Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Autumn in Cleveland


It’s September 30th, 2008. Last year at this time, the Cleveland Indians were Central Division Champions of the American League. Today, most of the team spent the morning and afternoon cleaning out their lockers.
Last year, we experienced such a wonderful "Indian" Summer that the midges covered the Yankees at the Baseball Park then known as Jacobs Field. This year, the midges cover doorways, cars, windows, and spider webs everywhere.

Last year, after missing the World Series by one game, expectations were high for the 2008 season. This year, after losing 3 key players to trades before those players became free agents, we are concerned about this small market team of limited means in payroll competing again.
Well, with about 183 days to go before the start of the season, no sense in worrying now. That’s up to G.M. Mark Shapiro and the Dolans.
That’s also up to Manager Eric Wedge to give his input and expectations of the players on the team, as well as give his input on needs.
To be honest, I feel better about this team this season than I did after the ALCS last season. Last off-season, the Indians, under the leadership of Shapiro, practically were motionless in acquiring any help for this team to get beyond the Red Sox.
This off-season, there needs to be a concerted effort to obtain one strong starting pitcher and shore up the bullpen. Other than that, we are good to go!
Think about it…
Grady Sizemore rules center field everywhere…solid!
Shin Soo Choo has earned a shot at playing everyday in the outfield. (Now if we can only figure out his South Korean military obligation.)
Ben Francisco and Franklin Gutierrez round out the outfield. Francisco has proved that he can play and hit in the majors. Gutierrez is an excellent outfielder who must hit consistently.
Now for the infield that helped Eric Wedge be so creative with so many different line-ups.
Out is 3rd baseman Andy Marte, the "Marte Experiment" is over. Package him in a bundle for some pitching and hopefully the team on the other side of the deal will not notice they are getting him.
Jhonny Peralta has proven himself as a reliable power hitter. He is destined to move to 3rd base for the Cleveland Indians. Don’t fight it Jhonny, take 3rd and play everyday, working on your power.
Ryan Garko has tremendous heart and certainly is a fine fielding 1st baseman but he was handed the position and could not sustain himself as an everyday player. Garko is a bench player and a pinch hitter/DH.
Victor Martinez must play most of his games at 1st base. When healthy, he is our best hitter and he will not stay healthy behind the dish.
Kelly Shoppach has earned the right to be the everyday catcher. He must cut down on his strikeouts, especially called!
Asdrubal Cabrera moves to short stop. This is his natural position and he is the best infielder on the team. He has poise, speed of hands, and great instincts. He must hit consistently.
Who wouldn’t agree that Jamey Carroll should get a shot at playing everyday? He can play 2nd base and be the little offensive spark that makes this team hum.
Travis Hafner believes that he will be 75% healthy by Spring Training. Hafner should not play until he is 100%. (When will we know the truth about Hafner?) The DH spot allows Wedge to rotate his big guns, Peralta, Martinez, Shoppach, Sizemore, and Garko with a day off in the field but still have their presence in the batting order.
This very team was 16 games under .500 at the All Star Break and finished the season at 81-81. They were one of the best teams in all of baseball in the second half. They can and will contend with a strong balance of speed, power, and timely hitting while they continue to be one of the top defensive teams.
The big question and big need…pitching.

OK, I feel better so, come on Twins…you are down by one Jim Thome home run!

Monday, September 29, 2008

For Pinks!

Tuesday night, the 2008 MLB season continues! The Chicago White Sox host the Minnesota Twins in a winner-take-all battle for the American League Central Division title. What could be more fitting for the division that nobody can quite seem to win?

The game is scheduled to begin at 7:35 PM and will be televised by TBS.

Right-hander Nick Blackburn starts for the Twins. He has an 11-10 record with a 4.14 ERA.
Blackburn is 2-2 with a 5.28 ERA this season vs. the Sox.
The Twins as a team are batting .280 this season.

Left-hander John Danks starts for the Sox. He has an 11-9 record with a 3.47 ERA.
Danks is 2-3 with a 6.88 ERA this season vs. the Twins.
The Sox are batting .263 this season.

This is what it is all about, the last day of the season and the division title up for grabs!

I will be watching all the action rooting for the Twins. Why?

The Twins lost 3 of their top players to free agency in the off season but still contended for the division. They play the game hard, they play pesky, they play looking for every advantage, and they play the game with respect.

Oh yes, the Twins definitely wear white hats under those blue caps with the TC on the front.

Come on Twins, strike a big blow for underdogs everywhere, strike a blow for winning on a small payroll. Show the baseball world that not just the Rays are the big story of 2008 in MLB.

GO TWINS!

Sunday, September 28, 2008

What Will Happen?



There are 4 teams in MLB fighting for 2 playoff spots today.
In the American League, the Central division is up for grabs. Minnesota, who has failed to help themselves this weekend, leads Chicago by one half game. The Twins play the K.C. Royals. The White Sox host the Indians. If the Twins win and the White Sox lose, the Twins win the division. If both the Twins and Sox lose or if they both win, then it will force the White Sox to make up a game with the Tigers on Monday. If that happens and the Sox win, it will force a Tuesday playoff game between the Twins and Sox. If the White Sox win and the Twinslose, then that too will force the playoff game with Detroit. If the Sox beat Detroit in that scenario, they win the division. If the Sox lose, on to the Tuesday playoff with the Twins...Phew!
In the National League, the Wild Card is up for grabs between the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Mets. Both teams have identical records. It is raining in New York where the Mets are to host the Marlins. The Brewers host the Cubs. If both the Brewers and the Mets win or if they both lose, it will force a playoff game on Monday. If one wins and the other loses, the loser is out. If the Mets game is rained out, the season will be extended another day to Monday. Bets are that they play the game after a delay today.
So, what will happen?
Better yet, what do you want to happen?
I know what I want to happen;
I want Cleveland to stick it to the White Sox one more time and knock the Sox out of the playoffs. That scenario cleans up quite a bit, no make-up game or playoff for the playoff. It also means that Cleveland ends their season with a record of 82 – 80 and a huge amount of respectability coming from 16 games under in mid-July.
I want CC Sabathia to win on short rest today.
I want the Mets to win.
Then, I want the Brewers and the Mets to “play to the death” tomorrow night to decide the N.L. Wild Card.
I want the Brewers to win that game and see how far the Brewers can go on the arm of CC Sabathia.
So, today I am pulling for the Brewers, Mets, and Indians (of course).
Oh, one more thing…
If the Indians can beat the White Sox today, don’t expect anyone to gloat or make a choke sign, or any other immature act. Taking 3 out of 3 from the White Sox when they needed to win most is reward enough and the Indians and Eric Wedge are too classy to do anything else except be proud of the fact that they never quit and made their mark to say, “Watch out for the Indians in 2009!”

Friday, September 26, 2008

Fighting for Truth, Justice, and the American Way!

OK. OK, so we only took 1 out of 4 games in Boston but we played the world champs pretty tough. In those 4 games, we were only outscored by 7 runs. Unfortunately, dropping 3 of the games put the Tribe back to 1 game under .500.
Now what?
We go on to Chicago and begin the final 3 games of the season against Ozzie and his evil empire. The Minnesota Twins in the mean time have gone ahead of the White Sox in the standings and lead the A.L. Central by one half game! Kansas City comes to Minnesota for their final 3 games. The Twins are in control of their own destiny. If they sweep the Royals, they are champs! But just in case they need a little help, the Tribe needs to step up for 3 reasons;
  1. They help Minnesota win the division and keep the White Sox out of the post season.
  2. If the Tribe sweeps Chicago, they finish the season at 82-80 with respectability.
  3. We all get to give Ozzie back his "Choke" sign that we borrowed at the end of the 2005 season.


All great reasons to beat up on Ozzie and company.


Come on Tribe, gotta make it happen!


Prediction for tonight's game;

Tribe 5 - White Sox 2!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Let Bob Watson Know What You Think


Earlier today, Bob Watson , director of on-field operations for Major League Baseball, handed down the following suspensions for the “brawl” that took place Friday night between the Detroit Tigers and the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field;

  • Cleveland Indians’ Pitcher Fausto Carmona received a 6-game suspension.
  • Cleveland Indians’ Catcher Victor Martinez received a 3-game suspension.
  • Cleveland Indians’ Infielder Astrubal Cabrera received a 3-game suspension.
  • Detroit Tigers' designated hitter Gary Sheffield received a 4-game suspension.

Game Facts:

  • Fact: Pitcher Fausto Carmona hit Gary Sheffield with a pitch on the left shoulder/arm as Sheffield turned inside to avoid the pitch.
  • Fact: Sheffield and Carmona stared each other down as Sheffield carried his bat and slowly made his way to first base.
  • Fact: Carmona attempted a pick off of Sheffield at first base. Sheffield motioned to the plate and had words for Carmona.
  • Fact: When Carmona had words for Sheffield, Sheffield left first base and charged at Carmona.
  • Fact: Both benches and bullpens cleared and came onto the field as Carmona locked Sheffield in a headlock and struck him repeatedly on the head.
  • Fact: Astrubal Cabrera, Victor Martinez, Placido Polanco, and others had involvement to varying degrees.
  • Fact: Carmona, Sheffield, Martinez, and Polanco were thrown out of the game.

Contact Bob Watson at bob.watson@mlb.com to let him know if you are in agreement or disagreement with his ruling.

MLB Hands Out Suspensions For Friday Night's Rhubarb...

Carmona - 6 games
Martinez - 3 games
Cabrera - 3 games
Sheffield - 4 games

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Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!
Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Dude's Human!

The Cleveland Indians completed a sweep of the Detroit Tigers this afternoon with a 10-5 victory. Scott Lewis showed that he is actually human by giving up a run in the second inning, his first after 15 scoreless innings. Eric Wedge, not my favorite manager, has to be given credit for keeping this team focused and playing the season full out. His guys are playing with tremendous professionalism, looking for their best possible record over .500 ball. They are currently in the midst of a 6-game winning streak, and a 41 - 24 record since mid-July.


Before Friday's game, it was discussed that the Indians needed to win 7 out of their last 10 games to finish the season better than .500. It was suggested that they needed to begin by sweeping the Tigers at home during the last home stand of the season. That is exactly what they did.


So it is on to Boston and Chicago where we can make a difference in the playoffs. Now we need to win 4 out of the last 7 games to reach the 82 - 80 plateau. Winning 2 from Boston and 2 from Chicago certainly looks quite attainable now. The way these guys are playing, I would not be surprised to see them win 6 out of the 7 remaining games.

This team has matured and jelled as they had to overcome so much this season. If only there were 2-3 more weeks left to the 2008 season.

I like this team and I believe they can compete with anyone next year. Yes, there will be a bit of tinkering as many players have made themselves very attractive to off-season deals through their improved play. There are other moves that must be made; Andy Marte, David Dellucci, pitching evaluations, etc., but the nucleus of the team is there with a solid balance.

Look for the 2009 Cleveland Indians to contend successfully.

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Tribe Gets Back to .500!

The Cleveland Indians climbed back to the .500 mark for the first time this season since May 18th. This was a great team effort tonight as the Indians beat Justin Verlander and the Tigers by a score of 6-3.

There were no residual incidents from the brawl the night before. However, a special tip of the hat goes out to Gary Sheffield for the added impetus he gave the Indians by being Gary Sheffield last night.

Jeremy Sowers started for the Tribe and it wasn't an easy time as he battled back early and often from trouble to earn his 4th win of the season.

Big hits again came from Shin Soo Choo and Jamey Carroll, two guys that have really made strides to become everyday players for this exciting team.

What's next?

Scott Lewis goes against Dontrelle Willis tomorrow as the Tribe looks for the sweep, as well as to go 1 game over .500!

Lewis has pitched 14 scoreless innings since being called up from AAA ball just a couple of weeks ago.

There isn't a nicer guy in the game than Dontrelle Willis and I wish him much luck, after tomorrow. Dontrelle has had his struggles this year so look for our Tribe to complete the sweep!

Odds Tonight...

The odds tonight are even for the game, as well as any fight!
What should we expect tonight?
Ask Gary! He's batting 5th tonight!
Ask Shin Soo Choo, he's batting 3rd tonight!
As Jamey Carroll, he's batting 2nd tonight!
These were the "game-makers" last night.
Gary Sheffield has vowed revenge on "all those guys that were involved."
Gary reviewed the tape of the brawl last night to make sure he could complete his hit list.
He has vowed to get "that skinny left-hander." Note to Gary, his name is Rafael Perez and he was the game winner last night.
He has vowed to get Astrubal Cabrera. Geez Gary, I gotta go along with you on that one. Astrubal was all over you as he was pounding you over the top of Fausto. How did Astrubal avoid getting tossed last night? He must be stealthy.
Unfortunately, Victor Martinez is not scheduled to start the game tonight but he will be available to come in if needed for pinch hitting, catching, or just general ass-kicking if need be.
So, Gary, it's up to you tonight.
You are a talented but troubled ballplayer.
Which one of you will come to play tonight?
You could stay focused and play the game...
or
If you care to, feel free to ignite the Tribe again tonight!
I love baseball but I gotta admit...
I love basebrawls, too!


Friday, September 19, 2008

We Win...The Game And The Fight!

Jamey Carroll, who was written about on this blog yesterday, delivers the game-winning, pinch hit in the bottom of the 9th inning tonight to beat the Tigers, 6-5!



Shin Soo Choo continues his assault on "Mr. Spalding" as he connects on two home runs tonight, his second was a game-tying, 3-run shot!


Fausto Carmona gets his shots in on Gary Sheffield. "Chef" took offense to first, a plunk by Carmona and second, a throw over to first. That was all it took for tempers to flare and 4 players to get ejected.

Hey Gary...you're looking a little choked-up!

2 more games to play, boys. Let's see what tomorrow and Sunday bring!


When I said that Fausto needed to "step up" for this game, I didn't mean into the ring!

Rock-on "Kid" Carmona!

Respect!

Respect: To be regarded highly, held in esteem for a sense of worth or excellence.

The Cleveland Indians have been flirting with the .500 mark for the past 2 months of this season. To surpass that mark, they would need to finish the season at 82 – 80. With 10 games remaining, it could be accomplished. However, with a current record of 75 – 77, and having to face Detroit for 3 games here in Cleveland, Boston for 4 games in Boston, and then finish in Chicago with 3 games, the Indians would need to win 7 of the remaining 10 games.
Just how could they accomplish this?

It starts with a sweep of Detroit… Yes, a sweep of Detroit… Yes!
Fausto Carmona takes the mound tonight. He is 3-0 vs. the Tigers this year. Fausto is due for a big game. Detroit Manager Jim Leyland begins a 3-game suspension tonight stemming from a disputed series with the Texas Rangers. This is a must win game for Fausto. This is a big game for the Cleveland offense to establish themselves for the weekend series which just happens to be the end of the home season. Final score tonight - Cleveland 8, Detroit 4!
Saturday, Jeremy Sowers faces the Tigers. He has been pitching well and then not pitching well, usually in the same game. It is time for Sowers to repeat his most recent outing and put two halves of a game together in beating the Tigers.
Sunday is the 3rd start for rookie sensation Scott Lewis. With 2 starts and 14 scoreless innings, should anything else be expected?

Then on to Boston. We need to take 3 of 4 in Beantown…Yes, 3 of 4!
We need to show the baseball world that going 3-1 in the 2007 ALCS was not a fluke, that this team belonged there. What better way than to help alter the playoff hopes of the Red Sox?

Then we finish the season with a sweep of the White Sox and we show Ozzie what choking is truly all about!
Can we help the Twins win the division on the last day of the season? Listen closely and hear Ozzie…



Cough, cough, choke, wheeze, cough, choke!

That would put the Tribe at 84 – 78 for the season, certainly a sign of respectability and great momentum to build on for the 2009 season.


“R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me”…to the team!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Look What We Have…

Jamey hangs in there to complete the double play!
Jamey breaks up the oppositions double play attempt!
Jamey starts a rally on the road!
Jamey is a "Duck on the Pond" for one of Peralta's big swats!


As the Cleveland Indians look to tinker and rebuild to compete in 2009, they must be careful not to overlook one very valuable player.
Has utility infielder Jamey Carroll earned a shot as a regular infielder?
Here is what he has accomplished with the Indians since coming over from the 2007 pennant-winning Rockies in the off-season:
(Keep in mind that Carroll has played in only 105 of the 152 games.)

  • Runs – He ranks 5th on the Indians at 56
  • Hits – Ranks 7th with 86
  • 2B – Ranks 11th with 11
  • 3B – Ranks 2nd with 4
  • RBIs – Ranks 11th with 30
  • Total Bases – Ranks 10th with 108
  • SO – Carroll has only struck out 56 times in 316 at bats, .177 (lowest of all starting players on the team, excluding Victor Martinez)
  • BB – Ranks 7th with 33
  • Stolen Bases – Ranks 2nd with 7
  • OBP – Ranks 4th at .354
  • SLG – Ranks 14th at .342
  • AVG – Ranks 4th at .272
Jamey Carroll currently has a .990 fielding percentage. He has played around the infield and has been in the start or the middle of many rallies this season. Until this season, Jamey was better know for his defense, but he certainly has stepped up his offense this year. It is great to hear STO Sportscaster Rick Manning rave about Jamey Carroll, calling out each time that he comes to bat that Jamie gives you great at bats and is a very tough competitor. That is a great compliment coming from a guy who was a standout in MLB for many years.
Can Carroll be our lead-off guy?
If Grady Sizemore batted 2nd, would he get better pitches with a runner on base?
The consensus is that Grady Sizemore is a perfect #3 hitter in the lineup. Perhaps, but I still favor him second, batting left behind the runner.
Where do you play Carroll, 2nd base, short stop, or 3rd base?
He appears to be very comfortable at 2nd, but almost equally comfortable at 3rd.
He can move into 2nd, moving Cabrera to short, and Peralta to 3rd, or just leave the infield alone and insert Carroll at 3rd.
Jamey Carroll has earned at least a chance to play everyday for the Tribe by his gutsy, never quit, always giving 100% style of play.
Think of the lineup:
1. J. Carroll, 3rd base
2. G. Sizemore, CF
3. V. Martinez, 1st base
4. J. Peralta, SS
5. T. Hafner, DH
6. F. Gutierrez/S. Choo, RF
7. B. Francisco, LF
8. K. Shoppach, C
9. A. Cabrera, 2nd base



Wedge has tried about 152 different lineups this season, why not give mine a try and go for 153?!



Did you happen to see the Tribe’s 2009 schedule? http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/schedule/index.jsp?c_id=cle&m=4&y=2009


Wow! The season starts in Texas on April 6th, We open the new Yankee Stadium on April 16th, we play in Pittsburgh in June, and the majority of our home games are in August and September as we end the season in Boston during the first week of October.
It is a very competitive but fair schedule…We need a competitive team to bring it all together!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Why So Glum, Ron?

Take it easy, Ron Gardenhire! It could be worse, you could be 10.5 games out and looking to next year already, like your friends in Cleveland. Instead, you are still in there. No, even though you have not been mathematically eliminated from the American League Wild Card playoff spot, you are going to have to win the division to get into the post season. And guess what? We, here in Cleveland are rooting for you!...Just not Monday, or Tuesday, or tonight. Come Thursday, feel free to go for it! Ron was so down after losing to the Tribe and Victor Martinez last night in 11 innings, he was quoted as saying, “It’s a tough one to swallow. We’re snake bit.”
No, you are not snake bit but just delayed a bit in your quest. Don’t worry about the snakes, most of them in Northeast Ohio are non-poisonous. In fact, when Ozzie Guillen and team were here earlier this month, there were reports of many of our snakes dying after biting the White Sox.
Hang in there Ron, after facing Cliff Lee tonight, we here in Cleveland are all for ya!
In fact, we will be finishing the season in the Windy City where we plan on biting Ozzie and company ourselves.
The guys are lining up for tetanus shots now.

Congratulations to Victor Martinez on his 3-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th inning last night at the “Pro.” Although we tried desperately to give the game back to the Twins by relinquishing 8 unanswered runs with an 8-1 lead, it just made for a fantastic finish, the likes of which we haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing this year.

Nice shot by Grady Sizemore as he hit the “Grady Pole” in the bottom of the 8th inning to enable the comeback!

Grady uses a little "Fisk-Body-English" to hit his own "Fair" pole!

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Who Is Scott Lewis And Where Do We Get More Guys Like Him?

Congratulations to Scott Lewis! Scott was brought up a little over one week ago to join the injury-depleted starting pitching of the Cleveland Indians. How did he react?
In two games he has pitched 14 scoreless innings. Lewis has yet to allow a run in 14 Major League innings. That's the longest such stretch by a Tribe pitcher to start a career since 1969 -- as far back as Elias Sports Bureau's records go.
In those 14 innings, Lewis has allowed 0 runs, 6 hits, 2 walks, and 8 strike-outs! Not only is he pitching great, he has tremendous poise and professionalism.
Best of luck to Scott Lewis and may you have a long, successful, and prosperous career with the Cleveland Indians!


What about Ned Yost?!
Yikes!
I guess ownership in Milwaukee has long memories! With a record of 83 – 67, the Brewers dumped manager Ned Yost!
The Brewers dropped their 5.5 Wild Card lead to find themselves in a tie with the Phillies after the weekend. Obviously, Brewers’ ownership will not tolerate another team slip and slide from the playoffs this year, at least from Yost!
Wow!
Good luck Dale Sveum!
Funny, the Cleveland Indians miss the 2007 World Series by 1 game, fail miserably in 2008, and yet stick with their manager, Eric Wedge.
Yeah, yeah, yeah,...
Injuries, injuries, injuries…
OK, obviously Wedge will be around at least until the start of 2009, he had better win…
Tick…Tick…Tick…


Only in Cleveland!

  • Where else would the public transportation (RTA) raise fares by $.25 and cut service by 3%?
  • Where else could a hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas and pull our linemen down to help with a rescue effort, come blowing into our town and cause such damage, leaving 336,000 homes without power and a huge cleanup effort? Isn’t it a bit ironic that 336,000 northeast Ohioans were without power Sunday night but Cleveland Browns’ Stadium was big and bright on national television?...Hmmm! (Of course, this is what I heard since I was one of the 336,000!)
  • Power came back on in my area late last night. That means lights, water, showers, flushing toilets, sump pumps, refrigerator, stove/oven, septic system, garage opener, no shaving in the dark, and I can see the Tribe on TV tonight!

Monday, September 15, 2008

What If?????


Cleveland’s biggest losses recently have come at the hands of the Seattle Mariners (3 game sweep at home at the end of August) and 3 out 4 losses to the Royals ( this past weekend at home). Those 6 losses are certainly games that should have been won. What if we had won those 6 games? We would be 78 and 71, 5.5 games behind the White Sox, and certainly considered in contention (albeit a long shot) with 13 games remaining. Instead, we are 72 and 77, 11.5 games behind, and not even an afterthought. We all know that the Cleveland Indians were hit with massive injuries to begin the season. We also know that barely nothing was done to improve the staff in the off-season. Then, players that probably had career-seasons in 2007 failed to produce early on in 2008.

The facts are that because the team stayed pat in the off-season was a pretty clear sign that they did not have the money to improve after missing the World Series by 1 game. That sends a message to the players as well as the fans. (The addition of Masa Kobayashi will be the standard that this past off-season will be measured.)

Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner began the season obviously injured and went on the disabled list after contributing no more than 40% because of those injuries. They shouldn’t have played until they were healthy. Who would be better in the line-up, Travis and Victor at 40% or Shoppach, Choo (when he came back from the DL), Blake (before being traded), Gutierrez, or Francisco at 100%? Andy Marte is out of options and is taking up space on the team, just as Martinez and Hafner were early on. With a 25 man roster, we generally had 12 to 13 position players. With 25% of those players being the unproductive Hafner, Martinez, and Marte, how could you possibly compete?

What would other teams do with Andy Marte? (When I say other teams, I mean good teams that contend year after year.) The Yankees would consider Marte expendable. They have the $$$s to make a decision like that. Ditto the Red Sox. The Indians do not have that luxury but they certainly could have gotten something for Marte by now, even if it was a minor league something. They are just too afraid to pull the trigger, fearing that Andy Marte will become another Brandon Phillips. Marte is out of options so he cannot be sent back down to the minors for more work. Are we not capable at the major league level of improving him or assessing that he is as good as he can be?

Those 6 games are very irritating right now.

We put Hafner, Martinez, and Jake Westbrook on the DL, traded CC Sabathia, Casey Blake, and Paul Byrd, and the Indians became one of the hottest teams in baseball since the All-Star break! There is no denying that General Manager Mark Shapiro has his payroll hands tied with this small market team, but to wait until the team was 40 games into the season and spiraling down in the standings before acknowledging a problem is unforgivable. To keep Hafner and Martinez in the line-up was revenue prompted. The team may not have been winning but these fan-favorites put butts in the seats.

How about Eric Wedge?

Despite the trades, injuries, and poor production, it is my belief that Wedge was not the engineer of this team playing better since July but that he was caught by surprise. His constant inclusion of David Dellucci in the line-up and his resting of producing players (Sizemore, Peralta, etc.) on days before a team day off make you wonder just which team he wants to win. This is one of the most stubborn managers the Indians have ever had. I fear that he makes Dave Garcia look like St. Francis of Assisi.

6 wins!!!

There are those that would argue that things were stacked against Wedge this year. That is a bunch of crap!

There are also those that would argue that the manager cannot make that big of a difference. That is a bigger bunch of crap!

Tell that to the Blue Jays as Cito Gaston has them roaring into contention since taking the club over.

Tell that to the Mets since Jerry Manual has them in 1st place since implementing his philosophy and pointing them in the right direction.

Shapiro and Wedge got comfortable sitting on their laurels, 2007 G.M. and Manager of the year in the American League respectively.

Shapiro and Wedge were not honest in dealing with the media and the fans as far as player injuries were concerned.

6 wins!!!

Shapiro and Wedge need to go away…and take your little brother Masa Kobayashi with you.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Are You Ready For Some Baseball?????

Oh, Yeah! It's mid-September and as we experience this great stretch run in both the American and National leagues, you can't help looking ahead a little to the playoffs and the Fall Classic...What's in store for us this year?


What better way to look ahead than to look back. Here are some famous finishes (in no apparent order) to wet your appetite...Enjoy!


1996 ALCS - New York Kid interferes and becomes a Bronx hero!




2003 NLCS - Cubs fan interferes and has to move out of town!





2005 ALCS - Pierzynski advances on a "dropped" 3rd strike!








2007 NL Wild Card Playoff - Extra inning win for the '07 Rockies!






1988 World Series, Game 1 - Gibson hobbles to the plate and takes Eck deep!






1955 World Series, Game 1 - Jackie Robinson slides under the tag of Yogi...or did he?






1956 World Series, Game 5 - Larsen makes a perfect catch, too!







1992 NLCS - Sid Bream ends the Bucs dream!









1986 World Series, Game 6 - Bill Mookie's-around!












1970 All-Star Game - Rose "Fosse-lizes" an All-Star victory!











1993 World Series, Game 6 - Joe Carter's Northern Exposure!








1954 World Series, Game 1 - Say Hey...what a catch!









1951 National League Pennant Playoff Game - Bobby Thompson's "SHOT!"











1960 World Series, Game 7 - Bill Maz's "SHOT!"











1975 World Series, Game 6 - Carlton hits the "Fisk Pole!"






1997 World Series, Game 7 - Edgar breaks hearts in Cleveland!
Well, there are many more but this is just a taste of what the Grand Old Game delivers to us year after year. I can't wait for the playoffs and can't say it any better than this:
"...God, I love baseball!" Roy Hobbs in "The Natural"