By Spencer Davies Mark Shapiro joined the Indians a player development director in 1991, even he probably had no idea how he would eventually ascend the corporate ladder to become the teams full-time general manager in November 2001. Joining an organization with near-championship pedigree at the time, Shapiro took the reigns from John Hart, a man that built Clevelands greatest core roster of all-time in the mid-90s. The first three years under Shapiro were forgettable, as the Tribe had a losing record in each season, something that didnt happen since the period of 1991-1993. In 2005, Shapiro put together a solid roster that was barely held out of the playoff race. Coco Crisp, Grady Sizemore, Jhonny Peralta and Kyle Schwarber Jersey Travis Hafner were some upstart, fresh names that helped the team attempt to form a new identity. Shapiro was named Executive of the Year by Sporting News, and nothing but good could be in store for the future, right? But the following season was a huge disappointment, as Shapiro traded Crispwho was coming off of a career yearfor Guillermo Mota, Kelly Shoppach and highly-touted third base prospect Andy Marte. This would be the first of many moves that left fans asking, Why? 2007, however, would be a different story. The Indians were somehow injected with new life after the down season, as five of their playersVictor Martinez, Ryan Garko, Peralta, Sizemore and Hafnereach had over 20 home runs. The starting rotation was the best it had been in years, featuring ace C.C. Sabathia, the formerly named Fausto Carmona, veteran Paul Byrd, Jake Westbrook and Cliff Lee. The bullpen was fantastic, due to the Rafaels, right-hander Betancourt and southpaw Perez, who were the best setup men in baseball. Kenny Lofton would join the party at in late July, and new shortstop sensation Asdrubal Cabrera contributed right off of the bat when the team needed him to the most in August. But, the Cleveland Curse struck again and most of you know how Carlos Zambrano Jersey that one ends. In a very similar situation to 2006, the expectations were through the roof for 2008. Yet, just like it happened two years previously, the Tribe fell flat. In a shocking mid-season move, Shapiro once again shipped out a big name. Cy Young winner and fan favorite C.C. Sabathia was sent to Milwaukee in exchange for more prospectsRob Bryson, Zach Jackson and the core piece of the deal, Matt LaPorta. Thankfully, the Indians received a player to be named later thats been the most consistent baseball player for the team in quite some time, Michael Brantleybut thats a moot point. I could detail the seasons after, and I could talk about the other deals. Cliff Lee, Victor Martinez, the list goes on Mark Grace Jersey . It simply didnt work for Shapiro to make these decisions. He just did not have the skills to evaluate talent, current and future. Heres a list of his first-round draft history: 2001- Dan Denham, Alan Horne, J.D. Martin 2002: Jeremy Guthrie, Matt Whitney, Micah Schilling 2003: Michael Aubrey, Brad Snyder, Adam Miller 2004: Jeremy Sowers 2005: Trevor Crowe, John DrennenScroll to Continue 2006: David Huff 2007: Beau Mills 2008: Lonnie Chisenhall 2009: Alex White 2010: Drew Pomeranz Besides the no-names that probably arent even in baseball anymore, the highlights of his drafts were a decent journeyman starter in Guthrie, an infielder that plays better when put in right field in Chisenhall and a starter turned reliever in Pomeranz. This thankfully stopped when Shapiro was promoted to president of the team in October 2010, and Chris Antonetti was named the replacement and permanent general manager. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ And for a quick tidbit, heres Antonettis short (and arguably already somewhat succe sful) draft history: 2011: Francisco Lindor 2012: Tyler Naquin 2013: Clint Frazier 2014: Bradley Zimmer, Justus Sheffield Hiring Terry Francona after the me s that was Manny Acta Joe Maddon Jersey was also smart. Antonettis free agency moves havent been so greatsee Nick Swisher and Michael Bournbut his under-the-radar moves have landed the Tribe names such as Trevor Bauer, Mike Aviles and Yan Gomes. And as most know, Abraham Almonte is off to quite a start with the organization as well. _________________________________________________________________________________________ As team president, Shapiro has made decisions involving the stadium and a better fan experience. He did a great job with renovations and overall design chances to the park. Thats not blowing hot air, he really did. But as far as baseball decisions go, he just didnt cut it. It was officially announced Monday morning that Shapiro will be headed to Toronto to take over as president and CEO of the Blue Jays. To him, I say congratulations. I also say congratulations to the Indians, because Shapiros decision means that the organization will finally get a breath of fresh air in their front office. Antonetti will probably be the one to take Shapiros seat to oversee the team, meaning a sistant general manager Mike Chernoff will probably take his spot as the new general manager moving forward. The philosophy of the team may remain the same, or it may change. But the attitude and hungrine s of the organization could be altered altogether. The team is already moving on in the right direction with youth, as were all seeing right now in this recent surge. And if getting a glimpse of the future has been Justin Grimm Jersey entertaining to you so far, just wait until the others make their way up, because the future is bright. Ive seen it myself.