Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Nevin Shapiro Vows To Bring Down Miami

Brendan Donnelly

Grady_sizemore_tiny by ASP on

Has been invited to spring training, per ESPN.

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3234213

---
Donnelly had Tommy John surgery last August, so the Indians are taking a flyer on him in the hope he can provide some late-season bullpen help.

In 27 games, all in relief, with the Boston Red Sox last season, Donnelly was 2-1 with a 3.05 ERA. He went on the 15-day disabled list on June 17 because of what the team said was a strained right forearm.
---

Comment 56 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Re: Brendan Donnelly
As long as there are no Jason Bere sightings next week.
ken from alexandria

by ken from alexandria on Feb 6, 2008 7:14 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
plus Donnelly has been a pretty good relief pitcher over the past few years.

by ASP on Feb 6, 2008 7:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Textbook Shapiro. Not a surprise he would go after Donnelly. Low risk, high reward. Blah, blah, blah.

by JesseAK on Feb 6, 2008 7:25 PM EST reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
The contract is interesting.  Basically, the team doesn't have to pay him very much unless he's productive in the major leagues by August - about a year after the Tommy John surgery - right on schedule for a typical rehab from it.

Being that he was implicated in the Mitchell Report, signing him may take some heat off Cobra.

"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.

by Harry Doyle on Feb 6, 2008 9:01 PM EST reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
They're basically allowing him to rehab with the organization for free, with the dubious benefit to the club that if he has a totally miraculous recovery, we might get a few productive innings out of him.

Translation:  Get to know us and our staff, think about staying for 2009.

by Jay on Feb 6, 2008 9:38 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
When it's put this way, I can't fathom why it seems to be only Shapiro making these type of moves.

by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2008 9:47 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Actually, most other clubs also pick up faded veterans, sign them to minor league contracts, then hope to get lucky. Two days ago the Rockies went dumpster diving and surfaced with Scott Podsednik and the immortal Victor Zambrano.

It's a common practice that provides left-handed pitchers and right-handed catchers with free meals throughout February.

No harm, no foul, as long as real money is not paid and no major league roster spots are promised. If Shapiro wants to collect every grizzled pitcher who ever achieved some success as a reliever, it's an innocent hobby.

by Rochester on Feb 6, 2008 10:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Despite the fact that Pods can't hit for a lick and doesn't have great plate discipline, that kind of speed (when/if healthy) still scares the crap out of me. I guess this irrational fear is primarily based on this past October...every time Ellsbury got on base during the ALCS you pretty much knew he was getting into scoring position somehow.

by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2008 11:06 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Speed fades.  But in general, I think it's a fine way to spend your 25th roster spot.  Wouldn't mind having a guy like that for our roster, but we seem to prioritize having seven mostly-glove corner OF instead.  I might take Podsednik over Michaels.

by Jay on Feb 7, 2008 9:40 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I agree, but wonder why we couldn't work out a deal for '09, or at least a club option of some kind.  Donnelly has been good when healthy, for the most part.  I'm hoping that, come August, our games will be too meaningful to give the ball to a guy that hasn't pitched in a year.

But the upside could potentially be spectacular.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Feb 7, 2008 1:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Let's bear in mind the guy will be 37 come August, the same age as Jason Bere.
ken from alexandria

by ken from alexandria on Feb 7, 2008 6:20 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Speaking of guys trying to resurrect their careers, has any team invited Brian Anderson to spring training?
Free Andy Marte!

Pronk Needs You

by woodsmeister on Feb 7, 2008 9:12 AM EST reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Brian Anderson signed with the Devil Rays. He signed a minor league deal with them a few weeks ago.

by tobytobytoby on Feb 7, 2008 9:27 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Please let's keep up with the times, the team in Tampa is now known simply as "The Rays."

They did sign Brian Anderson a couple of weeks ago.  I heard him interviewed on the baseball channel on XM.  He had very good things to say about Cleveland and was optimistic that they'd sign C.C.

"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.

by Harry Doyle on Feb 7, 2008 9:43 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
That is a shame. He really did a very good job on STO.
I swear, next year is it.

by Brad D on Feb 7, 2008 9:51 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
why can't dolan keep our broadcasting stars that came up though our system around!?!

by Brick. on Feb 7, 2008 10:08 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Cheap bastard.
I swear, next year is it.

by Brad D on Feb 7, 2008 11:09 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Hart gave us a powerhouse broadcasting team and now Dolan is destroying it!!!!!!!

by Jay on Feb 7, 2008 11:33 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Fun would be a choice of 5 or so audio streams when digital comes on-line in 2009.  Rick Manning is ok and love Tom Hamilton, but sometimes I want a change of pace.  System could default to the TV team, but one could choose Hammy, or any of a bunch of amateur teams (LetsgoTribe channel!) to keep things smart and lively. What's wrong with a couple of comedians announcing the game or some guys doing it in Spanish or Polish or Chinese for that matter.  We have the technology.  I'm sure Chicago fans would appreciate a chance to avoid The Hawk...he's like fingernails on a chalkboard.

by Bogalusa Bomber on Feb 7, 2008 12:44 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Cuz it's all about control Charlie.  The teams/franchises wanna control how their product is presented.  You put an unauthorized announcing team on and you'd have an army of team lawyers at your door next AM.

Great idea this - for the fans.  Horrible idea for the image conscious owners.

"the most vehement Yankee-hating guy I know" - Jay

by mauichuck on Feb 7, 2008 12:49 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
It's a pipe dream, but isn't it a fun pipe dream!  Baseball owners certainly are paranoid, but if a Mark Cuban-type owner sneaks in (fat chance), who knows? It would probably have to be the crazy offspring of a current owner as they only let Selig-bots or people who won't rock the boat to actually buy their way in.

by Bogalusa Bomber on Feb 7, 2008 1:12 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I vote for Crow T. Robot, Tom Servo and Mike Nelson/Joel Hodgson.
Free Andy Marte!

Pronk Needs You

by woodsmeister on Feb 7, 2008 1:10 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
O/T:  I have no horse in the Joel/Mike race, but I just got the Cinematic Titanic DVD and it cleans the floor with the Film Crew.

Do they still have the souvenir broadcast booth at Progressive?  A buddy and I did that once long ago.  For a few bucks you could call half an inning, and they'd give you a cassette tape of your performance when you were done.  I thought we were good, but I'm pretty delusional.

I did some sports broadcasting as a lark back in undergrad (NESCAC for life!)  Nobody ever listened.  I remember one game when the opponent's SID only gave us half the press packet, so we were forced to make up names and stats for half the opposing team.  We created major league prospects, scouts in the stands, the works, all out of thin air.

I like the Donnelly signing, too.

by mkwng @ Let's Go Tribe! on Feb 8, 2008 12:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Haha good to know that a complete absence of listeners is ubiquitous to all college sports broadcasting. I figure the bottom line is that if anyone claims that people listened to their university radio show, they're clearly either lying or have a huge family.

by supermarioelia on Feb 8, 2008 9:07 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
That's what a skype group call is for, right? Kindof, I suppose, just shootin' it with your buddies during a game from the safety of your desk.

by Thommy on Feb 7, 2008 3:33 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Perhaps not a bad idea for all of us in here, either, hm?  Skype group call for opening day?

by NickFantana on Feb 7, 2008 3:42 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I thought about our doing some kind of audio gamecast before, but I think it would just get in the way of the game thread.

One thing I would consider is having Chuck over again, and broadcasting our bloviating at each other for an entire game.  I don't know how enjoyable it would be, but it would be a spectacle, that much I do know.

by Jay on Feb 7, 2008 11:04 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Having seen this in person, I highly recommend it. In fact, if you can get it to happen during a Toronto game (now featuring SCOTT ROLEN), all the better.

by zempf on Feb 7, 2008 11:36 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I'll bring the Pie Traynor tapes.
"the most vehement Yankee-hating guy I know" - Jay

by mauichuck on Feb 7, 2008 11:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
You could invite guests in too.  That sounds like a lot of fun.  LGT broadcasting.  You're on to something Jay.
-Erik

by drerikbrady on Feb 8, 2008 8:21 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Agreed - who wouldn't want to do this?
Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Feb 8, 2008 11:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Could do it as part of Sunday Indians Brunch ...

by Jay on Feb 8, 2008 1:20 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I'm still waiting for an invite to one of these mythical "Sunday Brunch's"............
"the most vehement Yankee-hating guy I know" - Jay

by mauichuck on Feb 9, 2008 11:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I would seriously pay for this. Upwards of $0.99, even!
Burn on, big river, burn on...

by Turkmenbashi on Feb 8, 2008 8:52 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
you'll have to have me sit in the background cracking jokes, primarily of the metahumor variety.

by Brick. on Feb 8, 2008 10:29 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Jay, I've created a monster.

But really, teams incorrectly estimate the "value" of their announcers.  Overestimating their appeal, and underestimating their repulsion. It's annoying to listen to announcers you just can't stand.  It shouldn't be a test of tolerance.  Seems that teams could more widely expand their demo with announcers that might appeal more to those niches, which could be lucrative.  I mean, who hasn't listened to announcers and said to themselves "there's not someone better than this guy?"  Sometimes I just can't bear it, no matter how much I want to listen/watch the game itself. A little competition in the booth might improve things.

And with digital, one could probably do a better job tracking actual popularity and dispel some myths in the process.

by Bogalusa Bomber on Feb 8, 2008 10:52 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I see it the other way Charley.  Indians baseball just hasn't been the same without Jimmy Dudley - that southern drawl, the easy swinging tempo, his subtle transfer of baseball knowledge - he made each and every Tribe game memerable - even when the Indians were horrible.  Tait came close using a completely dirrerent approach.  Mel Allen, Vin Sculley and Red Barber are all treasures in the own ways.  Hell, I'll throw in Ken Coleman, Ernie Harwell and Bob Prince.  

No the advent of the "know-it-all" announcer is what has driven most of us crazy.  And I blame one man - Howard Cosell.  I know he's though of as a football guy - he did do baseball for awhile - but his "style" became dominant in the 70's and 80's and now carries over to baseball.

You're right I do think I could do a better job than Hawk Harrelson - but I couldn't carry Dudley's microphone.

"the most vehement Yankee-hating guy I know" - Jay

by mauichuck on Feb 8, 2008 11:19 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
How do you feel about Tom Hamilton, Chuck?
Burn on, big river, burn on...

by Turkmenbashi on Feb 8, 2008 4:37 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
He's pretty good - a little too emotional for my tastes, but every now and then ya gotta get a little crazy.  Dudley is still the gold standard for Tribe broadcasters.
"the most vehement Yankee-hating guy I know" - Jay

by mauichuck on Feb 9, 2008 12:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Tom Hamilton is unquestionably the best announcer in the game right now. That may be biased analysis but I love the emotion he brings to a game. He makes the long summer nights pass so much more quickly at work.
I swear, next year is it.

by Brad D on Feb 9, 2008 9:31 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
XM radio and drives through other cities tell me the same.

by nickjs21 on Feb 9, 2008 11:03 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
"Grady with a DEEP FLY TO LEFT!! THIS IS OU... caught by the second baseman... okayyyyy... so Assdrooobal up to bat..."

by gte619n on Feb 10, 2008 12:32 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
That is classic Underwood.
I swear, next year is it.

by Brad D on Feb 11, 2008 3:29 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
No!!  That's the filter of malt-colored, memories.  I know this is sacrilege, but Vin Scully does nothing to get me to watch/listen to a Dodger game.  And I listened to the guy for 10 years. The baseball fraternity loves him, and he's a reputedly a wonderful man, funny and literate. I just never found him that fascinating.

Tom Hamilton? More people listen to Tom Hamilton and probably think he's superior to Jimmy Dudley. Who am I to judge?  I just want more choice.  

Sometimes I even want to listen to a complete homer and you've never listened to a homer as one-sided as Johnny Most who did Celtic games.  Chain-smoker's voice without any scruples in supporting the Celtics and hammering the other team. Magic Johnson he called "Crybaby".  "Jabbar with the rebound.  Over to Crybaby.  Crybaby back to Jabbar...."

by Bogalusa Bomber on Feb 9, 2008 10:28 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
That's using your head, Bogie.

This will soon come to pass, I think. It's a fantastic content stream and new content streams will always pressure owners to give them a look.

by ploni on Feb 7, 2008 3:40 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Ha! Gaylord Perry wouldn't think so!

by Bogalusa Bomber on Feb 7, 2008 7:08 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Over here, when the BBC shows a soccer match, you can generally switch the commentary to either its radio coverage (if there is any), or turn of the commentary complety and have the stadium noise...which is a little unnerving.

Our version of ESPN also had a thing called Fan Zone where it would let you have commentary from a fan of each team instead. Would get proper interesting when the match was interesting. The fans would generally, somehow, keep it civil, although it was funny when one team scored. They also had a camera in the booth to catch reactions. Can you imagine watching Game 7 with a Sox fan, and having that broadcast on national TV!

http://www.on-the-bench.blogspot.com - an irreverant take on EPL football (that's soccer!)

by Luis (Tribe Fan in London) on Feb 8, 2008 9:17 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Is the BBC feed the one that shows on FSC? I actually generally enjoy the commentating. There are the occasional idiots who seem to think every tackle Mikel makes is too rash but most of them are pretty good.

Fan Zone is awesome. How no one has died as a result of that yet is beyond me.

I swear, next year is it.

by Brad D on Feb 8, 2008 9:34 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Yeah, some of the exchanges have been amazing for not turning into fist fights, guys celebrating goals right in the other guy's face.

Can't say about the BBC commentary, but if they're English I can imagine they're the same ones...and most of them are awful....particularly the pairing of John Motson and Mark Lawrenson if you ever have the displeasure.

http://www.on-the-bench.blogspot.com - an irreverant take on EPL football (that's soccer!)

by Luis (Tribe Fan in London) on Feb 8, 2008 12:15 PM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
I don't know if I'd want such incriminating evidence for my attempted murder trial.

by NickFantana on Feb 8, 2008 10:32 AM EST up reply actions  

Re: Brendan Donnelly
Somehow I think royalsreview will be here commenting on this .....

by talonk on Feb 7, 2008 1:07 PM EST reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

User Tools

Constantly updated Indians news, lots of in-depth analysis, live in-game discussions — and more fanatical and thoughtful Indians fans than every other web site combined.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Dsc01731_small
Some quick questions for the locals

by royhobbs about 15 hours ago

5 comments

Etat_small
Eric's 2012 Cleveland Indians Projections...

by AmbienTribe8 1 day ago

5 comments

Its_alive-fstn_small
Oswalt > Carmona/Heredia

by Tribe Alive 1 day ago

15 comments

Topps1978-332f_small
Indians by the Numbers — #24

by talonk 2 days ago

15 comments | 1 recs

Avatard_small
Nickname Seeks Indian — "Country Peach Passion"

by emd2k3 5 days ago

8 comments

Avatard_small
Nickname seeks Indian vote — "Fridge Magnet"

by emd2k3 20 days ago

2 comments

Topps1978-332f_small
Indians by the Numbers — #23

by talonk 21 days ago

11 comments

Small
Seriously Go Get Carlos Peña Now

by DanHennessey31 25 days ago

7 comments

Avatard_small
Indians by the Numbers — #22

by emd2k3 28 days ago

4 comments

Avatard_small
Nickname Seeks Indian: "Fridge Magnet"

by emd2k3 29 days ago

15 comments

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Recent Posts

Featured Poll

Poll
Will Matt LaPorta be on the opening day roster?
Yes
59 votes
No
140 votes

199 votes | Poll has closed

Featured Stories

3444ant_black_small
The Indians need Grady Sizemore

by APV 4 months ago

22 comments | 3 recs

47b8dd28b3127cceb64839d9746800000026102bauwjrq3za_small
Andy Marte Buys Plain Dealer Advertisement To Thank Fans

by afh4 about 1 year ago

32 comments | 17 recs

Dosequisman_small
Fire Everyone! - Mark Shapiro

by Jay over 2 years ago

623 comments | 11 recs

47b8dd28b3127cceb64839d9746800000026102bauwjrq3za_small
What Cliff Lee's Not Reading

by afh4 over 2 years ago

28 comments | 14 recs

3444ant_black_small
Trade Profile: Justin Masterson

by APV over 2 years ago

75 comments

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Recent FanShots

A look back at the last Tribe arbitration hearing

by Ryan 3 days ago 28 comments

MLB.COM Tribe Top 20

by mcrose 4 days ago 7 comments

Jared Goedert is Puddin Head Jones

by rolub 5 days ago 4 comments

Chisenhall v.  Hannahan

by APV 5 days ago 26 comments

After watching Lindor in the Fall Instructional League, I have very little...

by APV 6 days ago 22 comments

Coming off of an optimistic 80-82 season, is this the Indians window to win? See full post on Beyond the Box Score

by David Fung 7 days ago 78 comments

Praising the Indians offseason

by Keenan Williams 7 days ago 43 comments

Brooks Baseball Stats

by APV 9 days ago 1 comment

Hello my friends! I hope you guys are ready for Super Bowl Weekend? Make...

by afh4 9 days ago 8 comments | 2 recs

Heyman reporting Indians will sign Kotchman

by JK in CBus 10 days ago 81 comments

+ New FanShot All FanShots >

In Association With

Baseball Nation Recent Stories

Photo

The Ultimate Guide To Spring Training

Juan Pierre of the Chicago White Sox waves to the fans at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

Juan Pierre Could Set A Major League Record In 2012

SCOTTSDALE, AZ: Buster Posey #28 of the San Francisco Giants runs drills before a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Scottsdale Stadium in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Rob Tringali/Getty Images)

SI.com: Buster Posey's Comeback Trail

More from Baseball Nation >

Managers

427px-nap_lajoie_1913_small Ryan

Dosequisman_small Jay

Editors

3444ant_black_small APV

47b8dd28b3127cceb64839d9746800000026102bauwjrq3za_small afh4