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Notes/Game Thread: 3-14-2010


As we approach the middle of March, Russell Branyan is still not ready to play:

Russell Branyan wouldn't say he had a setback in his rehabilitation of a herniated disc in his back this spring. He did say his rehabilitation may have "plateaued."

The Indians knew that there was a chance that Branyan wouldn't contribute this season. After all, if it wasn't for Branyan's back injury, he'd have signed a 3-year contract with someone rather than a make-good major-league deal. If Branyan's back is still on that plateau (and it's looking more likely with each passing day), that will mean the Brantley-LaPorta configuration becomes more likely.

Carlos Carrasco, who got a taste of the majors after coming over from Philadelphia, still hasn't had any success against major-league hitters. He allowed six hits and three runs in three innings in yesterday's game against the Rangers, and to me it clinches him going to Columbus. 

 

Today's Game:

Cleveland at San Diego, 4:00 PM (STO)

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i don’t know. i think if branyan isn’t ready to start the regular season, we’ll see sowers at first base. has ambriz pitched a second time yet?

by Brick. on Mar 14, 2010 10:10 AM EDT reply actions  

Am I supposed to be worried about Carrasco? Because I really am.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 11:07 AM EDT reply actions  

Did you worry about Francisco Crucetta?

by larzko on Mar 14, 2010 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions  

TINSTAAPP anyway, so why worry?

Carrasco has the unique combination of being both promising and crappy. I’m ignoring him, suggest you do the same.

by Jay on Mar 14, 2010 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Me and my fellow Samsung Lions fans are watching Carrasco with interest.

by YoDaddyWags on Mar 14, 2010 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions  

ooh, promising and crappy

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Crappy as a ML pitcher right now. Promising as a young pitcher in AAA with stuff to work on before we need to worry about him at all.

by mcrose on Mar 14, 2010 1:25 PM EDT up reply actions  

As opposed to other pitchers we’ve called up that have gotten shelled in the majors, at least he has stuff.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Because I drafted him in my scoresheet league

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

he’s so young. pretend he’s only in AA or something

by Brick. on Mar 14, 2010 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

True, worrying about CarCar’s 2010 is mildly symptomatic of the misbegotten hope that we’re going to be any good this year.

by fleerdon on Mar 14, 2010 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Here’s what I do: I repeat this mantra

He’s only 23 years old. He’s only 23 years old. He’s only 23 years old.

by Toxicadam on Mar 14, 2010 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Pluto:
Huff has been extremely impressive, especially throwing his fastball inside to right-handed hitters — a goal set by Belcher. He was 7-5 with a 4.75 ERA after the All-Star break, and 4-1 with a 2.18 ERA in his last five starts. He has some soreness in the spring of 2009, which may have been partly behind his slow start last season. Yes, he had a 5.61 ERA, but he somehow was 11-8 with a team that finished 65-97.

Terry goes on to suggest that either Laffey or Talbot will be in the bullpen if Huff stays on course.

by fleerdon on Mar 14, 2010 12:39 PM EDT reply actions  

like i said i’m high on huff

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Huff will do that to you.

Welcome back, Sandy! ATALECG...

by USSChoo on Mar 14, 2010 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

There is nothing more mind-boggling in recent Indians coverage than the repeated assertion that it’s a big point in Huff’s favor that he led the team with 11 wins. That is dumb on so many levels.

by Jay on Mar 14, 2010 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why is that dumb? It seems like a relevant point when assessing the current crop of Indians starters.

"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge..." C. Darwin

by Spidey on Mar 14, 2010 1:46 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Don’t get him started, it’s a really nice day out. Wouldn’t you really go out and work in the garden or something? Wash the car?

by larzko on Mar 14, 2010 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Maybe that was Spidey’s birthday present.

by YoDaddyWags on Mar 14, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ha! It’s a rainy day and I’m getting a little punchy from being stuck inside the house. With daylight savings time, it feels too early to start drinking, but maybe I have to force myself…

"Ignorance more frequently begets confidence than does knowledge..." C. Darwin

by Spidey on Mar 14, 2010 2:23 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

As someone who has required back surgery (3 herniated discs and spinal stenosis)
, I will take the high road and not bash Russel Branyan.

by GoTribe028 on Mar 14, 2010 1:19 PM EDT reply actions  

Today’s #Indians lineup: CF Crowe, 2B Grudzielanek, 3B Peralta, RF Choo, LF Weglarz, 1B Marte, SS Donald, C Toregas, LHP Laffey. No DH.

by mcrose on Mar 14, 2010 2:37 PM EDT reply actions  

Eh…I guess I’m more interested in the latter half of the lineup today.

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 3:17 PM EDT up reply actions  

Trevor Crowe, get out of my life.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bumper sticker nomination.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 4:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

The game is also being broadcast on the MLB Network, for those of us outside the STO broadcast range

by c9kay32 on Mar 14, 2010 3:24 PM EDT reply actions  

I’m pretty happy with how camp is playing out so far. I’ll be happy if Huff secures the 4th spot and Laffey and Talbot compete for the 5th spot/long man roles. I like that Brantley is keeping the pressure on to find a spot for him on the 25-man roster. I like that Lonnie Chisenhall is badass. I want to see more LaPorta, more Donald, and more Marson (though it kind of seems like they’ve already made the decision of Marson over Toregas).

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 3:29 PM EDT reply actions  

anyone have a line on donald’s defensive rep?

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 3:38 PM EDT up reply actions  

if he can play league average defense at 2B and SS (or just below), he could be a steal. this is definitely the big year for him though.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

i don’t think i’m saying anything new here.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Way to not contribute meaningfully to the internet.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

nice of the pirates to not be able to record an out in the 9th and end this thing on time…

by Brick. on Mar 14, 2010 3:58 PM EDT reply actions  

hm. according to the dvr, it’s not on for another hour.

by Brick. on Mar 14, 2010 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

Bases loaded for Choo

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Bases loaded for Choo Weglarz

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:14 PM EDT up reply actions  

HBP to bring in a run

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions  

Young makes Marte look stupid with that swing

by GoTribe028 on Mar 14, 2010 4:19 PM EDT reply actions  

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Donald flies out to end the inning

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:20 PM EDT reply actions  

I like those blue caps with the block “C”

by GoTribe028 on Mar 14, 2010 4:23 PM EDT reply actions  

I just got one of these and really like it:

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah those are very nice looking.

by GoTribe028 on Mar 14, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

I also have one of these now, which I also like

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

i quite like that

by Brick. on Mar 14, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

My only complaint is that it is fitted – I don’t like fitted hats. My block C hat (above) isn’t fitted, unlike the one shown.

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

APV, I’ve looked at a couple of those American Needle caps. Random questions:

1) What’s on the back? I only see front views.
2) Is it true-to-size?
3) Does the wool make it too hot to, say, play tennis in?

by Chemo on Mar 14, 2010 6:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

1) nothing
2) yes
3) I haven’t done anything too active in it, but I think it does run hot.

It also has more of a solid form than a cloth style cap.

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 7:18 PM EDT up reply actions  

Laffey with more DPs.

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 4:29 PM EDT reply actions  

Pitchers batting in spring training do not make me happy

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:30 PM EDT reply actions  

never took the bat off his shoulder. i"m fine with that.

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Seriously. But it does seem like a waste.

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions  

Micah Owings needs to get his swings in against real pitchers at some point.

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, obviously instructed not to.

by TribeJay on Mar 14, 2010 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

i forgot how much i didn’t miss these cleveland clinic comercials

by Brick. on Mar 14, 2010 4:33 PM EDT reply actions  

Aaron Laffey smartly gives up a leadoff single to set up the DP

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:34 PM EDT reply actions  

Laffey tries the ol’ “lets try to injure one of their guys by attempting to pick him off”

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 4:36 PM EDT reply actions  

Peralta/Grudz error

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:38 PM EDT reply actions  

Ehrror

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 4:38 PM EDT reply actions  

He once loaded the bases… so he could promptly clear them.

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 4:43 PM EDT reply actions  

Second DP for Laffey.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 4:43 PM EDT reply actions  

One unearned run in – not exactly helped by Peralzielanek

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

JP gets this dance party started.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 4:48 PM EDT reply actions  

Sorry guys, that means a home run.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

Peralta makes up for his error with a line drive HR

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:48 PM EDT reply actions  

It’s clear that everyone on this team wants Laffey in the rotation. They will do whatever they can to give him a win.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 4:49 PM EDT up reply actions  

I really do like Laffey. Maybe I’m addicted to DPs, who knows.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 4:52 PM EDT up reply actions  

He just always seems to step up for the team, which I like. That said, his GB-tendencies could be very nice out of the bullpen. I would be ok with the Indians breaking camp with Laffey serving the role as early guy out of the bullpen and Talbot as the 5th starter.

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think groundballers out of the bullpen are a new market inefficiency.

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

I just worry that his psyche eventually cracks from the way he gets looped around. Yes, it’s part of the business, and maybe he hasn’t truly earned any better with his performances, but I worry that we might be close to messing him up in the head.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions  

He’s got to be tough

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Do you mean “he’s got to be tough” in that he’s shown his toughness, or that he has to be tough to be a pro ball player?

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

I just mean Laffey is going to have to be mentally tough to make it. His stuff by itself isn’t so great that he is going to be given spots. So he is going to have to be tough to keep his spot.

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions  

Speaking of his mental toughness….goshdarnit.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions  

This might all be moot. The ball just bounced off Laffey’s foot, so with our luck it’ll need to be amputated.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Nah, he’ll just need new shoes.

by GoTribe028 on Mar 14, 2010 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions  

Really seems like you’re overthinking this.

Staying healthy and in the majors, awesome. Reaching arbitration, super-awesome.

Starting instead of relieving, also would be nice. Not awesome, let alone super-awesome.

by Jay on Mar 14, 2010 8:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Alright Andy. Thanks for participating in a positive way.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 4:52 PM EDT reply actions  

Grudz looks like the devil in his gameday pic. I can’t deal with that all year. Pass.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 4:53 PM EDT reply actions  

Slick play by Donald

by GoTribe028 on Mar 14, 2010 4:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Oooh…good defense from Jason Donald

by APV on Mar 14, 2010 4:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Don’t frig around here Aaron, we’re trying to win games.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 5:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Double to the Tae-Bo guy.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 5:03 PM EDT reply actions  

Boo Laffey. I take back everything good I ever said about you.

by supermarioelia on Mar 14, 2010 5:08 PM EDT reply actions  

Boy, that was the Laffey we saw at the end of last season. Sinker wasn’t diving, not good command. Perhaps he just tired in this last inning. Not anything like he looked in the first spring game.

I like Laffey, but today is the reason not to get too excited about him, as has been discussed in various threads this spring.

by TribeJay on Mar 14, 2010 5:12 PM EDT reply actions  

Triple by Hundley off Rondon. That was a rocket, but Crowe misplayed it.

by TribeJay on Mar 14, 2010 5:14 PM EDT reply actions  

Did Crowe have trouble with the sun or what? Looked like he misjudged that triple.

by Matt Y. on Mar 14, 2010 5:15 PM EDT reply actions  

This team sucks.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Mar 14, 2010 5:17 PM EDT reply actions  

Announcer (roughly): “Crowe went after that like a flamingo, not a crow.”

by Matt Y. on Mar 14, 2010 5:17 PM EDT reply actions  

so what we’re saying is, i should trade laffey and carrasco

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 5:24 PM EDT reply actions  

and not take rondon, but do take jason donald

by Gradyforpresident on Mar 14, 2010 5:24 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yes, based on Game Thread logic. Subject to change tomorrow.

by TribeJay on Mar 14, 2010 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions  

In other Cleveland news, Brady Quinn was just traded.

And Rondon doesn’t seem to have much beyond a fastball…

by GoTribe028 on Mar 14, 2010 5:38 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeah, I was about to post that. Obviously, you like the live fastball. But I have yet to see him throw an offspeed pitch today that fooled anyone.

by TribeJay on Mar 14, 2010 5:40 PM EDT up reply actions  

Site went down for a short moment and I got the following message:

We’re sorry, sports fans, but something went wrong.

We’ve been notified about this problem and we’ll take a look at it shortly. Thanks for your patience.

For a moment, I thought it was a note from the Indians front office about 20 months ago.

by TribeJay on Mar 14, 2010 5:39 PM EDT reply actions   1 recs

Alex White pitching

by Matt Y. on Mar 14, 2010 5:46 PM EDT reply actions  

Seeing Donnie Webb at the end of a spring training game is kind of like seeing police show up in a horror movie. Right away you think, “Oh, this won’t end well”.

by JRontherim on Mar 14, 2010 6:51 PM EDT reply actions  

Nice line for Gomez.

... Paul Hoynes is a really great guy ...

by westbrook on Mar 14, 2010 6:58 PM EDT reply actions  

Yeah, he looked good. Was able to throw more than one kind of pitch for a strike and stayed low in the zone.

by mcrose on Mar 14, 2010 7:12 PM EDT up reply actions  

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