Frank Thomas wastes no words. The Cleveland Indians, he concludes, improved themselves greatly Tuesday when they added outfielders Marquis Grisson and David Justice in a deal for center-fielder Kenny Lofton and left-handed relief pitcher Embree.
"That's a real serious move," Thomas said. "They picked up two All-Stars for one."
"They're stronger," he said of the Indians, who have won two consecutive American League Central titles. "They have more pop in the leadoff spot and with Justice they have more in the outfield."
While Sox chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and General Manager Ron Schueler called it a good deal for both teams, Thomas believes it's one-sided for the Indians.
"I think they got the better trade," Thomas said. "It makes 'em a better team. Lofton brings a lot to the table, but they're getting two superstars."
Both Schueler and Reinsdorf emphasized the Indians' loss of Lofton more than the addition of Grissom and Justice. Reinsdorf practically gushed.
"I am thrilled to have Lofton out of the American League," he said. "I don't want to evaluate their trade. I just know I'm going to like not having to face Lofton. I go back to the end of (Joe) DiMaggio's career. I saw (Willie) Mays, (Duke) Snider. They were great center-fielders. But I never saw anybody take over a game like Lofton can. . .He can save three or four runs a game (with his glove)."
Reinsdorf said he wasn't surprised to see Cleveland add about $6 million in payroll at a time when almost all teams are set.
"They're sold out for the whole year," Reinsdorf said. "They have to add seats. They have a team that's consistently picked to win, and they're going for it.. . .They're not going to lose money."
Don't expect the Sox to try to swap blockbuster trades with their AL Central rival. Schueler continues working the phones but he's looking only for a right-handed reliever and a left-handed bat off the bench.
Darwin rocked again: Although the Sox have downplayed Danny Darwin's ineffectiveness, the veteran does little to inspire belief. He gave up six runs on 10 hits in an 8-7 victory over Minnesota Tuesday night, and has allowed 18 runs and 31 hits in 13 1/3 innings overall.
"When I'm making mistakes, it's over the middle of the plate, not on the corners," Darwin said. "I guess this is what spring training is all about."
Darwin and left-hander Mike Bertotti are the two remaining candidates for the fifth starter's job. Bertotti, who worked one inning Tuesday, is being groomed for the bullpen.
Short hops: An MRI on right-hander Roger McDowell's surgically treated right shoulder revealed damage that could require another arthroscopic surgery. "If he doesn't respond to medication, we might have to go in with a scope," Schueler said.. . .The Sox purchased the contract of non-roster catcher Chad Kreuter, who is batting .133. He could be released or traded by midnight Wednesday.