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.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
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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