el choko?

by rog on Oct 2, 2005 8:25 PM EDT

So, did the Indians choke?

After going 1-6 in their last 7 with the opportunity to take the wildcard by winning a few games, I can't help but feel they did. What does everyone else think?

Overall, I guess I'm happy with the year we've had, even though the end has left a bitter, bitter taste. And I hate the fact that the achilles heel of the team, 1B, 3B and RF was probably the reason for the lack of a playoff berth. I feel like we should have tried a lot harder to improve those spots. And why trade Gerut, were you trying to make sure you couldn't even platoon Blake? Blake needs to be on the bench - a lot - next year. I'm assuming we won't be so lucky as to be rid of him. Could we possibly do like when you have a dog you don't want anymore? Drive him out to the middle of the country and let him out of the car? "Go on Casey. Get out of here!"

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Re: el choko?

Yeah, we choked. So did the Sox for most of the month of September. Both the Sox and the Indians have young managers who are still learning their craft. I think good managers and coaches can do a lot to relax their players. I could see the fear of failure in the Indian batters eyes when they were on deck. Wedge must have seen it too and done something about it.

You are absolutely right about the Gerut trade. I'm still completely baffled by the trade unless Gerut was a major disruption in the dugout.

I'm not ready to dump Blake. He is a very versatile player and a good bat off the bench. The player I'm most disappointed by is Boone. He didn't show me much this year.

What 2005 proved to me was that Shapiro knows his stuff and I now have increased confidence in the future of this team. That's a good feeling!

by Trakker on Oct 13, 2005 11:00 AM EDT 0 recs

Re: el choko?

I don't care if Blake is on the bench, playing 2 to 3 times a week. But I will be sorely disappointed if he gets 500+ at-bats next year.

by rog on Oct 17, 2005 11:08 AM EDT 0 recs

Re: el choko?

It wasn't a 100% choke (like the Yankees in last year's ALCS). I think a true choke is when you can't close the deal even though you're ahead. When you're EXPECTED to win.

The Indians were in a good position but never a lock. Given their inexperience, I don't think you could expect anything.

by DixonCayne on Oct 18, 2005 7:04 AM EDT 0 recs