Game Thread: August 9, 2009
by Ryan on Aug 9, 2009 2:00 PM EDT
in Game Threads
Email
PrintCleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox, Aug 9, 2009 2:05 PM EDT
Cleveland at Chicago, 2:05 PM
Lineups:
Cleveland: CF Sizemore, 3B Carroll, SS Cabrera, RF Choo, DH Peralta, 2B Valbuena, LF Crowe, 1B Marte, C Toregas, P Huff
Chicago: CF Podsednik, 3B Beckham, RF Dye, DH Konerko, C Pierzynski, LF Quentin, 1B Kotsay, SS Ramirez, 2B Getz, P Contreras
589 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
don’t understand the hate right now. He’s been playing well.
by ASP on Aug 9, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
That he’s played well for a few days is a short-term statistical fluke. Crowe is an old prospect with a 760 OPS in the minors, earned mostly while playing too old for his level. Outside of 60 games at Kinston at age 22, and 49 games at Akron at age 24 — 24! — he has had a genuinely lousy pro career. Wedge has been giving playing time to Gimenez and Crowe that more appropriately would be doled out to Shoppach and Marte.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I know all the conventional wisdom about being ‘old for their level.’ But what is often forgotten in the BP world is these are human beings, and they are not fantasy league caricatures. Given the fact that this is a lost season, and since he was a #1 as I recall, better to find out what we have now since the investment has been made. And perhaps, just perhaps he’s more than a bust, more than the ‘conventional wisdom’ dictates. Hell, I have no vested interest in Crowe other than he was a number 1, and I’m always hopeful that the Indians display some level of competence in their drafting, though that has not been readily apparent. I do feel he is worth looking at more than Gimenez.
Chitown Fan
he was a #1
How is that any less of a caricature?
by APV on Aug 9, 2009 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking only of the investment, which I suppose can be called a ‘caricature’ if you want, but seems to be worth the time to determine one way or the other. The caricature reference is that sometimes we get to focused on the guidelines, and forget that these are people that can sometimes surprise, or exceed expectations, or as we have seen so many times in Cleveland, fall far short of them. that’s all I really meant.
Chitown Fan
I know all the conventional wisdom about being ‘old for their level.’
Conventional wisdom? Do you have some fantastic new information to tell us on this subject?
I know all the conventional wisdom about throwing fastballs ‘fast.’
I am not in the BP world, and I have never even played fantasy baseball. I know what I know from following the progression of minor leaguers to the majors closely.
since he was a #1 as I recall, better to find out what we have now since the investment has been made.
Good Lord, you could teach a class on mismanaging assets. First, sunk cost. Doesn’t make any difference how much was paid. Classic analytical failure. Second, he may have been a first-rounder several years ago, but at this point, that represents a minor data point. The best thing about first-rounders, generally, is that they often have higher ceilings than their numbers might suggest — that is, based on numbers alone, if you’ve got five unimpressive prospects, the first-rounder is likeliest to bust out of the mediocrity. The problem with Crowe specifically is that he was never seen as a high-ceiling guy anyway, not even on the day he was drafted.
I like how you put “conventional wisdom” in quotes, which suggests that it’s just a euphemism. The real conventional wisdom is to pay undue attention to first-round draft picks, which is exactly what you are doing.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions
No tugging and no cape. You criticized others’ views, I gave the long-form answer. That’s all.
Here’s an alternate take: We stash Trevor Crowe in Buffalo for 2.3 more seasons while he still has options remaining, and if and when he ever hits remotely as well as Andy Marte did in Triple-A this season, then we can talk about playing him nine days in a row.
Doesn’t that sound reasonably fair-minded?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 7:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I have nothing against trading Crowe, but what would you expect in return for him?
I'm not really into Song of Hiawatha.
Why would we trade him?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 8:20 PM EDT up reply actions
That sounds very fair-minded.
The thing that frustrates me is that nothing he does over the final two months of the season will change anyone’s opinion of him. Even with a nice little run, he should still go into 2010 as no better than our 4th outfielder…a role I am perfectly content with him playing by the way. But even if he struggles the rest of the year, his speed and defensive assets don’t change, so really he can still be that 4th outfielder. So if giving him the atbats doesn’t change his ultimate position on the team, why are wasting these precious atbats on him?
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I would agree with that. Even a super run should not elevate him to anything but a 4th outfielder. That seems to be the biggest problem with many of the Tribe’s prospects. They can play well, but the majors are about adjustments. I remember in the dismal season of 1969, the Indians brought up Frank “home run” Baker in late July (I remember seeing him play at Municipal Stadium against the Tigers that year). He started with a bang, hitting a couple of big homers. Obviously, our frame of reference was very distorted given the barren roster of the time, but the fans went nuts. In short order, the league figured him out, and he had a very short career. So even a good couple of months means little. It is whether they have the talent to adjust and sustain, which seems o be where the Tribe hopefuls struggle, whether due to limited talent or poor guidance.
"I once spent a year in Philadelphia, I think it was on a Sunday." (W. C. Fields)
S’pose, but the Indians don’t seem that patient. Hopefully, there are much better alternatives that emerge if Shapiro has traded well, and he becomes just a footnote, or someone else’s disappointment, as Marte has been for us (so far), whom I hope with all my heart turns out well.
And it wasn’t so much criticism as confusion at what the guy has done to garner such vitriol. I would reserve my anger for others. Like Perez, (who’s regressed), Lewis (who’s imploded), Francisco (who was kept instead of Gutierrez & of course is now gone), et al. So it wasn’t criticism as much as it was surprise I guess because by most metrics, those guys were viewed very differently than they have turned out in reality, at least to this point. So again, to the main premise, they are humans and not statistical probabilities. I’m a VP of market research so trust me, I do believe in statistical probabilities, but I also believe in the possibilities that people can surprise.
But hey, regardless, it was a good day. I got to watch the last two innings of the Indians win at US Cellular, take a series from the Chisox, and for one weekend at least, ol’ Trevor helped us out, so perhaps I just wanna give him some luv. Seeing Chief Wahoo on the winning side can make me a tad irrational at times, as it has since 1965.
"I once spent a year in Philadelphia, I think it was on a Sunday." (W. C. Fields)
The Indians have shown plenty of willingness to stash guys in Triple-A for a couple years in the past. The Crowe thing seems to be a case of over-enthusiasm for a certain type of player … Crowe has been part of the problem for this organization, and he’s not likely part of the solution.
I don’t think people actually hate Crowe. I don’t. He seems like a nice, marginal, utility player, and he seems like he’s trying hard enough. Just tired of seeing marginal grinders play at the expense of players that actually might be important.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 8:34 PM EDT up reply actions
You know, that reminds me of something I read that Bill James wrote about Ron Hassey back in the early 80’s. He used to typically lambast the Tribe in his articles with witticisms like ‘if Gabe Paul ran a Hospital, I’d open a funeral parlor’, etc. So he was not predisposed to complimenting much about the Indians, but on his comments about Hassey he said something to the effect that he was the typical position player the Indians crank out, an OK major leaguer, not a great one. Seems like what you’re saying, which I can’t refute, is that they still seem to have that tendency, save for the run in the 90’s with Belle, Thome and Ramirez.
"I once spent a year in Philadelphia, I think it was on a Sunday." (W. C. Fields)
We do?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
I had such a high expectation from Marte. How’s he doing recent days? Since he’s got called up, he hasn’t been able to show some consistency of batting skills.
I see what you did there.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 2:56 PM EDT up reply actions
Not that we can tell.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions
I had a dream last night – I took the campus bus at Case to my parking lot , and Cliff Lee appeared. We talked for a while, and then zombies showed up.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN??
Don't hassle me, I'm local.
Was this like how you find out partway through World War Z that one of the zombie hunters is Michael Stipe? Because I would be okay with Cliff Lee: ZOMBIE HUNTER
My girlfriend definitely made fun of me for reading that. I didn’t care, zombies are cool…Right? Right???
I loved it, though the sheer scale of that cleansing operation towards the end of the war was pretty hard to buy (or at least wrap my head around). Great read.
--
Force quit and move to trash.
I’m not generally someone who gets really that worked up with managers, but I’m really starting to hate Eric Wedge. Like AJ hate here.
With all the ill will with fans right now, this would be such an easy gesture to make.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
maybe this will make you feel better.
http://pictureisunrelated.com/2009/08/03/commuting-to-the-nudist-colony-was-a-bad-idea/
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
He doesn’t really look my MY cyclist.
I am not sure because he was fully clothed, but I think I passed my cyclist walking down the sidewalk the other day.
/stops in your tracks and points
YOU!!!!
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
I was tempted. Instead, I offered the traditional village greeting of a nod and a “Hey.” HE RETURNED NEITHER THE NOD NOR THE HEY. How can a person return neither the traditional nod nor the traditional hey? Answer: Not a person!
That irritates me almost as much as when I hold one door of a double door for someone and they just go and use the other door. Makes me want to tackle them.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4387215
ozzie: (1) if you hit us accidentally, (2) we will hit you on purpose, and (3) i don’t understand why people would call us headhunters.
Good, it is painful being stuck listening to Hawk again. Was stuck with this all night last night.
I appreciate that is an old rant but its somewhat theraputic to share
by Luis (Tribe Fan in London) on Aug 9, 2009 2:15 PM EDT via mobile reply actions
It is old, but we never stop being sympathetic.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
I appreciate it, hard not to descend into a full on rant about the various reasons he’s a tool
by Luis (Tribe Fan in London) on Aug 9, 2009 2:19 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
I am very, very glad I have developed the ability to tune out all commentators. I mean, except for the time when they’re saying something interesting and I miss it. But it means I’m okay with listening to the White Sox broadcast if I must.
Yeah I have no idea what Underwood is saying right now.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
I know what you mean, sadly I don’t get to watch many games so I still rely on the commentators to guide me through the game
by Luis (Tribe Fan in London) on Aug 9, 2009 2:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Grady, please don’t go! Grady, please don’t go! No please don’t go to Boston or NY, Grady, please don’t go!
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
Had “Baby, Please Don’t Go” on my mind.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
brian cashman has a Helga Pataki like shrine for Grady…once 2011 hits Brian wil be like “Dr. Evil pinky” $100 million dollars*
Clone Grady 25 times and we will win the World Serious in 2040
by biscuitsandgrady on Aug 9, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions
yeah, Jhonny’s gotta swing thru that pitch there. Especially with how well Choo has done this year stealing bases. Even if it was a hit in run, players are taught early on that unless its a pitch that you can drive the other way, you swing and miss, you’ve still got another strike coming. That pitch was up and in, not something you can take to right field. Poor execution by Jhonny P.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Funny how it doesn’t work that way when its the ‘bad guys’…quietly seething
by Luis (Tribe Fan in London) on Aug 9, 2009 2:30 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Looks like when Grady hit the wall it knocked him off his path.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
Holy crap. Huff has completely lost the zone. He has to get ahead!
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 2:31 PM EDT reply actions
So it’s a home run because it was going to go over anyway, right? If it was going to hit the wall, it would have been a ground-rule double? Or am I wrong?
Baseball isn't boring. YOU ARE.
Without looking, I’m guessing this is the off the head HR.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
Is it just me or does the Chicago crows seem unusually amped up for this game and how early it is?
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
I was just wondering about that. The crowd, music and fireworks are almost drowning Hamilton and Hegan out.
--
Force quit and move to trash.
We’re not in some time warp where the Indians are competitive and this is the late innings, are we? Cuz I’d sign up for that.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
Yeah Huff has to start 2010 in AAA you would think. This can’t continue for much longer. But then again he could always just pitch brilliantly in Goodyear and trick them into letting him pitch April in Cleveland.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Do people still call Podsednik Sco-Pod? Because that always sounded like some sort of Roomba variant.
Is it just me or is there this really irritating whistle cutting through the WTAM signal? Can’t seem to shake it.
--
Force quit and move to trash.
Cabrera’s shades are wicked
Clone Grady 25 times and we will win the World Serious in 2040
by biscuitsandgrady on Aug 9, 2009 2:48 PM EDT reply actions
i hate summer allergies :/
Clone Grady 25 times and we will win the World Serious in 2040
by biscuitsandgrady on Aug 9, 2009 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Asdrubal is rocking a curl hawk. very cool
Clone Grady 25 times and we will win the World Serious in 2040
by biscuitsandgrady on Aug 9, 2009 2:49 PM EDT reply actions
So what would we target as an acceptable OPS from Valbuena moving forward? Is 750 servicable or do we want him around 800?
Fair enough. That’d be awesome to have both him and Droobs over 800 long-term.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions
He has a .761 OPS in his minor league career, so I’d be surprised if he were up around 800 for any extended period of time. That said, 750 is perfectly acceptable from a 2B.
Alright so I’ll hope for 750 from Valbuena, and 800 from Droobs. And I’ll be happy.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions
That is not really a sound way of looking at it. First, 39 points is not that big of a change. Second, Valbuena was promoted aggresively and always young for his league — hit Advanced-A at 20, AA at 21, AAA and the majors at 22 — which is going to deflate his numbers compared to other non-elite prospects. Third, generally hitters don’t develop their real power stroke until their mid-20’s, which Luis hasn’t even really hit yet. So if a guy went from Advanced-A to the Majors between over age 20-22, you definitely would expect his power numbers eventually to be better in the majors than they had been in the minors.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t underestimate any player Bavasi was willing to throw away. It’s a marvel.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions
This is off topic, but I think we LGT ladies need a place where we can discuss girl stuff during game threads. Girl stuff = anything that makes mario bored.
Don't hassle me, I'm local.
Nah, better to just air it out here.
LGT is actually an elaborate plot to help Mario relate to women as human beings without wetting himself.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Dryness.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
In a weird way, this reminds me of a story a coworker told the other night. When she first started dating her ex-boyfriend three years ago, his first gift to her was a “naughty nurse” outfit. They weren’t, uh, at that point in their relationship yet.
I told her that probably would have signalled the end, for me.
Don't hassle me, I'm local.
The funny thing is that in reality all of my best friends are girls.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions
And friends they shall remain.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Story of my life. www.sadtrombone.com
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
RIght, but vbc3 wasn’t one of them.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn’t really address the point, but I’ll assume you’re agreeing with me, i.e., you never signed up for her little sexless man-harem.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I think you’re getting a little off-track here.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Revealing you met online to a bunch of people who are only friends online. Believe me, not a secret to be worried about haha.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
That actually is pretty funny.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Who you callin’ a ho?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I give up.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
And I really continue to question the zeal to which players jump to Tommy John surgery.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, but who cares what you think, it’s not like you’re a surgeon.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions
So Cots is telling me that Jake made 20 mil the last two years, and contributes 25,000 a year to Indians charity. I’d hope he would choose to be a bit more charitable this year. And if not to disadvantaged kids, than at least to Dolan.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
He’ll have to duke it out with Masterson.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
… because Laffey will hit Masterson well, because Laffey is a lefty?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah I don’t trust Fausto with that kind of pressure.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions
Fausto doesn’t have a problem with pressure. He’s just kind of a dumbass as it turns out.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, he’s the wrong kind of dumbass then.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I said, the wrong kind.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
The kind that thinks only enough to listen to his coaches and execute.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s a narrative there.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
THERE it is.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Then how do you explain Jeremy Sowers’ Cy Young pedigree?
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Fausto didn’t sell his soul, silly, that’s just his name.
He probably just needs to get his teeth fixed again.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Burts Bees makes a product for that
by supersizeme on Aug 9, 2009 3:20 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Time to go clean my car, things are growing under the seats. Oops.
Here Lies the Victor Martinez Era:
Sept. 10, 2002 - July 31, 2009
I had a car that had a leaky window. I used the car for a grubby job so it was always dirty. Plants started growing from the carpet. :D
RAAAUGGGH.
TRADING PAINT.
HATE COMMERCIAL.
RAAUGHH.
--
Force quit and move to trash.
by vbc3 on Aug 9, 2009 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
stuffed and mounted at 3B as a monument to ineptitude?
by gorilla_baller on Aug 9, 2009 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
No. You really have to trade him if you’re keeping Marte. It’s the smart move. But we’re letting him resuscitate his trade value through the end of the year … or at least end of the month.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
It’s conceivable that Peralta has already passed through waivers, right? Or is it preposterous to think he went unclaimed?
I’m making the assumption that a lot of teams are throwing a lot of their players on revocable waivers about now. Correct me if I’m wrong.
Steel Nick
Why do Underpants keep harping on the need for Crowe to “learn how to bunt”. He laid down a fine one yesterday.
The bunt is probably not as significant as the credible threat of a bunt.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
Bullshit. Crowe should have kicked the umpire’s ass there.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 3:45 PM EDT reply actions
Oh that’s right, then we wouldn’t have a back up CFer. Still would have made my sunday afternoon though.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
It feels like Jhonny is on a streak here, but it’s really not reflecting in his stats….anyone else feel this?
And upon further review, it’s explained by the complete lack of power.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
a hot streak for him at this point is like winning gold in the special olympics
by gorilla_baller on Aug 9, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Hasn’t really been that bad around here, really. Seems like when it does rain, it’s always in the afternoon.
--
Force quit and move to trash.
I guess that’s true. Seems like there have been few sunny afternoons, but you’re right most nights have just been chilly but not rainy.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah. As someone who greatly loves being able to walk outside in shorts and t-shirt at midnight somewhere in the middle of July and feeling perfectly comfortable, this summer has been a horrible bust.
Still, our AC bill has been almost nonexistent. That’s nice, I guess.
--
Force quit and move to trash.
I like Huff, but really hope he can find a way to get lefties out more consistently. Just doesn’t make whole lot of sense since he’s a lefty himself.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 3:55 PM EDT reply actions
he’s a fb-changeup… really needs to work on something moving away from lhh
by gorilla_baller on Aug 9, 2009 3:59 PM EDT up reply actions
or maybe a cutter to work the lefties on the inside part of the plate. Based on what I’ve seen today, it doesn’t seem like he goes inside to lefties at all.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 4:02 PM EDT up reply actions
SWEET TRADE VALYOOOOOOOOOO
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s gotta have semi-decent trade value, no?
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Better than Pavano. The trick is to wait until some team really, really wants him. He’s pretty valuable in the right situation.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes Jamie
One day I'll get over to watch the Tribe play
by new zealand tribe fan on Aug 9, 2009 4:03 PM EDT reply actions
Carlos Quentin has a terrible arm
didn’t look like it to me.
This is Victor's home. Victor Jose, you too.
That was an impressive throw, but Quentin had been missing the cutoff men this entire series and by anecdotal accounts this wasn’t a rare occurrence. I suppose the Indians thought that the odds of the ball bouncing towards the pitcher’s mound were pretty good. They probably were. Thats the type of outfielder that you challenge to make the perfect throw.
But wow, he nailed it.
Steel Nick
Bunch of ridiculous power arms, what could go wrong?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
What, our chance of making the playoffs went from 0 to 0?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, plenty more 7th innings for him.
You simply can’t have a winning ballclub without starters who can go into the 7th. So we’ll keep sending them out there for the 7th until we’ve given up on them entirely. It should be obvious this is the approach based on how Sowers has been handled this season.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I understand that. I’d like to see some of our new relievers get experience in later innings, too, though. Guys like Sipp, Perez, and Todd need chances to hold leads, and I think they might be more important to this team next year than Huff.
-Kyle
I think Sipp and Todd are rookie relievers, and Huff is a rookie starter.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Huff strictly on the numbers and scouting. Haven’t seen him enough to make any visual observations. Glad you saw something good, though.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Now, see, I’m not saying this should be his nickname, but at least it’s a real nickname, unlike this thuddingly uncreative “Valgood” business.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:51 PM EDT up reply actions
trying to get the hotdog vendor’s attention.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s one thing I hope Wedge is paying attention to. Marte’s so much more patient than he used to be, it’s kind of crazy.
-Kyle
Wedge was paying attention to the fact that those two balls didn’t stay fair.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone just yelled “He gone.” in the stands. Idiot.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Haha remember when we were talking yesterday about good or bad, the result always being the doing of the Indians? Well Manning doesn’t believe in that shit. An 11-pitch walk is Linebrink’s fault. No soup for you Andy.
fouling off 6 pitches counts for nothing apparently.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 4:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m preparing myself for the inevitable. I’m deciding between Babooena or Bachoo. Well, I could have Bhaboo, I guess.
We got this plea for a link from a guy who wrote 1000 words of fart humor, based on not knowing how to pronounce Toregas.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
When Crowe plays, he should be firmly planted in the 9-hole. Among other reasons.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions
In Pluto’s Tribe piece today he lists Eric Plunk among possible comparisons for Chris Perez. Totally unacceptable. Plunk (irrationally) remains far and away my least favorite Indian from that era. Perez ≠ Plunk, pretty please?
Plunk was arguably the best reliever on that club, and that’s saying something.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Huge 20/20 hindsight bs here, but I remember HATING Plunk coming out in lieu of Mesa in game 7 in 1997. He was pitching very well in that game.
by kennesawmountainwahoo on Aug 9, 2009 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m really smart when I’m looking backwards.
by kennesawmountainwahoo on Aug 9, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh good God….that, is no thanks to my wife. She’s laughing her ass off beside me right now.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions
So she came up with it? Did she steal your computer?
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
she was “checking her email” We’ve only got the one computer. She’s still splitting a gut.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 4:47 PM EDT up reply actions
She said “thank you very much. That’s what you get for spending so much stinking time following that team.”
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 4:48 PM EDT up reply actions
that’s what I get…not you. sorry, should have been more specific. She likes the indians, but she is definitely NOT a die hard. She doesn’t get it.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
That was just my roundabout way of asking someone to read the timepiece affixed to their sleeveless garment….
Something about walking the first batter with two men on.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 4:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d be more comfortable with the swing-and-miss type, but that’s just me being picky. When the pitches are so good that the batter can’t even swing, that’s saying something too.
I keep thinking back to that outing against Toronto early in the year, when he just came in and smoked ’em.
Come from behind win, and series win. Love it as a fan, but worried about the Wedge situation come year end.
by MooneysRebellion on Aug 9, 2009 5:00 PM EDT reply actions
I would hope that Shap would give the players credit for playing well instead of slurping Wedge.
by supermarioelia on Aug 9, 2009 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I think Shapiro has essentially taken himself out of the decision-making on Wedge. He’s made it so clear that he supports Wedge regardless that his voice will have a lot less weight. Or so it would seem, anyway.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m surprised this comment hasn’t gotten more play. If you’re right, it seems like a pretty big deal. Or maybe I just missed this when Dolan talked with the press. Are you thinking that Shapiro admits that objectivity is tough, after all of these years?
by kennesawmountainwahoo on Aug 9, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m thinking that he’s made his support unequivocal, to the point where he more or less ridiculed the idea of firing him to Peter Gammons. The case for Wedge, from his hiring right up to the present day, was that he was (1) basically qualified and (2) possessed of exceptional leadership qualities according to Shapiro.
Neither Shapiro nor anybody else in the organization has ever voiced any public criticism of Wedge, and while that may be simply a reflection of some mighty fine professionalism, Shapiro’s public statements have gone beyond that.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 8:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Given the bunch of former Bosox pitching prospects acquired, how about kicking Wedge ‘upstairs’ to some kind of player fullfillment/acquisition/planning position and going full tilt for Farrell?
Chitown Fan
There is no upstairs for him to go to.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 6:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Because I know the org chart of the front office?
Because failed managers rarely take significant jobs in front offices?
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions
So it is outside the realm of possibilities that to save face for Shapiro, something could not be done? Heck, there was talk of Romeo taking a front office job with the Browns, and rarely does a fired NFL head coach get a job in the front office, so its not like their hasn’t been a precedent. In any case, I was being somewhat facetious, but perhaps I crossed a line. Mea Culpa!
Chitown Fan
There would be no face-saving, because everyone would understand perfectly well that Wedge was being fired rather than deciding to “pursue new interests” in the front office.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 7:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t believe no contender wants Carroll. Doesn’t swing at balls. Can handle the bat. Legit glove.
Built in fan-base (me!), mad Ninja Assassin skills, short so doesn’t use as much energy for commuting!
by Julie on Aug 9, 2009 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Jamey Carroll: your fuel-efficient sport utility infielder
by Logodaedalus on Aug 9, 2009 5:04 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Is he our new Casey Blake? Is he better? Casey had some big moments and of course, was with the Indians a lot longer. But is Carroll in the same mold, just less power?
Chitown Fan
No. Baboo’s just a nice utility infielder of great unheight.
And he doesn’t seem to have the manly adoration of Eric Wedge. He’s only got meeee.
@ MIN Sep 14-16
DET Sep 22-24
CWS Sep 28-30
We could have some fun playing spoilers in the Central at the end of the season.
Practice for later. They haven’t decided which one they hate the most. My vote is for the ChiSox. Tyler’s is clearly for the Twins. So Detroit appears to be in the lead.
Who needs affection when you can have blind hatred?
Don’t know why, but I find Detroit to be the most gross.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
I am likely unduly influenced by the broadcasters. If I were making a list of broadcaster appeal it would be in the same order.
by Logodaedalus on Aug 10, 2009 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes and no. There was some chuckling here about his infield single, but it came on an 0-2 count, and I bet the staff noticed that at least he put the ball in play.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Great 11-pitch walk, though.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions
White Sox post-game show is being carried on Extra Innings.
Complaining about Sox playing to level of competition.
YA GOT BEAT BITCHES
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
As is obvious, I’m in Chicago, and watched the post game with Beltin Bill Melton, and yes, they did talk about playing ‘to the level of the competition’ which is pretty funny, because they ain’t all that. To Ozzie’s credit, in the post game, he acknowledged that the Indian’s pitched well and played well. But this is eating up Chicago. They hate losing to the Tribe ever since they swallowed the huge Albert Belle contract and as a result, were forced into the ‘white flag’ trade in 97, and the Tribe went to the WS without Albert.
Chitown Fan
Playing to the competition is about the same as pitching to the score, i.e., it’s 90% horseshit.
Well, that's just, like, your opinion, man.
by Jay on Aug 9, 2009 6:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Sorry, meant to reply directly to your comment...
I agree. If they let themselves ‘play to the competition’ while fighting for the playoffs, then they don’t deserve it. But the Chicago media, like in any other town, has to make excuses. The only difference is that in Chicago, it largely goes unnoticed since it doesn’t involve the Cubs.
Chitown Fan
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
Featured Stories
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- Josh Hamilton on public relapse: ‘It was just wrong. That’s all it comes down to.’
- Photo: The Marlins’ ridiculous-looking home run sculpture is almost complete
- Yankees GM Brian Cashman lures alleged stalker into police dragnet
- Report: Josh Hamilton had a relapse with alcohol
- Happy Birthday Boy! Wes Ferrell, the best-hitting pitcher of all-time, would be 104
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
