March 21 - Indians v Dodgers Gamethread

by westbrook on Mar 21, 2009 3:38 PM EDT

No Manny, but we get a Beard sighting.

Pretty good lineups on both sides, per Castro

INDIANS: CF Grady Sizemore, 2B Jamey Carroll, DH Travis Hafner, SS Jhonny Peralta, RF Ben Francisco, C Kelly Shoppach, 3B Tony Graffanino, LF Matt LaPorta, 1B Chris Gimenez. RHP Anthony Reyes.

Also available to pitch: LHP Jeremy Sowers, RHP Kirk Saarloos, RHP Vinnie Chulk, RHP Greg Aquino.

DODGERS: SS Rafael Furcal, 2B Orlando Hudson, C Russell Martin, 3B Casey Blake, 1B Doug Mientkiewicz, CF Juan Pierre, DH Valentino Pascucci, LF Mitch Jones, RF Jason Repko. RHP James McDonald.

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Comments

Two down.

Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.

by westbrook on Mar 21, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

I’m listening to the Indians game, watching NCAA on mute, and doing my fantasy draft right now. I feel so.. manly.

DISCLAIMER: I may be bitter.

by zempf on Mar 21, 2009 4:11 PM EDT reply actions

Good first inning for Reyes.

Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.

by westbrook on Mar 21, 2009 4:13 PM EDT reply actions

9 in a row so far for Reyes. Gave up a long flyball foul to Mitch Jones, but it sounds like he’s been pretty good so far.

DISCLAIMER: I may be bitter.

by zempf on Mar 21, 2009 4:37 PM EDT reply actions

4 scoreless for Reyes, gave up a hit finally to Furcal, who stole second & then inexplicably broke towards third on a grounder to short (and was of course thrown out).

DISCLAIMER: I may be bitter.

by zempf on Mar 21, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions

5 scoreless for Reyes with a couple of strikeouts.

DISCLAIMER: I may be bitter.

by zempf on Mar 21, 2009 5:09 PM EDT reply actions

Just stopping by – Good Reyes, huh?

by APV on Mar 21, 2009 5:14 PM EDT reply actions

Reyes was really good. 5 innings, shutout…..IN ARIZONA!!

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 5:17 PM EDT up reply actions

He really, really, really wants that rotation spot..

Nothing is going to stop him. Feeling good, looking good, and entertained a full house. Nothing is stopping him. Nothing.

Nice job, flatbill!

She isn't crazy, she's just not impressed.

by jillsinmo on Mar 21, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Deep fried baloney on a stick.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:21 PM EDT reply actions

Isn’t that pretty much just a corndog?

No, not you. Your helmet!

by PatBordersHelmet on Mar 21, 2009 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions

Oh, my goodness, no. It’s just so much more than that. I’ll be posting a picture soon.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions

Graffanino with an infield single for our first hit

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 5:24 PM EDT reply actions

LaPorta with an RBI double down LF line, to score Graffanino from first

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 5:25 PM EDT up reply actions

LaPorta drives in Graffanino with a double.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:25 PM EDT reply actions

Woo hoo — me telling my dad we were being no-hit jinxed them!

Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.

by westbrook on Mar 21, 2009 5:27 PM EDT reply actions

Been busy today and just saw the box score through the first five innings. No runs and only two hits total for both teams? Yikes!

by LeftyCatcher on Mar 21, 2009 5:30 PM EDT reply actions

Carroll drives one up the middle for an RBI.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:30 PM EDT reply actions

2-0 tribe.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Pronk gets plunked. 2 on 2 outs.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:31 PM EDT reply actions

is it me or is there a lot of dead air today?

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 5:37 PM EDT reply actions

Beats the commercials.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

even before that – during play. seems like the guys are bored.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 5:39 PM EDT up reply actions

mmmmm… the high drama of a pitchers duel had them at a loss for words.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Jhonny whiffs. Strhands twho.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:38 PM EDT reply actions

i don’t like calling francisco simply “Ben”. makes me just as irritated as when announcers do that with rothlisburger

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 5:40 PM EDT reply actions

Sowers still in for the 7th?

by LeftyCatcher on Mar 21, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

yes.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

casey blake: indian killer

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 5:42 PM EDT reply actions

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 5:48 PM EDT up reply actions

“Blake, believe it or not, has played more games for the Indians than any other player this decade.”

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 5:49 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t believe it, myself. Urban legend.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m just imagining Wedge hearing this, a moment of silence … and then he bursts into sobbing all over the place.

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 21, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

“He could even play shortstop…[blows nose]”

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

Insert “There’s Something About Mary”/Eric Wedge joke.

by supermarioelia on Mar 21, 2009 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions

“… aaaand … IIIIII’m … … ready to take a chance again …”

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 21, 2009 5:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I don’t care for Mr. Mickeywitz.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:43 PM EDT reply actions

See.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions

At least he’s a stupid base runner.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:46 PM EDT up reply actions

is manny the dodgers new baserunning coach?

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 5:56 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs

It’s just Monkeywitch being Manny.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Sowers is now laboring. He’s just walked 2 straight to load the bases. 2 outs. Indians lead 2 -1.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:57 PM EDT reply actions

Sowers is still and forever will be laboring.

fixed.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

He labors by sheer force of will.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:05 PM EDT up reply actions

Sowers induces a high pop up that is caught on the infield to end the inning.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 5:57 PM EDT reply actions

I’m sort of of the belief that infield fly = groundout in terms of evaluating the pitcher.

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 21, 2009 6:00 PM EDT up reply actions

When he’s on he seems to get a lot of pop ups and stuff fouled off to the right side.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Paul Byrd = Fasuto Carmona

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:03 PM EDT up reply actions

Infield fly. Popup.

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 21, 2009 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for clearing that up,Jay.

by JimmyAB on Mar 22, 2009 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Ben Fran hits a double off the wall.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:02 PM EDT reply actions

I’m coming around a little on Francisco. I think I was judging him primarily on the player I’d like him to be, rather than appreciating him for his actual merits, which are significant.

I’m terrible in relationships, if anybody was wondering.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

if he were two years younger i would love him. also, if he didn’t look like me when a line drive is coming right at me…

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Also, if he were hotter, right?

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 21, 2009 8:00 PM EDT up reply actions

He suffers from Muppetface.

Signature to be named later.

by emd2k3 on Mar 21, 2009 9:56 PM EDT up reply actions

He’s cheap, unlikely to have huge performances variances, a lock to be above replacement level, can play multiple OF positions and has decent defense. I mean, there’s a place for a guy like that on a championship team.

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:11 PM EDT up reply actions

It’s the power that really changes things. Without it, he’s a slower version of Barton.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Who is fighting for a roster spot, if anybody cares.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Man, you think we’ve got rotation problems, then you see the Cardinals. Who’s Todd Wellemeyer?

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions

The Cardinals are… well, it’s the NL Central.

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions

The Cardinals are… well, it’s the NL ~~Central~~.

fixed.

Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.

by westbrook on Mar 21, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Except that he actually has had huge performance variances.

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 21, 2009 8:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Three straight Z’s to posts by Jay, all with italics.

Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.

by westbrook on Mar 21, 2009 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I freakin’ love the italics.

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 22, 2009 2:04 AM EDT up reply actions

I don’t think he’s a lock to be above replacement. His 50th percentile PERCOTA has him at 0.6 VORP.

by odradek on Mar 21, 2009 8:43 PM EDT up reply actions

Which gives him a solid six tenths of wiggle room.

by Brad D on Mar 21, 2009 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I agree, but that’s not a lock.

by odradek on Mar 21, 2009 10:55 PM EDT up reply actions

if LaPorta keeps this up to start the year at columbus, he won’t last through april down there before we get him up

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

Man, I’m excited about The Door. Some people were doubting him after he didn’t do anything after the trade, but he’s really hitting the ball right now (granted it’s only ST, but still).

How has LaPorta looked in the field?

by JP_Frost on Mar 21, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

All I’m hearing is “better than expected.” I’m kind of jazzed by the idea that he can play a legit right field. I think he’s a more credible fallback if Choo gets hurt than Francisco or Crowe. But I could be wrong.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions

LaPorta is probably Francisco’s equal as a hitter, or close to it, right now.

Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

by Jay on Mar 21, 2009 8:02 PM EDT up reply actions

LaPorta drives a ball through the glove of the pitcher; scoring Graffanino from second and ends up with a double.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

ball through the glove of the pitcher

Legit lol. Remember when we had a guy that could do that? tear

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Sowers looking like his old self. Just gave up a 2 run Bomb to Russel Martin. Tied 3-3

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 6:20 PM EDT reply actions

Dodgers now with the lead 4-3. Mientiewicz (?) just drove in a run with a double, and advanced to third on the throw.

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 6:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Sowers to the showers soon.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:23 PM EDT reply actions

One can only hope

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Wedgie is FINALLY pulling the plug on Sowers

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 6:27 PM EDT up reply actions

perhaps now we can still salvage this spring training game, for which the outcome doesn’t matter.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

I’m contemplating leaving early to beat the traffic.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions

Jeremey Sowers is officially dead to me.

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:25 PM EDT reply actions

Here lies in this game thread:
Jeremy Sowers
June 25, 2006 – March 21, 2009

No, not you. Your helmet!

by PatBordersHelmet on Mar 21, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions

HA! I mean… I have deluded myself for the last time.

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions

David Huff!!! COME ON DOWN!!

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:28 PM EDT reply actions

Will the REAL 5th starter PLEASE stand up?

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 6:31 PM EDT reply actions

/four guys stand, look at each other, blinking

See, ’ere be da ting.

I’m not sure there really is such a thing as a “fifth starter.” There are always five starters on the 25-man, of course, but in most seasons, there are, what, three or four guys who have that role? More?

So all we’re really worried about is picking the best of a number of reasonably attractive, young, inexpensive candidates (with options) with whom to break camp. There comes with that an understanding that it’s going to be a guy who doesn’t usually go five innings without giving up a run. If he were better than that, he wouldn’t be a fifth starter.

In any event, we’ve got two more weeks. In two more weeks, we could all be dead from a meteorite. We could all be dead from multiple individual very accurately placed Indians-fan-sized meteorites. Now, when you compare concerns like you and every Indians fan you know being killed by a meteorite to concerns like Zach Jackson vs. Scott Lewis vs. et al, doesn’t using the caps lock button under these circumstances seem a bit much?

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:45 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

I suppose that’s true. I guess I never really thought about those totally random meteorities. Good point

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 6:49 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah I mean I’m in grad school, I get trained to think this way

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:50 PM EDT up reply actions

So METEORITES are worth the caps lock?

"...leading the league in most offensive categories. Including nose hairs."

by sarcasmdave on Mar 21, 2009 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Rafael Betancourt knows what people are saying. They think he’s a one-hit wonder. The bullpen’s version of Vanilla Ice.

That’s the word on the street if ever I heard it, Hoynes.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:34 PM EDT reply actions

Iced Latte?

by Logodaedalus on Mar 21, 2009 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions

meh

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:39 PM EDT up reply actions

is it decided that lewis will be slotted later in the game than raffy?

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:40 PM EDT up reply actions

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions

That said, Jensen is Closer Material © now.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions

i missed (a) and (b)

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions

(a) was (b), (b) was (a), it was all a set-up

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:54 PM EDT up reply actions

ah, i ©

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions

HM, Hoynes is really getting with the program.

by RD74 on Mar 21, 2009 6:38 PM EDT reply actions

Has anyone actually seen any of Haf’s ABs in person? If so, what has he looked like?

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 6:40 PM EDT reply actions

go back out to the homepage and look through the fanposts.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions

I saw a bunch over last weekend. He took some big swings, but overall was very patient at the plate. There were a couple of base hits, a few long fly outs and 3 (4?) walks. I’m hopeful.

by JimmyAB on Mar 21, 2009 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Huff’s mustache.

Don't be stupid. PUT IN MELOAN.

by gte619n on Mar 21, 2009 6:47 PM EDT reply actions

aka Huffstache.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

wife and i trying to decide what to eat. need ideas.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:55 PM EDT reply actions

I am eating chicken vindaloo. It is good & hot.

DISCLAIMER: I may be bitter.

by zempf on Mar 21, 2009 6:56 PM EDT up reply actions

hot sounds good. i’ve got a touch of a cold.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I’m not congested at all but this stuff has cleared out ye olde sinuses pretty well. Phew.

DISCLAIMER: I may be bitter.

by zempf on Mar 21, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

in that case, never mind the babies. You really want to have clear sinuses to get the full flavor.

I’m stopping now.

by Logodaedalus on Mar 21, 2009 6:59 PM EDT up reply actions

babies are always delicious

by Logodaedalus on Mar 21, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

Grocery store or restaurant?

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 6:57 PM EDT up reply actions

restaurant. we’re in the loop

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 6:58 PM EDT up reply actions

I’ve been craving a Bin36 burger recently, but I’ve also been craving having enough cash to afford Bin36.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 7:01 PM EDT up reply actions

that’s one of her favorite spots. never had a burger there.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions

They’re damn good, but there’s got to be a place in Chicago which does plus-plus burgers for less than $15.

Then again, maybe not.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions

Just thinking about how totally unhelpful I am on this topic. My Chicago contacts are all north-siders. We’re big Duke of Perth fans.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

used to live a few blocks from there. one of my favorite joints up there.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions

i’m really just looking for cuisine ideas. neither of us are in the mood for anything in particular.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Well, if shepherd’s pie and single malt scotch isn’t a cuisine idea, then I don’t know what is.

Thai? Greek? Hardees?

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Hardees. man.

Thai is the front runner right now.

Greek is a good idea, though. Might walk over to greektown.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 7:15 PM EDT up reply actions

You might walk over to Greektown. I might walk the dog.

I have got to get out of this state.

by fleerdon on Mar 21, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I desperately need to be somewhere that I can see neat stuff like “greektown”

"Mixed emotions. Rather see him hit PEDroia [with that pitch]. I don’t care if he is in the dugout"

by Gradysmanldy on Mar 22, 2009 12:38 AM EDT up reply actions

Is anything interesting happening game-wise? Once Saaaaarloooos got in there I kinda stopped caring.

DISCLAIMER: I may be bitter.

by zempf on Mar 21, 2009 7:02 PM EDT reply actions

i cannot figure out why, but i kind of want him to be the long man, then just be RHA’d* at the first opportunity/need.

*(Roberto Hernandez’d)

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 7:05 PM EDT up reply actions

I believe the correct verb is oldberto. He was oldbertoed at the first sign of trouble.

by odradek on Mar 21, 2009 7:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Also!

Nevermind.

by Brick. on Mar 21, 2009 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions

this is funny

by cleveland teamer on Mar 21, 2009 10:16 PM EDT up reply actions

I kind of appreciated the Steve Buffum, “DFW”…..designated for wazoo

"Mixed emotions. Rather see him hit PEDroia [with that pitch]. I don’t care if he is in the dugout"

by Gradysmanldy on Mar 22, 2009 12:39 AM EDT up reply actions

Tribe down 5-3 going into the bottom of the ninth. According to Hammy, it’s gonna be three batters with ‘o’ ending their last names. The “O Men” he called ’em

Tribe in '09!!

by indiansfan20062000 on Mar 21, 2009 7:06 PM EDT up reply actions