Cleveland @ Oakland GameThread, Apr 5, 2008 4:05 PM EDT

Game Thread: April 5, 2008

by Ryan on Apr 5, 2008 3:16 PM EDT in Game Threads

Cleveland @ Oakland

Gametime: 4:05 PM (No TV)

Victor should be back in the lineup today.

This headline on indians.com was amusing:

Getting Marte at-bats a challenge

With Blake at third and first jammed, opportunity is limited

I can think of one way to overcome this challenge...

Getting Marte sufficient at-bats to gauge his progress at the big league level will be a challenge for manager Eric Wedge this season. With Casey Blake entrenched at third, Marte has been and will be doing a lot of sitting.

"He'll pick up Casey from time to time at third base," Wedge said of Marte's outlook. "When we give Casey a day off, we'll play Andy over there."

Fantastic. So now we see what would have happened if Brandon Phillips had he made the team in 2006. Here's an idea: start Andy Marte at third base at least once a week for the next two months. If you're concerned about his defense, play him behind Cliff Lee or Paul Byrd. Understand that this arrangement may not be the best thing for Casey Blake, but it is the best thing for the Cleveland Indians.

(Update: Neither Martinez nor Marte are in today's lineup)

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Comments

I love that Casey Blake is "entrenched" at third. Alex Rodriguez and David Wright should be "entrenched at third." Casey Blake should not.

by JesseAK on Apr 5, 2008 3:22 PM EDT 0 recs

Yes, that phrasing is quite amusing. It's like saying Inge was entrenched at third for the Tigers last year.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 3:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Can't Marte at least get a PH in a blowout or something? Please?

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 3:25 PM EDT 0 recs

What use would that be, though?

It wouldn't tell us anything about him, and even if he does well Blake will still play more.

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 3:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah, but on the off-chance he powers a PH 3-run HR or something Wedge might, might be tempted to give him a start a couple days later. It wouldn't be the best thinking, but any line of thinking that gets Marte ABs is fine with me.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 3:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

But what if he strikes out and Wedge takes that as a sign to sit him?

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 3:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well, he'd be sitting otherwise, so...

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 3:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

Very true

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 3:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

That would presuppose two men on. Those opportunities need to maintained for Casey.

by CBusSteve on Apr 5, 2008 4:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

Such baloney. I'm really starting to hate Casey Blake.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 3:51 PM EDT 0 recs

I'd like him to have the same role as Trot did last season.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

It's not his fault. I strongly dislike the hatred of Casey Blake here on LGT. I think it's misplaced and a little ignorant. I know we're all frustrated with Eric Wedge (maybe some of us with Shapiro for not forcing his hand). I know Blake is a league-average player at best. But he's still extremely valuable in the right role. If he's being used in the wrong role, it's not his fault.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 3:52 PM EDT up 0 recs

So then it isn't ignorant to hate what he is doing. We know he doesn't belong there. A lot of us are fine with him being on the team, but we are not ignorant regarding it.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

Right. If you want to hate someone hate Wedge and his usage of Blake/Marte, not Blake himself.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

Maybe he could just play better?

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 3:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

He's league average! We get instant league-average production at 3B, 1B, RF, and (maybe) LF. Defense might be questionable at some of those spots, but hey. I'm not gonna blame him for that.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

But if he played better we wouldn't have a problem. I mean, it can't be that tough hitting 50 home runs.

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 3:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

That's what I expect out of Carrol, too. He hasn't hit a single HR so far. What's he been doing with all that time on the bench, anyway?

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

And if Jamie Carroll suddenly starting playing every day and sucking, I would start to hate him too.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:01 PM EDT up 0 recs

Are you seriously saying Blake sucks?

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

Blake is good, LOBlake sucks.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

He's doing exactly what I expect of him. And you're right I shouldn't be mad at him for being himself, I really do blame Wedge.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

That's fine, and I don't mind ragging on Blake in jest. I just kinda have a shorter fuse about this, it's all. Since it's apparently obvious at this point - I have an irrational like of our average 3B-man.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

I just want to get this Marte stuff over with. Either he's good or he's not. This just keeps prolonging the process.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

I agree.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

But I also think that Marte needs some starts, of course.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

That really doesn't end well...of course you could blame him for shaky defense. What I mean is that correctly used in the super-utility role, shaky defense at a few positions is fine given the benefits of flexibility, not needing to make roster moves, late game position shifts, etc.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ok, I'm going to be serious now.

Do we really need a super sub for LF, RF, and 1B?

We have PLENTY of outfield depth, and V-Mart/Garko at first. So, really, his only use is at third.

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

Possible exception in right, at least until Choo is healthy. I agree with you in principle, though.

by fleerdon on Apr 5, 2008 4:13 PM EDT up 0 recs

What the heck, no MLB.tv link yet.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 3:54 PM EDT 0 recs

check out the tigers and give us updates

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 3:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

Dtrain walks the first guy.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

Actually this game is on Fox.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

Oh, thanks

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 4:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

Guess I get to listen to Hammy.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sabathia's line today?

Any guesses on how the big guy comes out?

7 IP, 2 earned runs, 7 k's

by mjschaefer on Apr 5, 2008 4:04 PM EDT 0 recs

9IP 0H 14K

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:05 PM EDT up 0 recs

My fantasy team likes that.

by mjschaefer on Apr 5, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

We all like that.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

My fantasy team would like it if Orlando Cabrera and Andy Petitte didn't suck so much.

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

7.2 IP, 6 H, 6 Ks, 2 BBs

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

Is no one else getting this mlbtv? Because it actually works for me.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:05 PM EDT 0 recs

There is no link for me to click on.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm getting something, but not a picture. Right now it's like a baseball card of Grady.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Apr 5, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

I get this feeling we're "watching" the radio broadcast.

by cclemens31 on Apr 5, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

This is crap, I am paying for video.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up 0 recs

Haha that just showed up on the screen for me. Up until then the visuals were working.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

Same here

One day I'll get over to watch the Tribe play

by new zealand tribe fan on Apr 5, 2008 4:07 PM EDT up 0 recs

Damnit. I thought you and I were going to be able the select viewers today.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:08 PM EDT up 0 recs

Now there's some picture.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Apr 5, 2008 4:08 PM EDT 0 recs

Less than ideal, Grady.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:08 PM EDT 0 recs

No more Ks!

by cclemens31 on Apr 5, 2008 4:08 PM EDT 0 recs

Ok, I'm gonna watch the Tigers game and keep you updated while you update the Tribe game.

Sound good?

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 4:08 PM EDT 0 recs

Umm...it sure ain't September.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:09 PM EDT up 0 recs

It is April.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

It counts as much in April as in September.

Gutz for MVP

by gahnki on Apr 5, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yes, but following it like so? I dunno.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

Really?

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

I realize it makes sense. I just can't hype myself up like that. Right or wrong, it's more exciting in September.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm watching it too here.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:10 PM EDT up 0 recs

Same here.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ideal, Cabrera.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:09 PM EDT 0 recs

Droobs!

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Apr 5, 2008 4:09 PM EDT 0 recs

Weird to see Michaels in 3 hole.

by mjschaefer on Apr 5, 2008 4:10 PM EDT 0 recs

Michales? Drat that was close.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:10 PM EDT 0 recs

Hammy's gotta relax.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:11 PM EDT up 0 recs

Sounds like Michaels almost got it.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Apr 5, 2008 4:11 PM EDT 0 recs

Damn you Hammy......

by mjschaefer on Apr 5, 2008 4:11 PM EDT 0 recs

Why?

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

He was excited about the foul ball.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

As he should be, since it was close.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

C'mon I think we can all agree that Hammy and Underwood have the depth perception of a cyclops.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

It had the length. It was a fair/foul issue. You seriously don't get excited by a shot down the line, maybe start a cheer sometimes, only to have one go foul?

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:16 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm very hesitant to give Hammy the benefit of the doubt with any home run call. Sorry but I just can't haha.

by supermarioelia on Apr 5, 2008 4:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

I seriously think he's pretty good. When I watch on TV with radio calls he seems to react appropriately like 95% of the time. Of course you'll get the occasional egregious call, but I think it'd happen to us all. :)

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:19 PM EDT up 0 recs

Why are you in such a pissy mood today? We are all listening on the radio, we cannot see anything. When Hammy gets worked up only for us to realize it was foul, it gets us quite excited only to disappoint.

Tribe fan from far, far away

by LGT Patrick on Apr 5, 2008 4:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm not in a pissy mood - I'm saying you can't expect Hammy to psychically know what's going to happen. Disliking Hammy for that doesn't make much sense.

by Voltaire on Apr 5, 2008 4:20 PM EDT up 0 recs