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2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)

It is abundantly clear to me that I can't wait till spring training to start pretending that I know what the season will bring. With much of the 2007 core remaining intact, only a few questions need be answered with regard to the roster. Still, there are some fun questions to ponder over - will Franklin put up better numbers against RHP's, who takes over pie duties from Nixon, and so on. To get the ball rolling, here are some questions bound to be on everyone's mind.....

Star-divide

(1) Will C.C re-sign with the Indians before the start of the season? If so, what do you expect the terms of the new agreement to be (years and dollars)?

-

(2) _____ will pitch the most number of innings as the Indians' #5 starter.

-

(3) Who is most likely to be traded this offseason - Barfield, Lee, Shoppach, Borowski, Sabathia? Where does this player go?

-

(4) What kind of numbers (HRs, AVG/OBP/SLG line) will Franklin Gutierrez put up in 2008?

-

(5) Who will be Tribe's thirdbaseman by season's end - Marte, Blake or mystery player?

-

(6) _____ will be the Tribe's left fielder by season's end.

-

(7) The 2008 version of Fausto Carmona will be ____ (High impact, makes it on the 25 man roster before May)

-

(8) The 2008 version of Asdrubal Cabrera / Kenny Lofton will be ____ (Fills a void on the roster and arrives sometime after August)

-

(9) _____ will rocket up the ranks of minor league prospects by the start of spring training (only Adam Miller wouldn't qualify since he's the only Tribe prospect consistently in the top 25)

-

(10) The Tribe's biggest offseason trade acquisition will be a _____ (give the player's position)

-

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in ____ place.

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Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) C.C won't re-sign because Santana will get something ridiculous, driving up prices everywhere.
-

(2) Jeremy Sowers pitches the most innings as the #5 starter.

-

(3) Lee is gone. Milwaukee, NYM, and Arizona all need starting depth after their front two.

-

(4) Gutz - 20HRs, .290/.350/.480

-

(5) The Indians give Marte more than 57 ABs and he wins the job!

-

(6) The Dellucci/Michaels platoon will stay healthy and productive in 2008.

-

(7) Jeremy Sowers will be awesome in 2008.

-

(8) Jordan Brown comes up with some big hits during the stretch run.

-

(9) Wes Hodges cracks BA's top 50 prospects this year.

-

(10) The Indians will acquire a left field project, either in the form of Carlos Quentin or one the Rangers' minor league OFs

-

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in 4th place.

by crazymoloh on Nov 26, 2007 1:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Forgot the crucial Royals prediction.  I think they'll be 5th (although the White Sox will give them a run for their money).

by peter m on Nov 26, 2007 8:18 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1.  No, I don't think CC will sign before the season.  I think he wants to go to the West Coast.  The Giants are a danger, as he'd be able to bat there (and they're willing to spend crazy money).

  2.  I agree; Sowers will pitch the most innings among 5th starters.

  3.  I agree that Lee is the most likely to be traded.  They've obviously grown weary of his act and he's marketable.

  4.  Gut will hit .260 to .270 with around 20 HR's and 50-60 RBI's.

  5.  Marte

  6.  Indians LF will be either Ben Francisco/Choo/Michaels combo or an outfielder not currently on the team.

  7.  Marte.  I think Sowers will be adequate but not high impact.

  8.  Adam Miller

  9.  Wes Hodges. I agree.

  10. A left fielder

by peter m on Nov 26, 2007 2:22 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) Will C.C re-sign with the Indians before the start of the season? If so, what do you expect the terms of the new agreement to be (years and dollars)?

Yes. A lot.

-

(2) __ will pitch the most number of innings as the Indians' #5 starter.

Can a brother get a lil' laff up here?

-

(3) Who is most likely to be traded this offseason - Barfield, Lee, Shoppach, Borowski, Sabathia? Where does this player go?

-Lee. NYM.

(4) What kind of numbers (HRs, AVG/OBP/SLG line) will Franklin Gutierrez put up in 2008?

-.275/25

(5) Who will be Tribe's thirdbaseman by season's end - Marte, Blake or mystery player?

-Marte

(6) __ will be the Tribe's left fielder by season's end.

-Dellicheals

(7) The 2008 version of Fausto Carmona will be __ (High impact, makes it on the 25 man roster before May)

-Marte

(8) The 2008 version of Asdrubal Cabrera / Kenny Lofton will be __ (Fills a void on the roster and arrives sometime after August)

-JVE!

No. Uhh. Kenny Lofton, reacquired in a trade for McBride.

(9) __ will rocket up the ranks of minor league prospects by the start of spring training (only Adam Miller wouldn't qualify since he's the only Tribe prospect consistently in the top 25)

-Beau Weglarz.

(10) The Tribe's biggest offseason trade acquisition will be a __ (give the player's position)

-Minor League OF.

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in 3rd place.

by afh4 on Nov 26, 2007 2:26 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Whoops. Screwed up the Gutz thing.

.275/.320/.490

by afh4 on Nov 26, 2007 2:28 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
OK, I'm doing these without looking at anyone's previous answers, so if I repeated someone, forgive me.

  1. No.

  2. Aaron Laffey.

  3. Cliff Lee to Milwaukee.

  4. 22, .282/.335/.485

  5. Casey Blake.

  6. Ben Francisco.

  7. Ben Francisco (by the way, I don't think he, or anyone will have close to the impact Fausto had this past year).

  8. Adam Miller.

  9. Jeff Stevens.

  10. Already happened - a RP.

Tiebreaker - 3rd.
- Jake

by jakesinger777 on Nov 26, 2007 3:10 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Before anyone jumps down my throat, I misread #10 as saying acquisition, not just trade acquisition.

So I'm changing my 10 to: OF (probably a young LF to step in in 2009).  Of course, if the LF is good enough, that screws up my BenFran predictions.  So we'll see.  

- Jake

by jakesinger777 on Nov 26, 2007 3:13 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) Will C.C re-sign with the Indians before the start of the season? If so, what do you expect the terms of the new agreement to be (years and dollars)?

-Yes, he will sign. 5 (additional) yrs., 100 mil., no trade clause, incentives

(2) __ will pitch the most number of innings as the Indians' #5 starter.

-Laffey

(3) Who is most likely to be traded this offseason - Barfield, Lee, Shoppach, Borowski, Sabathia? Where does this player go?

-Lee, Arizona

(4) What kind of numbers (HRs, AVG/OBP/SLG line) will Franklin Gutierrez put up in 2008?

-22/.270/.340/.480

(5) Who will be Tribe's thirdbaseman by season's end - Marte, Blake or mystery player?

-Blake (Hodges will tear it up, Marte becomes expendable, Blake-Wedgie man crush continues)

(6) __ will be the Tribe's left fielder by season's end.

-Quentucci

(7) The 2008 version of Fausto Carmona will be __ (High impact, makes it on the 25 man roster before May)

-Stevens

(8) The 2008 version of Asdrubal Cabrera / Kenny Lofton will be __ (Fills a void on the roster and arrives sometime after August)

-Carlos Quentin

(9) __ will rocket up the ranks of minor league prospects by the start of spring training (only Adam Miller wouldn't qualify since he's the only Tribe prospect consistently in the top 25)

-Matt Whitney

(10) The Tribe's biggest offseason trade acquisition will be a __ (give the player's position)

-LF

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in _4th_ place.

by DocNo on Nov 26, 2007 3:28 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1)  no
(2)  laffey
(3)  none of them, maybe micheals.
(4)  18; 270, 310, 460 (300 ABs)
(5)  blake/gomez
(6)  fran-lucci
(7)  does j-lew count here?  there's not going to be another fausto.
(8)  tony sipp
(9)  i like hodges
(10)  alex cora type

by emil minty on Nov 26, 2007 3:34 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. Yes. Done creatively, but with base numbers of 5/96.
  2. Laffey. Takes the job in spring training and doesn't give it up.
  3. Lee, to some NL team willing to overpay for a FORMER 18 GAME WINNER!!!!!111
  4. 24, .259/.316/.472
  5. Marte, Inshallah.
  6. Michaels/Dellucci.
  7. LAFFEY TAFFEY (Mmm ... groundballs.)
  8. Insert Minor League Relief Pitcher. Sean Smith?
  9. Beau Mills, Wes Hodges.
  10. Minor League OF, young starting pitcher(s).

Tie breaker: 4th, 76-86.
Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Nov 26, 2007 3:52 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) Will C.C re-sign with the Indians before the start of the season? If so, what do you expect the terms of the new agreement to be (years and dollars)?

yes, 5 years 95 million

(2) __ will pitch the most number of innings as the Indians' #5 starter.

laffey

(3) Who is most likely to be traded this offseason - Barfield, Lee, Shoppach, Borowski, Sabathia? Where does this player go?

Cliff Lee, Pittsburgh

(4) What kind of numbers (HRs, AVG/OBP/SLG line) will Franklin Gutierrez put up in 2008?

20, .263/.312./453

(5) Who will be Tribe's thirdbaseman by season's end - Marte, Blake or mystery player?

Blake

(6) __ will be the Tribe's left fielder by season's end.

Jason Bay

(7) The 2008 version of Fausto Carmona will be __ (High impact, makes it on the 25 man roster before May)

Noone, I can't see anyone making it on the 25 man roster before May.

(8) The 2008 version of Asdrubal Cabrera / Kenny Lofton will be __ (Fills a void on the roster and arrives sometime after August)

Adam Miller

(9) __ will rocket up the ranks of minor league prospects by the start of spring training (only Adam Miller wouldn't qualify since he's the only Tribe prospect consistently in the top 25)

Wes Hodges & Nick Weglarz

(10) The Tribe's biggest offseason trade acquisition will be a __ (give the player's position)

LF

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in __ place.

5th

by JPFrost on Nov 26, 2007 4:04 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) Will C.C re-sign with the Indians before the start of the season? If so, what do you expect the terms of the new agreement to be (years and dollars)?

Yes. 5 and 90, plus big incentives, plus vesting options for a sixth year based on innings pitched.

(2) __ will pitch the most number of innings as the Indians' #5 starter.

Laffey.

(3) Who is most likely to be traded this offseason - Barfield, Lee, Shoppach, Borowski, Sabathia? Where does this player go?

A package of Lee, Shoppach, Francisco, and David Huff for something bigger than any of us realists expect.  Team undetermined.

(4) What kind of numbers (HRs, AVG/OBP/SLG line) will Franklin Gutierrez put up in 2008?

.260/.320./.485, 22hr

(5) Who will be Tribe's thirdbaseman by season's end - Marte, Blake or mystery player?

Indians trade a can of bug spray and a death ball to the Cardinals for Scott Rolen, who does his best Brook Jacoby impression for us after the AS break, then participates in some sort of ALCS heroics.

(6) __ will be the Tribe's left fielder by season's end.

Michucci

(7) The 2008 version of Fausto Carmona will be __ (High impact, makes it on the 25 man roster before May)

Miami will be underwater by the time another Indian has a Faustian year.  

(8) The 2008 version of Asdrubal Cabrera / Kenny Lofton will be __ (Fills a void on the roster and arrives sometime after August)

Adam Miller in late relief?

(9) __ will rocket up the ranks of minor league prospects by the start of spring training (only Adam Miller wouldn't qualify since he's the only Tribe prospect consistently in the top 25)

Weglarz

(10) The Tribe's biggest offseason trade acquisition will be a __ (give the player's position)

...ham sandwich, which will then be duct taped to the back of CC's new contract

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in __ place.

Shouldn't the tiebreaker be something with more than three possible answers?

4th

by tribemountain on Nov 26, 2007 5:32 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. C.C. realizes he wants to be an Indian, about 5/100.
  2. Jeremy Sowers because Laffey will get a lot of innings as the #4 pitcher.  Somebody gets injured.
  3. Lee, Mets.
  4. 18, .268/.305/.480
  5. Marte
  6. Milledge
  7. Sowers has a nice bounce back year
  8. Jeff Stevens
  9. Josh Rodriguez, boosts the BA, continues to draw walks, hit for power, and moves to second, where he proves to be a capable defender.
  10. Milledge

The Royals finish in 5th

by ClarkM on Nov 26, 2007 5:59 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. No
  2. Laff
  3. Lee (Giants)
  4. 17, .274,.340,.422
  5. Blake
  6. Raul Ibanez
  7. Sowers
  8. Adam Miller to replace Rafy's role when Jobo goes on the DL and Rafy becomes the closer.
  9. Josh Rodriguez
  10. LFer

4th! Minnesota is last.

by mikebrowns26 on Nov 26, 2007 7:04 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
OK, I'm making the predictions without reading any others, and then I'll go back and see what the rest of you said.

  1. Will C.C re-sign with the Indians before the start of the season? If so, what do you expect the terms of the new agreement to be (years and dollars)?  No, he will resign in April.  5 years, $87MM?  Some kind of no-trade clause and a vesting option for the sixth year?

  2. Jeremy Sowers will pitch the most number of innings as the Indians' #5 starter.

  3. Who is most likely to be traded this offseason - Barfield, Lee, Shoppach, Borowski, Sabathia? Where does this player go?  Lee.  To the Mets or Cubs.

  4. What kind of numbers (HRs, AVG/OBP/SLG line) will Franklin Gutierrez put up in 2008?  19, .271/.351/.474.  The prelude to a breakout 2009 where he finds that power stroke and lays off outside breaking balls.

  5. Who will be Tribe's thirdbaseman by season's end - Marte, Blake or mystery player?  Andy Marte.  The guy autographed a ball for me and we chatted for a couple minutes.  I can't not root for him.  I'm a sucker like that.

  6. Matt Murton will be the Tribe's left fielder by season's end.  I can dream.

  7. The 2008 version of Fausto Carmona will be If I knew, he wouldn't be the same surprise Fausto was.  Let's say Marte.  "Miguel who?" signs fill Jacob's Field.

  8. The 2008 version of Asdrubal Cabrera / Kenny Lofton will be Sean Smith.  Jeff Stevens.  I dunno.  See my last answer.

  9. Nick Weglarz will rocket up the ranks of minor league prospects by the start of spring training

  10. The Tribe's biggest offseason trade acquisition will be a left fielder.

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in 4th place.  

by nickjs21 on Nov 26, 2007 7:18 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) Will C.C re-sign with the Indians before the start of the season? If so, what do you expect the terms of the new agreement to be (years and dollars)?

Yes. 5/93.
-

(2) __ will pitch the most number of innings as the Indians' #5 starter.

Sowers.

-

(3) Who is most likely to be traded this offseason - Barfield, Lee, Shoppach, Borowski, Sabathia? Where does this player go?

Lee. Multi-player/prospect deal which brings us Carlos Gonzalez.

-

(4) What kind of numbers (HRs, AVG/OBP/SLG line) will Franklin Gutierrez put up in 2008?

22/280/340/460

-

(5) Who will be Tribe's thirdbaseman by season's end - Marte, Blake or mystery player?

Blake

-

(6) __ will be the Tribe's left fielder by season's end.

BenFran

-

(7) The 2008 version of Fausto Carmona will be __ (High impact, makes it on the 25 man roster before May)

Nobody makes the same impact, but Miller, Stevens, Laffey all get meaningful time.

-

(8) The 2008 version of Asdrubal Cabrera / Kenny Lofton will be __ (Fills a void on the roster and arrives sometime after August)

Miller. In the pen.

-

(9) __ will rocket up the ranks of minor league prospects by the start of spring training (only Adam Miller wouldn't qualify since he's the only Tribe prospect consistently in the top 25)

By ST? Noone, but by mid-season Weglarz and Goedart and Mills will be Carolina league all-stars.

-

(10) The Tribe's biggest offseason trade acquisition will be a __ (give the player's
position)

Carlos Gonzales, OF at AAA.

-

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in __ place.

Last.

by mcrose on Nov 26, 2007 7:47 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1.  I don't think CC will sign before the season, but may resign at the end of the year. If not let's hope he goes to the NL

  2.  Aaron Laffey
  3.  Lee and a couple of prospects to Pittsburg  
  4.  .270 25 HR's and 70 RBI's.
  5.   Blake
  6.   Bay
  7.   None
  8.  Adam Miller
  9.  Hodges
  10. left fielder
Fan in Texas

by fanintexas on Nov 27, 2007 12:16 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. 5 yr / $95
  2. Cliff Lee
  3. Shoppach to somewhere. Someone makes an offer Shapiro can't refuse.
  4. .280/.325/.480
  5. Marte
  6. BenFran/mystery LFer from Shoppach deal
  7. Marte
  8. Crowe
  9. Beau Mills
  10. LFer from Shoppach deal

Okay, so I read everyone else's and was trying to be different. Allow me to explain the staff - I say the Tribe hangs on to Lee for depth and are glad, as someone will get injured, Sowers/Laffey are #4, and Lee is #5.

by Voltaire on Nov 27, 2007 12:34 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. CC will re-sign for 4 years 75M with a mutual option for a 5th year at 20M

  2. Laffey logs in the most innings as the 5th starter.

  3. Shoppach / NL team with a head on its shoulders

  4. FGutz 20HR, .280.330/.490

  5. Wes Hodges

  6. Matt Diaz

  7. Not this year.

  8. Wes Hodges

  9. See 5 and 8

  10. LF - Matt Diaz in some convoluted deal involving Shoppach and a thrid team.

Tiebreaker: Royals finish third (way ahead of Chi/Min and closer to Detroit than Detroit will be to Cleveland)

by Sorrento on Nov 27, 2007 1:54 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) Yes, 4 years 80 mil

(2) Laffey

(3) If laffey is ahead of Lee during spring traing , Lee has to be the obvious answer here. But i dont think any of the players above will be dealt before ST.

(4) 15 HRs 275 AVG 340 OBP 460 SLG

(5) I see blake holding down 3b.

(6) I think the platoon will hold in LF for 08.

(7) Someone for the bullpen, and my fantasy is A. Miller getting some time in the pen by midseason. Obviously wont be on pay w/ fausto in 07 though.

(8) I say we trade for kenny again at midseason

(9) j brown

(10) dont see another move on ML level to be honest. maybe some prospect wrangling.

TIEBREAKER: The Royals will finish 2008 in 4th place. (above santana-less twins)

As General Manager of this team, I demand to know when I'm getting a start.

by bigbrabbs on Nov 27, 2007 7:41 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
(1) Yes.  4/80 mil or so.

(2) Aaron Laffey

(3) Cliff Lee.  Somewhere in the NL - maybe Mets or Rox

(4) 15, .277/.335/.465

(5) Blake, but I hope it's Marte or mystery player, and if it's not Marte, trade him.

(6) Choo

(7) Choo

(8) Hank Blaylock

(9) Wes Hodges

(10) Nothing else noteworthy

TIEBREAKER: 5th

by joecardsfan on Nov 27, 2007 11:03 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Last year the typical right fielder hit .288/.359/.465 with 19 home runs.  It's the highest OPS (.824) of any position for 2007.  As a group so far, we're projecting Frankie G to hit roughly .273/.329/.471 with 20 home runs (again, I said roughly).  This means an OPS of exactly .800 for 2008.  Just food for thought.  I think this question is the best of the thread so far.  I'm not sure I'd be shocked if he hit 13 or 31 home runs next year.  

I think closer to the season we should pool together community projections for the whole team, like Lookout Landing does.  Always fun to look back on.

by nickjs21 on Nov 27, 2007 11:50 AM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1.  No
  2.  Sowers
  3.  Lee - NYM or Mil
  4.  22-.262/.318/.440
  5.  Blake
  6.  Delluci/Michaels
  7.  Kobyashi
  8.  Adam Miller
  9.  Mills
  10.  Nobody
  11.  Behind the Tribe (like everyone else)

by dvd1204 on Nov 27, 2007 2:20 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. Yes.  Five years, $85 million.

  2. Byrd.

  3. Cliff Lee to Pittsburgh or San Diego.

  4. Can't think of any better answer than just using the Bill James projections, .275/.334/.445.  James projects 13 HR in about 430 PA -- I'll go along with rate but not the playing time, meaning he'll get more like 17 HR.  Also!  8 assists.

  5. Marte.

  6. Going for the longshot to win the bracket:  platoon of Blake and Snyder.

  7. Nobody.

  8. Scott Rolen.

  9. Jordan Brown.

  10. Reliever.

T - 4th.

by Jay on Nov 27, 2007 4:40 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
That is truly the definition of a longshot.
Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Nov 27, 2007 4:47 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Okay, here's the scenario.  Blake gets injured in Spring Training.  Marte starts the season at 3B, starts slow as usual but eventually asserts himself.  Everyone else in LF sucks.  Blake comes back and is inserted into LF while Snyder is just tearing it up down in Buffalo.  Blake doesn't do great in LF and falls into a platoon with Dellucci, who is also terrible.  Snyder eventually gets the Asdrubal-style callup as the best defensive option who can probably hit as well as the terrible guys we've already got.

Granted, most if not all of those eight things are less than 50%, but it could happen.  Did you see how the Cardinals won the World Series last year?

by Jay on Nov 27, 2007 4:51 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Wait. So where does Rolen come in? Marte breaks a leg in August?

by crazymoloh on Nov 27, 2007 5:11 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Oh, I'm sorry, were our predictions supposed to make sense?

Okay, then, Rolen will play shortstop.

by Jay on Nov 27, 2007 5:15 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Geeze Jay, Rolen really is your favorite player.  Get a room.

by Brick. on Nov 27, 2007 4:55 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Interesting, took 15 whole minutes to get that response.  The over-under was 4.

by Jay on Nov 27, 2007 4:58 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
nobody around to spike your set, so i just blooped it over the net.

by Brick. on Nov 27, 2007 5:01 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
In all these predictions, what's happening to Choo?  Are we assuming he gets dealt?  Rots on the bench?  Gets claimed off waivers?  I feel like we should be talking about this more.

I'll throw my hat into the "trade" ring.

by nickjs21 on Nov 27, 2007 8:48 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
If the San Francisco Giants had half a brain, they'd be having some serious talks with Shapiro about our OF prospects (assuming they weren't kidding about th whole speed and defense bit). Choo, Crowe, Francisco, Snyder, etc.... are all fast, play good defense and could easily pried away at not too high a price.

by crazymoloh on Nov 27, 2007 9:06 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Seems to me there are a number of scenarios under which he gets traded in March.

by Jay on Nov 27, 2007 9:28 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Didn't Choo undergo TJ surgery a couple months ago?

by mcrose on Nov 27, 2007 10:57 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Yes.  This doesn't mean as much to a hitter, does it?

by nickjs21 on Nov 27, 2007 11:31 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
From MLB.com mailbag:

Why doesn't Shin-Soo Choo's name come up as much about the left-field job next year, even though he has shown he is more than capable, and he is out of Minor League options?
-- Sri N., Strongsville, Ohio

Actually, Big League Choo's name has come up quite a bit this winter. The Indians feel he is a viable option for left field in 2008. Unfortunately, he'll be a bit behind at the outset of the season, after having Tommy John ligament replacement surgery in late September. That surgery was performed to clear up a left elbow issue that had hounded Choo and kept him off the field for much of '07, so it's difficult to determine just how much he progressed at Triple-A Buffalo this year.

As you mentioned, Choo is out of options, and he performed well for the Tribe at the end of the '06. The keys will be how quickly he rebounds from surgery, how well he can play left field and how well he can hit left-handed pitching.

by steincat on Nov 27, 2007 11:32 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Actually in my prediction I have him as this year's Carmona, as well as the LF to end the season.  Once he is fully healthy (and it's a LOT easier for a position player to come back after TJ than a P), the brass is going to realize he is our everyday.  Trust me....

by joecardsfan on Nov 28, 2007 10:33 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
LF is the logical place for a rangy guy with an average arm.

by Jay on Nov 28, 2007 10:35 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. No.  He plays the year in Cleveland, then goes FA.
  2. Laffey.  Lee is traded and Sowers is #4.  Lofgren gets some innings in this slot, too.
  3. Lee.  Dodgers or D-Backs.
  4. 26/.235/.300/.500 (And a bunch of K's.  He puts it all together in 2009.)
  5. Marte  (This prediction represents the triumph of optimism over experience...)
  6. Blake, with occasional platoon with Francisco.  Delluci is waived, Michaels traded for a AA reliever.)
  7. The guy we get for Lee.
  8. Miller, in the bullpen.
  9. Weglarz
  10. LHRP

Tiebreaker: 4th, ahead of Chisox.

by CaptainEasy on Nov 27, 2007 9:48 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
You really think they would waive Dellucci?  We'd still be on the hook for $7.75 million.  I think a lot of people are too down on him considering a) his injury, and b) what his past suggests he can do in a platoon role.

by nickjs21 on Nov 27, 2007 11:31 PM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
The question was, who will be in LF at the end of the season.

Based on his '05 and '06 numbers, I think Delluci deserves a shot in '08; but, for whatever reason, I'm not optimistic that he'll overcome the injury.  

Does his contract extend through '09?  I figured, if his contract is up after '08, they might waive him in August if he's .215/.275/.345.

by CaptainEasy on Nov 28, 2007 12:36 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
07:$3.75M, 08:$3.75M, 09:$4M

From Cot's.

I'm not leading the Dellucci in 08 parade--in fact, I hope we have an outside hire for LF when the season opens--but I hope he at least gets 300 ABs for what we're paying him.  I believe he can still live up to that contract if used correctly.

by nickjs21 on Nov 28, 2007 1:45 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
"for what we're paying him" -- it's a sunk cost.  Smart organizations (like the Indians) move on and don't let that affect subsequent judgment calls.

I'm also not bullish on Dellucci, but I think he's very tradeable if that's what we want.  If we traded him right now, it would be at the lowest point of his value, but I still think we'd have to eat at most half the salary to do it.  If we acquire a better option for LF, that's more less exactly what I expect will happen.

by Jay on Nov 28, 2007 9:34 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
  1. Yes 5/96
  2. Laffey
  3. Borowski to Brewers
  4. .275/.340/.470 21 HR my aggressive prediction.
  5. Brook Jacoby. close second is Marte.
  6. Carlos Quentin
  7. J.Stevens
  8. BEAU MILLS BABY!
  9. Werglarz "he'll be blocked by Mills at the ML level".
  10. Brandon Lyon closer from ARI

by hans on Nov 27, 2007 10:31 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Without looking at the rest of the assembled masses:

  1. No.
  2. Sowers.
  3. Lee, NYM. Hopefully not for Milledge.
  4. 18, .270/.335/.480
  5. Casey Blake.
  6. Dellucci/J-Mike.
  7. Jeremy Sowers.
  8. Adam Miller.
  9. Shin Soo Choo. If that is too much of a cop out, Brian Barton.
  10. Hot dog eating champion.
I swear, next year is it.

by fwembt on Nov 27, 2007 11:53 PM EST reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Hopefully not for Milledge?  Really?  A Lee/Milledge swap seems like we're getting short-changed to you?

by nickjs21 on Nov 28, 2007 12:00 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Almost 100% personal. I should have mentioned that. In a baseball sense, no, we win that deal. Milledge in LF is palatable. I just can't stand him.
I swear, next year is it.

by fwembt on Nov 28, 2007 12:18 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
Listen, I understand.  There are plenty of players I just don't like and find it hard to see past that.  That being said, if we acquired Milledge, I wouldn't feel all that sorry.

What are the personal reasons, if I may?

by nickjs21 on Nov 28, 2007 12:28 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
I knew a guy that played summer ball with him. Milledge basically treated him like crap, a bit prima donnaish. Don't know if it is tru but you know how things like that are.
I swear, next year is it.

by fwembt on Nov 28, 2007 12:37 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Re: 2008 Prediction Thread (Hot Stove Edition)
I promise you, if we acquire him, I will author a ten-part series of short essays attempting to teach him about humility.  Because, you know, I'm the expert on that.

by Jay on Nov 28, 2007 9:31 AM EST to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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