Indians Annual 2009
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 12:05 AM EST
in Events
336 comments
I'll start by saying, for anyone on the fence about buying this book [link fixed!]... Andrew "afh4" Humphries is the Photo Editor, meaning that he selected all of the 130 or so photos in the book and wrote all the captions. And no, I am not kidding. A lot of people put in a ton of work helping me this book, but none moreso than Andrew, who collaborated with me on every page.
I'll continue by saying that you will love not only what is written in this book — here's the complete contents — but also the list of guys who wrote it:
- Well respected writers and journalists: Chris Satullo (Philadelphia Inquirer), Joe Posnanski (Kansas City Star), Vince Gennaro (Diamond Dollars), David Laurila (Baseball Prospectus), Evan Dawson (WHAM-Rochester).
- The foremost Indians bloggers, from LetsGoTribe, The DiaTribe, Pronk Needs You!, VegasWatch. (The last one isn't an Indians blog, but Jacob is a huge Indians fan with a well respected sports blog.)
- A bunch of LGT regulars: Ryan, APV, afh4, tabler84, woodsmeister, fleerdon, vegaswatch, DiaTriber, and me.
- Yes, I know that several people fall into more than one of these categories. There were 12 writers in all, plus my Dad, who made some great contributions "off the bench" as the associate editor.
What is it? It's an Indians 2009 season preview, in the format of a 128-page, full-color book. There are a bunch of player profiles with charts and graphs and stuff. Then there are a bunch of feature stories, analysis pieces and interviews. Then there is a significant section on the farm system, and finally a great section with historical and nostalgia articles. Every diehard Indians fan should own two of these — one for the den, and one for the bathroom. Web orders will ship on Feb. 16, and the book will go on sale in book stores and on newsstands throughout Northeast Ohio (and Columbus) on March 3.
Is this a LetsGoTribe book? No, it isn't ... and yet admittedly, it kind of is. It was not conceived as an LGT book, and it isn't one. But there's no denying that if there was an LGT book, it would have more than a few things in common with this one. (I mean, come on, Andrew is the photo editor, can I really claim it's not an LGT book, at least a little?) You will notice familiar themes being raised and even a couple of hidden in-jokes.
Wait a second ... you interviewed Chris Antonetti? Yes, I spent almost three hours interviewing him over a series of sessions in late December and early January. He was very generous with his time, and although the Indians are protective of their statistical methods, I think we still had a pretty great conversation. It is a big piece of the book — 10 pages — but since there was so much material, I will be publishing some other parts of the interview here. The parts of the interview that are in the book, however, will not appear anywhere online. We actually got great access to both Indians staff and players, interviewing Travis Hafner, Kelly Shoppach, John Mirabelli, Brad Grant and Bob DiBiasio, and we had some help from Indians marketing and the minor league clubs as well. The Indians were very cooperative and supportive.
Who is this Maple Street Press? Maple Street Press is the very fine sports book imprint that is releasing this tome, under the leadership of publisher Jim Walsh, whose vision is to produce "Internet-era sports books," utilizing writing talent that first came to prominence on the web. They have been publishing team annuals in several sports for several years, starting (regrettably) with the Red Sox and Notre Dame football, and expanding to five baseball books and a number of college programs, including the Buckeyes, as of last year. This year, they are publishing annuals for eight baseball clubs. Our book follows a standard MSP format, but without wanting to take anything away from their other fine books, I do think that ours sets a new standard. (Although I suspect that the Cardinals Annual, edited by Larry Borowski of Viva El Birdos, will also be really good.)
A note on the quality. This is not a "fan publication" or an amateur endeavor. MSP has a well-oiled operation with a talented production team. We had access to a huge library of photos plus some private contributions, and we had a respectable budget for the writers. I want to give a shout-out here to Voltaire, whose comments several weeks ago really spurred me on while I was working on this. Of course it was a great to get paid to do this, but even more than that, it was a pleasure that I got to hire Ryan, Paul, and Adam, among many others. Volt, you were right — these people should be getting paid to write about the Indians.
A note about the stats: Like this site, the book is not about statistical analysis, but it is "analytically sound" — not a lot of discussion about batting average, RBI, or a pitcher's winning percentage. It is, to coin a term, post-sabermetric — it's not about statistics, but it treats the basics of sabermetrics as they should be treated: As settled principles that were well established 10 to 20 years ago. Adam's big prospects piece does make heavy use of stats like FIP, and it includes luck/park-neutralized stat lines for every ranked prospect, courtesy of MinorLeagueSplits, as well as a couple of new stats, "Progress score" and "Net," which we developed in part because we wanted to include them in this book. Ryan's big Pitchers piece makes heavy use of ERA+ and PRAR.
Why didn't you ask me to write something? It is inevitable that LGT folks are going to attach some kind of status to who got asked to contribute to this book — and I won't even tell you that's wrong. I will say that there are at least 20 people who are LGT regulars who I would have been happy to have writing for this book, and I just asked the ones who made the most sense for the specific articles I wanted to include. And it didn't help that only one person declined an invitation to contribute, out of 14 who were asked. (That one person, sadly, was Scott Raab, who had too many other concurrent commitments. Scott's indirect influence is all over the book regardless, despite the lack of F-bombs.) I had a short list of mainstream writers that I wanted to ask, and the publisher brought Laurila and Gennaro to me, and we worked articles for them to do.
For the bulk of the book, I quite naturally turned to Ryan and Paul (The DiaTriber) to write significant chunks of the book along with me. Paul and I wrote the main analysis pieces in the season preview, and Ryan wrote a massive research piece for the history section. Asking Adam (APV) to write the massive prospect overview was another obvious call. The four of us collectively wrote about half the book. (In a hilarious twist, Ryan was not available to write significant parts of the 2009 season preview section, because he had already been signed by another publication — he wrote the Indians season preview for the Hardball Times 2009 Annual. Good Lord, people, how am I supposed to field a winning team when I can't even sign my own players?)
After getting those guys on board, I asked LGT regulars who had established a high level of writing quality and also who had established a particular interest in writing at some length about a specific topic. You might think of this third group as the "bench," but that would be a mistake. To a man, they turned in really great material that are some of the best pieces of the book. There are many other folks here who might have made great contributions, but the guys that I did ask definitely did so.
Wait a second ... don't I read your stuff for free every day? Isn't this just a re-hash? Why would I pay for this? My first point would be that you can't easily take a blog into the bathroom. It is true that if you read everything on LGT and The DiaTribe, then the massive 2008 post mortem and 2009 preview that Paul and I wrote together won't be entirely new material for you, and for that matter, the Posnanski piece on Herb Score and the "Acquiring the Indians" spread as well. But there is a lot of new and updated material in those pieces, and the great majority of the book is stuff that has never been seen before in any form, on the web or in print. There is a "five-year projected depth chart" that will make you crap yourself. Tabs' piece on Hafner is tremendous, fleerdon's piece on amateur scouting and signing is utterly unique.
I asked Ryan, Paul and Adam to elevate their games, surpassing even their best blog-based work, and I think you will all agree that all three of them very clearly did just that. Ryan's Starting Pitchers: The Top 25 Seasons is in the mold of his classic "top seasons" pieces, but it goes well beyond in both scope and depth of research. Adam establishes himself as the mack-daddy of Indians prospect analysts, with all due respect to Tony and everyone else. Paul and me — well, you'll see. We've all had some cool blog entries, but this book is basically like a phenomenal day of Indians blog content, times 20, and that you can put in your bathroom.
You making money off this? Everyone was paid a specific fee, including me. None of us have a profit stake in the book's sales, but of course we have a stake in terms of being able to do this again in the future, and on what scale. So, you know, buy 20 of them. They make great gifts.
4 recs |
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I have no doubt of the quality. Looking forward to it.
by ClarkM on Feb 6, 2009 12:20 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Awesome Jay. Congrats …. guess since I am on the West Coast I’ll have to do the online ordering since it looks like only local selling places are in Ohio. No biggie.
Now I know my writing skills t’aint the best, but I’ll volunteer research time for anything you or the rest need for next year’s edition.
My first point would be that you can’t easily take a blog into the bathroom
What, you can’t take a laptop into your water closet? Pshaw! /sarc
by talonk on Feb 6, 2009 12:43 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
but I’ll volunteer research time for anything you or the rest need for next year’s edition.
That is a really nice offer, and an attractive one.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
so, i just got off a frustrating call with customer service. all the woman would say to me is “sir, please calm down. "you didn’t know andrew contributed” is not a sufficient reason to request a refund." so i guess i’ll be getting my copy in the mail anyway.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 12:50 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I will say, Brick — and some of the other guys will back me up on this — that throughout the process, the one article that I really regretted not doing was to have you conduct an “exit interview” with Jorge Julio. It was totally inappropriate, but I could not get out of my head how funny that would be. Maybe next year.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 12:53 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
oh man, that would have been a lot of fun. i’m more than flattered, to say the least. i think tribenation© wants closure, but i think you made the right call. that’s the balance with which you’re always going to struggle when you’re dealing with jorge content.
man, this thing’s going to be so great.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 1:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Normally when I get a book, I just look at the pictures. For this one, I’m going to do the opposite.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 10:28 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I’ll be waiting for March 3 unless I can talk somebody into letting me use their credit card for an indians annual written by some clown.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 12:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
How is it that some of us can never exhaust our interest in reading Tribe-related material? I really look forward to this…
by xrickx on Feb 6, 2009 12:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Oh, and by the time people get these in the mail it’s gonna be really outdated — with no reference of Manny hitting cleanup for us.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 1:01 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
There is always that risk, and the book is already being printed now.
It does have plenty of material about Wood, DeRosa and Pavano, however, and in fact a lot of the Antonetti interview is about those guys, since our sessions were basically concurrent to when those moves were being made. There’s also significant material about Smith and Valbuena, and even a picture of Tomo Ohka.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 1:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 1:20 AM EST reply actions 20 recs
6 minutes later I’m still laughing.
by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2009 1:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
But where is the Shamwow mopping up the spill on the arm of the chair?
by talonk on Feb 6, 2009 1:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
don’t give me any ideas. Maybe I can add something to the pic every few days until opening day.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 1:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
hint: this guy is reading the entire thing, cover to cover, without leaving that couch or taking of the slanky. now guess where the Sham-Wow is.
by APV on Feb 6, 2009 7:09 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh, nice. He’s then going to drive across the country without stopping to confront some astronaut. All thanks to the Sham-Wow.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 7:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Could be the POTY. Awesome beyond words.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 5:44 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If I’m going to shell out this money, I sure as hell better get an insert with expletive-laced diatribes from LGT castaways.
But yeah, this was a pretty convincing explanation on why I should buy this book.
by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2009 1:32 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
oooo an appendix of all the deleted stuff would be sooo hilarious. Probably not appropriate for mass release, but hilarious nonetheless.
by talonk on Feb 6, 2009 1:34 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I didn’t consider this, but an early draft outline of the book did include a roundup of the dumbest cleveland.com posts of 2008.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 1:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That would have been funny too, but not sure the locals in Cleveland would have gotten that joke either.
by talonk on Feb 6, 2009 1:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By early draft outline, please say you mean final print edition.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dang, I don’t have enough money on my debit to pre-order. I should get more money.
by Voltaire on Feb 6, 2009 1:41 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if they accept paypal.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 1:56 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Will these be available for sale in Goodyear? I’m just thinking that the shipping for me will probably be just as much as the book itself…
by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2009 1:45 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Haha check that, the shipping for me is more than the actual book.
by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2009 1:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just placed my order, but shipping to Turkey was substantially more than the cost of the annual, so I’ll just wait for hand-delivery in March by a visitor. I cannot wait!
by macasson on Feb 6, 2009 3:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah shipping here is more than the annual itself too…might have to get my in-laws to try and get a copy and stick it in the post…damn
by Luis (Tribe Fan in London) on Feb 6, 2009 3:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not sure, but I don’t think so. They were trying to work something out for that, but I don’t think they have.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 1:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
For me (Atlanta) shipping was $5. Not that I’m bitching, but MediaMail is $2.25 from ATL to LA, so, I mean… there’s that. Electronic delivery?
Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.
by gte619n on Feb 6, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Would this be still in negotiations or should I not hold my breath?
by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2009 9:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think so, but I will look into it.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 10:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
From the pictures on the MSP website, it looks like they were at Boston’s spring training with a nifty little stand selling the books. That would be a good idea.
by Ryan Kelsey on Feb 6, 2009 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is great, I wish I didn’t have to wait a couple weeks before it is shipped
How was the interview with Antonetti conducted?
by Roger Dorn on Feb 6, 2009 1:55 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Entirely over the phone. We talked about doing part of it in person, but he was concerned that, because it’s their busy season, he might have to cancel on me at the last minute, and I would have traveled 400 miles to get there. And in fact, it did turn out that that is what would have happened, because he had to bail on our last scheduled phone session to help finalize the Pavano signing. We completed that last session a couple days later, but that would have been more difficult had I been traveling.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
this is cool. looks like i may have missed this thread.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 2:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When I stumbled on LGT in early 2006, I was immediately struck by how much it reminded me of sitting in my living room, arguing with my brothers over the merits of various Indians and all other things baseball. A lot has changed since then, but the dynamic has not. So, congratulations to you all, the lesser known LGT’ers salute you.
(Just one question. Is the Indians Annual tough enough to handle it should my bathroom get demolished?)
by fwembt on Feb 6, 2009 2:48 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Congratulations on pulling this together. No doubt it will be an excellent publication … imagine … all the LGT insight less the family bickering fun. I will be ordering a copy or two today. I don’t expect it to hit the newsstands in Belgium any time soon.
by DocNo on Feb 6, 2009 3:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
i mean, as much as depressed I am about not being invited to write … good for all you people, you are wonderful, you are LGT, and I am very happy to be any sort of part here.
does this mean i have to write more about baseball to get included in next year’s version? shoot.
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 4:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
well, at least i was very drunk when i wrote this.
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Your spelling is fantastic drunk.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 11:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i take pride in that
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought this too
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well respected writers and journalists: Chris Satullo (Philadelphia Inquirer), Joe Posnanski (Kansas City Star), Vince Gennaro (Diamond Dollars), David Laurila (Baseball Prospectus), Evan Dawson (WHAM-Rochester).
Legit, and rather loud, LOL.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 7:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
You still never told me if you’ve entertained trying to get a job with MLB Network.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 9:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, have not. Not in the cards for me.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 10:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t wait to read the entire thing; the glimpses I’ve seen already indicate that Jay selected an outstanding group of writers (present company excluded). I mean, our expectations are understandably high, and yet the stuff I’ve seen leads me to believe it’s going to obliterate those expectations.
I’m going to purchase like a hundred and make people pay me for them. And then they’ll thank me.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 7:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I will second these emotions in that the content that I’ve been privy to has been pretty great.
The information, the writing, the analysis, and the depth despite the enormity of the whole thing is awfully impressive. I was glad to be a part of it and hope that everyone enjoys it as much as I know I will.
by The DiaTriber on Feb 6, 2009 9:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll be buying this for the Antonetti piece alone.
Jay, is Jacob’s piece related to the nature of his blog in any way?
You know Selig? Ombudsman.
by rolub on Feb 6, 2009 8:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Not directly. I had a strong preference for diehard Indians fans to write as much of the book as possible, and I wanted to do a piece on the other four teams in the division, and typically, even very devoted baseball fans don’t know much about other teams. Jacob comes and hangs out here sometimes and obviously is an Indians guy, and I was familiar with the pretty impressive stuff he had done on vegaswatch. I just figured that someone who had a general handicapping blog would be a good candidate to be able to write about the other four teams with strong detail and a reasonable objectivity. He did a great job, too, they guy knows his stuff and can really write.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So, now that I’m “invested” in this thing, can I please get a print out of the best deleted posts? Maybe bundle it with the book?
Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.
by gte619n on Feb 6, 2009 9:09 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I think I’m the only person not in the immediate Levin family who has read every page and I can say, it’s good. It’s really, really good.
For any people who are still on the fence about whether Jay is both ruthlessly efficient and brutally smart, I can confirm both of those things. It was a lot of fun working on this book and I’d say that even if Brick had been involved.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 9:10 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Also, Hey Jay-Z is actually cutting room floor material from the book. So, there’s that.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 9:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Photo editor, huh? Can we expect captions?
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 6, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I mean balloons.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 6, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There are captions, though only a handful are really left field. It has to be readable, after all. The photos are beautiful though-getty images rules.
I also wrote a piece about Kerry Wood.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, that’s not Getty licensed.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 12:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You should drop that other piece here sometime, too — Andrew actually was developing two raw comedic pieces for the book, Hey Jay-Z and something else, and later on we decided to go for a more conventional humorous feature story. With all the goofy photo essays, most of you probably have forgotten (or never knew) that the guy can write with some of the best folks here and is one of the sharper analysts. Having him deconstruct the team’s recent closer history was a really nice fit.
Tyler (fleerdon) has some cutting-room floor material he’ll be posting as well, plus I have kind of a ton of Antonetti stuff. Just to be clear, when I asked Antonetti for the very long series of interviews, I made clear that some of the material was for the book and some was for the blog. In general, the most timely material went into the book — a lot of general stuff about how they make decisions, plus poking around the Wood, DeRosa and Pavano acquisitions, each in some detail — and a lot of the more wonky stuff is what will run here. I won’t be more specific than that on the blog material, you’ll just have to wait and see.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 10:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There had better be fantasy baseball projections is all I’m sayin’.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that’s what you need Ryan’s HBT book for.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 11:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. Do that, buy Ryan’s book. There are no formal projections in the Indians Annual, fantasy or otherwise. We actually talked about a couple different ways to incorporate projections, but it ultimately was a little too late in the production process. I also didn’t feel it would add tremendously to the value unless there was something unique about the projections we were using.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was absolutely kidding. I thought you hated projections, or at least hated the way they were used.
And anyway I’m buying THT annual too.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ryan’s fanshot wasn’t prominent enough. He was even too humble to promote it to the main page.
the way i look at this, is that buying these is the least those of us that reap the free benefits of this site can do. and, uh, you get two great books.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 11:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
There is currently a “Buy Steelers Gear” ad on this page for me. I think looking at that is enough of a payment to enjoy this site. That said, I’ve ordered this book and will likely order Ryan’s also.
by Ryan Kelsey on Feb 6, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just to be clear, they are both Ryan’s books. In fact, I’m pretty sure he wrote more for this book than for the THT book.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the compliment.
I’ve seen the full Antonetti piece and I think everyone’s going to really enjoy getting the extra snippets here.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 12:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes. Really excited for this piece plus all the others. Is this the best day in LGT history? Talk about hard, thankless work paying off.
by joeee on Feb 6, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure the best day in LGT history was the day we beat the Yankees in the 2007 ALDS. But it’s a nice thought.
by Jay on Feb 7, 2009 8:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The overflow game thread for that extra-inning regular season game when Pronk beat the shift (the Paul Lynde game) is up there. Of course beating the Yankees is better.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 8, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
oh dear god we’re about to get back into this.
So 2009.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 8, 2009 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
LGT just ain’t indie like it used to be.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 10:00 AM EST reply actions 4 recs
LOL
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked them before they sold out
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
this is great
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I only continue to post here in a strictly ironic sense.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m only going to read Indians blogs no one else posts on
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
http://letsgotribe.mlblogs.com/
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Awful, how do you find this crap?
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 12:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Someone linked it during playoff time and I never forgot about it.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The background just gave me a seizure.
Il faut d'abord durer.
by CU Adam on Feb 6, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Maple Street Press loves them some SBN. The Cubs and Cardinals annuals are also edited by SBN folk. Most of the time I buy annuals like these they sit unread, so I’ve stopped buying, but I guess I’ll make an exception for this one.
by FredOx on Feb 6, 2009 10:02 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Congrats Jay, Ryan, afh4, Tabler84, DiaTriber, et. al.
I am amazingly happy for all of you. I’ve read about everything on LGT for almost 2 years, contributing a few comments here and there. This feels something like a culmination of that, and I want to express my gratitude to all of you, especially Jay and Ryan, for this great blog/website/community. Thank you.
I’m ordering this now.
by Ryan Kelsey on Feb 6, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Don’t celebrate too soon. Jay is now sponsored by Slider and Snuggies, and he’s contractually obligated to laud every front office move.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Which brings up the question: Jay, did you bring up Marte at all during your interview?
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
although I should say – I haven’t seen the piece, so i’m not sure how much makes it in
by APV on Feb 6, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I brought up Marte at the very end. The first two sessions were shorter, and there were some obvious things to start asking about (like Wood) and I had a list of topics, but I kind of let the conversation have a life of its own. For the last, longer session — which ended up split over two days because of Pavano — I had a list of topics that I really wanted to make sure I covered, which still left a lot of topics out, ending with Pavano. We had talked so much about clubhouse and makeup issues in the early going — Wood’s intangibles are apparently as good as his K rates — and I felt that I had to circle back and ask him to explain putting Pavano in the clubhouse in that context. And ten other subjects. So I had Marte on the list, but it was last on the list, because (1) I felt it was more a personal irritation than something of widespread interest, and (2) it certainly was not timely.
I did have time to bring it up, but we didn’t have much time, and the exchange ended up not being anything worth using. What would have made it a good exchange would have been to expand the topic to more generally the respective roles of the manager and the front office in deploying and acquiring talent, the decisions and perspectives and interactions. There wasn’t time to have that kind of discussion, which is the kind of discussion we had on many other subjects, so it ended up just being a brief an not very interesting minute about Marte.
I will paraphrase. He didn’t agree that Wedge seemed to be avoiding playing Marte at all costs. (He’s wrong about this, frankly, and the “Garko in the outfield” lunacy is just further evidence where I’m concerned.) He doesn’t think you can ever see enough of a player to really evaluate them, but Andy had disappointed them — got the impression that his 2007 minor league performance was a significant part of this, but I didn’t have the time or interest to clarify that. And he said that despite small sample sizes, it would have been nice if Andy could have made things easier on them and on himself by performing well when he did get opportunities … you know, like Ben Francisco. So that’s the big story on Marte.
So he echoed the points Adam and others had made here, but aside from sample problems, I don’t think he held Wedge or the club generally accountable for any lack of opportunity. But like I said, we didn’t have time to turn it into a “bigger” conversation that would have been more interesting and ultimately more revealing.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 11:11 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Every answer just makes me think of more questions. At some point you can just cut me off and say “Read the damn thing”—And I will, trust me—but did his flirtations with St. Louis or the courting of Mariners fans ever come up? Basically I’m wondering if any part of this interview was actually about him and not just the organization and the Process?
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Our first conversation was mostly about what kind of interview I wanted to do, what kind of book it was, the target audience. I told him that I mostly wanted to talk very broadly and in some depth about Indians decision-making, go more deeply into some philosophical issues and then in more detail about how those play out in specific decisions. I told him that I also wanted to spend at least a little time asking about him, his background, his responsibilities, his future. He didn’t rule that out, but he made it very clear that he would rather be talking about the Indians than about himself.
So, ten days later, here’s a a teaser:
I know you don’t have much time left today, so I’d like to ask you some questions about yourself, because based on what you told me the other day, I know that will be the fast part.
That will be the fast part.
Why do you think David Cameron has such a big crush on you?
You would have to ask David Cameron.
But you are aware of the site, “Hire Chris Antonetti”.
Yes, safe to say there have been enough people that have pointed that out to me, that I am sufficiently aware of that site.
There’s more, but that’s all I can give you at the moment. I did not really ask him about the St. Louis situation. After a little while, I had a clearer and clearer sense of what kinds of things he wouldn’t talk about, and while sometimes I would ask anyway, generally I just wanted to focus on more productive areas. These guys are very into professional courtesy and don’t want to embarrass anyone. He’s not going to talk on-the-record about the Cardinals situation, because there’s no way for him to tell us something we don’t already know without embarassing one or more people in that organization — if there’s even anything to tell.
For my part, I felt that it was more appropriate to push him on stuff like the Pavano signing, or bad free agent signings or the medical process. That stuff is 100% of legimate concern to Indians fans, it’s about the way they’re running the team. I went out of my way at the outset to say, I’m not looking for gossipy stuff, I’m looking for insight into the way you guys run the team. I’m not looking for a soundbite or a gotcha moment, I want to give you a chance to give some nuanced explanations to difficult questions, and to speak to fans who have the interest and the patience in those nuanced explanations. So it’s basically the opposite of a soundbite/gotcha, I would rather have the deep explanation than something trite and sensational.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice. I’m assuming you didn’t ask him how he got to be so dreamy, which is a shame really.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 12:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
By any chance, did the subject of dominoes come up in this part of the interview?
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 7, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ooooh we can buck the establishment now!
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Very cool. Sold. Hold that phone joeee, yours is in the mail.
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 10:11 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jhon, you are a prince.
I am super jazzed about this. All I can do is repeat what’s already up there: it’s about time allay’all get paid to write Tribe.
by joeee on Feb 6, 2009 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What am I sayin’ though? You can have the honor of buying one for Dad, who needs to be convinced that Jhonny doesn’t stink and that Choo’s perceived lack of clutch is an illusion.
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
From “What Went Wrong” by Paul and me …
Thought to be complementary pieces and maybe even afterthoughts when the season started, Shoppach ended up leading all AL catchers with 21 home runs, while Choo racked up a walloping 1076 OPS with runners in scoring position, the sixth-best mark in the game (min. 100 PA).
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The game looks very different to those who never look at the numbers. Seems like this would be a good primer.
I like the way you phrased this. I don’t think that Pa knows what Choo’s OPS figure represents, but he’ll definitely know what 6th best means.
Pa started watching all of the games in the last couple of years—and he’s very interested in them—but I doubt he’s ever read anything about the game or peered any stats. My experience is essentially the opposite: I see relatively little. The game has been communicated to me primarily through the radio and in box scores.
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is that what this annual is? Kind of like a “primer” to the stat naive? Or will readers like us be able to read it and feel like it’s not watered down?
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 7:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
No. There is a whole paragraph about this in the post.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 7:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll finish the sentence. I meant that I expect it to be a good primer for my father. He is only interested in things that are very well written, and I expect that this will be a good way for him to make his first contact with the ideas of baseball analysts, it being packaged with all this other good stuff.
It sounds like there’s a lot in here for both of us. Primer isn’t the right word, because you and I probably recall the Bill James primer. I’ll try elegant mixture instead, and see if it sticks.
by jhon on Feb 7, 2009 12:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It ships on the 16th, presumably, so it’ll get to you around the 20th. I had mine shipped to your place—since that’s the weekend I’m coming up—so don’t release the other copy.
Maybe you can convince Andrew to autograph yours.
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 6:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I can’t be clingy until you let me get close. Then-super clingy. Don’t ask Chuck about the summer I spent in Hawaii. I’ve never had more black eyes.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I should probably know this — and perhaps I missed it in this thread already — but do we know the general locations where this will be available in the Cleveland area?
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 10:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
It should be on magazine racks (within book stores and drug stores) and I think they’ll penetrate significantly into places like supermarkets, where there will be little racks of magazines for impulse buys. In terms of format, it’s more of a big, thick magazine than a book. Editorially, I tried to treat it like a big, fat special edition of SI, just a little less stuffy.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 11:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t mean for it to get weird or anything…but why exactle didnt you ask me to write sum thing for the book? Despite this emission, I also pubilicle pledge my allegience to purchasing it.
by Thommy on Feb 6, 2009 10:20 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
I only had trouble with “pubilicle” it took me a good 90 seconds to figure out what that said.
by Ryan Kelsey on Feb 6, 2009 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
but since there was so much material, I will be publishing some other parts of the interview here.
can’t wait.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 10:24 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
plus my Dad, who made some great contributions “off the bench”
How Simmonsonian of you.
Congrats on publishing to all involved.
by JulioBernazard on Feb 6, 2009 10:59 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dad is no joke, he’s actually a phenomenal editor. The guys will tell you, I pushed all the writers pretty hard, and the fact that after doing that, I then sent it to Dad for a second raking, it was just ridiculous overkill. But (a) it was fun for Dad and me to work on it together, and (b) I just wanted it to be that good, and what the hell, he’s semi-retired.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jay,
It’s “Dad and I”, not “Dad and me”.
Sincerely,
Dad, phenomenal editor
You know Selig? Ombudsman.
by rolub on Feb 6, 2009 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I can’t figure out if you’re being ironic or not. Do you know that your correction is wrong?
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Isn’t the rule of thumb to just remove the other person from the equation and what sounds right is what you’re supposed to use?
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 12:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“Fun for me to work on it together” sound about right.
by SuddenSam on Feb 6, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually that sounds like you have multiple personality disorder…
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
or Herschel Walker wrote this book.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I figured you were correct, but was trying (in a roundabout, ironic way) to get you to explain why, and of course, it backfired on me.
You know Selig? Ombudsman.
by rolub on Feb 6, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Object of a preposition.
“For me.”
You wouldn’t say “for we to work on it” or “for I to work on it.” You’d say, “for me to work on it.”
Inserting “Dad and” doesn’t change that.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 12:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Further discussion points to include gerunds… and why the phrase “Put your best foot forward” is gramatically incorrect.
by cheech99 on Feb 6, 2009 12:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My dad is a grammar nazi and has been correcting my brothers and me in this area for nearly three decades now … about once a year I set him up with something like this just to watch his head explode when I start explaining why I’m correct.
One time I started talking about gerundives and he told me to stop talking before I made a fool of myself, it was the funniest thing I think he’s ever said.
Il faut d'abord durer.
by CU Adam on Feb 6, 2009 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dad and I more often talked about what constitutes a compound adjective, and when it’s appropriate to hyphenate one. He also would bring up fairly obscure usage tweaks that I never would have thought of.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thinking about compound adjectives can be mind numbing. It is really a mind-numbing subject.
Seriously, I am often not sure which is correct.
by cleveland teamer on Feb 6, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I generally hyphenate if the first part is a noun which is the object of the second part, but not if its an adverb. So “mind-numbing”, but not “well-read”, for example.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, that is basically my approach to the subject. But you’d be amazed at how many examples crop up over the course of 70,000 words that don’t fit neatly into the rule, or that do fit neatly, but in a way that seems counter-intuitive.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I write “counterintuitive” as one word. But I suppose prefixes are another general case — if you’re creatively prefixing such that to write something as a single word would be confusing, but where the prefix isn’t its own word, then hyphenation is probably necessary.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 2:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d like to take this time to point out my favorite LGT hyphenation confusion scenario:
“Wedge resigns” vs. “Wedge re-signs”
by cleveland teamer on Feb 6, 2009 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Ah yes, the old resigns/resigns conundrum.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 3:57 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hearing “supposably” is far worse to me than nails on a chalkboard.
by JulioBernazard on Feb 6, 2009 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
When did LGT become Language Log? Next thing you know, there’ll be a FanPost about eggcorns.
by FredOx on Feb 6, 2009 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
William Kirkpatrick has retired, so the position is open. Why not here?
by woodsmeister on Feb 6, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry – James Kilpatrick. Dang Irish names.
by woodsmeister on Feb 6, 2009 3:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The more i think about this, the more i’m excited about the idea that this compiles so many “voices” for lack of a better word. not just how every subject matter has been tackled, but that they’ll each have their own “tone” as well. i think that dichotomy is going to be fantastic. you can immerse yourself into ryan’s historical look at pitching seasons, then slide over to andrew’s take on wood and it will have a totally different feel to go along with its totally different topic.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 11:03 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m jealous.
As a journalism major…I want to help too…
by mjschaefer on Feb 6, 2009 11:06 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m excited about this. I hope at some point I’ll be able to write with even 1/16 the skill and wit of these folks.
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 11:08 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’m as impressed as everyone else and have just ordered it.
My big question: How did you ever keep this thing under wraps?
by SuddenSam on Feb 6, 2009 12:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Good question. The simple answer is just that the guys respected my desire to keep the project under wraps until it was done. To be honest, I didn’t want to be answering questions about it until it was done, although that won’t be an option if there is a 2010 book. I intended to announce it three weeks ago, but at that point, the publisher asked me to wait until the book could actually be ordered. It was grueling waiting, but it made sense to wait.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jay has been deleting dozens of my fanposts and comments weekly since mid-december. I kept trying to let everyone know.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I will be purchasing two copies. Thanks to all who contributed.
I’ll also volunteer to provide unpopular and largely ignored links for next year’s edition. Or, I could have a Stadler/Waldorf showdown with Steel Nick.
by NickFantana on Feb 6, 2009 12:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
That’s Jay/Dr. Erik territory.
I hope every post by a regular doesn’t become an audition for 2010. This isn’t directed at you, of course. Just generally speaking.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 12:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see why a quiet competition for Most Improved Poster would be a bad thing. The Cliff Lee “Dark Dude” award—-it would have to be unofficial, though. That’s how Dark Dudes roll.
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 12:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah, i fully intend on staying as worthless as i am now.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think the committe would be more impressed if you showed some growth – i.e., became more worthless.
by woodsmeister on Feb 6, 2009 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i agree with this sentiment.
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I do too. That being said, I just happened to have this six paragraph analysis of the Indians philosophy on arbitration just sitting right here….
by NickFantana on Feb 6, 2009 12:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Money is an excellent motivator, isn’t it?
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t see anything wrong with that. Anything that encourages people to provide well thought-out content for the site seems like a plus.
by painaxl on Feb 6, 2009 2:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I may have to take your advice on buying two of these. I’m not sure I could fully respect my bathroom anymore if there was not a fully dedicated copy of this next to the john. (on top of the 2 foot stack of onion newspapers)
As General Manager of this team, I demand to know when I'm getting a start.
by bigbrabbs on Feb 6, 2009 12:26 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks to everyone involved for this. I’m in for one; it’s nice to have the opportunity to “pay everyone back” for all the excellent content I’ve read here over the years.
by JonduncO on Feb 6, 2009 12:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Did you ask Antonetti what on God’s Green Earth was he thinking when he signed a slumping Hafner to the largest contract in Indians history? Inquiring minds wanna know.
by mauichuck on Feb 6, 2009 1:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Next year’s edition: “Mauichuck sits down with the Artist formerly Known as Pronk”
by Roger Dorn on Feb 6, 2009 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
The interview is concluded with an arm-wrestling match
by Roger Dorn on Feb 6, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
“… to apologize for being so wrong about his projection for 2009.”
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 2:16 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I think it is fair to say that on that exact subject, our discussion is about ten times longer than any other previously published discussions with Indians officials.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Just know that nothing will change Chuck’s mind here.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
See, that’s just not true. Hafner puts up a .900+ OPS for the next 3-4 years and I will apologize profusely here and anywhere else you want. In fact, I’ll kiss Pronk’s ass on the corner of 9th and Euclid and give you three days in advance to draw a crowd. How’s that?
by mauichuck on Feb 6, 2009 2:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And what’s funny is, Evan can actually set that up now.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not looking to change anyone’s minds, but on a lot of the key questions about the deal — process, assumptions, and even their hindsight perspective — they had never really gone on the record before. Chris actually seemed a little surprised that I wanted to go into such detail about it, i.e., that I thought fans/readers would be interested.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
then i hope you didn’t mention how much readers want to know about the eligibility status history of micheal aubrey.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I only asked one question about options, and I’ll let you try to guess what it was.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
candidates:
-something about Marte
-something about how that plays into decisions when acquiring guys, like a zachson
-overall value and importance of them when organizing their 40 and 25 men rosters
-does it guarantee reyes a rotation spot
I’ll guess you asked:
-would you have traded lee last off season if he didn’t have one left?
but if i had that access, i’d probably ask
-Will you hesitate to use one of Masa’s or Francisco, Garko, or Barfield’s this year?
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Are we certain that Masa’s subject to the options system? It seems like that’s something that could be negotiatable for a veteran international player.
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 6, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Could we option him back to Japan? That would come in handy after he’s put in about 50 innings.
by woodsmeister on Feb 6, 2009 3:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Pretty sure I remember reading that although Japanese players are technically subject to the system, virtually all their contracts have special clauses exempting them.
by Voltaire on Feb 6, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That’s about what I expected.
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 6, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Close. I just asked how much attention they pay to options when acquiring middle relievers.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 6:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Get anything from the horse’s mouth on the bizarre Brendon Donnelly agreement?
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 6:18 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
why do you think that was so bizzare? grab a guy with some past success for help down the stretch run. to convince him to come here and not somewhere else with a similar offer, you promise him your medical staff and some freedom at the end of the year.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 6:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That wasn’t the bizarre part, it’s that he got to become a free-agent ahead of schedule. Didn’t he have just 5 years of service-time?
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait, crap. That didn’t make any sense. He’s been granted free agency before—we signed him as one. I think I get it now.
by jhon on Feb 6, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Chris actually seemed a little surprised that I wanted to go into such detail about it, i.e., that I thought fans/readers would be interested
This is just stunning. Perhaps the biggest signing he and Shapiro will ever make and he can’t understand why fans would be interested? I find this amazing.
by mauichuck on Feb 6, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, first, he didn’t say he was surprised, he just seemed like he wasn’t expecting that line of questioning in that line of detail. He knew the answers but clearly wasn’t as used to giving them as he was for many other subjects. Second, specifically what I’m saying is, not interested in the deal itself, but interested in the precise details of the sequence of events, stages of negotiation and medical due diligence. I think they genuinely don’t realize that their lack of open communication to the fans about this — and this could be a failing of the beat writers more than anything — has led to a lot of wild speculation about what was and wasn’t done.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 10:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think they genuinely don’t realize that their lack of open communication to the fans about this — and this could be a failing of the beat writers more than anything — has led to a lot of wild speculation about what was and wasn’t done.
If true, this is really interesting. Not the part about the beat writers (no surprise there), but that the FO could be naive about the consequences of insufficient information dissemination. Generally the FO has been praised for it’s open communication with fans regarding big picture issues (expectations, budget, position movement, etc.), but has – occasionally – been criticized (in these parts certainly, e.g. Martinez and Hafner early last season) for how revealing they have been regarding player injuries, for example. Now, I certainly don’t expect to suddenly see the Indians openly discussing extant injuries as they develop (competitive advantage), but might we begin to see more attention given to the explanation of how “health risks” are calculated in their decision-making and vetting processes? I assume this was forefront in your Pavano discussions, right? I guess I wonder how the FO weighs supplying detailed information (retroactively, perhaps) to the fanbase without infringing upon players’ rights for privacy (which I assume must exist) or, less tangibly, the potential impact of discussing the details of the negotiation and/or medical exams on their ability sign other players in the future.
by macasson on Feb 7, 2009 3:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think the injury thing is a good example of the front office’s communication to the fan base. The privacy rules limit what they can say to a great deal.
by Ryan Kelsey on Feb 7, 2009 8:46 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Right. It can’t be about the details of an existing injury to a specific player, but perhaps about the process that candidates for new contracts/contract extensions are put through. Though I’m not sure what the upshot of this could be … how much can knowing about, for example, the series of exams given to Wood mollify fans should he suffer an arm injury? (Am I arguing against myself?)
by macasson on Feb 7, 2009 10:03 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Look, it’s only going to mollify the fans so much, and many fans not at all. That doesn’t mean it isn’t worth doing, if only to quell speculation. The issue with Hafner is that fans are angry that the team gave him the contract when they did, even if that’s just hindsight with respect to everyone but Chuck. So it behooves the club to explain what they were thinking when they did it. There also has been a lack of communication on what the physical issues are now, and how much (if at all) they are related to performance issues in 2007, before the contract was signed.
The basic axiom that the fans ultimately only care about winning is absolutely true. But most fans are aware of major contracts, which can become major sources of agitation and grist for the talk-radio mill.
by Jay on Feb 7, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I assume this was forefront in your Pavano discussions, right?
Actually, no, because by the time Pavano was signed, we had already covered those topics so thoroughly, so it would have been a rehash. The discussion about Pavano is mostly about doing due diligence on the accusations against him in New York, and how signing Pavano squares with the emphasis they put on makeup and clubhouse culture.
by Jay on Feb 7, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, Jay. Should make for an interesting read.
by macasson on Feb 8, 2009 1:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Is there any mention of the website in the book? Should we be prepared for a new wave or readers/commenters?
by millionairesrow on Feb 6, 2009 2:13 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I’d say, about a dozen mentions. It’s mentioned on the first page and the last page and a couple times in between, and it comes up in several author bios. Of course Paul, Greg and Jacob’s blogs are also mentioned, and there is even a Bendix/BtBS cameo. By the way, did you guys know that he’s interning with the Rays?
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that is awesome
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I knew he left BtBS and figured, after someone posted photos of him at the Winter Meetings, that it was to do something for a major league club. The Rays would actually be a fun team to be involved with. As someone pointed out recently (forget where I read it), the problem with wanting to get involved in anything baseball related is that for every person like you, there are 15 guys who are willing to do the same job for free. That’s a tough market.
by APV on Feb 6, 2009 2:32 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This is what has steered me away from ever considering a job in sports management despite my overwhelming desire to be a part of it
by Roger Dorn on Feb 6, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This reminds me of my advice for aspiring sportscasters: Get your father a job as a sportscaster.
by SuddenSam on Feb 6, 2009 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or be a famous local athlete.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yep, spent one semester as a Sports Management major, and as much as I love being a fan of sports, I didn’t want to be a slave to it.
My job now provides me with the free time and assets to enjoy sports. Works out well enough.
You know Selig? Ombudsman.
by rolub on Feb 6, 2009 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My minor in sports administration will come in handy like never. And thank goodness.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, our new wave of readers will be a result of the Indians steamrolling the AL Central this year.
by woodsmeister on Feb 6, 2009 3:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Every diehard Indians fan should own two of these — one for the den, and one for the bathroom.
My first point would be that you can’t easily take a blog into the bathroom.
this book is basically like a phenomenal day of Indians blog content, times 20, and that you can put in your bathroom.
Apparently its lavatorial conducivity is one of the book’s strongest points…
I hope I don’t start associating the Tribe with the smell of my own grit…
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 2:24 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Way to stomp a recurring joke into the ground, buddy.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 2:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s not nearly as tragic when it wasn’t that funny.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
y’know, not that I should talk, especially
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yo Jay, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about the amount of time you spend in the bathroom, you really should get that checked out. Or drink some more water.
by joeee on Feb 6, 2009 7:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Been reading LGT for about 6 months and I’ll admit a little intimidated to post seeing the hammer drop on others in the past, but can’t wait to check this out. Thanks.
by col323 on Feb 6, 2009 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
See, I knew fear tactics kept this place civil. But seriously, you seem like a reasonable guy, so post more.
by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2009 2:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks, and don’t be a stranger here. I guess we’ve gotten a reputation for being difficult, but I think this is one of most cordial and respectful sports communities around. So don’t be afraid – we won’t bite (that bad).
by Ryan on Feb 6, 2009 2:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
and if you are insulted, it will most likely be in grammatically sound complete sentences, which is worth something…
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. Everyone is very knowledgable and respectful that posts here. I suppose those that were ripped deserved it. I also appreciate the rules (no foul language, insulting, etc) and the humor. It looks like most here enjoy their snuggies, sham wows, and slap chops.
Anyway looking forward to contributing intelligent comments (I hope) in the future.
by col323 on Feb 6, 2009 3:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like swears (shout out to Boston). That part is tough, but I get it.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 3:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not everyone likes their Snuggies. I mean, I’m resisting the movement.
by tabler84 on Feb 6, 2009 4:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I would echo Super Mario and Ryan’s sentiments. I joined awhile ago, but lurked for a solid 8 months or so because I was terrified of Jay. I didn’t even realize he was a site mod
by Roger Dorn on Feb 6, 2009 3:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I too lurked for a few solid months… but I don’t know if it was because of any one person. It might be because (and I’ll admit) I hate registering for websites.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 3:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Same here. I lurked for a bit and then used this regrettable screen name that I used at other websites starting my freshman year of college. Oh well.
by Ryan Kelsey on Feb 6, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
At least you’re not named after a dead Central Asian dictator
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 3:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 5:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
In retrospect I should have gone with “Nick.”
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 4:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think the other Nick would be happy with that. Heck, it took me a while to realize you two were different people.
I thought of switching to Ryan, that’s obviously taken, or something equally simple. But I feel attached to this name at this point.
by Ryan Kelsey on Feb 6, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I was here first. Anyway Iron isn’t “Nick” not your real name? Or am I hallucinating again?
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he’s yet another andrew
So 2009.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 7, 2009 3:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
You were totally here first so you definitely have dibs on Nick.
by NickFantana on Feb 7, 2009 11:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was afraid of Bendix. Guess I’m in the clear.
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 6, 2009 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I like to reiterate that I dove in with a FanPost (or whatever it was at the time) suggesting we trade Garko and Sowers for Billingsley and Broxton. Brandini yelled at me.
Man that looks even better now than it did then.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Getting yelled at by Brandini was a badge of honor of sorts.
by woodsmeister on Feb 6, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yelling back at him was the real badge of honor.
-Erik
by drerikbrady on Feb 10, 2009 5:33 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i literally just missed that guy in terms of LGT activation
So 2009.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 6, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I lurked since Ryan jumped over from his old site. I joined to give Bannedini crap. He drove me crazy.
by JK in CBus on Feb 7, 2009 11:45 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s safe enough as long as you start with meaningless one-liners and don’t put forth any attempts at real analysis. That’s my strategy anyway.
Also! Game threads. Aren’t they the easiest place to jump in as a new commenter? Not that there are any of those right now, but I’m just saying.
by cleveland teamer on Feb 6, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That or saying “This” after a post.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
we’ve started overdoing that a little bit.
by Brick. on Feb 6, 2009 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
agreed.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
by westbrook on Feb 6, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
you people are separating my arrow from its target!!
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s safe enough as long as you start with meaningless one-liners and don’t put forth any attempts at real analysis
especially if you haven’t had the calculus prereqs…
::removes palm from knee::
(that was mostly for Brad)
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s safe enough as long as you start with meaningless one-liners and don’t put forth any attempts at real analysis. That’s my strategy anyway.
I was going to say “this,” but then I got flummoxed by the blockquote process and like 20 people took off with the joke.
by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Feb 6, 2009 4:08 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
The punishment for this is to be thrown into the pit of infinite recursion:
you
For present purposes, infinity = 6.
by Logodaedalus on Feb 6, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Yeah I’d say Game Threads are the easiest place to contribute….not much analysis needed, but also one of the easiest places to get ripped a new one for being overly critical. Oh yeah, and I’m basically missing the first month of game threads because of work. None too happy about this.
by supermarioelia on Feb 6, 2009 6:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Booooooo
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 6:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
that is so sad mario. gonna miss you for sure.
So 2009.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 7, 2009 3:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t understand how you’ve got so much free time while doing a family med rotation. You won’t have enough time to sleep when you’re on surgery, let alone time to fool around on the Interwebs.
by mauichuck on Feb 7, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Finished family last month. 3 more weeks of psych before cardiac surg. Opening day is my first day of gen surg. F.
by supermarioelia on Feb 7, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t you listen to game casts while doing surgery? Or is it only on TV that doctors blare music in the OR? You know, not that we’d want you to leave a sponge in anyone or anything.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 7, 2009 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Or God forbid a Sham-Wow. Dude’s insides will be made of dust by the time they get it out.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 7, 2009 2:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Top of the eleventh, runners on second and third, one out, Marte at the plate (he came in as a defensive replacement for Carroll in the ninth), and Wedge sends up Jeff Manto (don’t ask) to hit for Marte. You want to be the guy under the knife then?
by odradek on Feb 7, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
DTF, Mario’s a student for chrissake. He’s a non-entity, a cypher, a nuisance. The surgeon is the demi-god in the OR, he’s the guy that picks the music. In fact, if the surgeon’s a Yankee’s fan, Mario might hafta listen to Suzyn Waldman – BTW how in the name of Charley Steiner did she not make the "Worst Announcers" list? – for three or four hours a day for his whole surgery rotation. Ya gotta pity the fool.
by mauichuck on Feb 7, 2009 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I won’t exactly be piping up to those bigwigs. I plan on surviving my 12 weeks and being done with it for life.
by supermarioelia on Feb 7, 2009 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
What if he had to listen to “Sweet, Caroline” over and over for the entire operation? That would put a new twist on odradek’s scenario.
Man, the hierarchy in med school sounds very different from law school. Shoot, I shoulda listened to my mother.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Feb 7, 2009 7:09 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I worked with a thoracic surgeon who liked to listen to “Kung-Fu Fighting” and would sing along with “It’s Only Rock-n-Roll” and reword one of the lines, “if I should stick a knife in your heart and spill it all over the stage”. He’d also sing – a capela – “I’m So Lonely I Could Cry” at the top of his lungs – complete with the yodels – while he was re-workin’ some poor slob’s cardiac valves. Man those were the days!
by mauichuck on Feb 7, 2009 9:15 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I probably missed it somewhere, but when does this actually ship?
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 3:33 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Available on newsstands on March 3.
Shipping from MapleStreetPress.com on February 16.
by cleveland teamer on Feb 6, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
D’oh
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Feb 6, 2009 5:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Late to the party as usual, but this is most awesome.
Hard truth: Your eyes lie.
by AngG on Feb 6, 2009 3:45 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Dammit everybody, suck your gut in.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Waking up from hibernation is haaard.
Hard truth: Your eyes lie.
by AngG on Feb 6, 2009 3:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
pitchers and catchers report in less than 6 days:
by APV on Feb 6, 2009 3:58 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I am dumb. That was supposed to be a reply to AngG.
/attempts to hit self on head, misses, and falls over backwards
by APV on Feb 6, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m in. But a risqué Sal Fasano photo shoot would put it over the top.
by JRontherim on Feb 6, 2009 7:08 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Jay shot down all of my attempts to (completely inappropriately) include Sal Fasano. Somehow the argument “He’s not even on the roster” never got through to me.
by afh4 on Feb 6, 2009 7:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn technicalities getting in the way of some good natured fun.
by JRontherim on Feb 6, 2009 7:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I figured it was between him and Grady for the cover.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Feb 6, 2009 7:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Jay,
I am completely heartbroken that you didn’t ask me to write a full-length feature article on DeRo. What kind of a book can it be without one?
{/sarcasm}
Looking forward to reading it and learning a little (maybe a lot) about the Tribe…
"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007
by DeRoMyHero on Feb 6, 2009 7:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
I know you’re kidding, but just for your satisfaction, DeRo was acquired when about 80% of the book was written and the other 20% was well underway. He does get a full-page player profile (there are 21 of those in all), and there is significant DeRosa material in the Antonetti interview.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 7:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Which reminds me, I don’t think I ever informed the profile-writing gulag … none of the profiles got cut, we used all 33 of them.
by Jay on Feb 6, 2009 7:31 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Liar?
Is this just random, or are you referring to Michael Aubrey?
by Jay on Feb 8, 2009 3:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
no…i’m just being an ass and calling you out for lying to us about some of the profiles needing to be cut
by APV on Feb 8, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Oh. Did I say that they would be? Or that they might be?
The starting point was, everyone on the 40-man roster who played in the majors in 2008, i.e., everybody but these seven: Miller, Rondon, Sipp, Gimenez, Santana, Toregas, and Crowe. Those seven are all very well covered in Adam’s prospect opus, and there is a whole feature story on Miller and Huff, which also includes some mention of other prospects who could contribute in 2008.
Pavano took Aubrey’s place on the 40-man roster and, consequently, in the profiles as well. I guess we can run tabler84’s Aubrey profile as another piece of cutting-room-floor material.
by Jay on Feb 8, 2009 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
tomorrow at work, i plan to work opus and malaprop into the same conversation.
by Brick. on Feb 8, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I tried to find a picture of a suction-type device to construct some sort of “masaprop” joke, but Google images let me down.
/epic online joke fail
by supermarioelia on Feb 8, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll drink to that. Which is to say, I would, were I not already drinking.
by fleerdon on Feb 6, 2009 9:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Can’t wait to get a copy. There is no doubt in my mind it will be good. This is the first place I go to get tribe insight, and the best of what you all write will certainly be worth it.
by JK in CBus on Feb 7, 2009 11:57 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I was wondering, should we all plan on Game-Threading the annual when we all get it on the 18th?
by NickFantana on Feb 7, 2009 6:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i have already moved my computer desk into the bathroom
by Brick. on Feb 7, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
this looks pretty awesome I think I will order two of them
by Belle4Hall19960 on Feb 7, 2009 10:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Much, much too late to kiss-up there B4H. You’re gonna hafta do your time in the penalty box ’fore you get any rythm ’round here.
by mauichuck on Feb 7, 2009 11:19 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Did the site get hacked? I get redirected to a really creepy site in another language right after I go there.
by painaxl on Feb 8, 2009 11:14 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I mean the Maple Street Press site, sorry, wasn’t specific.
by painaxl on Feb 8, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Of course the Russians are trying to keep me from being a published author.
by afh4 on Feb 8, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
do not get on putin’s bad side.
So 2009.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 8, 2009 3:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Turks, not Russians. The heirs to Othman I El-Gazi will be visiting you soon.
by FredOx on Feb 9, 2009 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i’m good with the turks.
So 2009.
by Gradyforpresident on Feb 9, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
these hackers just got me in trouble with my girlfriend. no kidding. she was asking me my opinion about her pending haircut for some reason as i simultaneously clicked on the link to buy the book. anyway, let’s just say that my immediate immersion into ‘WTF?’ superseded the follicular conversation and, well….that didn’t go over too well.
stupid hackers.
by Thommy on Feb 8, 2009 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks like it. I’ve notified them, it’s a pretty simple code fix that they need to do.
by Jay on Feb 8, 2009 12:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
So this is shipping tomorrow. I wonder when people will start to receive it? I know my copy of BPro’s annual shipped yesterday.
by NickFantana on Feb 15, 2009 3:43 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Just ordered. Can’t wait to read cover to cover. Also, looking forward to sharing with 20 or so tribe fans on a Florida golf trip in early March. Great job.
Baseball fans are junkies, and their heroin is the statistic. - Robert S. Wieder
by jerseywahoo on Feb 17, 2009 12:29 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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