Hey, Hoynsie: After decades of success with the wild card, including huge bumps in revenue, attendance, and fun for the fans, there was one lone owner who vociferously voiced his dissent. Back in September of 1993, this owner stated regarding the then-proposed wild card, "I made my arguments and went down in flames. History will prove me right. This is an exercise in folly." Who was that owner? -- Robert Beajulais, New Orleans
Hey, Robert: I'm 59 years old and I still have that nightmare about waking up for a test and not having cracked a book. I broke out in a cold sweat just reading your question. I'll take a guess and say George Steinbrenner.
Hey, Hoynsie: Why are the Indians continuing to play guys like Matt LaPorta, Jayson Nix, Luis Valbuena, Shelley Duncan and Chris Gimenez? Do we really not have more capable players in the farm system? -- R.E., Jackson, Mich.
Hey, R.E.: On Sunday, there will be seven games left in the season. It doesn't matter who plays anymore.
Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think the Tribe will give Drew Sutton a shot at third base next year? He reminds me a little bit of Casey Blake size wise and hustle wise. Sutton has done okay at shortstop so he should be able to play third. He is a switch hitter with some pop. -- Joe Eversole, Pelman, Ala.
Hey, Joe: I've liked the way Sutton has played in his short time with the Tribe. If he has any kind of shot with the Tribe next year, and this is just my opinion, it will be as a utility infielder.
Hey, Hoynsie: Recently there was a Plain Dealer article about Shin Soo Choo being a 'keeper' because he hit 20 homers and stole 20 bases this season. It reminded me of the time Omar Vizquel got the hero treatment for 2,000 hits (as opposed to the major-league standard -- 3,000). Now 20 homers and 20 steals is a nice season, but isn't 30/30 or 40/40 more worthy of praise? -- Brett Ormsby, Bay Village
Hey, Brett: Choo's 20-20 is a long way from 30-30 or 40-40. But to reach 30-30 or 40-40, you first have to reach 20-20.
-- Hoynsie