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Let Go, Tribe

47b8dd28b3127cceb64839d9746800000026102bauwjrq3za_tiny by afh4 on

Grief_medium
Why did I get this earring?

The Indians' 2008 season is almost certainly unsalvagable in a short-term sense. We all know it's been soul-sucking up to this point; but where do we go from here? How are we supposed to process this? You need to look internally and recognize what's happening inside of you, unless you're thinking of Sal Fasano. In that case, just embrace it and enjoy it.

Shock and denial (disbelief)

come on in guys, the numbness is fine

by mrich on May 26, 2008 10:16 PM CDT to parent up actions actions  

 What in the sweet chocolate Christ happened here.

 by fleerdon on Jun 25, 2008 8:27 PM CDT

Typified by feelings of unreality, depersonalization, withdrawal, and an anesthetizing of affect. The person feels unable to come to terms with what just occurred. Thoughts you may be having:

  • This isn't my fault or Shapiro's fault. It's no one's fault. This is happening to someone else.
  • Regression is a powerful force and sometimes it moves up. Call it progression. I can't wait for progression. I never want to eat again.
  • We're going to look back on this and laugh when we sweep for the championship. God, this bleach actually tastes pretty good!
  • Looch is probably really fun to hang out with.
  • I read on CastroTurf that Pronk's swings look way better. Once he's healed, pop the champagne.
  • I'm not going to watch games until my sex drive returns. Then I'll start watching again. [pause] Did I just hear the STO theme??! It's TRIBE TIME NOW!
  • Hamilton sounds optimistic tonight.

If this sounds familiar then you're just beginning the process. It's going to get worse before it gets better and for that I and Chris Antonetti apologize.

Loss_of_self-deception_40h_x_30w_medium
I am a manifestation of Todd Hollandsworth.

 

Star-divide

Volatile Reactions

just a couple of things:

1. F--- OUTS BULLSH--.

2. Jeter is the most terriblest shortstop ever.

by Brick. on Apr 28, 2008 7:03 PM CDT actions actions   0 recs

Whenever one's identity and social order face the possibility of destruction, there is a natural tendency to feel angry, frustrated, helpless, and/or hurt. The volatile reactions of terror, hatred, resentment, and jealousy are often experienced as emotional manifestations of these feelings.

Riot_medium
We were going to stop flipping these cars but Skinner waved us on.

You're lashing out and wishing something would meet your fist. Statements roaming your brain might include:

  • WEDGE! SHELTON! ARRRRRRRRRRRGH!
  • Hey, does anybody know Casey Blake's home address?
  • You know who sucks? The Tigers! Ha! What a lousy team! How long do I have to charge my drill before it will pierce flesh?
  • I'm helpless and this hurts.

Disorganization and despair

October 2007

by SuddenSam on Jun 11, 2008 6:40 PM CDT

These are the processes commonly associated with bereavement: the mourning and severe pain of being away from the loved person or situation. You're nearly out of the woods but this part is hard.

You can recognize that you're in this place by observing yourself again. You might see these phrases among your ruminations:

  • If I shout into this pillow ten times I'll feel a little better.
  • I feel like late-life Ernest Hemingway.
  • I should keep eating.

Roy-lichtenstein-drowning-girl_medium
Bavasi was our Brad.

Reorganization

This is becoming a very very stark reality.

by gte619n on Jun 8, 2008 3:03 PM CDT

Reorganization is the assimilation of the loss of something or someone and redefining of life and meaning without the person that has been lost. It's about reconciling your new reality to the reality you once knew.

Aloha_medium
Stock photo of Indians' dugout during game.

Certain exercises can help. I've built two life size paper-mache Asdrubal Cabreras; I call one 2007 and the other 2008. Every day I force myself to look at them and realize they are not the same paper mache person. They're paper mache individuals with different feelings and abilities. I also rend my garments every evening.

You're almost through it. Your thoughts will take on a more measured tone, giving you a sense of finality and closure:

  • 2007 was not a mirage but it also is not the present.
  • I'm pretty excited that Sal Fasano's here, at least.
  • The ashes of Westbrook's UCL are going to look really nice in that urn.
  • I'll meet a new season.

19060159_medium
Welcome to Cleveland.

So, where's CC's value at?

27 recs | Comment 103 comments

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On my initial scroll through I saw the “Brad” cartoon and thought it was a reference to Snyder. Ha ha ha.

by APV on Jun 26, 2008 2:26 PM EDT   0 recs

Wish I’d thought of that.

by afh4 on Jun 26, 2008 2:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

A decade or three of this and you guys’ll be real Indians fans.

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

by mauichuck on Jun 26, 2008 2:26 PM EDT   1 recs

I’ve got 24 years since I arrived in Cleveland and became a fan (just in time for a couple of Browns debacles).

by APV on Jun 26, 2008 2:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

So if we were to win the World Series, none of us could ever achieve real fan status?

by Roger Dorn on Jun 26, 2008 2:43 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No, no, no – Indians fans are above all steely-eyed realists. We embrace the hard, hurtfull truths and view our team with a healthy skepticism. But when we fall in love we go head over heels.

It’s not about the losing – it’s about handling the losing. Get kicked in the nuts repeatedly and ask for more. Once you can do that, you can truly enjoy the winning.

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

by mauichuck on Jun 26, 2008 2:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

This is so true: every team I really like has pretty much sucked since I started following them, and after years of sucking I am more obsessed with sports than ever.

Now with accurate avatar! Huzzah!

by FaustosSinkingFastball on Jun 26, 2008 3:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I know what you mean Chuck. Earlier this season, getting kicked in the stomach each night was really hurting, now it’s just a dull, numb throb. Let Go Tribe.

-Erik

by drerikbrady on Jun 26, 2008 4:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Y’know, I kinda resent this sentiment.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 3:34 PM EDT to parent up   2 recs

Well, y’know, you can resent it all you want – it’s still the Truth.

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

by mauichuck on Jun 26, 2008 3:38 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Let me know when I should look for my True Fan membership card.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 3:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It’s in the mail and will be in your mailbox in 20 years.

by odradek on Jun 26, 2008 3:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Sorry Voltaire, I didn’t mean to imply that just because you haven’t been through at least a decade of bad baseball you’re not a True Indian Fan. What I’m trying to tell you is that you won’t acquire that patina of cynicism most of us veterans have until you’ve been through a stretch of seasons like this one. It’ll give you a much clearer outlook – sorta like being the polar opposite of a Yankees fan.

All of us old-timers know that all the great Cleveland players will either leave or collapse sooner or later. We understand that – even revel in it. But you young guys keep thinking that our superstars will always be 25 years old and in the Tribe livery forever. I know that in 5 years or so Grady’ll either be washed up or wearing pinstripes – I know it and accept it. It’s OK, other will come along and be damn-near as good.

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

by mauichuck on Jun 26, 2008 4:15 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Apology accepted, I probably took it far more personally than even the broadest interpretation would have called for.

I’d like to strongly disagree with a central sentiment here, though, that the Indians losing is somehow different from other teams losing. It certainly IS, in the past, because we’ve sucked historically a helluva lot more than most teams. It also is, because, they’re our team, and that’s key. But losing a star player to free agency is not unique to the Indians. Sucking for a decade is not unique to the Indians. It’s not because he’s an Indian right now that Sizemore will follow an extremely normal career path (what are the odds a player loses ability or gets traded within a 5-year window? 75%? 90%?).

Perhaps I believe in a more “relativistic” view of fandom than most, but I believe that enjoying watching a baseball team play qualifies you as a fan of that team. The various degrees and shadings and levels we assign to fandom to compare them seem to me too excluding and judgmental to me on a personal level. If I meet someone on the street who claims to be an Indians fan but can’t tell me how we got Asdrubal Cabrera or can’t name anyone who wasn’t on the 95, 97, or 07 teams, I’ll be disappointed I can’t have anything more than a superficial conversation about the Tribe with them. But I won’t view them as not a “true” fan. We both like the Indians. That’s pretty cool.

At least that’s the way I view the whole affair.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 5:03 PM EDT to parent up   1 recs

I would like to apologize in advance for all the comma errors I just noticed which are now doubtlessly burning out the eyes of many readers.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 5:04 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No no, that guy on the street gets to be an Indians fan too. It’s the emotional investment that’s first and foremost. The whole following-Weglarz-from-his-earliest-days just addes a little extra special flavor.

What does make following the Indians different, is that most teams stir in that tiny bit of (surprise) CHAMPIONSHIP into the mix. There are a handful of others in baseball who don’t. But throw in the Browns and Cavs, and you’ve really got a pretty narrow experience. A wonderfully tragic one, sometimes. Other times, painfully tragic.

I mean, I really truly honestly expect to see zero Cleveland championships in my lifetime. That’s how I view the whole affair.

by dgcambridge on Jun 26, 2008 5:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree with that you said. About your final statement, I find it somewhat irrational. Being a fan kinda implies accepting some irrationality, but the “Cleveland pathos” is kinda the ultimate dice-have-no-memory fallacy.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 5:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ahh yes, but the dice were never thrown by Gabe Paul in those other cities and towns.

I did a Google image search for "Andy Marte." It turned up zero results.

by emd2k3 on Jun 27, 2008 10:07 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed. But any relevant current affect he’s had on this franchise is long gone.

by Voltaire on Jun 27, 2008 2:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Shoot me now.

by Voltaire on Jun 27, 2008 2:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

“somewhat” irrational? it’s almost entirely so.

by dgcambridge on Jun 28, 2008 3:23 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Wholehearted agreement on the Weglarz thing. He’s the first prospect I’ve fully embraced for his minor league career, as blissfully short as it will assuredly be.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 5:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree with you—absolutely. But I should challenge your assertion that the Indians’ losing isn’t really much different from other teams’ losing. Sucking for 30 years is special. Having strange runs of bad luck even during good years is exceptional.

There is an exceptionalism to being an Indians fan. No other team (not even the St. Louis Browns and the Cleveland Spiders) has maintained such a legacy of failure, loss and disappointment. Remember: When the All-Star game was scheduled to be played in Municipal Stadium in 1981, it was canceled because of a players’ strike.

by odradek on Jun 26, 2008 5:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Not trying to nitpick, but I bet if we had some Spiders fans around they’d be able to tell you a boatload of stories about misfortune and fate seemingly having it in for them.

One reason I hesitate to fully embrace the Cleveland pathos (as I called it earlier) is that, since I don’t have the chance to live a life as a fanatic of another team, I cannot compare my feelings about the Tribe’s systemic misfortune to those of another franchise’s. Doing so objectively, although possible, just doesn’t seem to have a point. If we can prove Cleveland sucks the most out of all professional sport cities (or baseball cities)...so what?

I do appreciate how cosmically absurd it is that the Indians have been an above .500 ballclub during my lifetime (1601-1486, .519 for those of you scoring at home.)

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 5:32 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

as dg pointed out above, i think it’s important to include in the “Cleveland pathos”, as you term it, the misfortunes of the cavaliers and browns, as well. for many on these pages, the indians affiliation is a result of some period of time spent living in, or some personal historical affiliation with, the city of Cleveland, and as such the balance of those people’s sports team ledgers include the other Cleveland franchises. i don’t know your leanings, perhaps you mean to count the browns and cavs, but it bears pointing out specifically.

on the whole, then, Cleveland has been champion-less (although i cling to those force and crunch teams) for 42 years, as is well-documented. and while that suffering doesn’t get you upgraded to first class any more frequently, or let you see movies before everyone else, it gives you a certain irrational bona fides as a fan—irrationality being a defining characteristic of sports fandom, as you point out. i suffer through loss after loss, but i’m STILL HERE, and when a Cleveland team wins a ring, i will proceed to go all kinds of KG over it. this is my badge of honor…that gets me absolutely nothing except for pats on the back and sympathetic nods from other sports fans.

and let’s be fair to the indians…30 years of sucktation? double that, please. only the cubs share that rap sheet of ineptitude at this stage. THAT is a unique profile of losing in baseball, and gives us a “right” to complain a bit more, perhaps, when we lose expensive players and promising prospects. and while “respectability” may in fact define the indians’ record over its franchise history, i’m not interested in respectability. i want rings and banners…and hence the inherent contradiction that is being an Indians, and Cleveland sports, fan.

by DontCallMeJoey on Jun 26, 2008 5:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

*that should say 44 years

by DontCallMeJoey on Jun 26, 2008 6:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It feels good to know Cleveland sucks the most out of all professional sports cities.

I would argue the Spiders, while having the worst season ever, did not have the duration of the Indians. And, while the Phillies certainly sucked for a long period of time, they did win World Series in 1980.

by odradek on Jun 26, 2008 6:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

While the 30 year mark of sucktitude is pretty amazing, this franchise still has a winning record for its history, 8511-8139, a .511 winning %.

There have been many bad stretches by other franchises – I am thinking of the Philly A’s, St. Louis Browns, Phillies, and Washington Senators for a few.

As a franchise, we are still pretty respectable.

by talonk on Jun 26, 2008 5:41 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Rationally, I know you’re right. But irrationally, I say:

The only player to be killed during a ball game? A Cleveland Indian.

by odradek on Jun 26, 2008 6:11 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

but only one of those clubs still really exist.

by dwight on Jun 29, 2008 12:06 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Not really, those franchises have just moved on, the records still go with them. There hasn’t been a franchise that has folded in the majors since before 1900 if I am not mistaken. So yes, those clubs still exist. Think the Lakers franchise, or the Rams or Cardinals (foorball) franchises.

by talonk on Jun 29, 2008 1:52 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Remind me again: whatever happened to the Seattle Pilots?

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

by mauichuck on Jun 29, 2008 10:50 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Became the Milwaukee Brewers?

by odradek on Jun 29, 2008 11:34 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ha ha, thx odradek!

by talonk on Jun 29, 2008 2:11 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Voltaire, I recognize you as a true fan. An enlightened fan.

by jhon on Jun 26, 2008 7:24 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Dead topic: Voltaire and Chuck arguing about being true fans. I believe this is the third time around.

by supermarioelia on Jun 26, 2008 6:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Gee doc did you see an argument there? Not me.

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

by mauichuck on Jun 26, 2008 7:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

And oh yeah, that upthread exchange was one of the more thoughtful threatettes of the past few weeks.

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

by mauichuck on Jun 26, 2008 7:38 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I think it is the third time the subject has come up, but I’ll second Chuck here and question that this is an argument, and also second that I’ve found the above extremely though-provoking and entertaining to read.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 8:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

another andrew classic

by Gradyforpresident on Jun 26, 2008 2:35 PM EDT   0 recs

At this point, I’m not even interested in his rec total. I’m interested to see his rec/hour rate for the afternoon. So far it’s 6.48/recs per hour or rph.

by NickFantana on Jun 26, 2008 3:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Fantasic.

I had it all mapped out in my mind. 60-29 the rest of the year and they are formidable. They just need to bounce back. Last season took a toll upon them. Since then, 2-2. Still not the lineup that I need to see. Where is the rotation that was? When will it return? How did this become so cosmically unglued? Hope is the sand escaping my hands. It is the cats I try to heard. I still can’t resign even though I know it is over. And yes, somehow I still believe they can keep CC, even though I know they can’t. Oh, and my stache is not coming in gloriously.

proverbial "moron in a hurry"

by 94neverout on Jun 26, 2008 2:40 PM EDT   0 recs

your formatting just gets better every time.

by Brick. on Jun 26, 2008 2:43 PM EDT   0 recs

hahahaha. I can’t get the captions close to the photos.

I’m really hungover. I assume this thing is typo riddled but I can’t focus my eyes.

by afh4 on Jun 26, 2008 2:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Well done sir. I just wish I didn’t have to repeat this process every fall when the Vikings inevitably implode.

On the bright side, maybe we could see Mark Shapiro come choke slam Wedge and most all the hitters who are wasting the best starting pitching I have ever seen from the Tribe.

Now with accurate avatar! Huzzah!

by FaustosSinkingFastball on Jun 26, 2008 2:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Shapiro is trading for Shawn Chacon and getting him to choke slam Wedge.

by afh4 on Jun 26, 2008 2:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Chacon only choke slams GMs.

by odradek on Jun 26, 2008 3:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

On behalf of our tribe of posters, I want to thank you for sharing your unique outlook on all things humorous. These posts never fail to lift my spirits.

by elsandito on Jun 26, 2008 2:58 PM EDT   0 recs

Thanks. They’re highly therapeutic for me.

by afh4 on Jun 26, 2008 2:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Absolutely, another fine job.

Burn on, big river, burn on...

by Turkmenbashi on Jun 26, 2008 3:02 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Whoa. I just realized the whole Indians season has been a debacle totally parallel to my most recent relationship. Small islands of sheer bliss (March 31, the triple play) surrounded by a violent sea of doubt, worry, despair and self loathing. Dwelling on memories of the past that made the present even more bitter. A solid “core” with tremendous “upside” that has failed to live up to explanations. And lastly, that feeling of unbearable agony (dominated by Zito) that has slowly been enveloped by numbness and a feeling that there’s nothing left to do but forget and move on (the Sabathia trade).

Burn on, big river, burn on...

by Turkmenbashi on Jun 26, 2008 3:01 PM EDT   0 recs

Avoid rope, guns and high ledges.

by elsandito on Jun 26, 2008 3:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

And girls named Heather.

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

by mauichuck on Jun 26, 2008 3:12 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

But the Supreme Court just overturned DC’s handgun ban!

And I was mostly kidding. But the parallel still stands. And both her and the Indians’ good season left for greener pastures in Chicago!

Burn on, big river, burn on...

by Turkmenbashi on Jun 26, 2008 3:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

BOOOOOO CUBS!!!

by Stinky McDingus on Jun 27, 2008 10:34 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

/claps once
/claps again, slowly
/claps faster
/rises to feet and cheers wildly

by mrich on Jun 26, 2008 3:23 PM EDT   0 recs

great post, just outstanding.

I am really having trouble accepting the fact that we were nearly blanked by 2008 Barry f-ing Zito. my… god…

by gte619n on Jun 26, 2008 3:26 PM EDT   0 recs

It was inevitable, really. The signs were all there.

Like the man said, come on in, the numbness is fine.

--
2008: let the hate flow through you.

by vbc3 on Jun 26, 2008 6:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

When I first saw this link, I really thought the post should have been named Let It Go, Tribe … referring to Shapiro and compnay to go ahead and blow up the rest of the season.

Am I the only one rooting for the Giants to sweep us so we can finally go into full firesale mode?

by talonk on Jun 26, 2008 3:30 PM EDT   0 recs

I really don’t think we’re going to see full firesale mode.

by NickFantana on Jun 26, 2008 3:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ok, so that was a bit harsh. But I’d like to see the following guys at least discussed in trade options:

CC, Byrd, Dellucci, JoeBlow, one of Gutz/BenFran/Choo, Garko.

by talonk on Jun 26, 2008 3:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I didn’t mean to be disagreeable. I actually agree with that list of guys, I might even say two of Gutz/Fran/Choo. I just meant to say that I don’t think Shapiro is selling. I think he’s going to try and stay the course. To me, that’s the implication when he blames most of their struggles on injuries.

by NickFantana on Jun 26, 2008 3:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Not Blake? Peralta? Carrol?

by mrich on Jun 26, 2008 3:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Do we think the market overvalues Peralta? If not, I see no reason to trade him.

by Voltaire on Jun 26, 2008 3:55 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Oops, meant to include Blake. I actually think Carroll will be our utility guy next year. But I don’t think Jhonny should be on the table. If somebody asks, sure discuss him, but he should be the last of the above names (which include Blake).

by talonk on Jun 26, 2008 4:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I agree with Nick. I think they will make an effort to move guys who are not under contract and/or who they don’t see helping them next year - guys like Dellucci, JoBo, Blake, Byrd (and I still have a sneaking suspicion about Masa). I don’t think they’ll trade guys like Jhonny. Marte will be an interesting situation though - he may be gone one way or another.

by peter m on Jun 26, 2008 4:14 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

How could we trade Blake? Who would we have to block Marte out of playing time?

Let’s not lose sight of our priorities here folks.

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

by Harry Doyle on Jun 26, 2008 5:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i think ensberg should take care of that. he was once bearded….

by dwight on Jun 26, 2008 5:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i’m told “beard” is tops on the list of areas to improve that the tribe handed ensberg when he reported

by DontCallMeJoey on Jun 26, 2008 5:59 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He did make two errors in Buffalo last night, so that should help his case.

by peter m on Jun 27, 2008 10:23 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

But how many did he leave on base? I couldn’t tolerate Marte having to sit for someone who could actually produces some offense.

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

by Harry Doyle on Jun 27, 2008 4:25 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

He was 0 for 3 with a walk in that game. Can’t tell from the box score if he left guys on base. In the 1-1 game the next day (that was suspended), he failed to make any errors but was 0 for 3 again and left a runner in scoring position. Currently batting well under .200. He’s several years away from the last time he showed any signs of being able to produce offense (unless you mean offending someone by how poorly he’s playing!).

by peter m on Jun 28, 2008 4:31 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs