Manny Acta on Indians’ need for trade deadline help: “That’s an understatement”

Asked yesterday if he thinks the Indians need to make a move prior to the July 31 trade deadline, manager Manny Acta replied: “That’s an understatement.”

And that was before they lost to the Twins on a walk-off hit after taking a 1-0 lead into the ninth inning.

Here’s what Acta told Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

We know that from top to bottom. We’re working on it. People need to understand that it takes two to tango. You can have your Christmas list and your wishes, but you need someone else to engage with who is also going to work. It’s very easy to say go grab such and such. Go grab such and such. But they belong to somebody. It’s not like you’re going to a grocery store and grabbing something.

Shin-Soo Choo and Grady Sizemore are both on the disabled list, leaving the Indians short-handed in the outfield, and Hoynes reports that their “focus is on a middle-of-the-order right-handed hitter” and “they could use a starting pitcher as well.”

However, don’t expect the Indians to make any blockbuster deals. They’re contending a year or two sooner than expected, thanks largely to how pathetic the AL Central is right now, but Cleveland is highly unlikely to give up one of their top prospects to add veteran help.

If they’re willing to settle for a mid-rotation starter and a platoon bat, Acta and company should be able to find some dance partners.