Kansas City Royals @ Cleveland Indians GameThread, May 4, 2008 1:05 PM EDT

I posted this in macasson’s diary, but this seems like a more appropriate place.

Did anyone else read Pluto’s take on Hafner’s swing in today’s PD (or cleveland.com, linked through the Browns’ page)? Anyone think it’s legitimate?

Here’s the link. And part of the passage as a tease:

There is something wrong with Travis Hafner’s swing. The result is that he seems to be "pulling his head out." That means he’s not following the ball with his eyes. It also means that his right shoulder tends to move up—creating an uppercut swing. There are some things that he’s doing earlier in his at-bat that causes all this, but that’s the problem.

by APV on May 4, 2008 12:21 PM EDT 0 recs

That’s what the guys on the ESPN broadcast were saying last Monday as well. He certainly doesn’t seem to recognize pitches as well as he did.

by Ryan on May 4, 2008 12:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

I would like to see them remove the step forward from his swing. Having him step up then down in the same spot will simplify the swing and remove some movement from it.

by gahnki on May 4, 2008 12:54 PM EDT up 0 recs

G. Sizemore
F. Gutierrez
D. Dellucci
V. Martinez
J. Peralta
T. Hafner
R. Garko
C. Blake
A. Cabrera

by JK in CBus on May 4, 2008 12:34 PM EDT 0 recs

free marte for fuck’s sake

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 12:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

It has gotten to the point where I’ve stopped caring about him…not because I don’t think he’s talented but because there is no point in ever expecting playing time for him.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yea, I have to say that this is getting ridiculous. Marte can do no worse than Casey Blake.

Hell, all of us could do no worse at this point.

by gahnki on May 4, 2008 12:55 PM EDT up 0 recs

The definition of insanity…. Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.

by JK in CBus on May 4, 2008 12:59 PM EDT up 0 recs

As desperate as Wedge appears to be to infuse life into the hitters, you’d think he’d be willing to try just about any reasonable thing. Thus, the continuing non-presence of Marte makes me think that he’s really stinking the joint up in BP and other drills. This must run deeper that just any personal misgivings; Wedge must have some evidence that makes him believe that a lineup with Marte in it is actually worse than one without him, regardless of how poorly the regulars are hitting.

by Fiddlesticks on May 4, 2008 12:56 PM EDT up 0 recs

I really want to resist giving Wedge any more credit than we have to. He should still be playing at least once a week, fuck what he looks like in BP

by NickFantana on May 4, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

Laffey is really good sometimes.

by afh4 on May 4, 2008 1:10 PM EDT 0 recs

I like all these strikes from Laffey

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:10 PM EDT 0 recs

He is classic “gets it” to me. Throw strikes, throw your best pitches, and don’t elevate the ball.

by afh4 on May 4, 2008 1:12 PM EDT up 0 recs

do you think it helps Laffey that we’ve got too other GB-pitchers on the staff (albeit very different in their own right)?

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:14 PM EDT up 0 recs

Helps? How? Like they talk to him about strategy?

Maybe. I dunno. I think it’s more that the organization has a penchant for these guys and focuses on their development. Even the ones who don’t have a great sinker, like Sean Smith, have still gotten results by just pounding the zone.

by afh4 on May 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

I was thinking of both advice, but also coaches having a better sense of how to get the most out of his stuff

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Kind of annoyed we are backing up the staff instead of keeping them near their normal rest.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:13 PM EDT 0 recs

We continue to swing and hit like ass-fuck.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:17 PM EDT 0 recs

poop

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:19 PM EDT 0 recs

So I have football players that live below me. My wake up call recently has been their fucking sound system. If I go ask them to stick that system up their ass, what are the chances I get to live?

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:20 PM EDT 0 recs

where at

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

My apartment complex.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

what kind of football players we talking about; pop warner, high school, college, or pro?

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

that’s what i meant

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

college. Next commercial break I’m going.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

What college?

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on May 4, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

Nebraska. We sucked this past year. I like my chance.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

cornhuskers…I don’t know. Skill players or linemen?

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

Skill players kick your butt faster

by JK in CBus on May 4, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Linemen…..

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

I would ask them to stop and if they don’t then contact Mr. Pelini. Tell him I sent you.

by gahnki on May 4, 2008 1:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1200&u_sid=10290975

Scroll down to the “Hot seller” part.

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on May 4, 2008 1:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

Makes little difference an NU – they’re all steroid fed lunatics. For godsakes just chill Schaf – unless you’re suicidal.

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

by mauichuck on May 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Led by Ohio State alum…....Bo Pelini.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Are you cheering for Alex Gordon?

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on May 4, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

Or, heaven forfend, Joba Chamberlain?

by Fiddlesticks on May 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

I root for him to suck less then last year…but never during an Indian game. I think I’ve also mentioned my Joba thoughts a billion times.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

what college

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

what position on the team?

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

One got drafted he’s no longer there. The other moved to California. So I’m not sure who’s left.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

I don’t know….Sounds like you’ve got the bitter one left. I might wait this one out.

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

You’re right Schaf could be British and they’re soccer players – in which case go down there Schaf and bitch slap those punks and tell ‘em next time they wake you up you’re gonna kill and eat one of ‘em.

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

by mauichuck on May 4, 2008 1:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

Zero – those boys just love to hit things – especially if they’re bigger than the things the hit. My advice – sleeping pills and ear plugs

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

by mauichuck on May 4, 2008 1:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

I wearing hearing aids…..don’t wear them when I sleep and they still woke me up. Ear plugs aren’t going to work.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

i seriously love aaron laffey

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:20 PM EDT 0 recs

I like your old-school plain-C hats. Is that just a one-game thing?

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on May 4, 2008 1:23 PM EDT 0 recs

Weekend alternates.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

Laffey’s awesome

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:24 PM EDT 0 recs

dude laffey is the best

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:25 PM EDT 0 recs

going out to eat let’s go tribe

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:26 PM EDT 0 recs

www.letsgoouttoeattribe.com

by afh4 on May 4, 2008 1:27 PM EDT up 0 recs

Wow, Aaron.

by afh4 on May 4, 2008 1:27 PM EDT 0 recs

Atom Miller’s pitching for Buffalo today. 2 Ks (both swinging) in the 1st.

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:27 PM EDT 0 recs

How long until he comes up to be a set up guy? Or am I dreaming?

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

It’s possible, but my guess not until mid-June at the earliest.

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

Our bullpen scares me.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

I’d be more afraid of the Cornhuskers OL if I were you.

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

by mauichuck on May 4, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

I should be able to get around them. Everyone else did.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

www.instantrimshot.com

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

You’re dreamin’ – now wake up or do I hafta get a coupla OL to go upstairs and wake you up?

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

by mauichuck on May 4, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

I’m good at curling up into a ball….

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up 0 recs

Just don’t let them call the “fumblerooski” on you

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:30 PM EDT up 0 recs

I heart Victor

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:29 PM EDT 0 recs

line out? hard?

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

by Gradyforpresident on May 4, 2008 1:30 PM EDT 0 recs

yeah right at 1b.

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up 0 recs

11 pitch lineout, too

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

Jhonny won’t spend as much time…...ground out to 3B

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:32 PM EDT 0 recs

What is “the Cabrera question”?

He's extremely quick and good.

by battlekow on May 4, 2008 1:34 PM EDT 0 recs

Is everyone of the offensive players except Victor and Grady tradeable?

by mjschaefer on May 4, 2008 1:35 PM EDT 0 recs

Asdrubal seems not tradeable

by APV on May 4, 2008 1:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

I despise this fact.

by DaytonDogg on May 4, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

I don’t….I’ll take his defense even while his offense is struggling. And I think his offense will come back around.

by APV on May 4, 2008 2:38 PM EDT up 0 recs

I know, I think I’m in the minority here, we discussed this at length in the offseason, especially with Haren rumors. I really like his defense, but I don’t see how he is going to approach “non-tradeable” status with that swing.

by DaytonDogg on May 5, 2008 1:12 AM EDT up 0 recs

Leaving aside your apparently obtuse evaluation of AbaCab as player (or prospect), you seem to be under the impression that we have other great 2B/SS options for 2009-2013. Maybe you could identify them for me, because I have no idea who they are. Our best middle infield prospects, in no particular order, are:

• Josh Rodriguez, marginal defense at SS and expected to move to 2B, a year older than AbaCab and (so far) putting up poorer numbers in Akron at 23 than AbaCab did at 21.
Carlos Rivero, will turn 20 in a couple weeks, standout defender at SS but not explosive with the bat, if he can get as far as AbaCab did by age 21 next season, that will be good news.
Jared Goedert, will turn 23 later this month and is a bit old for Kinston, decent 2B but may eventually move to 3B if his bat allows, some injury problems, frankly looking a bit like the next Joe Inglett at the moment.

I’m about as big of a Peralta guy as there is around here, but I can’t say he’s necessarily the answer beyond our 2011 club option. And as fringy as Peralta’s defense is at SS, Barfield’s isn’t much better at 2B, and his bat is fringy at any position.

So AbaCab is more or less untradeable because if he were at Buffalo right now, he would be considered by far both our best and our closest prospect for the middle infield, and especially for shortstop, and we do not have great depth overall at these positions.

by Jay on May 5, 2008 9:56 AM EDT up 0 recs

I totally agree with you. Like I said originally, I don’t like that Asdrubal is untradeable, but he is because of our lack of organizational depth at middle IF. But leaving aside relative value to position, I don’t think he is a good hitter, and I don’t like that a below average hitter is untradeable.

by DaytonDogg on May 5, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

No way in hell anybody’d trade for Hafner and his contract – no way.

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

by mauichuck on May 4, 2008 1:36 PM EDT up 0 recs

Call from Mr. Bavasi, line one…

by odradek on May 4, 2008 6:01 PM EDT up 0 recs

Again, if Mike Hampton and his contract could get traded - with six years and $84.5 million left on his deal - anything is possible. Colorado ate 43% of the contract - some of it indirectly, by taking on two smaller bad contracts from the Marlins - but Atlanta agreed to take on the other 57%—$48.5 million over six years.

Hafner will still be owed $51.75 at the end of 2008, and 57% of that is about $29.5 million. Some team could buy low on Hafner, committing that much money over four years with a fifth-year option, betting essentially that he can turn it around. With the amount of money floating around MLB, don’t be surprised if some team was willing to do that.

After all, Hampton certainly wasn’t any more impressive in his pre-collapse years than Hafner was in his.

by Jay on May 4, 2008 10:52 PM EDT up 0 recs