GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

One thing is pretty clear about Marte. Hamilton hates him. I've heard Hammy rip him in at least half a dozen games this Spring.

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Yeah, he loves to bash him.

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 25, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Marte really seems to bring the crotchety old man out in Hammy. For the record, spotty defense aside, Marte's spring looks pretty good to me.

His line coming into today sits at .200/.327/.511, with 9Ks, 9BBs, 2 2Bs and 4 HRs in 54 plate appearances. That average obviously sucks, but I assume we're seeing some unlucky BABIP action here. Plus, I'll take that average as long as he keeps on taking walks and hitting long balls.

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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An Adam Dunn who plays a decent third base is kind of my best-case Marte outcome.

by fleerdon on Mar 25, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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You really think he's gonna grow another five inches?

by NickFantana on Mar 25, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Sal Fasano something something.

by fleerdon on Mar 25, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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He's available by the way. Can we think of a scenario in which we need a third catcher?

You know what they say, "Three's a crowd unless Sal Fasano's involved."

by NickFantana on Mar 25, 2008 4:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Yankees Suck!

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 1:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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is that your signature?

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 25, 2008 5:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

yeah, i never wanted to bust this out to set a bandwidth gobbling precedent, but figured with it being the last day and all....

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I love Grady.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

for those not watching/listening at home, Grady made it to 3rd on a short flyball to center that Melky Cabrera dropped...

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

They just showed another replay of it & I realize it's windy there, but the route Cabrera took to that ball was UGLY. He was zigzagging like a drunk guy at a sobriety test.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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I love Garko.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Can somebody give me a link to the box?

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/boxscore.jsp?gid=2008_03_25_nyamlb_clemlb_1

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Thanks Dave (right?)

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Yep.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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When are we going to catch a game this year?

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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If you guys can hold off till August/September, I'll join you

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Well, we can also go when you get into town. I think you'll find you wont want to hang out in Wellesley too much. Where are you going to live, by the way?

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Ooh, sorry, I'm dguntilrecentlystuckincambridge. I'm in Denver now.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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I love Denver.

This pic was taken October 21st of last year. My 30th birthday, and I was in Denver to watch the Stillers. Something else happened that day but we don't really need to speak of it.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 5:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I can just about see that door from where I'm sitting. If you were in town for the Steelers, then you had a particularly bad time.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah. I turned 30, saw the Steelers lose a heartbreaker, and the Indians lost a Game 7, and I was (possibly thankfully) unable to see or hear a single pitch. I had brought a little digi AM/FM radio, too, but Mile High/Invesco must have some crazy Faraday cage inside it (electrified steel girders? 20-ft thick concrete? i dunno.) because I could not get a single station on the radio, much less one that was broadcasting the Tribe.

Other than that it was great.

Formerly known as "tribefan stuck in boston"

by BostonWahoo on Mar 26, 2008 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Garko with a 3-run bomb

by ASP on Mar 25, 2008 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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GARKO!!!!

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 1:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Peralta, opposite field double
Garko, HR

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Hafner walks on 4 pitches, Martinez doubles down the line but cut off nicely by Abreu to keep Hafner at third, then Garko crushes one to left for a 3-run homer. Sweet.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Oops, Peralta doubled that is.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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I merely like Dellucci.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Dellucci rips a single

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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I can see why the yankees would refuse to include kennedy in a deal for johan santana.

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 1:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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lol

by ASP on Mar 25, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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In their defense, they refused to include Kennedy to a deal that already had Hughes in there. That said, I don't get the hype on Kennedy. He's basically a right handed version of Jeremy Sowers who was lucky enough to be born right handed. I guess anyone with a modicum of talent in the Yankees system is a superstar in waiting - Drew Henson, Eric Duncan, etc...

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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i'm aware, and don't think that's a good defense. kennedy is not and won't be good enough to be a deal breaker for johan santana if you ask me.

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I don't know, man. If they give up Hughes and Kennedy to get Santana, what happens to their rotation? Remember, they want to keep Joba's innings low this year.

2008 Rotation

Santana
Wang
Pettite
Mussina/Chamerlain
????

2009 Rotation (Pettite retires, Mussina gone)

Santana
Wang
Chamberlain
(C.C????)
????

They have an extra young pitching prospect to play with by not sacrificing both Hughes AND Kennedy.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

yeah. i guess that looks better to me than:

2008 Rotation

Wang
Pettite
Mussina/Chamerlain
Kenedy
Hughes

2009 Rotation (Pettite retires, Mussina gone)

Wang
Chamberlain
Kennedy
Hughes
????

I just feel like the yankees just have the recourses to find someone to fill in for kennedy without too much trouble.

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

The last few years proved that money is a finite resource even for the Yankees. Texiera and C.C are the biggest ticket items on the market after the 2008. Instead of giving up two pitchers AND paying Santana, wait a year, keep those pitchers and sign a guy two years YOUNGER than Santana.

2009 Rotation (Pettite, Mussina gone)

Sabathia
Wang
Hughes
Chamberlain
Kennedy

For the same salary commitment as they made Santana, the Yanks now have two additional prospects AND an ace.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

It was really a no decision to keep Hughes and Kennedy over Santana. The value you get over those two far exceeds that of even the best pitcher in baseball.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that. I keep seeing the hype that talks about him not throwing fast but having great location & I keep thinking that doesn't sound much like a top prospect to me. I mean, a few guys can succeed with that, but all you have to do is look at Sowers to see a college guy blow through the minors & then struggle in the majors.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Don't get me wrong, I like Kennedy and Sowers at ML-caliber starters, just not No. 1/2/3-types.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Exactly. He could be good, but he's not the second coming or anything. Then again, the hype machine pretty much always works in super overdrive when it comes to Boston/New York prospects.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I really don't recall anyone saying this guy would be a top of the rotation starter. Hughes and Chamerblain have that potential but not Kennedy. He still projects to be a very good number 3 or 4 however.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Kennedy is not a right handed Jeremy Sowers. Not by a long shot. Please show me a changeup that Sowers has thrown that looked anywhere near as good as the one Kennedy struck out Sizemore with so I can get excited about Jeremy again.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I like these lineups, it's like a real game!

(Without the regular third basemen, of course, which is a wash in this case.)

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 1:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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RotFL!

by JulioBernazard on Mar 25, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Can you feel the excitement building? More people are showing up for the ST threads.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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What's up with the game-day off-game-game start to the season again? What's the point of that?

I can think of a good reason NOT to do it: you're just making it more likely that you'll need to make up a rain/snow-out game later.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 1:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

This isn't a defense, but it's how they always seem to do it.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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i think they should put the off day the day after the series, so if any of the three get rain/snowed out you have that extra day. if not, you have an extra travel day.

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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That's what I'm saying. Am I being trite?

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Oh shoot, I was responding to Hammy's complaints about the timing of the Indians/Yankees series. Wasn't intending to disparage your legitimate remark. Hammy, on the other hand, loves to trash the schedulers for making a schedule. He seems to have no grasp on how difficult it is, and how imperfect the result must always be.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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I thought that might be case. I'm not listening to WTAM.

Although, really, "trite" is pretty accurate for most of what we discuss here.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Mmm, I suppose that's true. I just get fed up with Hammy refusing to acknowledge the unbelievably complex and maddeningly stressful task that is schedule creating.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Most cold-weather teams do it that way for the first series of the season. It allows a second shot at Opening Day, which is usually a sell out.
Otherwise, the ticketholders for Game 2 inadvertently become opening day ticketholders and the time of the game is usually different between opening day and the second day.

by palcal on Mar 25, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Dellucci with a nice diving catch according to Hammy.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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1-2-3 for Byrd. I feel good.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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If Francisco supplants Dellichaels in LF at some point, would that make our outfield the fastest in all of baseball? That would be an outfield perfectly built for Colorado or San Francsico.

p.s: Frankly, I surprised that the Giants aren't rumored to acquire guys like Francisco, Barfield or Shoppach. They're cheaper to acquire and have more breakout potential than a Joe Crede or Inge.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 1:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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I'm sure there are hidden talents, but the Giants farm system is not exactly overflowing with obvious talent

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Pfft, they're all too young for the Giants.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Someone could always alter their birth certificates.

Texas největší mimo Tribe fanda.

by kova on Mar 25, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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I agree with APV. If the Giants had any minor league talent, they'd make a great trade partner. Too bad all they really have in Lincecum, Cain, and Lowry (although I do like Sanchez) and they aren't willing to part with either Lincecum or Cain.

The smart thing would be to deal Lincecum for the next Haren type ransom they could get, but after that horrific Twins deal, they know their fans would light them up if they dealt him away.

by talonk on Mar 25, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Byrd continues to make me look dumb...which I'm fine with.

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:36 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Playing the outfield is apparently near impossible today.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Do you know what is trite? Complaining about the schedule.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Just to clarify - I was talking about something Hammy said, not the remarks above in this thread.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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every time byrd has a good inning, i think of this classic.

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 1:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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nice, I missed that one.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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How do you guys do this? Do you have these gems bookmarked, or do you just use the search function and a much better memory than mine? I think I've used up too much brain space memorizing Anchor Man and Arrested Development quotes to remember posts from here like this.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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well if it's something like this, it just sticks in my head and i do a search for it. in this case i did a search for comments that contained "going to induce" and came up empty, then tried "will induce" and got lucky. sometimes i can't find what i'm looking for. if it takes me more than a few tries i give up.

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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That is hilarious.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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I am truly touched, Brick.

by Jay on Mar 25, 2008 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Cabrera, taking a gritty walk

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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I really do love that Asdrubal has a batting eye. Finally, a young player who isn't going strike out 100 times in his first full year.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 1:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Oh wow. Giambi just BUTCHERED the pickoff throw with no tag, and an out Asdrubal makes it back safely.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Giambi is not a good 1B

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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That was an amazing move by Cabrera. I mean, he was completely toast there.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 1:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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I wish there were some way to delay my STO feed so it synced up with Hammy. At the moment they're something like 10 seconds off.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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DVR?

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Alas, a pipe dream for me. College dorm room.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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classic mis-call by Hammy on the non-HR by Victor....

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Aren't they basically inevitable? It sounds like there's nasty wind. It's part of the business.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Time to rip Marte a new one!

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Marte two errors. Damn it!

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Marte has looked particularly bad today. I donno what his deal is.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Shit happens, dude. Peralta missed a gimme yesterday (or maybe the day before). The infield at Winter Haven isn't exactly a dream come true. There's a reason the Indians are moving to AZ.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Mark Shapiro is saying exactly what I'm talking about.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Damn, this Marte bandwagon handles like a grocery cart with a bad wheel. I'm just going to keep on pushing though.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 1:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

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Oh I've been on since the beginning have no intention of getting off until he is 30 or something. It's just frustrating that these few plays are what he is being judged on. He should be our starting 3b without a doubt.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Well, theres a doubt.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Not in my mind.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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Well, I think he has the opportunity if front of him this year. By the end of the year, if he hasn't played himself into the position, there will be no room for complaint.

And yes, I think he does it.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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I think there will be room for complaint. You can't expect a guy like this to pan out starting out as a utility guy. He needs to start and have an opportunity to succeed. That means at least 300 AB's.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I see it as he hasn't proven himself and the higher ups want to trust him but logically can't. As sub-par of a third basemen Blake is, Marte in the lineup makes me cringe. Sure he has his moments where he is patient, but it seems like (at least to me) someone is just trying to make a positive out of a negative.

I just don't see him panning out at least with us. What's the point of forcing him at third when he's likely not going to be the best option.

I know people love Marte on here, but I can't even get remotely optimistic about him (other than he not swinging at crap he should be) like I can with other guys on the team. That doesn't mean he doesn't have moments that he hits a home run to win the game, players at this level typically do this on occasion. I just don't see him actually making good contect for much long.

Texas největší mimo Tribe fanda.

by kova on Mar 25, 2008 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Great. I think we've identified kova and JRam as the opposite extremes of the Marte Spectrum. I'm about a +8 on the JRam end.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

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mark me down as a 7 on the JRam end.

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

am more like a +4 or +5, but I just want to see him get two months to show what he can do. If he falls flat, so be it, but give him a chance.

by talonk on Mar 25, 2008 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

Hello everyone,

I can understand the argument about keeping Marte and having him start - I wouldn't mind seeing him start everyday at 3B it if I knew for sure it wouldn't adversely affect the team. But, here are three reasons why I think I'd rather work Marte in when possible and not rely on him starting on 3B everyday to start the season:

Blake, as of right now, is the surer bet to produce at the ML level. Granted, Marte's ceiling is certainly higher, but as of right now, you expect Blake to produce around .260-.270, with around 20-25 HRs, and around 70-80 RBIs down in the lower part of your order, plus play solid to even above-average at times defense. Quite frankly, we don't know what to expect out of Marte - he could match or possibly outperform that, or could be considerably lower than that.
Something good can come from putting the ball in play (i.e. contact); virtually nothing good can come from striking out (barring the occasional wild pitch or a rare stolen base when a players swings and misses at a pitch, giving the runner that split second advantage of stealing a base.) Unfortunately, Marte does a LOT of the latter, especially on breaking pitches down and away. While Marte has shown good patience at times this ST, the question is whether he can do that regularly in ABs during the regular season, especially if he's been in a 0-10 or 0-20 slump?
What makes it even harder for the Indians to stick with Marte as the full-time 3B to begin the 2008 season is the fact that Marte has been so shaky defensively, not just this ST, but also for periods in the past few seasons. For all the negatives about Blake's 3B defense, which one would make you feel most comfortable at 3B as of right now - the one you've seen do a solid job there last year and who hasn't botched up several routine plays there, or the young "almost-rookie" who has had several adventures on many routine balls in ST, including two today, as well as bouts of poor defense in the past few seasons?

Now, these concerns wouldn't be as much of an issue IF this was the 2003 or 2004 season when the Indians were evaluating players and trying to rebuild for a future run. However, in the 2008 season, the Indians are poised to make that run to winning a WS Championship THIS season. On top of that, there's a good chance Sabathia will not return for the 2009 season, and while I think the Indians can still be solid contenders in the 2009 season, that loss will still hurt their chances to some degree.

Therefore, their best chance of winning the WS is THIS season, and the best chance of winning the most games is going with proven players who have a solid track record. Blake has that, both offensively and defensively, at the ML level. Marte doesn't, and in the limited chances he's had to this point, he hasn't forced the issue.

Combine that with the fact that you have Cabrera and Garko, two young players who are no further than their second full season (and first full season in Cabrera's case,) Dellucci, who is trying to rebound from the leg injury and put up a much better offensive season, and Hafner, who now has questions over how consistent offensively he can be and whether his 2007 season was more the fluke or more the norm we should come to expect from him now, and I'm not sure the Indians can go with a player like Marte in the lineup who may need 2-3 months just to get into a semi-good groove of hitting a solid number of HRs, a solid number of walks, and a good to high number of strikeouts, enough so where he might hit 20-25 HRs in a season, but also strike out well over 100 times in limited duty and not hit more than .220 to .230.

In addition, unlike Cabrera, you have a viable and proven 3B option in Blake who has done solid enough for the past several seasons, and certainly did again in 2007. While I'm sure the Indians would love to allow Marte time to get acclimated and become productive, this might be the worst possible season for them to do that because of what is at stake - they're poised to make another deep October run, and chances are, will not have their ace to lead them in 2009. They almost have to go with the more proven options when there is a more proven option available, and there is that option at 3B in Blake, not Marte, again referring to that "depth" option we've talked about frequently in other threads recently, especially in regard to Francisco and Dellucci/Michaels. They don't have that "depth at 2B (I'm not sure Carroll would fit as an everyday starting 2B,) and Cabrera has shown more of the skills necessary to succeed long-term at the ML level in his limited chances than Marte has done in his (leading to his 0-20 droughts, high K counts, and not learning to effectively use the whole field, etc,) which is another reason why Cabrera will be starting everyday to begin the 2008 season and Marte will not.

If Marte can force the issue with his limited chances, then I'm sure he'd get more playing time and the Indians would be willing to utilize him more, but for right now, Blake is the surer option, and in this season where you'll likely lose your Cy Young Award winning ace after this season, you almost have to go with your more proven players (especially when you have more proven players at a certain position) more often than not to give yourself the best chance to reaching October and winning a WS. If Marte can prove he can be more reliable than he has shown so far, then I'm sure he'll become more of a prominent player in the Indians' plans, both in 2008 and beyond.

Just my 2 cents - no offense to the JRam/Marte supporter camp.

May the Tribe be great in 2008! :-)

by indiansfan on Mar 25, 2008 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

All great points ifan. I don't think any of us will deny that this IS the season.

While Blake is the "proven" major leaguer, he is also "proven" to be average at best. His numbers from last year were definitely pedsetrian - 270/339/437 with 123 Ks. In fact Blake averages almost 120 Ks per full season right now. Will Marte achieve those numbers? Most likely not. But I suspect he won't be Barfield-esque either.

The problem is Marte will be unlikely to show anything when only playing twice a week. And we need to determine if he will be the 3B for the next few years since we will be losing Blake next year unless he signs a team friendly contract (and then he will still be overpaid vs his production).

by talonk on Mar 25, 2008 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

I can't get behind this, Joe.

you expect Blake to produce around .260-.270, with around 20-25 HRs, and around 70-80 RBIs down in the lower part of your order, plus play solid to even above-average at times defense

Really? I don't. I'm down on Casey's 2008 -- that sub-700 second half OPS really cheeses me off, and frankly, without his BA/bip-buoyed May, the rest of his year at the plate wasn't anything to write home about, either.

[Blake has a solid track-record]. Marte doesn't, and in the limited chances he's had to this point, he hasn't forced the issue.

You could've stopped at "limited chances." What would have "forced the issue?" I don't know what people are looking for here. Marte hitting .300/.400/.500 in his 57 ABs last year wouldn't necessarily be more meaningful than the .193/.233/.312 he did hit. Others have made that argument more convincingly than I can.

this might be the worst possible season for them to do [play Marte] because of what is at stake - they're poised to make another deep October run, and chances are, will not have their ace to lead them in 2009

How likely is it that the difference between the Indians winning the division or not winning the division, is the difference between Casey Blake and Andy Marte? And the Indians are not in a position to be making decisions by looking through the no-more-C.C. lens.

by fleerdon on Mar 25, 2008 8:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

Also, Casey hasn't produced more than 20 HRs since hitting 23 in 2005, so "around 20-25 HRs" is being pretty generous.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

What would have "forced the issue?" I don't know what people are looking for here.

The only way to "force the issue" without being given big-league playing time is to dominate in Triple-A. I said it with Garko, I'm saying it with Francisco, and it must be said with Marte as well. It may that he's ready for the majors, but he sure didsn't made them look stupid by putting up a 950 OPS in Buffalo, or anything close to it.

For some reason, people were/are far more forgiving of Francisco and Garko's middling Triple-A numbers than they are with Marte -- despite the fact that Marte offers the most defensive value of the three and is always the youngest among them. I can only guess that people just can't look past the way a player's stats look at the end of a big-league season -- regardless of how young he was, and regardless of how few chances he got. I just can't think of any other explanation why Garko and Francisco always got/get the free pass on Triple-A stats while Marte never does.

How likely is it that the difference between the Indians winning the division or not winning the division, is the difference between Casey Blake and Andy Marte?

Really good point. And related to that, the Indians knew full well last May that they only got to play that card once, in either 2007 or 2008, and they chose to play it in 2007. You could argue that they made the right choice, given that you don't know for sure if the 2008 opportunity will be as good as it is "right now" (as of May 2007), and you don't know if Blake actually will get worse in 2008 or if it's merely probable. Either way, though, they played that card in 2007, and it's gone now, as they knew it would be.

by Jay on Mar 25, 2008 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

[Marte] sure didn't made them look stupid by putting up a 950 OPS in Buffalo, or anything close to it.

True enough -- and if anybody here was taking into consideration minor league numbers, it would be Joe.

For what it's worth, though, when Casey Blake was 23, he had an OBP of .644 in high-A ball. Apples to oranges, I know, but this notion that Casey Blake has got something Andy Marte doesn't ... I mean, yeesh.

by fleerdon on Mar 25, 2008 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

The good that comes with striking out is that the pitcher has to throw at least 3 pitches to accomplish the feat. It'll usually take around 5. Grounding out meekly on the first pitch (ahem, Barfield) would be worse, obviously.

Like Fleerdon I am not convinced that Blake is a solid bet to reach the numbers you've produced, but I respect his contributions and his versatility, and it's cool that we're not totally screwed if our 3B or LF, RF, 1B is lost to injury or simply not very good.

by jhon on Mar 25, 2008 8:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: I think I'm more +1 to +2 on kova's end!

i don't care what you say, leage average is sexy - throw in the beard and the versatility and oh my...

by Brick. on Mar 25, 2008 8:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Shap in the STO booth!

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

he say anything about Marte?

by ASP on Mar 25, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I just saw him on TV, I have the radio on. Above apparently he wasn't phased by Marte's errors.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

What's he gonna say? They more or less have to keep him on the roster, or give up on a player they had high hopes for. Everyone keeps saying they're afraid of another Brandon Phillips situation (and I think that's partly true) and they're vulnerable at 3B if Blake gets hurt.

So, Shapiro has to grin and bear it. Wedge too. I can't believe that Marte is THIS bad a third baseman (nothing in his record points to that), so they're probably hoping that it's nerves.

I think he has to show them something this year, however, or they'll cut bait (or try to finagle a way to get him back to the minors, which won't be easy).

by peter m on Mar 25, 2008 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Mmmmmm, yucky.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 1:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Garko missed a mistake pitch there.

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 2:00 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

It just occurred to me - Hegan has gone back to Gutierrez, not "Goot-yair-ez" like they switched to last year. Have they been doing this all spring?

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Really bugs me that Manning calls him Goot.

by supermarioelia on Mar 25, 2008 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

It's inconsistent.

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 25, 2008 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Okay, thanks.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Shapiro on the radio now.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Hammy loves Brian Church

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

DP nice

by new zealand tribe fan on Mar 25, 2008 2:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

They're talking about Marte now. Shap says he's had an encouraging offensive spring so far.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

His walk numbers have really improved.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Shap adds that his minor league defensive player of the year awards means more to him than ST errors.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Offensive indeed.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Does Andy Marte even know that people ALWAYS work him outside?

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 2:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

What's wrong Hammy? Who does he think is the backup at 3rd?

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Underwood is a dope. There, I said it.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Well, Hammy thinks we should cut Marte in favor of Barfield. Just outright cut him. Wow.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 2:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Are you watching it or listening to the radio feed? Underwood just said the EXACT SAME thing.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Hammy said that? Sure you don't mean Underwood? Shap's on the radio right now.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Whoops, Underwood.

Stupid work... interfering with my meaningless spring training baseball concentration.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

No problem. Thanks for reporting the idiocy - i would have missed it.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Alright that makes more sense then.

by supermarioelia on Mar 25, 2008 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Grady is amazing.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Shapiro is never fooled by long fly balls!

by SanD on Mar 25, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Just checking in. Dismayed by the Marte reports, but whatever. I hold on to the hope that he'll at least get a majority of starts at third, and that this rash of bad glove is just a rash.

by jhon on Mar 25, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I don't get why people are willing to cut Barfield slack but not Marte. Did they not notice the 400+ at-bats of suckitude Barfield put up last year? And he's a year older, and his minor-league numbers aren't as good as Marte's. It's not even like he's a defensive whiz out there.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 2:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Well, obviously there's not many people here who fit that description. But some radio/TV people do, which makes me suspect that it might have something to do with personality.

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Yeah, I realize it's not an opinion shared by many here, it's just frustrating to hear it on TV.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Maybe they're charmed by his obviously strong friendship with Garko, his frenetic energy, and memories of his father??

Other than that, I don't get it.

by jhon on Mar 25, 2008 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I've always wondered this as well. I think people overvalue defense in general and Barfield can make some pretty plays at second. But he's not eveven a good defensive 2b.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Statistically speaking, I think we could run Marte out there with a batting glove and he'd post better defensive metrics over a season than Barfield.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Hafner fooled bigtime on that one.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 2:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

This is soooooooooo much better than homework.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

The YES announcer just rolled his r's in Gutierrez's name, praising him for that bad ass throw. Nice.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Those YES guys are decent, as far as I know. I listened to them call some playoff games two or three years ago.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Gutz's defense makes the world a more peaceful place

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 2:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Peralta looking nimble today!

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

"[Some Winter Haven-ites] feel like the Indians cost the city money."

Wow.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Frig that. I spent a solid 20 bucks at their McDonalds over three days.

by supermarioelia on Mar 25, 2008 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Winter Haven can go back to being another decrepit retirement community in the beautiful landscape that is interior Florida.

BTW, Nice zoning laws.

by emd2k3 on Mar 25, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Nice pick by Peralta to start the 6-4-3 & get Byrd out of it.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 2:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

What are the odds we see Breslow today?

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

And Hammy tells me: yes.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

It's looking like rain next week. Hmmmmmm.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

So, why did we all decide to show up today?

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 25, 2008 2:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Homework sucks?

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I'm supporting a strike by not holding my lectures this afternoon and instead holding "office hours" in an off-campus coffee shop. Free wi-fi + coffee + no students = spring training baseball...the math is complicated.

by APV on Mar 25, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Boredom?

I swear, next year is it.

by fwembt on Mar 25, 2008 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Multiple monitors and TVs in my cube means baseball can hide in the clutter.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Cuz it's the goddamn Yankees that's why!

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

by mauichuck on Mar 25, 2008 2:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Gutierrez almost made the play of the spring.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 2:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Gutz!

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

By naming the Yankees the biggest name in pro sports, I'm assuming that Hammy is counting only North America. I would bet worldwide there are more followers of ManU then there are Yankees fans.

Free Andy Marte!

Pronk Needs You

by woodsmeister on Mar 25, 2008 2:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

The Yankees are BY FAR the biggest name in pro sports... in the upper New York City Burroughs.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

For worldwide merch sales, I'd be surprised if any logo topped the NY.

by fleerdon on Mar 25, 2008 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I think Notre Dame was atop the list at one point. Can't remember if that was US or worldwide.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

FRANKIE G!!

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 2:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

what'd he do

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 25, 2008 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Brought a Giambi HR back over the wall.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Unfortunately off the heel of his glove, but he definitely saved a run with that move.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

So about that Paul Byrd...

by supermarioelia on Mar 25, 2008 2:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

HIRE HGH!

by emd2k3 on Mar 25, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Seriously, how do the Yankees think their bullpen will hold up this season?

They can't run Joba out there every game.

Bruney? Vizcaino? Ugh.

by emd2k3 on Mar 25, 2008 2:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Did you see Scott Patterson? He looks great. I also think Edwar Ramirez has a lot of potential although his stint in the MLB last year was beyond awful.

This year is kind of a rebuilding year for the Yanks. I'm actually stunned they showed the foresight not to overpay for someone like Linebrink.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I want the Rays to win the AL East.

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 25, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I want the Devil Rays to win the East.

Go ahead, fine me!

by emd2k3 on Mar 25, 2008 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I'm hoping for 3rd but 4th basically looks like a certainty.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Two Words: ROSS OLENDORF.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

You missed an H, it's Rhoss Olendorf.

by NickFantana on Mar 25, 2008 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Awww, how cute, Jhonny has a playmate now.

by talonk on Mar 25, 2008 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Hammy reports that Nixon made the DBacks. Was this already known?

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 3:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Yes. Whipped cream futures are up.

by peter m on Mar 25, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Thanks. Sounds like I made a little profit, too!

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 3:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

working him at 1B

by palcal on Mar 25, 2008 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I am REALLY looking forward to a full season of Gutz (and the accompanying lack of Trot Nixon).

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Question for those watching on MLB.tv; are Spring Training games free, or by turning it on was my credit card charged again? I seem to remember them doing that last year or the year before.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 3:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

MLB.tv is run by the mafia. Your card gets charged every year, weather you tell them to or not.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

That's what I'm afraid of. I'm pretty sure that account has about $2 in it.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

If you signed up last year your account runs until 3/31. They aren't auto-renewing it like they have in previous years.

by Rachie on Mar 25, 2008 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Great catch by Grady.

On a side note...why players are allowed to run on the warning track during the games is beyond me.

by supermarioelia on Mar 25, 2008 3:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Because that initial feeling of, "What the noun" is part of what makes ST awesome.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Byrd's snake oil seems to be running low here in the 7th.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 3:13 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Man, you guys wouldn't believe what snippet of information about Mastny that YES guys were discussing!

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:18 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Let me guess... his performance against the Sox? Man, announcers everywhere love talking about that.

by gte619n on Mar 25, 2008 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

He's from Indiana?

by emd2k3 on Mar 25, 2008 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I might not have noticed this before, but is Hafner choking up on the bat a whole lot more now (later in the count)?

by crazymoloh on Mar 25, 2008 3:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Marte with almost another error.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANDY MARTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Marte! I'll never lose hope, heh.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Marte with the redeemer, very nice.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

"Take that, Tom Hamilton!"

--A Marte--

Free Andy Marte!

Pronk Needs You

by woodsmeister on Mar 25, 2008 3:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Off a righty no less. That thing cleared the bleachers.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Breslow for the save

by palcal on Mar 25, 2008 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Breslow sighting.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Breslow looks like a little Cliffy.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Mini-Lee?

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I had the same thought but didn't want to say anything & jinx the guy.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Except that he gets people out.

Free Andy Marte!

Pronk Needs You

by woodsmeister on Mar 25, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Breslow with a nice changeup.

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Watching the A/Sawx game on ESPN right now; the A's have a Ricoh logo on the side of their batter's helmet! Is that just a Japan thing, or did they actually sell uniform space?

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 3:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I think it's just for Japan. The last time they played a regular season game there, they had the ads on their uniforms.

by Ryan on Mar 25, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Not a bad first showing as an Indians, 2Ks for the save.

by zempf on Mar 25, 2008 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Yah, he looked pretty durn good to me.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Poor Mastny. And, he actually got a couple of guys out today.

Seriously, I think Mastny isn't a bad pitcher and will be back on the team at some point this year.

by peter m on Mar 25, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

I agree, it's very likely. If all it takes is a single bullpen injury, demotion or DFA, then the chance is well over 90% he'll see some big-league action this year.

by Jay on Mar 25, 2008 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Breslow looked good! Obviously just three batters, but better than getting beat up.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Mar 25, 2008 3:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

So what did Hamilton say about the Marte homer?

by dgcambridge on Mar 25, 2008 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

"Nobody will talk about the two errors."

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

"Some people don't know how to say anything nice about Andy Marte."

Is this a body language thing, like with Peralta? Or is it really all about booting the ball around the infield?

If Ben Francisco hit 5 HR, he'd be the feature of every third article in the PD. Oh, wait, scratch that, he already is.

by Jay on Mar 25, 2008 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

It's about Coco, still. Marte arrived here with a cloud over his head (because a lot of people wrongly thought that was a bad trade) and hasn't done much to get rid of it. So, the critics are out there looking for opportunities to hate him (and he HAS given them some, to be fair).

I actually think Marte has real possibilities and just needs to get a shot (not once a week against a tough righty who Blake can't hit).

Yes, Francisco does get a lot of coverage in the PD. But, while he hasn't hit five home runs, he has hit over .350 and looked like a good player. I think they'd (or at least Pluto would) cover Marte differently if he came close to playing that way (although the critics on this page and elsewhere would still not be convinced, I fear).

by peter m on Mar 25, 2008 5:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Marte hit one out? On what count?

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 25, 2008 3:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

1-0

by Joe. on Mar 25, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Thats exactly what Hamilton said.

Sportsman of the year, 1991

by BostonWahoo on Mar 25, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Dunno, but it was a good one, that's for sure.

by Voltaire on Mar 25, 2008 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

All I have to say is that if Matt Underwood thinks we should cut Marte, then I am in favor of giving him the starting job right out of the gate.

by Roger Dorn on Mar 25, 2008 4:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Re: GDT 3/25 vs Yankees

Just watchin the first part of the game on mlb.tv here...and I realized in my ST diaries I forgot to mention possibly the most important thing...the Indians come out to start every game to "Teenage Wasteland". I can only hope this carries over to the regular season.

by supermarioelia on Mar 25, 2008 4:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs