I didn't comment on last night's game because, really, what there to say? Just amazing. It's night's like that (rookie getting his first start, his first hit, and a walk off homer) that really make you believe in these guys. It's unreal.
And how awesome is it that C.C. got his 12th win tonight (*cough*and Beckett didn't*cough*)? While I'd love to see the Tribe with a 20 game winner, the later into the season we go the harder it will be for C.C. But, still, technically he's on a pace to win 24...
I was a bit bummed to see Perez give up those homers, since he's been so great, but he is a rookie and he was bound to lose it a little. Hopefully he bounces right back, although I will once again raise the issue of multiple innings. I know they really need long relief help in that bullpen, but he's such a dominating pitcher that using him for more than an inning (when he's guaranteed to be dominating) seems ill advised.
And of course I was cheering on the Twins today, but that's a double edged sword. Minnesota is a scary team and they're clearly starting to heat up.
Still, it's nice to have some more room at the top, with hopefully more to come. And the Tribe plays the Tigers on ESPN on the 4th! The first time I get to see them on my new HDTV!
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
A's @ Indians, 6/27/07
Well, there's a low to go with the high of the night before.
I don't blame Fausto for this one. Everyone has an off day. Sure, his was worse than most, but these things happen. Considering what he's done for us so far this season, I'm not going to hold it against him. The guy has never started this many games at the major league level, so something like this was bound to happen eventually. The key is for guys like Lee and Westbrook to step up so something like this isn't a major bump in the road.
And while he did give up three runs in the end, Jason Stanford gave us 5+, which is a good sign. It was clear that he didn't have his best stuff, either. But how often is he going to be called on to go that long? Chances are good that we'll never need him for more than two innings and I think he showed tonight that he could do that. So that was a plus.
I'm hearing more and more that Adam Miller will eventually get the call for a spot in the bullpen and I have to say that while I'm generally not a fan of moving a starter to the bullpen in any circumstance, the idea of him and Stanford as our long relief guys is a nice one.
I say all this because it's become more and more clear to me that the Tribe won't make a deal before the deadline. Seriously, there's nothing out there to get, and what is out there will be far to pricey.
Obviously tonight was a bit unsettling. But I think we'll be okay. How we respond tomorrow will be a good test.
I don't blame Fausto for this one. Everyone has an off day. Sure, his was worse than most, but these things happen. Considering what he's done for us so far this season, I'm not going to hold it against him. The guy has never started this many games at the major league level, so something like this was bound to happen eventually. The key is for guys like Lee and Westbrook to step up so something like this isn't a major bump in the road.
And while he did give up three runs in the end, Jason Stanford gave us 5+, which is a good sign. It was clear that he didn't have his best stuff, either. But how often is he going to be called on to go that long? Chances are good that we'll never need him for more than two innings and I think he showed tonight that he could do that. So that was a plus.
I'm hearing more and more that Adam Miller will eventually get the call for a spot in the bullpen and I have to say that while I'm generally not a fan of moving a starter to the bullpen in any circumstance, the idea of him and Stanford as our long relief guys is a nice one.
I say all this because it's become more and more clear to me that the Tribe won't make a deal before the deadline. Seriously, there's nothing out there to get, and what is out there will be far to pricey.
Obviously tonight was a bit unsettling. But I think we'll be okay. How we respond tomorrow will be a good test.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
A's @ Indians, 6/26/07
Wow.
Well, where to begin?
I should point out that early in the of the ninth I knew they would come back and win. Why? Well, because just after the top of the 9th, MLB.tv decided not to work anymore. I had to follow the game on Gamecast, which pretty much said everything I needed to know. OF COURSE the Tribe would come back the one time I couldn't watch the game.
Fortunately, MLB.tv came back up just after Pronk's double, so I got to see the game winner.
Let's look at the good we got from tonight, aside from the obvious big time win:
1) Cliff Lee went six and gave up three runs. That's a great sign.
2) Hafner came through when it counted and had a sac earlier to give him three RBI.
3) Wedge clearly made the right choice bringing in Shoppach.
4) Rafael Perez is awesome.
5) The Tigers lost.
Such a great night.
Well, where to begin?
I should point out that early in the of the ninth I knew they would come back and win. Why? Well, because just after the top of the 9th, MLB.tv decided not to work anymore. I had to follow the game on Gamecast, which pretty much said everything I needed to know. OF COURSE the Tribe would come back the one time I couldn't watch the game.
Fortunately, MLB.tv came back up just after Pronk's double, so I got to see the game winner.
Let's look at the good we got from tonight, aside from the obvious big time win:
1) Cliff Lee went six and gave up three runs. That's a great sign.
2) Hafner came through when it counted and had a sac earlier to give him three RBI.
3) Wedge clearly made the right choice bringing in Shoppach.
4) Rafael Perez is awesome.
5) The Tigers lost.
Such a great night.
Monday, June 25, 2007
A's @ Indians, 6/25/07
Home sweet home.
Also, I love the Rangers.
I think the general consensus is that there's no way the Tribe will be able to sign C.C. after next year. But, man, that would be a big plus if we could. The assumption is that Carmona is in line to be just as dominating a starter and that the ceiling is still pretty high on Sowers and Miller. In this division, however, it seems like you need two aces to win out.
Of course the other nice part about tonight was Pronk going 2 for 4 with a home run. If he returns to form that could really lift the Tribe up.
And while they managed to win tonight, is there anything better than the fact that the White Sox (and the Yankees) are so far out of it at this point?
Also, I love the Rangers.
I think the general consensus is that there's no way the Tribe will be able to sign C.C. after next year. But, man, that would be a big plus if we could. The assumption is that Carmona is in line to be just as dominating a starter and that the ceiling is still pretty high on Sowers and Miller. In this division, however, it seems like you need two aces to win out.
Of course the other nice part about tonight was Pronk going 2 for 4 with a home run. If he returns to form that could really lift the Tribe up.
And while they managed to win tonight, is there anything better than the fact that the White Sox (and the Yankees) are so far out of it at this point?
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Indians @ Nationals, 6/24/07
Let's face facts: this is kind of pathetic.
We're two outs away from losing the series to the Nationals. We've managed a total of six runs so far in the series.
Jake Westbrook actually had a pretty good outing today. And it's about to be wasted.
Honestly, I think this is what separates the Tribe from that upper group of teams, like the Red Sox or even the Tigers. The Indians let teams like the Royals and the Nationals beat them.
I have to wonder if the Tribe has difficulty getting "up" for games like this. They just seem off across the line-up. It doesn't seem like there's any pop to them. This would also seem to explain why they have such a good home record.
Game over. That was something of a pathetic display.
Let's go Braves...
We're two outs away from losing the series to the Nationals. We've managed a total of six runs so far in the series.
Jake Westbrook actually had a pretty good outing today. And it's about to be wasted.
Honestly, I think this is what separates the Tribe from that upper group of teams, like the Red Sox or even the Tigers. The Indians let teams like the Royals and the Nationals beat them.
I have to wonder if the Tribe has difficulty getting "up" for games like this. They just seem off across the line-up. It doesn't seem like there's any pop to them. This would also seem to explain why they have such a good home record.
Game over. That was something of a pathetic display.
Let's go Braves...
Indians @ Nationals 6/23/07
There is currently no greater injustice in the world of sports than the fact that Victor Martinez probably won't make the All-Star game.
Let's face facts, though: the All-Star game is a joke. Fans are stupid. Fans are stupid and loyal, not unlike dogs. They vote for every guy on the ballot from their team, deserving or not. Or, even worse, they vote for "name" players, again whether deserving or not.
It's a lot like politics, actually.
I still find it incredibly disconcerting that our offense isn't producing more against the freaking Washington Nationals.
Let's face facts, though: the All-Star game is a joke. Fans are stupid. Fans are stupid and loyal, not unlike dogs. They vote for every guy on the ballot from their team, deserving or not. Or, even worse, they vote for "name" players, again whether deserving or not.
It's a lot like politics, actually.
I still find it incredibly disconcerting that our offense isn't producing more against the freaking Washington Nationals.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Last Night
The Detroit Tigers are good.
This is why losing to the Washington Nationals (or the Kansas City Royals or the Texas Rangers or any other team we SHOULD beat) is just stupid.
Judging by the way we were just swinging away up there, the entire team thought getting hits off the Nationals would be no problem.
And again I find myself questioning a coaching move. Why pitch to Watson? He already had one RBI and at that point it was only 2-1. Sure, the Nationals would have brought someone off the bench to hit in the pitcher's spot, but it would have been someone coming up cold as opposed to a guy who ended up going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.
I hate the idea that I'm turning into a Monday morning quarterback, but there are times when I'm just baffled.
Anyway, I think we really need a win tonight, not just because I think we need to improve the confidence level of the team, but also because as I write this the Braves only have one more inning to catch the Tigers.
This is why losing to the Washington Nationals (or the Kansas City Royals or the Texas Rangers or any other team we SHOULD beat) is just stupid.
Judging by the way we were just swinging away up there, the entire team thought getting hits off the Nationals would be no problem.
And again I find myself questioning a coaching move. Why pitch to Watson? He already had one RBI and at that point it was only 2-1. Sure, the Nationals would have brought someone off the bench to hit in the pitcher's spot, but it would have been someone coming up cold as opposed to a guy who ended up going 2 for 4 with 2 RBI.
I hate the idea that I'm turning into a Monday morning quarterback, but there are times when I'm just baffled.
Anyway, I think we really need a win tonight, not just because I think we need to improve the confidence level of the team, but also because as I write this the Braves only have one more inning to catch the Tigers.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Moves
So the Tribe put Delucci on the 15 day DL today. They also designated Hernandez for assignment (at long last). They called up Ben Francisco to replace Delucci and Edward Mujica to replace Hernandez.
Here's hoping they give Standford a shot at that spot when Westbrook gets called up.
It's interesting to note that the Tribe signed five veterans in the off season. Delucci is now on the DL, but up until this point he's been well below average, saved only by a few timely hits. Nixon is in the midst of a ridiculous slump. Hernandez was awful all year. Fultz is actually less effective than Perez. That leave Borowski.
Personally, I think Michaels deserves a chance to play every day. The man has certainly made the most of his chances.
I said to my friend Matt (a Red Sox fan) the other day that it must be nice to know what your line-up would be if the post-season started tomorrow.
I'll admit, however, that it's always interesting.
Here's hoping they give Standford a shot at that spot when Westbrook gets called up.
It's interesting to note that the Tribe signed five veterans in the off season. Delucci is now on the DL, but up until this point he's been well below average, saved only by a few timely hits. Nixon is in the midst of a ridiculous slump. Hernandez was awful all year. Fultz is actually less effective than Perez. That leave Borowski.
Personally, I think Michaels deserves a chance to play every day. The man has certainly made the most of his chances.
I said to my friend Matt (a Red Sox fan) the other day that it must be nice to know what your line-up would be if the post-season started tomorrow.
I'll admit, however, that it's always interesting.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Phillies @ Indians, 6/19/07
Okay, time for a fun game of "If You Were Manager!"
Bases are loaded in a one run game. There are two outs. There's a left handed batter coming up. Ignoring the fact that said left handed batter has been hitting .400 against left handed pitchers as of late, you decide to go lefty/lefty.
You have two left handed options in your bullpen. Some relevant numbers for you:
Reliever #1 has pitched 18 and two third innings for you this season. He has an ERA of 1.93, 14 strikeouts and 9 walks.
Reliever #2 has pitched 18 innings for you this season. He has an era of 1.00, 20 strikeouts, and 3 walks.
Which sounds better to you? 14 k's/9 BB, or 20 k's/3 BB?
If you picked Reliever #1, you are Eric Wedge and you went with Aaron Fultz! Congrats, your team is now down three runs!
If you picked Reliever #2, you are able to read basic numbers BETTER than Eric Wedge and you picked Rafael Perez!
I know that a lot of baseball comes from a gut feeling, but come on. You can't make moves based on numbers (aka the lefty/lefty theory) and then NOT use the guy with better numbers!
I'm just asking for a little logic. Please. Just a little.
Bases are loaded in a one run game. There are two outs. There's a left handed batter coming up. Ignoring the fact that said left handed batter has been hitting .400 against left handed pitchers as of late, you decide to go lefty/lefty.
You have two left handed options in your bullpen. Some relevant numbers for you:
Reliever #1 has pitched 18 and two third innings for you this season. He has an ERA of 1.93, 14 strikeouts and 9 walks.
Reliever #2 has pitched 18 innings for you this season. He has an era of 1.00, 20 strikeouts, and 3 walks.
Which sounds better to you? 14 k's/9 BB, or 20 k's/3 BB?
If you picked Reliever #1, you are Eric Wedge and you went with Aaron Fultz! Congrats, your team is now down three runs!
If you picked Reliever #2, you are able to read basic numbers BETTER than Eric Wedge and you picked Rafael Perez!
I know that a lot of baseball comes from a gut feeling, but come on. You can't make moves based on numbers (aka the lefty/lefty theory) and then NOT use the guy with better numbers!
I'm just asking for a little logic. Please. Just a little.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Phillies @ Indians, 6/18/07
I don't think I did a blog yesterday. This is what happens when you buy a new flat screen TV: everything else just falls to the wayside.
If you had told me that tonight's match-up of Cliff Lee vs. Cole Hamels would result in a 10-1 score, there's no way I would have picked the Tribe to end up on the good side of that score.
Do we start rejoicing at the return of Cliff Lee? I don't know. I'm still cautious. If he gives us another outing like tonight, I'll be psyched. If he can do the same thing without being up for all but one inning, I'll be on board. Right now, I'm happy for a win I didn't think we'd get and I'm optimistic.
In other news, Jake Westbrook pitched four innings in Buffalo tonight and gave up one earned run on two hits. That's a vast improvement over what he's been doing in his rehab starts. For the sake of argument, let's say he'd give up another run over two more innings, then double that as the difference from AAA to the Majors. That would put him at four runs in six innings of work, which I'll take from Jake when he gets back. I know, that's a horrible excuse for science, but I'm going with it.
In today's chat, someone asked Buster Olney if the Tribe would make a deal. His answer was "bullpen, bullpen, bullpen, bullpen, bullpen."
My view is this: I have faith in most of our guys (Hernandez being my biggest concern)...for one inning. Seriously, if I have to put any of them out there for a single inning only, then I'm fine with that, particularly if they're not inheriting base runners (take note, Wedge -- pull the starters are the end of an inning because our relievers need a fresh plate). But I don't really have faith in ANY of them beyond three outs.
So here's a crazy suggestion, completely dependent upon the events of tomorrow night: Jason Standford to the bullpen.
I think we all know that Stanford was never in our plans for the rotation this season. Everything I've read has said he got the call because not just Adam Miller, but also Brian Slocum was out with an injury. If Adam Miller and Jeremy Sowers are our six and seven starters, Jason Stanford is probably our number nine.
But we have NO ONE for long relief in that bullpen. And when Jake Westbrook comes back next week, Standford will get sent down, regardless of how he's done (particularly if Cliff is really back).
So I say why not?
Perez has been amazing. Betancourt gave up his very first inherited run of the year against the Braves. Fultz and Mastny are both solid when given a new inning. And Borowski has been Wickman-esque. So why not add Stanford to the mix as an inning eater when needed?
That's my suggestion, anyway.
If you had told me that tonight's match-up of Cliff Lee vs. Cole Hamels would result in a 10-1 score, there's no way I would have picked the Tribe to end up on the good side of that score.
Do we start rejoicing at the return of Cliff Lee? I don't know. I'm still cautious. If he gives us another outing like tonight, I'll be psyched. If he can do the same thing without being up for all but one inning, I'll be on board. Right now, I'm happy for a win I didn't think we'd get and I'm optimistic.
In other news, Jake Westbrook pitched four innings in Buffalo tonight and gave up one earned run on two hits. That's a vast improvement over what he's been doing in his rehab starts. For the sake of argument, let's say he'd give up another run over two more innings, then double that as the difference from AAA to the Majors. That would put him at four runs in six innings of work, which I'll take from Jake when he gets back. I know, that's a horrible excuse for science, but I'm going with it.
In today's chat, someone asked Buster Olney if the Tribe would make a deal. His answer was "bullpen, bullpen, bullpen, bullpen, bullpen."
My view is this: I have faith in most of our guys (Hernandez being my biggest concern)...for one inning. Seriously, if I have to put any of them out there for a single inning only, then I'm fine with that, particularly if they're not inheriting base runners (take note, Wedge -- pull the starters are the end of an inning because our relievers need a fresh plate). But I don't really have faith in ANY of them beyond three outs.
So here's a crazy suggestion, completely dependent upon the events of tomorrow night: Jason Standford to the bullpen.
I think we all know that Stanford was never in our plans for the rotation this season. Everything I've read has said he got the call because not just Adam Miller, but also Brian Slocum was out with an injury. If Adam Miller and Jeremy Sowers are our six and seven starters, Jason Stanford is probably our number nine.
But we have NO ONE for long relief in that bullpen. And when Jake Westbrook comes back next week, Standford will get sent down, regardless of how he's done (particularly if Cliff is really back).
So I say why not?
Perez has been amazing. Betancourt gave up his very first inherited run of the year against the Braves. Fultz and Mastny are both solid when given a new inning. And Borowski has been Wickman-esque. So why not add Stanford to the mix as an inning eater when needed?
That's my suggestion, anyway.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Braves @ Indians, 6/15/07
Well, then.
Unlike a vast majority of Indians fans, I don't have a big problem with Wedge. I find that many Indians fans are somewhat myopic when it comes to Wedge (and with good reason). For example, if we go one night without stealing, suddenly we never steal. Or, if we don't bunt one night, then that means we never bunt. These things are simply not true. Every game is different.
I find that, because of my view on things, I'm willing to see the positives and the negatives in what Wedge does. If he makes a mistake, I don't condemn him completely.
That said, we lost tonight because of him.
I won't begrudge him sending C.C. back out in the 9th. I will, however, call him out on leaving him in after a lead off double. That's just ridiculous. And not only was C.C. left in there after that, but he stayed in after the Peralta error. Sure, that wasn't C.C's fault, but he shouldn't have even been in there at that point.
C.C. deserved his tenth win tonight. And he shouldn't have gotten after only pitching 8 innings.
Unlike a vast majority of Indians fans, I don't have a big problem with Wedge. I find that many Indians fans are somewhat myopic when it comes to Wedge (and with good reason). For example, if we go one night without stealing, suddenly we never steal. Or, if we don't bunt one night, then that means we never bunt. These things are simply not true. Every game is different.
I find that, because of my view on things, I'm willing to see the positives and the negatives in what Wedge does. If he makes a mistake, I don't condemn him completely.
That said, we lost tonight because of him.
I won't begrudge him sending C.C. back out in the 9th. I will, however, call him out on leaving him in after a lead off double. That's just ridiculous. And not only was C.C. left in there after that, but he stayed in after the Peralta error. Sure, that wasn't C.C's fault, but he shouldn't have even been in there at that point.
C.C. deserved his tenth win tonight. And he shouldn't have gotten after only pitching 8 innings.
Rotation
Wedge has said that he doesn't want to rush Westbrook back.
I'm sure that has nothing to do with Jake's rather awful rehab starts in the minors or Stanford's performance last night...
Jeremy Sowers pitched 7 innings and gave up 3 runs in Buffalo yesterday. Not bad at all. I wouldn't be surprised to see him again.
For those keeping track, our rotation is now (in order of appearance):
Sabathia
Byrd
Carmona
Lee
Stanford
We've used seven different starters this year and Miller has yet to make his debut. That's pretty crazy.
I'm sure that has nothing to do with Jake's rather awful rehab starts in the minors or Stanford's performance last night...
Jeremy Sowers pitched 7 innings and gave up 3 runs in Buffalo yesterday. Not bad at all. I wouldn't be surprised to see him again.
For those keeping track, our rotation is now (in order of appearance):
Sabathia
Byrd
Carmona
Lee
Stanford
We've used seven different starters this year and Miller has yet to make his debut. That's pretty crazy.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Indians @ Marlins, 6/14/07
You ever try to ignore something while also paying attention to it?
That's me here in the bottom of the nine with runners on second and third and one out. They tying run is on second.
I keep reminding myself that the Tigers lost today, so even if we lost we'd still be in first.
But I'd really hate to see Stanford's performance wasted.
Pop up in foul play, caught by Garko. We just need one more. Still not out of the woods yet.
Still, it would be nice to be up two games going into the weekend.
Strike three called!! BOOYAH!
Eat it, Marlins, and your constant "Remember 2007" routine!
Here's hoping Stanford gets another shot somehow...
That's me here in the bottom of the nine with runners on second and third and one out. They tying run is on second.
I keep reminding myself that the Tigers lost today, so even if we lost we'd still be in first.
But I'd really hate to see Stanford's performance wasted.
Pop up in foul play, caught by Garko. We just need one more. Still not out of the woods yet.
Still, it would be nice to be up two games going into the weekend.
Strike three called!! BOOYAH!
Eat it, Marlins, and your constant "Remember 2007" routine!
Here's hoping Stanford gets another shot somehow...
A Win Is A Win
Twenty minutes until game time and the Tribe has a chance to increase it's lead up to two games again.
While last night was perhaps the ugliest game this side of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, I'll take it. I don't know how far we'll get depending upon Delucci's power, though. And hey, Cliff was shakey, but he made it through five innings and got a win, which is something.
We just need to get out of Florida. That stadium is awful. It just is. Can you imagine a more depressing place to play? Everything about it seems awful.
I have high hopes for Jason Stanford. I have absolutely no reason to have such hopes, but I can't help it. I think a big time start from a call-up would do this team a world of good, particularly heading back home.
While last night was perhaps the ugliest game this side of Game 3 of the NBA Finals, I'll take it. I don't know how far we'll get depending upon Delucci's power, though. And hey, Cliff was shakey, but he made it through five innings and got a win, which is something.
We just need to get out of Florida. That stadium is awful. It just is. Can you imagine a more depressing place to play? Everything about it seems awful.
I have high hopes for Jason Stanford. I have absolutely no reason to have such hopes, but I can't help it. I think a big time start from a call-up would do this team a world of good, particularly heading back home.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Cleveland Sports Recap
While you could say the better team won, I think it would be more accurate to say that the less awful team won.
Yes, I'm talking about the Cavs game.
Honestly, there's a small piece of me that's relieved the Cavs won't end the Cleveland championship. Of the three major sports, basketball is the one I care about the least, so I would have felt like a bit of a fake rejoicing a championship in Cleveland when it's a sport I sparingly follow.
Still, if the NBA is like any other business, the extra revenue that Cleveland is making right now will help them get LeBron some help; the man needs to have someone he can pass to who will actually make a shot. Last night was just sad.
I also think it's funny that so many news outlets are caught up in the fact that the numbers for the finals are down. Sure, LeBron is playing, but you know who LeBron appeals to? NBA fans. Ratings don't matter nearly as much as ad revenue and the ad revenue for the NBA finals will never change. Those commercials aren't targeting Joe Average who's watching basketball for maybe the sixth time all year. They're targeting NBA Fan, and NBA Fan is watching. It's the looky-loos who aren't and in terms of ad sales, they don't particularly matter.
Also, Cleveland and San Antonion: not big markets.
And how about that other Cleveland sports team that played last night?
Clearly, the team is in a slump, which is worrying to pretty much everyone because, as much as I will defend Wedge, I don't know that he has it in him to bring them out of it. Honestly, I have faith in Trot Nixon to turn this around, as I think he's added more to the clubhouse than he has to the field.
Let's face facts: we pitch when we don't hit and we hit when we don't pitch. That's not a good mix. And now we turn to Cliff Lee to put the brakes on. This could be the biggest start Cliff has made all year, not just for the team, but for himself.
It appears that Jason Standford is going to get the call for Thursday. I, for one, am excited to see him get a shot. He started the year in Buffalo like freaking gangbusters, but his ERA has climbed over the last month. I think he has a lot of potential and he's had to overcome a lot to get to this point. I hope he does well.
And, hey, if we had to fall into a tie for first, at least it happened because of a no-hitter.
Yes, I'm talking about the Cavs game.
Honestly, there's a small piece of me that's relieved the Cavs won't end the Cleveland championship. Of the three major sports, basketball is the one I care about the least, so I would have felt like a bit of a fake rejoicing a championship in Cleveland when it's a sport I sparingly follow.
Still, if the NBA is like any other business, the extra revenue that Cleveland is making right now will help them get LeBron some help; the man needs to have someone he can pass to who will actually make a shot. Last night was just sad.
I also think it's funny that so many news outlets are caught up in the fact that the numbers for the finals are down. Sure, LeBron is playing, but you know who LeBron appeals to? NBA fans. Ratings don't matter nearly as much as ad revenue and the ad revenue for the NBA finals will never change. Those commercials aren't targeting Joe Average who's watching basketball for maybe the sixth time all year. They're targeting NBA Fan, and NBA Fan is watching. It's the looky-loos who aren't and in terms of ad sales, they don't particularly matter.
Also, Cleveland and San Antonion: not big markets.
And how about that other Cleveland sports team that played last night?
Clearly, the team is in a slump, which is worrying to pretty much everyone because, as much as I will defend Wedge, I don't know that he has it in him to bring them out of it. Honestly, I have faith in Trot Nixon to turn this around, as I think he's added more to the clubhouse than he has to the field.
Let's face facts: we pitch when we don't hit and we hit when we don't pitch. That's not a good mix. And now we turn to Cliff Lee to put the brakes on. This could be the biggest start Cliff has made all year, not just for the team, but for himself.
It appears that Jason Standford is going to get the call for Thursday. I, for one, am excited to see him get a shot. He started the year in Buffalo like freaking gangbusters, but his ERA has climbed over the last month. I think he has a lot of potential and he's had to overcome a lot to get to this point. I hope he does well.
And, hey, if we had to fall into a tie for first, at least it happened because of a no-hitter.
Monday, June 11, 2007
Game Follow-up
Here we go:
The Good: The offense woke up.
The Bad: Our starter and our closer.
The Good: The possible rebirth of Fernando Cabrera
The Bad: Ryan Garko left EIGHT guys on base.
The Good: Casey Blake extended his hitting streak to 20 games.
The Bad: We lost.
And my favorite:
The Good: Byrd and Borowski don't have to worry about seeing too many fans face to face after this loss.
The Bad: The fact that there were only four people at the game on a beautiful night with no Cavs game going on.
The other day on Sports Center they mentioned that the Tribe is third to last in attendance. This means that there are at least four last place teams with better attendance than the Indians.
Unreal.
The Good: The offense woke up.
The Bad: Our starter and our closer.
The Good: The possible rebirth of Fernando Cabrera
The Bad: Ryan Garko left EIGHT guys on base.
The Good: Casey Blake extended his hitting streak to 20 games.
The Bad: We lost.
And my favorite:
The Good: Byrd and Borowski don't have to worry about seeing too many fans face to face after this loss.
The Bad: The fact that there were only four people at the game on a beautiful night with no Cavs game going on.
The other day on Sports Center they mentioned that the Tribe is third to last in attendance. This means that there are at least four last place teams with better attendance than the Indians.
Unreal.
Mariners @ Indians 6/11/07
Garko's got to be getting frustrated.
That was a bit of the old Byrd, giving up a run in the 1st. Knock on wood that he settles down like he usually does.
We made Baek throw 27 pitches in the first inning, so that's a good sign.
That was a bit of the old Byrd, giving up a run in the 1st. Knock on wood that he settles down like he usually does.
We made Baek throw 27 pitches in the first inning, so that's a good sign.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Indians @ Reds 6/10/07
Last night was our 60th game. The Tribe is on a pace to win 111 games. Heh.
Credit to the Tribe hitters, even though they've only managed three hits so far today: it's clear that our lights out starter will start the eighth while their lights out starter will not (and comes out after throwing 116 freaking pitches).
That gives us two innings against an awful bullpen. Hopefully good things will happen.
The nice things about C.C. is there's no real reason to have someone hit for him, either.
AND he gets another hit. Unreal.
Sowers got sent down at long last. The Tribe recalled Matt Miller, which is nice as I think he can do good stuff as a situational reliever (his strikeout numbers in rehab were impressive, his ERA less so). The obvious question is: who are they going to bring up for Thursday? Even if Miller is healthy, that would be his first game back -- would they really have him come off the DL for his Major League debut? That would seem like a bad decision.
My guess is Jason Stanford. But that's just me.
Okay, so C.C. was on second and Grady was on first and Casey was at the plate. And the announcers for the Reds wondered why Casey wasn't bunting. And I'm sure most of Northeast Ohio is probably complaining about it.
But let' face facts: with one out already, a bunt would still require SOMEONE to get a clean hit. Basically, bunting would give the Tribe one chance to get a hit to score someone, while NOT bunting gives the Tribe TWO chances to get a hit.
Irrelevant after Blake popped up, yes, but I'll defend that decision.
Okay, granted, now that Victor singled that looks like a bad choice, but I stand by it still.
Garko worries me a bit. He's hitting .400 with the bases loaded, but he looks really amped -- maybe too amped for this position.
Yeah, that foul pop up didn't help his adrenaline. I think we all saw him striking out on that last pitch.
So here comes C.C., and it's another 1-2-3. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see him come out at the bottom of the ninth, regardless of what the Tribe is able to put together in their half of the inning.
Trot flies out to shallow center. Nixon's kind of cooled off lately, which is probably why we're seeing Gutierrez more lately.
JP's up and I can't see him going O fer today... But I've been wrong before.
Franklin to the plate...and another pop up. Geez, this is getting old.
Credit to the Tribe hitters, even though they've only managed three hits so far today: it's clear that our lights out starter will start the eighth while their lights out starter will not (and comes out after throwing 116 freaking pitches).
That gives us two innings against an awful bullpen. Hopefully good things will happen.
The nice things about C.C. is there's no real reason to have someone hit for him, either.
AND he gets another hit. Unreal.
Sowers got sent down at long last. The Tribe recalled Matt Miller, which is nice as I think he can do good stuff as a situational reliever (his strikeout numbers in rehab were impressive, his ERA less so). The obvious question is: who are they going to bring up for Thursday? Even if Miller is healthy, that would be his first game back -- would they really have him come off the DL for his Major League debut? That would seem like a bad decision.
My guess is Jason Stanford. But that's just me.
Okay, so C.C. was on second and Grady was on first and Casey was at the plate. And the announcers for the Reds wondered why Casey wasn't bunting. And I'm sure most of Northeast Ohio is probably complaining about it.
But let' face facts: with one out already, a bunt would still require SOMEONE to get a clean hit. Basically, bunting would give the Tribe one chance to get a hit to score someone, while NOT bunting gives the Tribe TWO chances to get a hit.
Irrelevant after Blake popped up, yes, but I'll defend that decision.
Okay, granted, now that Victor singled that looks like a bad choice, but I stand by it still.
Garko worries me a bit. He's hitting .400 with the bases loaded, but he looks really amped -- maybe too amped for this position.
Yeah, that foul pop up didn't help his adrenaline. I think we all saw him striking out on that last pitch.
So here comes C.C., and it's another 1-2-3. Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised to see him come out at the bottom of the ninth, regardless of what the Tribe is able to put together in their half of the inning.
Trot flies out to shallow center. Nixon's kind of cooled off lately, which is probably why we're seeing Gutierrez more lately.
JP's up and I can't see him going O fer today... But I've been wrong before.
Franklin to the plate...and another pop up. Geez, this is getting old.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Perez
A better question would be, who hasn't given up a homer to Griffey?
The comeback win was nice (although I still stand by the fact that we should be mopping the floor with a team like the Reds, not squeaking out a win), but the real treat was Perez. I think we've found a solid addition to our bullpen. Let's just hope Wedge doesn't do something to mess with his head.
And, clearly, Sowers will be the odd man out when Westbrook returns, although considering how Jake's starts in Akron have gone, I don't know if I'm entirely eager for that day. Honestly, Adam Miller's finger injury seems like a bigger problem than I thought. I can't imagine, if Miller were healthy, that wouldn't have seen him by now. Sowers' ERA is almost seven now. How many starting pitchers last in the Majors with numbers like that? Strangely enough, we don't actually have any other options but to keep going with him.
In fact, Jason Stanford would be our only real option in Buffalo until Miller gets back. His ERA's 3.39, which doesn't light a fire under anyone, but could he be worse than what we're getting now? Then again we might be out of options on Stanford.
At least we were able to get a win out of a Sowers start, even if he pitched as he has all year. They're going to have to make a change soon, though.
The comeback win was nice (although I still stand by the fact that we should be mopping the floor with a team like the Reds, not squeaking out a win), but the real treat was Perez. I think we've found a solid addition to our bullpen. Let's just hope Wedge doesn't do something to mess with his head.
And, clearly, Sowers will be the odd man out when Westbrook returns, although considering how Jake's starts in Akron have gone, I don't know if I'm entirely eager for that day. Honestly, Adam Miller's finger injury seems like a bigger problem than I thought. I can't imagine, if Miller were healthy, that wouldn't have seen him by now. Sowers' ERA is almost seven now. How many starting pitchers last in the Majors with numbers like that? Strangely enough, we don't actually have any other options but to keep going with him.
In fact, Jason Stanford would be our only real option in Buffalo until Miller gets back. His ERA's 3.39, which doesn't light a fire under anyone, but could he be worse than what we're getting now? Then again we might be out of options on Stanford.
At least we were able to get a win out of a Sowers start, even if he pitched as he has all year. They're going to have to make a change soon, though.
Indians @ Red 6/9/07
Oh, for the love of god.
Why? Why do we have a four and five starter who are so awful?
Hey, it's only 3-1 now. Maybe Sowers will turn it around. Maybe he'll shut down the Reds for the rest of the game.
Stranger things have happened. Somewhere. I'm sure.
Why? Why do we have a four and five starter who are so awful?
Hey, it's only 3-1 now. Maybe Sowers will turn it around. Maybe he'll shut down the Reds for the rest of the game.
Stranger things have happened. Somewhere. I'm sure.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Indians @ Reds 6/8/07
God bless you, technology. The WiFi connection at this resort extends to the pool, so I'm now watching the game while sitting under the Palm Springs sun. THIS is what I call a vacation.
And I get to watch Cliff Lee give up a first inning home run. Greeeeeaaaat.
I've been thinking lately that Cliff, given his body of work, would make for good trade bait. That theory is blown all to hell if he keeps pitching this badly.
I'm actually less concerned about how badly he's pitching than I am the fact that no one seems to be able to fix him. Don't we have people who figure these things out for a living?
UPDATE: Bottom of the 6th.
Cliff, you are KILLING me.
UPDATE:
Well, that was despressing. Not hitting seems to be an illness in our line-up, and only Victor is ever really immune. When it strikes one person, it strikes them all.
We didn't deserve to win that game, but I should mention that the called third strike against Pronk to end the game looked pretty awful to me. But one strike does not decide a game.
Cliff Lee has now given up 10 home runs in 8 games.
*sigh*
And I get to watch Cliff Lee give up a first inning home run. Greeeeeaaaat.
I've been thinking lately that Cliff, given his body of work, would make for good trade bait. That theory is blown all to hell if he keeps pitching this badly.
I'm actually less concerned about how badly he's pitching than I am the fact that no one seems to be able to fix him. Don't we have people who figure these things out for a living?
UPDATE: Bottom of the 6th.
Cliff, you are KILLING me.
UPDATE:
Well, that was despressing. Not hitting seems to be an illness in our line-up, and only Victor is ever really immune. When it strikes one person, it strikes them all.
We didn't deserve to win that game, but I should mention that the called third strike against Pronk to end the game looked pretty awful to me. But one strike does not decide a game.
Cliff Lee has now given up 10 home runs in 8 games.
*sigh*
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Cavs Extra
Seriously, how is playing the "Y'all ready for this" song NOT a joke? Really. Do people actually get excited by that song still? And if they do, are we letting them breed? Because THAT would be scary.
Quick Comments
I missed the game this morning (hey, I'm on vacation, and it was a 9 AM start time out here!), but just watched the condensed game on MLB.tv.
I was worried about Mastny after seeing the box score, but he got hosed on that double play call. He also made a hell of a snag to end the game. Still, his ERA is a bit higher than I'd like one of our go-to relievers to have.
It was also nice to see Carmona pitch so well after a tough outing last time. That's a good sign.
I was worried about Mastny after seeing the box score, but he got hosed on that double play call. He also made a hell of a snag to end the game. Still, his ERA is a bit higher than I'd like one of our go-to relievers to have.
It was also nice to see Carmona pitch so well after a tough outing last time. That's a good sign.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Royals @ Indians, 6/6/07
You knew Barfield would get that bunt down (bottom of the 9th). He came from the NL.
Shoppach with a chance here...
(I should note that I'm delaying our departure to Palm Springs for this)
Shoppach doesn't even get us one run. All on Grady now.
I don't believe Grady has a walk off hit so far this year. Now would be a good time.
And Franklin can't come through again, not that I hold it against them.
Losing to the Royals burns me up.
Shoppach with a chance here...
(I should note that I'm delaying our departure to Palm Springs for this)
Shoppach doesn't even get us one run. All on Grady now.
I don't believe Grady has a walk off hit so far this year. Now would be a good time.
And Franklin can't come through again, not that I hold it against them.
Losing to the Royals burns me up.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Long Overdue
First off, a few "shout outs," as the kids say these days. A hearty "thanks for reading" to all the dudes at Brett's wedding. I hope I'm keeping you entertained -- and feel free to leave some comments when you have something to say. And having met you all, I'm confident that that will be often.
Yet more "thanks for reading" to Ally, a new edition, Laura, who's been on board from the start, and Mike, who drank 40's of malt liquor with me during every game of the 1997 World Series. I think he'll agree that the second 40 as we headed into the late innings of Game 7 was a life saver (literally, as had I been able to jump off the roof that night I probably would have).
Also, greetings to the hometown fans, including my dad, my brother, and my friend Tony, who parks by the Jake for work and who I keep trying to convince to ditch for a game one day. Maybe Thursday...?
As usual, C.C. was the man tonight. Sabathia turned into a fashionable pre-season pick for Cy Young and he seems to be living up to that hype, although he's got some stiff competition. Tonight was a big boost for his K's and his ERA.
Tonight was also another reminder of the scary amounts of talent we have in Buffalo in the outfield.
This just in -- Texas managed to give up less than a dozen runs and actually beat the Tigers. And while I do hate the Yankees, I might hate the White Sox more, so it was nice to see them lose. The Angels are up on the Twins again, too.
All is right with the world.
Yet more "thanks for reading" to Ally, a new edition, Laura, who's been on board from the start, and Mike, who drank 40's of malt liquor with me during every game of the 1997 World Series. I think he'll agree that the second 40 as we headed into the late innings of Game 7 was a life saver (literally, as had I been able to jump off the roof that night I probably would have).
Also, greetings to the hometown fans, including my dad, my brother, and my friend Tony, who parks by the Jake for work and who I keep trying to convince to ditch for a game one day. Maybe Thursday...?
As usual, C.C. was the man tonight. Sabathia turned into a fashionable pre-season pick for Cy Young and he seems to be living up to that hype, although he's got some stiff competition. Tonight was a big boost for his K's and his ERA.
Tonight was also another reminder of the scary amounts of talent we have in Buffalo in the outfield.
This just in -- Texas managed to give up less than a dozen runs and actually beat the Tigers. And while I do hate the Yankees, I might hate the White Sox more, so it was nice to see them lose. The Angels are up on the Twins again, too.
All is right with the world.
Monday, June 4, 2007
The Week to Come
I was going to do something on the Cavs, from the days when I never missed a game (oh, Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, and Larry Nance) to today, but I was actually stuck donig *gasp* work today, so I've run out of time.
Instead I will point out the standings. Not the AL Central standings specifically, but the overall standings across MLB.
Yes, the Indians start a series against the second worst team in baseball tomorrow, but you'll notice that Detroit is actually starting a series against THE worst team in baseball. And while I basically called the fact that the Tribe would slump against the Royals the last time out, I think they'll do well this time, as we have our 1-3 guys going.
Take another look at those MLB standings. Who is the third worst team in baseball? Why, it's the Reds, our opponents this weekend. Yes, we are facing the second and third worst teams in baseball this week. Fingers crossed.
And, hey, Jose Mesa's free. I think San Francisco should sign him...
Instead I will point out the standings. Not the AL Central standings specifically, but the overall standings across MLB.
Yes, the Indians start a series against the second worst team in baseball tomorrow, but you'll notice that Detroit is actually starting a series against THE worst team in baseball. And while I basically called the fact that the Tribe would slump against the Royals the last time out, I think they'll do well this time, as we have our 1-3 guys going.
Take another look at those MLB standings. Who is the third worst team in baseball? Why, it's the Reds, our opponents this weekend. Yes, we are facing the second and third worst teams in baseball this week. Fingers crossed.
And, hey, Jose Mesa's free. I think San Francisco should sign him...
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Numbers
Some fun facts for you:
Our top three starters (C.C., Fausto, and Byrd):
last a combined average of 6 and 2/3 innings per start
and
have a combined average ERA of 3.5.
Now look at our #4 and #5 pitchers:
last a combined average of 5 and 2/3 innings (that's including Lee's complete game)
and
have a combined average ERA of 6.5.
The Indians average 5.7 runs per game of offense.
Think about that. Our top three guys last a full inning longer and give up THREE RUNS less than our four and five guys.
That's insane.
Also, imagine only needing the bullpen for 2 and 1/3 innings every night -- that's only 7 outs! We'd avoid over working Borowski because we'd have guys rested every night.
It's really kind of scary how drastic the difference is between the front and back ends of our rotation.
Our top three starters (C.C., Fausto, and Byrd):
last a combined average of 6 and 2/3 innings per start
and
have a combined average ERA of 3.5.
Now look at our #4 and #5 pitchers:
last a combined average of 5 and 2/3 innings (that's including Lee's complete game)
and
have a combined average ERA of 6.5.
The Indians average 5.7 runs per game of offense.
Think about that. Our top three guys last a full inning longer and give up THREE RUNS less than our four and five guys.
That's insane.
Also, imagine only needing the bullpen for 2 and 1/3 innings every night -- that's only 7 outs! We'd avoid over working Borowski because we'd have guys rested every night.
It's really kind of scary how drastic the difference is between the front and back ends of our rotation.
Tigers @ Indians, 6/3/07
It's 5-2 in the top of the 5th, bases loaded, no outs, Mastny on the mound.
I'd like to point something out.
Part of why Mastny (up until this weekend, evidently) has been successful has been attributed to the work he got last year. And I think that makes sense. Anyone happen to remember what Mastny did last year?
He was the closer.
Which begs the question: why are they having him do long relief when it's clear it's not something he's any good at?
Proof: It's now 7-2.
Answer: we don't HAVE anyone who can do long relief. We've got no middle inning relievers, which becomes a big problem with anyone other than C.C., Fausto, or Byrd are pitching (C.C. and Fausto average just shy of 7 innings every time, Byrd averages just shy of 6 and 2/3).
While I won't rule out an epic comeback today, even if we take 3 of these four games this series has truly shown our Achilles' heal as a team. Hell, yesterday was a cruel reminder of how bad our infield can be (and how they all seem to feed on each other and fall apart together). I have great faith in our infield than I do in our bullpen.
And there's this:
Dear Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers, Jake Westbrook and (possibly) Adam Miller,
We need one of you to step up. I'm fine with an adequate 5th starter. I'm not fine with a 4th starter who gives up six runs a game. Sure, we could win the division with a .600 record, but that would require us to win every single time our top three guys pitch, and that's unrealistic. We just need ONE of you to step up. Just one.
Here's a crazy theory for when Westbrook returns and Miller is pitching regularly in Buffalo again (assuming he's got the same stuff). Even though Westbrook has bullpen experience, they'd never put a guy they're paying $11 million in the bullpen. But what about Lee? Send Sowers to Buffalo, put Westbrook at #4, give Miller a shot at #5, and move Lee to the long relief spot we're missing.
What would be the harm?
Because I feel like crazy ideas are the only kind we have these days.
I'd like to point something out.
Part of why Mastny (up until this weekend, evidently) has been successful has been attributed to the work he got last year. And I think that makes sense. Anyone happen to remember what Mastny did last year?
He was the closer.
Which begs the question: why are they having him do long relief when it's clear it's not something he's any good at?
Proof: It's now 7-2.
Answer: we don't HAVE anyone who can do long relief. We've got no middle inning relievers, which becomes a big problem with anyone other than C.C., Fausto, or Byrd are pitching (C.C. and Fausto average just shy of 7 innings every time, Byrd averages just shy of 6 and 2/3).
While I won't rule out an epic comeback today, even if we take 3 of these four games this series has truly shown our Achilles' heal as a team. Hell, yesterday was a cruel reminder of how bad our infield can be (and how they all seem to feed on each other and fall apart together). I have great faith in our infield than I do in our bullpen.
And there's this:
Dear Cliff Lee, Jeremy Sowers, Jake Westbrook and (possibly) Adam Miller,
We need one of you to step up. I'm fine with an adequate 5th starter. I'm not fine with a 4th starter who gives up six runs a game. Sure, we could win the division with a .600 record, but that would require us to win every single time our top three guys pitch, and that's unrealistic. We just need ONE of you to step up. Just one.
Here's a crazy theory for when Westbrook returns and Miller is pitching regularly in Buffalo again (assuming he's got the same stuff). Even though Westbrook has bullpen experience, they'd never put a guy they're paying $11 million in the bullpen. But what about Lee? Send Sowers to Buffalo, put Westbrook at #4, give Miller a shot at #5, and move Lee to the long relief spot we're missing.
What would be the harm?
Because I feel like crazy ideas are the only kind we have these days.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Tigers @ Indians, 6/2/07
I have to admit that I don't have a lot of confidence in Cliff Lee. Maybe it's because our other starters have been so good, but I he just worries me.
So far he's given me more reason.
So far he's given me more reason.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Time Warp
And there it is.
Anyone else feel like it's the 90's again? Because THAT -- that was a win from the 90's right there.
These freaking guys.
I can't even...I don't even have the words.
The city of Detroit has got to be wondering what it takes to stop a Cleveland team these days.
These freaking guys.
Anyone else feel like it's the 90's again? Because THAT -- that was a win from the 90's right there.
These freaking guys.
I can't even...I don't even have the words.
The city of Detroit has got to be wondering what it takes to stop a Cleveland team these days.
These freaking guys.
Tigers @ Indians, 6/1/07
I don't really blame Tom Mastny for the fact that he's leaving the game with bases loaded, one out, and a new two run deficit. It was clear from after two batters that he didn't have control.
Let me say that again:
It was clear after two batters that he didn't have control.
Which begs the question: why, then, did he stay in?
I mean, he walked a guy who was trying to bunt. The guy wanted to give up an out. After he walks a guy like that, why would anyone think he'd be able to find the zone on someone who's actually up there to hit?
Then again, Fultz just walked in a run. And Detroit just hit a sac for another run.
I could go off on the bullpen, but I'm beginning to wonder if we're just asking too much of Mastny and Fultz. Mastny's pitched 22 innings so far -- that's nearly every other game. And while Fultz has only pitched 14 innings, he's made 25 appearances.
Meh, maybe they just had an off night. I accept that. I still think Mastny should have been pulled after the second batter, though. Tie game, Wedge, let's shorten that rope a little, eh?
Let me say that again:
It was clear after two batters that he didn't have control.
Which begs the question: why, then, did he stay in?
I mean, he walked a guy who was trying to bunt. The guy wanted to give up an out. After he walks a guy like that, why would anyone think he'd be able to find the zone on someone who's actually up there to hit?
Then again, Fultz just walked in a run. And Detroit just hit a sac for another run.
I could go off on the bullpen, but I'm beginning to wonder if we're just asking too much of Mastny and Fultz. Mastny's pitched 22 innings so far -- that's nearly every other game. And while Fultz has only pitched 14 innings, he's made 25 appearances.
Meh, maybe they just had an off night. I accept that. I still think Mastny should have been pulled after the second batter, though. Tie game, Wedge, let's shorten that rope a little, eh?
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