The trade of Casey Blake
Somehow, some way, Casey Blake has become the Indians third-best hitter.

The guy has had a very good season. I'm still not sure he's worth more than $6 million a season, but that's probably just because I have lost track of what players are worth these days.

But any player who can hit close to .400 with runners in scoring position is valuable.

There were times in 2005 when I wondered if the Indians could give Blake away. But now, with the Tribe out of contention, he has become the team's most tradeable commodity.

Indians' writers have made it clear that the Indians won't give Blake away, nor should they.

But the reality is Blake is a free agent after this season and could command a salary that might put him out of the Indians' range.

I know, I can't believe I wrote that either.

People have wondered who would play the corners should Blake leave.

My answer to that: Who cares?

The Indians are going nowhere, so it doesn't matter if Ryan Garko plays first and Andy Marte mans third. What will happen? They fall out of last place?

The Indians have no rights to Blake the moment the season ends, and they have to approach a trade that way.

Don't give him away, but don't hold on to him.

One would think Blake's value in the National League would be high, because he can play anywhere. Still, the teams we keep hearing about are Tampa Bay, Minnesota and the Yankees.

The Dodgers are also said to be interested, as are the Mets.

I should note www.mlbtraderumors.com is a great site.

The key for the Indians is to get the best prospect they can. Since Blake is hitting .287 with 11 homers, that should mean someone who is expected to be an impact player.

Anything less would be disappointing. But not as disappointing as Blake still being in Cleveland a week from now.