Since I was a kid growing up in Cleveland in the 60's as a rabid Tribe fan, (and still am, old habits die hard) it's been well documented that the Indians have served as the de facto farm club for the rest of the league. It started with Gabe Paul trading quality players to the Yankees in the 60s, and that set the pattern that remains to this day. As soon as players approach star status, Tribe management gets antsy and pulls the trigger too early by trading away/not renewing contracts of guys nearing their peak years.