No offense at all this week against chicago, sure we scored 4 runs tonight, but Contreras' earlier control problems should have led to more. It was nice to see Sizemore go yard, and hafner finally hit the ball hard at the end of the game, but what was Victor Martinez doing swining at the first pitch, after he just saw Hafner work the count and get a ptich he can take left-center to right center? Lets hope Martiniez is still just anxious from the new season.
I liked what I saw from Lee pitching wise, but his throw to first base tonight resembled little-league. We would have saved a run if he just would have ate it and held onto the ball.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
First Week Finished
My observations from the Indians first week of baseball:
1.) Kevin Millwood certainly seems to be worth every penny we spent on him so far this season. If the Tribe could simply just score around three runs for him while he starts he probably be alot happier right now. Also, Westbrook had a great start and a horriffic start, so its too soon to see what kind of season he will have. Finally, Jason Davis had a great start tieing hs career high in K's with 7, while Cliff Lee bombed like he did during the 2nd half of last season.
2.) I am one of the many who expects the Indians offense to regress a little this year, but not this much. They have had some big innings, but there has already been a couple of games where the offense has been anemic (like Chicago's and yesterdays home openers), as well as the 11-2 routing we had as well.
3.) Finally, the bullpen has been great other than Wickman's explosion the 2nd game of the yr., and the bad game against Detroit. Betancourt, Rhodes, and Riske have been great.
So if the Indians can bump up their run scoring up a about 2-3 runs, and they get similar pitching they could atleast be 4-3 this week.
1.) Kevin Millwood certainly seems to be worth every penny we spent on him so far this season. If the Tribe could simply just score around three runs for him while he starts he probably be alot happier right now. Also, Westbrook had a great start and a horriffic start, so its too soon to see what kind of season he will have. Finally, Jason Davis had a great start tieing hs career high in K's with 7, while Cliff Lee bombed like he did during the 2nd half of last season.
2.) I am one of the many who expects the Indians offense to regress a little this year, but not this much. They have had some big innings, but there has already been a couple of games where the offense has been anemic (like Chicago's and yesterdays home openers), as well as the 11-2 routing we had as well.
3.) Finally, the bullpen has been great other than Wickman's explosion the 2nd game of the yr., and the bad game against Detroit. Betancourt, Rhodes, and Riske have been great.
So if the Indians can bump up their run scoring up a about 2-3 runs, and they get similar pitching they could atleast be 4-3 this week.
Thursday, March 17, 2005
The New Florida
What is with all this rain in Florida? Doesn't mother nature understand the importance of getting ur baseball fix Spring Training provides us all?
There are certainly a lot of bloggers and baseball writes who are giving the Indians a decent chance to win the division this year. I certainly think its possible, but not without some amount of uncertainty. There are some factors I will keep an eye as Spring Training moves along and as we run into the beginning of the season here shortly.
1.) Will the Tribe's young hitters maintain their gaines from last year?
The young trio of Hafner, Martinez, and Broussard certainly impressed the Indians brass for a good amount of time the previous season, but the Tribe's offense will rely upon them mainting those types of perfomances. If they were to slide back to the mean a bit, that will put more pressure on the Tribe's pitching staff...
2.) Can the pitching staff keep it together for an entire season?
I think most of us can agree to assume that the Indians' bullpen should be alot more consistent than last year, and do they ever need it. Even if Wickman's age were to throw him out of the equation, I still think the bullpen is improved with Howry the entire year, Rhodes, Riske, and the rest returning ot the Tribe's bullpen. The starters are what worries me the most. Sure we added Millwood, who could possibly be a better-than-average innings eater, but his health will be a concern until he proves us all wrong. Sabathia had a couple of arm scares last season, and his injury in Spring Training certainly has to push us on the concerned side for him. However, I see Lee, Westbrook, and Elarton going both ways. Westbrook certainly had a breakout year last year, and the key will be to see if he can maintain that level of performance with such a low K/9 rate. Lee started the season off well last year, but seemed to tire as the season went along as his HR rate skyrocketed as the season came to an end. FInally, Elarton isnt the worst number 5 starter a team could as he could prove to be a sleeper this year for the Tribe's rotation.
Id love to see the Tribe's offense keep its ground, while the pitching staff allows about 100 fewer runs and see what happens. I think if that happens, the Indians will win another AL Central division title. It will be interesting to see if the Twins continue to just be happy to win the division, or get serious and start using their roster more efficiently and challenge the Tribe long past 2005.
There are certainly a lot of bloggers and baseball writes who are giving the Indians a decent chance to win the division this year. I certainly think its possible, but not without some amount of uncertainty. There are some factors I will keep an eye as Spring Training moves along and as we run into the beginning of the season here shortly.
1.) Will the Tribe's young hitters maintain their gaines from last year?
The young trio of Hafner, Martinez, and Broussard certainly impressed the Indians brass for a good amount of time the previous season, but the Tribe's offense will rely upon them mainting those types of perfomances. If they were to slide back to the mean a bit, that will put more pressure on the Tribe's pitching staff...
2.) Can the pitching staff keep it together for an entire season?
I think most of us can agree to assume that the Indians' bullpen should be alot more consistent than last year, and do they ever need it. Even if Wickman's age were to throw him out of the equation, I still think the bullpen is improved with Howry the entire year, Rhodes, Riske, and the rest returning ot the Tribe's bullpen. The starters are what worries me the most. Sure we added Millwood, who could possibly be a better-than-average innings eater, but his health will be a concern until he proves us all wrong. Sabathia had a couple of arm scares last season, and his injury in Spring Training certainly has to push us on the concerned side for him. However, I see Lee, Westbrook, and Elarton going both ways. Westbrook certainly had a breakout year last year, and the key will be to see if he can maintain that level of performance with such a low K/9 rate. Lee started the season off well last year, but seemed to tire as the season went along as his HR rate skyrocketed as the season came to an end. FInally, Elarton isnt the worst number 5 starter a team could as he could prove to be a sleeper this year for the Tribe's rotation.
Id love to see the Tribe's offense keep its ground, while the pitching staff allows about 100 fewer runs and see what happens. I think if that happens, the Indians will win another AL Central division title. It will be interesting to see if the Twins continue to just be happy to win the division, or get serious and start using their roster more efficiently and challenge the Tribe long past 2005.
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Wickman's Back
What do you guys think of us resigning IWckman for a one yr deal? Me? I persoanlly felt he was the choice all along..i havent seen the money, but I knew the Indians wouldnt have signed him for more than on yr, and if hes healthy there is noone that much better out that that was available. Besides, Id rather see them use their money on a starter (preferably clement if they feel they can fix his mechanics.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
Props for Todd
Check out this, I got my questioned answered at an awesome baseball website: (look for Todd from Cleveland
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/chat/chat.php?chatId=77
http://www.baseballprospectus.com/chat/chat.php?chatId=77
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
Almost a First Rate Weekend
What a weekend it was at Jacobs Field. We almost caught the Twins, there was a sellout, and most importantly, the Tribe is head deep in a playoff race. The race should get even more exciting with the Twins coming up this following weekend. Broussard's hitting had been phenominal, and he certainly isnt scared of having Josh Phelps around just in case. I read a great article today about the Indians and the playoff race: http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/disorder-in-the-house/
Saturday, August 07, 2004
Winning when it counts
Wow, what a way to pull off the victory tonight! Lawton came through, Lee wasn't horrific, and the bullpen held the opponents scoreless! As most of you know this win puts the Tribe in second place in the Central Division, and hears hoping the White Sox never catch up.
Look for Josh Phelps to play either Sunday or Monday as he makes his Indians debut, I think Shapiro made a good trade because the Indians have so many guys like Crozier already in the system, why not take a flier on a Major League quality bat with some desperately needed Right handed pop. Not to mention it could become very vital to have him, if Martinez has to go on the DL. Laker playing everyday wont cut it, and Phelps has some experience behind the plate. So keep your eyes open for some roster moves the next couple of days.
Look for Josh Phelps to play either Sunday or Monday as he makes his Indians debut, I think Shapiro made a good trade because the Indians have so many guys like Crozier already in the system, why not take a flier on a Major League quality bat with some desperately needed Right handed pop. Not to mention it could become very vital to have him, if Martinez has to go on the DL. Laker playing everyday wont cut it, and Phelps has some experience behind the plate. So keep your eyes open for some roster moves the next couple of days.
Friday, July 30, 2004
White Sox here we come
With the White Sox losing yet another game to the Tigers tonight the Tribe has moved within 1.5 games back of the White Sox. If this keeps up, that Freddy Garcia trade is gonna look worse and worse, because it was a dumb move in the first place, and it will become even dumber if they continue to slide (although I know they have key injuries right now).
With Westbrook pitching later tonight, especially against the lowely Royals, things could really start getting interesting for Tribe fans.
Also, with the way Sizemore is playing, and Crisp has heated up...does anyone even remember Milton "Boardgame" Bradley?
With Westbrook pitching later tonight, especially against the lowely Royals, things could really start getting interesting for Tribe fans.
Also, with the way Sizemore is playing, and Crisp has heated up...does anyone even remember Milton "Boardgame" Bradley?
Monday, July 26, 2004
What A weekend!
Not only was it exciting to see Grady Sizemore get called up period, he made a big contribution the this past weekends whomping of the Royals. I'll say another thing, Hafner and Martinez seem to have become everything the Indians' front office excpected them to be. It has been great to see this team contend for more than half a season.
Unfortunately, we are losing 13-2 right now to the Tigers (who we cant quite seem to beat this yr), and Cliff Lee has his second consecutive horrendous outing. Thank goodness we had great pitching over the weekend, especially Chad Durbin...Elarton better be out of the rotation or im gonna scream!
Unfortunately, we are losing 13-2 right now to the Tigers (who we cant quite seem to beat this yr), and Cliff Lee has his second consecutive horrendous outing. Thank goodness we had great pitching over the weekend, especially Chad Durbin...Elarton better be out of the rotation or im gonna scream!
Thursday, July 15, 2004
Second Half Start Anew
With the Indians second half beginning today In Seattle I could not be happier. Well first of all, they r playing Seattle (enough said). Secondly the bullpen finally seems to have all the pieces together, and if they can pitch they are capable of then we might surprise more more people. Secondly, the biggest things to watch in the second half besides the bullpen are as follows:
1.) How Tadano fairs in the rotation.
-its been no secret that Tadano's last few outings have been stellar, and if he can make our number 5 starter slot more than bearable, that would signifigantly help the pitching staff.
2.) Kepp an eye out for Gerut.
-After Jody Gerut's rookie year, many Indians fans would have been pretty excited about him, but this year he simply just been a decent right fielder with the bat..his defense is always good I might note though. If Jody can pick it up this half, it would certainly help the offense, and he better cause Ryan Ludwick is going to be taking some at-bats away this half..let alone even more will be needed when Sizemore gets called up.
Anyways, the second half is about to begin, its sad because we only have half the baseball season left, but whats great about it is the Indians games are still playing meaningful games this time of year.
1.) How Tadano fairs in the rotation.
-its been no secret that Tadano's last few outings have been stellar, and if he can make our number 5 starter slot more than bearable, that would signifigantly help the pitching staff.
2.) Kepp an eye out for Gerut.
-After Jody Gerut's rookie year, many Indians fans would have been pretty excited about him, but this year he simply just been a decent right fielder with the bat..his defense is always good I might note though. If Jody can pick it up this half, it would certainly help the offense, and he better cause Ryan Ludwick is going to be taking some at-bats away this half..let alone even more will be needed when Sizemore gets called up.
Anyways, the second half is about to begin, its sad because we only have half the baseball season left, but whats great about it is the Indians games are still playing meaningful games this time of year.
Friday, July 02, 2004
Early Holiday BBQ
Wow, now that was as good a win tonight as any. An absolute great performance all around for the Indians. Tadano looked extremely impressive, and his strikeouts are a good sign of future success. It was good to see, because he can replace Elarton if he flops (which certianly would be a surprise to few), and if Sabathia is back and as good as he has been, our rotation should be even better than before, and if Elarton pitches decently, maybe we can make Tadano into the next Ramiro Mendoza type, which would really boost our bullpen. Another sweep of the Reds would certainty make this a great holiday weekend, and really put us in position to make a run after the ASB.
Thursday, July 01, 2004
Going in Circles Part II
Well now our bullpen is back where it started, blowing leades or chances at wins again and again, and Riske is back as our closer.
The idea of a "closer" is just ridiculous, I would like to see Wedge put our best reliever (and I guess Riske is that right now) in high leverage situations for example:
1.) If the oppsoing team's heart of the order is up in the eight, put Riske in then, dont waste him on 7-8-9, in the ninth innning because with our bullpen, if we let someone else face an opposing teams heart of the order Riske wont ever get in the game...thats not an effective way to use your best reliever.
2.) Also, if our bullpen gets in a jam in a close game, in the sixth inning and Wedge is looking for someone to put in the game..put in your BEST reliever to get out of the jam, keep the game close, and pitch him in the next inning to hopefully give us a chance to tie or take the lead.
The idea of a "closer" is just ridiculous, I would like to see Wedge put our best reliever (and I guess Riske is that right now) in high leverage situations for example:
1.) If the oppsoing team's heart of the order is up in the eight, put Riske in then, dont waste him on 7-8-9, in the ninth innning because with our bullpen, if we let someone else face an opposing teams heart of the order Riske wont ever get in the game...thats not an effective way to use your best reliever.
2.) Also, if our bullpen gets in a jam in a close game, in the sixth inning and Wedge is looking for someone to put in the game..put in your BEST reliever to get out of the jam, keep the game close, and pitch him in the next inning to hopefully give us a chance to tie or take the lead.
Saturday, June 26, 2004
Going in Circles
Sorry its been such a long time since ive written, I have gotten tied up in a lot of different things lately.
Anyways, we gave up 3 HRS to Larry Walker? Wow, can we learn to pitch to that guy inside the next two games this series? Did we even send an advanced scout over to COL? I know WALKER JUST GOT BACK FROM INJURY, but they do make things such as video tapes!!! It was nice to see Davis miss more bats last night, but this is the free swinging Rockies we r talking about here, so lets see if he can carry it over to his next start.
Also, there are many reports that have said that the Tribe has signed Aaron Boone to a 2 yr deal. This kinda bugs me for a couple reasons
1.) With Casey Blake playing so well, whats the point in spending more money on Boone, when we desprettly need bullpen help?
2.) Where are we gonna put Blake? You shouldnt be sitting the guy on our team with the most HRs, and hes better than average defenisvely over there. I heard something where Blake said he would move to first, but Broussard's D is good over there, and hes finally starting to rake.
Also, where is there going to be room for him next year too? If we assume Omar is going to be let go, and we bring in Phillips and/or Peralta to replace him...we still got Broussard, Belliard, Boone, and Blake...thats too many infielders. Im assuming they are gonna trade either Blake or Broussard this year or next year and fill in both gaps in 06 with the likes of Michael Aubrey, and whatever 3B becomes consistent in the minors.
Anyways, we gave up 3 HRS to Larry Walker? Wow, can we learn to pitch to that guy inside the next two games this series? Did we even send an advanced scout over to COL? I know WALKER JUST GOT BACK FROM INJURY, but they do make things such as video tapes!!! It was nice to see Davis miss more bats last night, but this is the free swinging Rockies we r talking about here, so lets see if he can carry it over to his next start.
Also, there are many reports that have said that the Tribe has signed Aaron Boone to a 2 yr deal. This kinda bugs me for a couple reasons
1.) With Casey Blake playing so well, whats the point in spending more money on Boone, when we desprettly need bullpen help?
2.) Where are we gonna put Blake? You shouldnt be sitting the guy on our team with the most HRs, and hes better than average defenisvely over there. I heard something where Blake said he would move to first, but Broussard's D is good over there, and hes finally starting to rake.
Also, where is there going to be room for him next year too? If we assume Omar is going to be let go, and we bring in Phillips and/or Peralta to replace him...we still got Broussard, Belliard, Boone, and Blake...thats too many infielders. Im assuming they are gonna trade either Blake or Broussard this year or next year and fill in both gaps in 06 with the likes of Michael Aubrey, and whatever 3B becomes consistent in the minors.
Monday, June 21, 2004
A chance to inch closer
After taking 2 out of 3 from the Atlanta Braves, the Indians have positioned themselves to possibly take over 2nd place in the AL's Central Division. This series starting today against the White Sox might be the most important series since 3 years ago. Its gonna be a heck of a lot of fun watching these next four games. I would imagine if we win atleast 3 of these Shaprio might have to go make a move.
Also, am I the only who things Cliff Lee getting suspended is a load of ....? How could they ever know Lee's intent? Its always speculation and I cant stand it.
Well anyways lets sit tight and watch the most important baseball weve watched in Cleveland in a while.
Also, am I the only who things Cliff Lee getting suspended is a load of ....? How could they ever know Lee's intent? Its always speculation and I cant stand it.
Well anyways lets sit tight and watch the most important baseball weve watched in Cleveland in a while.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
Hotter than the Weather.
Holy smokes, 4 wins in a row with 3 huge come from behind ones against the what seem to be the now non-overachieving Reds, and a blowout against the O's! The important thing about yesterday was that Victor Martinez came back and still hit like he had, and Westbrook gave the Indians' bullpen an entire day off!
Lets not forget how Covelli Crisp is hotter than his favorite treat right out of the oven, and johnny Mac had 4 hits..wow!
Lets not forget how Covelli Crisp is hotter than his favorite treat right out of the oven, and johnny Mac had 4 hits..wow!
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
Looking good
Wow, look at that three wins from the Angels!!! The team was looking good this past weekend. The bullpen seems to be performing alot more like we expected, and the offense continues to be consistent. Heck, we might be in this thing!
Even after splitting the next 2 from the Marlins, things are still looking good after another White Sox loss to the Phillies.
Westbrook pitched like he did earlier in the year, which is even more important seeing we have lost another 5th starter option to injury.
I hope Stanford gets back soon. The biggest shocker of it all was that the Tribe simply just lost one game in a row...maybe they can keep that winning streak thing going though.
Lets hope Davis continues to pitch well tomorrow, and if that happens we might be doing really well because the Reds are playing horrific baseball against the A's (as i watch them trail 9-0 right now).
Even after splitting the next 2 from the Marlins, things are still looking good after another White Sox loss to the Phillies.
Westbrook pitched like he did earlier in the year, which is even more important seeing we have lost another 5th starter option to injury.
I hope Stanford gets back soon. The biggest shocker of it all was that the Tribe simply just lost one game in a row...maybe they can keep that winning streak thing going though.
Lets hope Davis continues to pitch well tomorrow, and if that happens we might be doing really well because the Reds are playing horrific baseball against the A's (as i watch them trail 9-0 right now).
Saturday, June 05, 2004
Ronnie's first HR
Ronnie Belliard last night could not have chosen a bigger time to hit his first HR of the season. Watching the Angels kind of makes me miss the mid 90's when the Ol' Tribe had huge offenses, and it was nice to see the new Tribe pull it out against a team they used to be. Since I can remember the Tribe hasnt stopped at winning just one game in a row in quite sometime, so I will be expecting another win tonight. I sure hope Joe Dawley has really really good command tonight!
Gotta go to work, I'll write more later.
Gotta go to work, I'll write more later.
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Another stinking losing streak.
Two more losses to the Rangers, and our errors and baserunning certainly didn't help. Its kinda scary to see Sabathia struggle for a second consecutive time, and it seems Belliard is diving right back to the mean. With the Angels coming up next I sure hope we can play close to perfect baseball and pull out 2 of these, I dont want another 6 game streak, and im sure noone else does. Its also upsetting to see Betancourt give up a homer to none other than the light hitting Gary Matthews Jr., its one thing if it was Blalock, but GM Jr.?
Sunday, May 30, 2004
Another Streak Indeed
How about that? A sweep of the Oakland A's!!! And what a different team we are seeing here, great games by the Tribe's bullpen, and our offense winning three games in a row in their final at bat...thats what I like to see. Gerut, Martinez, and Hafner seem to be really excelling and fortifying their position on this team, and Davis pitched a good start for the second consecutive night! With the Rangers' offense struggling of late, im looking for 2 more wins being added to our streak!
Friday, May 28, 2004
Another streak?
After tonights win you would think that the Tribe would be on their way to another winning streak right? But they will have to face a tough opponent in the Oakland A's this week and obviously face some good pitching beginning with Lefty (err....) Barry Zito. However, the bullpen looked promising tonight as Betancourt continues to show an amazing 27K/1BB ratio. I am also happy to see that Wedge is using Betancourt in more critial situations in games instead of a "save" in the 9th inning with noone on and a 4 run lead.
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