Game 94: Indians 2, Blue Jays 1
by Ryan on Jul 21, 2009 10:40 PM EDT
in Game Recaps
Email
Print
Every five days, the Indians are a good team. I know it may seem like I'm stretching things a bit, but if you consider that not only does Cliff Lee have an ERA about half of any other starting pitcher on the staff, but he often takes the setup relievers out of play by going deep into the game. The defense is still crappy, but having Lee on the mound takes away, at least for one game in five, most of what has ailed the Indians all season.
The problem this year with Lee has not been what he can control, but what happens when he's not on the mound. The Indians haven't given Lee much run support at all, and that trend stayed true tonight. Toronto starter Brett Cecil struggled through his seven innings, but pitched just well enough to keep the Indians off the scoreboard. The rookie struck out 9, but walked 4; he was seemingly in trouble at all times, and the Indians blew several opportunities to not only take the lead, but to chase him early in the game. Meanwhile, Lee cruised through his frames. Cliff fended off a couple of leadoff doubles, but otherwise had no trouble until Scott Rolen took him deep in the seventh. That one mistake, though, seemed for a while the final margin, for the Jays took a 1-0 lead into the ninth.
Eric Wedge went for broke in the ninth, and it almost cost him. He pinch-hit Ryan Garko for Kelly Shoppach, and Garko singled to start the inning. After sending in Luis Valbuena to pinch-run for Garko, he ordered Grady Sizemore to bunt the runner over to second. Grady bunted too strongly, and Lyle Overbay had a play at second. Had he made a decent throw, I'd probably be recapping another tough Cliff Lee loss. Overbay, however, gave the Indians life by throwing the ball into the outfield, and the Indians not only got the tying run into scoring position, but the go-ahead run as well. It was a bad decision poorly executed, but the results were great. Toronto walked the bases loaded to set up a force at home, which came in handy, for Shin-Soo Choo grounded to third, and Scott Rolen threw home for the first out. Now, with a struggling and slow Victor Martinez up, the Indians were one groundball away from another loss. But Victor doubled down the line, two runs came home, and the Indians took the lead.
There was no way in The Bronx Eric Wedge was taking Cliff Lee out of the game for Kerry Wood, not after how well he'd pitched not only tonight, but all season. Lee had little trouble in the ninth, and finished off another almost flawless start.
Next Up: Pavano vs. Romero, 7:07 PM
| Highest WPA | Lowest WPA | ||
| Victor Martinez | .518 | Shin-Soo Choo | -.365 |
| Cliff Lee | .454 | Travis Hafner | -.282 |
| Grady Sizemore | .267 | Ben Francisco | -.167 |
175 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Think Lee will go right down to the wire.
Jays have set a July 28th deadline for Halladay … Lee decision will be made after that I would guess.
by FallsTribeFan on Jul 21, 2009 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Can you imagine what’s gonna happen if Jays retain Halladay after that date … feeding frenzy will turn to the Tribe.
by FallsTribeFan on Jul 21, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Here’s to hopin’…although I’m still not convinced that sending Lee packing is the right move.
by MooneysRebellion on Jul 22, 2009 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, neither am I … if you do, basically 2010 is a crapshoot at best.
by FallsTribeFan on Jul 22, 2009 8:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Hm. I’ll agree with 2010 … not sure about 2011 though.
by FallsTribeFan on Jul 22, 2009 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Just because you can’t name the components of our 2011 rotation doesn’t mean it’s necessarily “significantly worse” than our potential rotation for 2010. I think there is enough going on in the minors and enough unknowns in the trade and free agent markets to give us sufficient reason for hope even if we can’t nail down the particulars.
So because its uncertain, its not bad?
With all respect, that doesn’t make a lot of sense. We have Rondon in the upper minors right now. Thats about it. Westbrook and Lee will be gone, leaving Laffey, Huff, and Carmona. I think we have learned that we need more than 7 or 8 starters to get through a season. Four potential starters, all with significant risk, is not gonna do it.
I hope there are some trades, because it doesn’t look good otherwise.
I would hope we could get by with 6 starters, you know, for a change.
"Some days are better than others, but it's a long season."
— The Inestimable Eric Wedge
I’m saying uncertainty is value neutral. It could be good or bad, that’s what makes it uncertain. To say that it is good doesn’t make any sense, but to say that it’s necessarily bad is equally ignorant. There is just too much that can change between now and then to say that, just because we don’t know or “it doesn’t look good now” doesn’t mean it’s actually going to be bad.
A year and a half before Pujols rookie year, he wasn’t even in the Cards’ organization. I know he’s an outlier, but in the middle of the ’99 year, St. Louis fans were probably concerned about the impending opening at 3B in ’01.
Eh, baseball varies more than you think from year-to-year. It’s dumb to rule out next season or two from now given the base of talent we currently have and a highly-rated farm system.
While it may vary, it is not necessarily “more than I think”, and I can respect your view on next year, but I would hardly call it “dumb” to think otherwise.
Given the state of our pitching staff, I find it hard to believe anyone can convincingly argue all that needs to change is the calendar.
In late 2006, I asked in perfect seriousness whether we shouldn’t just bail out on 2007 and makes moves with 2008-on in mind. We made very few moves that offseason to improve the club — in fact, we replaced Millwood-Elarton with Byrd-Johnson, not too inspiring. And then we won 96 games.
I’ll stick with Roger’s point.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
I think Roger’s point is that there are plenty of things that we don’t know that could turn out to our benefit. Which Fausto shows up? How healthy is Jake? How quickly do our young guys develop? Who do we get back for our big pieces, if we decide to move them? The answers to these and any number of other questions could and probably will be different next year than they were this year; ergo, “changing the calendar” can significantly impact the product on the field.
I think giving up on a season before it starts is dumb. Whether or not you are pessimistic about it, is allowable.
This is me also. It should very rare to give up on a season before it starts. As in “no chance of winning.”
by dgcambridge on Jul 22, 2009 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
The closest major league park to where I sit right now is this one:
It’s not always dumb to give up on a season before it starts.
I’m hoping some team fails to get Halladay – perhaps with him even going to their division rival – and quickly turns to the Indians with their Halladay offer.
In a more perfect world than that, the offer the Jays turned down would be more appealing to the Indians than the offer the Jays accepted.
In the most perfect world, I’d kinda like to keep the guy.
LeCavs!
If you were good enough, maybe we'd name it after you.
It’s possible Lee could garner the same offer given to Halladay assuming a) the Jays refused it (not quite good enough, likely in the value of the secondary players), and b) it’s a team that notices and appreciates the difference in salary. Mainly that last one.
Steel Nick
I agree. There aren’t as many suckers as there used to be, so it’s hard to develop a bidding war among them.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
Did it?
Maybe it did.
Not sure what statement you’re contrasting this with.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
It takes a big man to admit that, in the absolute inundating volume of things that one says over the internet, it’s possible to lose track of even your own original point of view. Kudos to you, sir.
I only caught the very last at-bat of the game, and as the players were congratulating each other after the final out, Cliff and Victor shared 2 separate, and seemingly meaningful, congratulatory handshakes… as if they both knew that was possibly the last time they could do that together.
You are reading my signature.
Sad thought.
Were you in the West Side Market Saturday morning? I remember reading that you usually were on Saturday mornings. I was in town and ran from downtown over to St. I’s, and did a lap through the WSM to see if I saw you, but obviously didn’t.
Il faut d'abord durer.
Lee certainly gave the scouts their money’s worth tonight.
by world dictator on Jul 21, 2009 10:50 PM EDT reply actions
Except score most of the time when we have legitimate opportunities.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jul 21, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions
off topic:
should i buy “the wire: the complete series” on ebay for $87.99 (shipping included)?
if you can’t tell, i’m like 85% of the way there and am looking for someone to tell me it’s a good idea
by Cap'n Snegiryov on Jul 21, 2009 10:55 PM EDT reply actions
yep i’ve watched it through once. easily one of my top 3 favorite shows.
by Cap'n Snegiryov on Jul 21, 2009 10:58 PM EDT up reply actions
if you enjoy awesomeness, then there is a rush to check out the wire. best show ever on television…statement of fact.
by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 22, 2009 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions
It is less of a television show than a brilliant novel on screen.
Trade Cliff.
by Gradyforpresident on Jul 22, 2009 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
dude i know that everyone talks the wire up, and i avoided it for a long time because a) there were a lot of episodes, and b) i am a contrarian douche. finally watched it last month and it is literally as good, if not better, than everything you’ve heard. i’m sure you’ve heard this before, but yeah. . . rent that ish.
by Cap'n Snegiryov on Jul 21, 2009 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions
lol. I also am a “contrarian douche.” It’s a good investment strategy.
by joeee on Jul 21, 2009 11:21 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I watched 6 or 7 episodes of the Wire and didn’t really like it that much.
by world dictator on Jul 22, 2009 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
i know its good, i dont deny it, because everyone i trust likes it. but i haven’t.
by I'd give my legs for Wegz on Jul 22, 2009 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
You have to give it at least the first full season. If you don’t like it at that point, you gave it a fair shot. But not a single person I know who got that far stopped.
Trade Cliff.
by Gradyforpresident on Jul 22, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
if you have the money then buy it. Why not, you know you’re going to get a lot of enjoyment out of it.
by world dictator on Jul 21, 2009 11:00 PM EDT up reply actions
see that’s what i’m thinking. i figure i’ll watch the whole series at least one more time within the next month or so, and i’m sure i’ll want to watch the commentaries and stuff too.
by Cap'n Snegiryov on Jul 21, 2009 11:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Sounds like a pretty good price for the number of viewing hours involved….
by Logodaedalus on Jul 21, 2009 11:08 PM EDT up reply actions
they’re DVD’s of a tv series. Their value is eternal. Just do it
…for me.
by world dictator on Jul 21, 2009 11:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I usually cycle through my Lost DVDs at least once a year (mainly to see if there’s something in the early seasons that references the latest season), so in my mind the price was worth it. It looks like this is a much better bargain, so you like The Wire, go for it.
This isn’t even a question. You will not regret this purchase.
Trade Cliff.
by Gradyforpresident on Jul 22, 2009 1:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Along this thread: How I Met Your Mother. Opinions? Had enough people recommend it to give it a shot. I typically can’t stand romantic comedy-esque sitcoms, and I usually assume CBS comedies are crap, but I’m liking it. Starting to think maybe I should invest in some DVDs.
Steel Nick
I’m not a sitcom guy, but I like it when I see it. I particularly like Neil Patrick Harris in it. Not sure I would go out of my way to watch it, but my wife DVRs it every week. I also like Big Bang Theory, also on CBS, but that’s really a niche product. Identify with the geeks, and you like it. Don’t, and you’ll probably hate it.
Do geeks and geek-identifiers really like that show?
I find it’s a very two-dimensional and un-funny depiction of geeks. Like, actual geeks are funnier than that.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
Depends on the specific sub-genre of geek. The people I know who are heavily into (a) comics or (b) Star Trek like it. It will get old fast, I suppose, once the novelty of identifying references wears off (I’ve only seen a handful of episodes, as I’m not a sitcom sort of guy).
But do they like it because they recognize themselves, or only because they recognize the trivia?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
Probably more of the latter than the former. Probably not a blueprint for long-term success. Up until recently, you could with a fair degree of certainty predict that a comics geek liked Heroes, Big Bang Theory and Battlestar Galactica. One now kind of sucks and one is over.
I love that show. I don’t know that I would buy DVD’s just because I don’t watch TV Shows over and over except for Boy Meets World. BMW is the only TV Show I would buy a box set of. Ironically enough they haven’t released one.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jul 22, 2009 12:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Just the first three seasons, although ABC licensed BMW to Lionsgate last August, so supposedly you’ll start seeing the remaining four.
Along this thread: How I Met Your Mother. Opinions? Had enough people recommend it to give it a shot. I typically can’t stand romantic comedy-esque sitcoms, and I usually assume CBS comedies are crap, but I’m liking it. Starting to think maybe I should invest in some DVDs.
BUY THE DVD’S
by world dictator on Jul 22, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
In my opinion, How I Met Your Mother (HIMYM) has more replay value than most tv shows. One thing you have to consider is that on some level there’s a bit of mystery driving the storyline. So its always fun to go back and rewatch episodes for clues that you might have missed the first time.
But besides all that, I think its one of those shows that you can watch at various points in your life and appreciate it in different ways.
by world dictator on Jul 22, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m already starting to notice a little throwaway joke/line in one season will resurface and be relevant about a season and a half later. I think that’s not typical of a sitcom.
Steel Nick
Exactly. There’s even a lot of comedic events that are referenced throughout the series. Or a future perspective will be influenced by an alternative perspective of a previous events. Its kind of Rashomon in that regards
Wait till you get to the Slap bet.
by world dictator on Jul 22, 2009 5:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ve seen part of the slap bet episodes.
See you think it’s trippy watching the show as is, try watching random episodes across seasons and then putting it together.
I just got to this scene and enjoyed it thoroughly:
Brunette: I don’t know if you guys have ever seen Star Wars, but it’s like Hoth out there.
Ted: Dibs.
Blonde: It reminds me of when I used to go sledding with my dad—before he left.
Barney: And dibs
Steel Nick
do it now. one of the best ideas you’ll have this week.
by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 22, 2009 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions
off topic, as well, but on the “hbo series” off-topic: anyone watching trueblood?
by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 22, 2009 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Saw four or five episodes randomly one night .Just couldn’t get into Southern hick vampires. I mean, if you were vampire wouldn’t you have better things to do than hangout in the backwoods swamp?
by world dictator on Jul 22, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
i’m digging it. i think as with many series (i believe this was mentioned re: the wire upthread), it takes a little bit of belief that “this is going somewhere”…and they’ve started to deliver on that in the second season. while i never saw 6 feet under, i’m told it was excellent, and those guys seem to know what they’re doing (they’re behind trueblood, as well, if that’s not well-known).
if i’m a vampire, though, and can survive only at night, then how in the world am i not posted up in new york city?
by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 22, 2009 8:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Also off topic. I saw Slumdog Millionaire yesterday. An alright flick but grossly overrated.
by world dictator on Jul 22, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions
I liked it, but was not my favorite movie of last year. The thing that bothers me about movie awards nowadays is that people talk about it so much, that everything is treated as a foregone conclusion. By the time the Oscars rolled around, 95% of the world assumed Slumdog would win Best Picture, and my feeling is that those who determine this sort of thing just went along with it.
Of course, that is not actually the case at all, but I respect that that’s your feeling about it.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
Is it a good thing though, that everyone knew Slumdog would win Best Picture a month ahead of the ceremony?
Actually, I don’t think it was a foregone conclusion at all. I think you’ve revised your memory a little on this.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
What was it’s strongest competitor? Benjamin Button?
So I finally got around to seeing Frost/Nixon. Liked it. Anyone?
Steel Nick
Still haven’t seen it
Trade Cliff.
by Gradyforpresident on Jul 22, 2009 11:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Fire up any decent historical source’s take on the story as it actually happened and it will ruin the movie for you. Having said that, I watched it knowing it was hugely historically inaccurate and still enjoyed it.
one of the great movie disappointments of my career. that’s not necessarily the fault of the film, but i was told going in that it would, essentially, change my life. it did not. unless cringing at a bunch of people doing a silly, meaningless dance at the end of movie counts as life changing.
that said, the movie itself was only fine. certainly not a picture of the year.
by DontCallMeJoey on Jul 22, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Slumdog was basically fine. The concept of the gameshow was very clever and dramatic, but I found everything else around it pretty typical. I’m not so into love stories of destiny and the “meant to be” lover discussed elsewhere on this site.
The flashes of panic and running were a little much for me, but the whole thing pleased my date immensely. All in all it was a superb date movie. I only wish I’d seen it with another girl.
I DVR’d a few episodes of the second season. Not buying it. I went in with an “anti-vampire pop culture craze” bias that didn’t help. Still wasn’t too impressed.
Dexter, however. I know I’m late but come on. That’s a good show.
Steel Nick
Haven’t started watching Dexter yet.
Trade Cliff.
by Gradyforpresident on Jul 22, 2009 11:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I mean, it’s just sitting over here on the couch, and I have the time to pick up a show, but, I don’t know, I just can’t start for some reason.
Trade Cliff.
by Gradyforpresident on Jul 22, 2009 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry about that. Just checked the last 80 instances of that word here … all GTs.
Proud Fan of the Worst Baseball Team I've Ever Seen
I forgive you.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jul 21, 2009 11:15 PM EDT up reply actions
I was not able to watch the game, but If someone could please explain the decision to bunt sizemore I would greatly appreciate it. It is driving me batty…
You need two runs to win… Sizemore is a good hitter with power, who hits a lot of fly balls and doesn’t GDP (5 last year, 3 the year before).. the Tribe bullpen stinks, so playing for the tie is extra dumb.
I really don’t get it.
Proud Fan of the Worst Baseball Team I've Ever Seen
by westbrook on Jul 22, 2009 12:29 AM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
He seriously looks like one of those guys out in New Mexico wandering around, “No, really. The little green martians picked me up, probed all of the baseball knowledge out of me, and then dropped me off in Cleveland. Honest!”
by MooneysRebellion on Jul 22, 2009 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Probably the lefty-lefty matchup. Don’t know if I disagree with it or not. If it was a righty, I’d imagine he would’ve hit.
Rationale is that it gives Cabrera a chance to tie the game with a single, and he’s one of the guys they’d like to have up in that situation. But yeah, I understand the two-run thing.
Eh, it’s easy if you look at it from old school managing even if the reasoning is incorrect. In “score one run” strategy, you sacrifice an out to get the runner in scoring position. And Wedge was painfully aware of how much trouble the Indians were having moving runners on their own.
NOTE: I am aware this is incorrect strategy. I’m offering the flawed perception.
Steel Nick
Ryan, along with the Wednesday pitching matchup you should also note C.B. Bucknor will be behind the plate calling balls and strikes (and doing it just as badly as ever). This will prepare television viewers and possibly prevent some remotes from being thrown.
Bucknor wrecks my karma every time I see him. The Jays Fake Umps do a better job from the stands than he does.
by MTF on Jul 22, 2009 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I love those guys. I missed them last night.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
by ClemsonGirl on Jul 22, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Amazing what can happen when Garko is in the line-up and Shoppach isn’t. Now, if only there were some way of doing that on a regular basis…
-Kyle
Cliff Lee: COME ON, GARKO!!
Ryan Garko: NO, YOU COME ON!!
Eric Wedge: [ running out of the dugout ] Guys, y’ know…that…that…it doesn’t work for me. I gotta have more Garko!
Asdrubal Cabrera: [ grabs Garko’s shirt ] Don’t blow this for us, Garko!
Agent M: [ cracks up ] Quit… quit being so selfish, Garko!
Garko: Can I just say one thing?
Wedge: Sure, baby! Just say it!
Garko: I’m standing here, staring at coaching legend Eric Wedge!
Wedge: The cock of the walk, baby!
Garko: And if Eric Wedge wants more Garko, we should probably give him more Garko!
Wedge: Say it, baby!
by FredOx on Jul 22, 2009 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Even Fangraphs wants the Indians to lose!
by FallsTribeFan on Jul 22, 2009 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
you know, i could have sworn quite a few people were asking Wedge to become more UNconventional. Well, last nite was for them.
How is bunting a guy from first to second with nobody out while trailing by a run UNconventional? It seems to me that this is pretty much the “book” play.
It’s unconventional when the guy bunting led your team in home runs last year.
"Actual versatility is a good thing. Imagined versatility is a bad thing."
Jay Levin
by woodsmeister on Jul 22, 2009 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions
i think it is fun that the indians are now one game over 500 in one run games.
by I'd give my legs for Wegz on Jul 22, 2009 11:28 AM EDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Let's Go Tribe
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- The Citi Field All-Star game has finally been made official for 2013
- Brett Lawrie receives four-game suspension, fined for ‘aggressive actions’ toward umpire
- PNC Park security guard loses finger in struggle with fan during Pirates game
- Create-a-Caption: Partying like it’s 1988
- The Ron Washington puppet is watching you while you sleep — and has possibly jinxed the Rangers
