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Around SBN: Yankees Deny Rumors That Team Is For Sale

Game 53: Indians 13, Blue Jays 9

Obviously the lack of a second digit on the back of his uniform is causing an imbalance in Kyle Drabek's delivery.

Two days ago: Disaster!

The only disaster on the field tonight was PULGT* Kyle Drabek, who huffed and puffed on the mound but couldn't get any outs. Drabek came into the contest with a decent ERA but an incredible 6.0 walks per nine innings. After Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera led off the game with back-to-back doubles, Drabek struck out Shin-Soo Choo, but then walked Travis Buck and Carlos Santana to load the bases. Grady Sizemore made him pay for the wildness, plugging the left field gap with a bases-clearing double. By this time Drabek was close to 30 pitches thrown for the inning, most of them balls. Matt LaPorta hit the ball hard, but right at the third baseman, and when Drabek walked Jack Hannahan, Toronto manager John Farrell had had enough.

Toronto has an eight-man bullpen, a bit of overkill if you ask me, but in this case a large bullpen came in handy; six relievers finished up the game, and only a couple went beyond their normal work. Shawn Camp, a middle reliever, finished the first inning and pitched a 1-2-3 second inning, but started to tired in the third. With runners on first and third and one out, Matt LaPorta fouled off several pitches before Camp threw a pitch down and in. LaPorta smashed the pitch off the restaurant beyond the fence in left-center to push the lead to 7-0. Camp would stay in long enough to see the deficit balloon to 10-0.By the time the third inning was over, it was 12-0.

Star-divide

Random batting lines:

 

Asdrubal Cabrera: 4-6, 3 2B

Carlos Santana: 0-3, 3 BB

Shin-Soo Choo: 1-6, 2B

Matt LaPorta: 3-5, HR

 

 

Josh Tomlin pitched four very good innings, but after that, he fell apart, giving up three runs each in the fifth and sixth innings. But he pitched well long enough for the Indians to build up quite a substantial lead, a lead that could withstand his worst start of the season. And Chad Durbin and Frank Herrmann. And the first four Toronto hitters of the ninth reaching base.

Two nights ago, the Indians lost their fifth game in six tries. Tonight, the main worry was using Vinnie Pestano two days in a row going into a four-game series with Texas. The Indians won the series with Toronto, and finished their six-game road trip at 3-3 and with the best record in baseball.

*Parallel Universe Let's Go Tribe. The parallel universe where Grady Sizemore has a goatee and Charlie Sheen is a model citizen.

 

20110601_indians_bluejays_0_20110601221557_lbig__medium

via www.fangraphs.com

 

Highest WPA Lowest WPA
Sizemore .144 Choo -.042
A. Cabrera .092 R. Perez -.040
Santana .070 Everett -.009

Comment 85 comments  |  0 recs  | 

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Comments

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Normally I’ll turn off games like this after the 12 runs are scored and switch to radio or box score while I do chores, but I kept watching this one. I blame myself for Tomlin’s 6 runs.

Time to pull the Cord.

by USSChoo on Jun 2, 2011 1:07 AM EDT reply actions  

I take particularly pleasure in beating Farrell. He was an ass to not even interview for the Cleveland job. I hope he’s happy with his lot in Toronto.

by afh4 on Jun 2, 2011 1:09 AM EDT reply actions  

Wait, is this true?

LGT's resident moderate Yankee hating fan.

by Joe. on Jun 2, 2011 1:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Yes and no. He was contractually barred from interviewing for a manager job for another year, but there was a suspicion that Boston would have given him permission anyway, specifically for his former club, had he really wanted to interview.

I’m not too bothered with it, and mainly, I feel that we got the right guy.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 2:32 AM EDT up reply actions  

I feel that we got the right guy.

That is the part that keeps me from being bothered. I know he wasn’t the sexy pick of the options, but I’m glad he’s the one who made it. His enthusiasm for being here alone is worth it.

Time to pull the Cord.

by USSChoo on Jun 2, 2011 2:40 AM EDT up reply actions  

I’m still happy that we didn’t get Bobby Valentine. I know he has a good track record and all, but something about his attitude during the interview process really bothered me.

by OscarDog on Jun 2, 2011 2:57 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

I wouldn’t go so far as to say he had a good track record. And his interview process was awful. And in general before the interview process, all you had to do was watch him on ESPN to dislike him.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions  

In 11 full seasons as a manager—well, not counting Japan—Bobby was 27 games better than Pythagoras. He’s a good manager, if an odd duck.

by YoDaddyWags on Jun 2, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions  

I’m still unconvinced that differential from Pythagorean expectation is to be put on the manager. Sure, he can do some things, but if your bullpen is terrible or you get some some unexpectedly good season-long clutch hitting, thats going to affect your differential regardless of the manager.

by 7foot3 on Jun 2, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions  

I watched a lot of Mets baseball during the Bobby V era. He was, in my recollection, tactically excellent, frequently a step ahead of the opposition manager, able to work late-game matchups consistently in his favor, and he didn’t flout the odds with inane hunches. He was abrasive and egocentric, as well, which made for a tumultuous clubhouse, but those playing for Bobby couldn’t count on his “loyalty” to cover any shortcomings in their performance: he was a champ at shoveling people under the wheels of the bus. Pythag was used here as an (apparently) objective support for my observations, but you are right to question its authority, absent any systematic evidence or studies.

by YoDaddyWags on Jun 2, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions  

You certainly have more first-hand experience than I do, but I see a guy who never seems to know what he’s talking about on TV combined with a Mets legacy of never finishing in first despite large payrolls, and only finishing second three times. No one’s offered him a job in ten years. I’ll have to take your word on everything else.

He was abrasive and egocentric

That I certainly remember.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions  

Anyway, Bobby Valentine: Not a fit for the Indians. I think we can agree on that.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions  

Oh, I missed his last Metsie year, which was a -4 Pythag.

Valentine replacing Wedge would have had its fascinations, as do tornadoes for storm watchers, but I’m happy with Mr. Acta.

by YoDaddyWags on Jun 2, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions  

Valentine would have been better for bloggers, worse for fans.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 12:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

I was happy at the time that the Tribe was thinking, “outside the[ir] box,” when they chose to interview him, but I agree that they got the right man.

by Kenyafan on Jun 2, 2011 4:11 PM EDT up reply actions  

I was disappointed with the choice of Acta precisely because it seemed like they were bringing in another guy who basically thinks exactly like the front office already thinks. I still think that’s a fair concern, but it’s a bit more clear now that Acta brings his own knowledge, ideas and instincts to the table, and as field manager, those are real differentiators with his predecessor.

It may even be that his grasp and application of front-office stats is better than Wedge’s — that is, it’s possible that the front office upgraded by bringing in someone even more aligned with their thinking than Wedge was.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 11:44 PM EDT up reply actions  

I do think that the second paragraph is probably true, and that it doesn’t come at the expense of your first paragraph.

"I want to be playing at the end of October or the end of September -- not just at the beginning of April." —Grady

by westbrook on Jun 3, 2011 1:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

This is certainly an incisive summary. Still, it cannot be ruled out that those second-place and third-place teams overachieved. Spending a large payroll wisely is not the manager’s job.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 12:55 PM EDT up reply actions  

Granted.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions  

I would have preferred Farrell as I think he is brilliant, but Acta is a quite solid consolation prize. Either way, not a fan of this whole holding a grudge with the man. Toronto is a young team with a very bright future and I wish them well.

LGT's resident moderate Yankee hating fan.

by Joe. on Jun 2, 2011 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions  

There are 30 of these jobs and he’s too good or one? Obnoxious.

by afh4 on Jun 2, 2011 9:56 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

Because he didn’t go out of his way to get special permission to interview, that means he thinks he’s too good for the position? Come on. The guy has never said a bad thing about the organization.

LGT's resident moderate Yankee hating fan.

by Joe. on Jun 2, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions  

He asked that his name be removed his name from consideration, didn’t he? It wasn’t just not seeking the job.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

his name his name.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions  

This was the case and I think it communicates precisely that he thinks he’s too good for the job. It was, minimally, tacitly disrespectful.

As Jay said, all’s well that end’s well, but I found his behavior ridiculous and irritating.

by afh4 on Jun 2, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions  

For a guy that has never managed, to no go out of his way at any job opportunity is a bit much. If most people are in that position, they are pulling out all the stops to get any of those jobs.

by Roger Dorn on Jun 2, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions  

You know what, it comes down to not making a conspicuously positive public statement on the matter. It wouldn’t have been hard to say …

  • The Indians are a great organization.
  • Shapiro and Antonetti are great friends, and anyone would be lucky to work for them.
  • I do want to be a major league manager someday, and this would be a great opportunity, but the timing is just not right.
  • I made a commitment to the Red Sox to give them three years, and it’s important to me to honor that. They also gave me a great opportunity.
  • If and when I do get an opportunity to manage, I’ll want that team to know that I’m going to honor my commitments to them, too.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

I think he said the 4th one if I recall correctly.

by Roger Dorn on Jun 2, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions  

Considering the motivation was probably that the Indians were entering full-blown rebuild mode and would have no chance of competing in the forseeable future, it is a nice little gut-punch that the Tribe looks poised to win a division before his team gets even close.

In the new Geico commercial, Marte sings "Let me be myself" on Wedge's front lawn (with the cavemen).

by V-Mart Shopper on Jun 2, 2011 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Similarly, the Indians returned to the postseason (2007) a year before the departed-to-compete Jim Thome did (2008).

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ditto for the team that signed him.

Though I look right at home, I still feel like an exile

by Manhattan Tribe Fan on Jun 3, 2011 12:41 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yes.

Manny also did not reach the postseason (2003) until after the Indians did (2001) following his departure (2000).

by Jay on Jun 3, 2011 1:44 AM EDT up reply actions  

The grass is not always Soylenter!

by talonk on Jun 3, 2011 2:17 AM EDT up reply actions  

Mostly agree, but I’m glad he was “too good for us”… I couldn’t possibly like him more than I like Acta.

"I want to be playing at the end of October or the end of September -- not just at the beginning of April." —Grady

by westbrook on Jun 2, 2011 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions  

Beat me to it.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 2:33 AM EDT up reply actions  

Somewhere, someone on the Twins blog is getting rec’d?

Guns don't kill people. LaMarr Woodley kills people. (mattyc_77 on twitter)

by BostonWahoo on Jun 2, 2011 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

This has to be part of the next Soylent Green roundup.

by Ryan on Jun 2, 2011 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions  

What

If you don't respect Aaron Laffey, I will fight you.

by Cap'n Snegiryov on Jun 2, 2011 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions   1 recs

Like this wasn’t on everyone else’s minds.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions  

Extremely awesome!

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

by Spidey on Jun 2, 2011 8:40 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions  

This is your first comment!? Rec.

But what I really want to talk about is: THERE WAS A DAVIS-MORROW-STYLE GALLARDO RUMOR!?

"I want to be playing at the end of October or the end of September -- not just at the beginning of April." —Grady

by westbrook on Jun 2, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions  

This is how you flex.

by joeee on Jun 2, 2011 9:39 PM EDT up reply actions  

I don’t really know where to put this, but that Alex White poll at the side is sad now. That should be changed.

by ahowie on Jun 2, 2011 3:38 AM EDT reply actions  

A 3-3 road trip … I’ll take it.

Now let’s split or take 3 of 4 from the Rangers.

by talonk on Jun 2, 2011 3:50 AM EDT reply actions  

This.

I just want to believe.

by mjmarble on Jun 2, 2011 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions  

Last year we didn’t win our 33rd game until July 5th. If we get two against Texas, then we’ll really be up on last year, when our 35th victory didn’t come until July 16th.

by APV on Jun 2, 2011 7:01 AM EDT reply actions  

I’d love to move from a month ahead of the curve to a month and a half ahead of the curve.

I just want to believe.

by mjmarble on Jun 2, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

I’m going overseas until 06/12. Please take care of our team while I’m gone.

"(We) did not generally despise those trades. We despised being in the position where we had to make them" -Jay

by stuart dean on Jun 2, 2011 7:40 AM EDT reply actions  

Hopefully somewhere fun.

I just want to believe.

by mjmarble on Jun 2, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions  

You’re not gonna be in Budapest are you? because if you are, I’ll see you there.

My primitive mind can't grasp these concepts.

by Ockus_NYC on Jun 2, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions  

This site is awesome.

Time to pull the Cord.

by USSChoo on Jun 2, 2011 6:10 PM EDT up reply actions  

Happiness is mowing your lawn with your cell phone in your pocket and checking it every couple minutes with a continual smile. Nice third inning, boys.

by TribeJay on Jun 2, 2011 8:00 AM EDT reply actions   1 recs

Comfortable with the 12 run lead they posted, I headed out to my softball game around 8:15 pm.

My team scored a bunch of runs through the first three innings to put us up 13 – 3. We then struggled a bit with pitching and fielding and our bats grew more-or-less quiet; as we took the field to try and shut down the visiting team in the top of the seventh, the score stood 14 – 7. Things got shaky as more fielding mishaps plated a few runs and put runners on with only 1 out. But we got a strikeout and a nice defensive play at third to end the game. Final score: 14-10.

I took my phone out of my equipment bag to check on the Indians score and was treated to the last 2 outs of what, given the state of things in the ninth, had become a somewhat close game. I smiled.

Then I went out for beer and tacos.

I'm emotional about my glove...

by JimmyAB on Jun 2, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions  

To bad it wasn’t a division opponent because they had to use alot of their bullpen.

by UnSafe 70 on Jun 2, 2011 8:48 AM EDT reply actions  

They actually could have fared worse, as Ryan noted above, since they have a huge pen.

Time to pull the Cord.

by USSChoo on Jun 2, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions  

I had the thought during the game that if they were playing one of our rivals next, it was be to our advantage NOT to use up their bullpen.

However … they have an off-day today and then three days in Baltimore. So who cares.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions  

What’s up with Perez? If he doesn’t get his s(tuff) together, Pestano’s arm is going to fall off!

by mcbassman on Jun 2, 2011 9:03 AM EDT reply actions  

A terrible Monday, but a great couple of games to close out the series. NOW I’m heading home.

by supermarioelia on Jun 2, 2011 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

3 of 4 against Texas would be nice, if only because screw BP’s playoff odds. We’re in first place.

Steel Nick

by nickjs21 on Jun 2, 2011 9:39 AM EDT reply actions  

Raffi Perez is worrying me.

Adam Foote still blows!

by Heavysoviet on Jun 2, 2011 10:05 AM EDT reply actions  

He’s been due for an implosion for quite some time. The only thing he does well at this point is get groundballs.

LGT's resident moderate Yankee hating fan.

by Joe. on Jun 2, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions  

Yep, I’m not liking his stuff at all, and he’s not really a strike-thrower. Hagadone will get a chance to supplant him as the second lefty at some point. RPerez is working his way to join Durbin as a middle man.

by TribeJay on Jun 2, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions  

He’s starting to look like he looked last year when he was totally lost and we were all calling for him to be DFAd. I hope they realize in the bullpen that somebody has to go when Hagadone is ready. And that day might not be long in coming.

@grantgw - sports and Cleveland and Columbus stuff

by woodsmeister on Jun 2, 2011 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions  

So that gamethread was pretty impressive. Wonder why trips to Toronto always bring out the best in LGT Gamethreading…

by Gradyforpresident on Jun 2, 2011 10:18 AM EDT reply actions  

Hey! We’re first in baseball again!

by supermarioelia on Jun 2, 2011 11:11 AM EDT reply actions   1 recs

it would help if he would stop writing posts that hinge on run differential directly after favorable blowouts.

by gmfrodo on Jun 2, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions  

Why did he add that postscript if the run differential of last night’s game was only -4?

by JulioBernazard on Jun 2, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions  

Had the same thought. I imagine he did it before the game was over.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions  

Hmmm, a few comments vanished from this area… Mine and at least one other. Bummer. Well, at least everyone was spared from reading mine.

I'm emotional about my glove...

by JimmyAB on Jun 2, 2011 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions  

Yeah, that was my doing. Someone posted an image, and there was some weird HTML formatting problem within that same comment post that was screwing up everything below it. Easiest fix was to delete the image post, which took a couple replies along with it.

by Jay on Jun 2, 2011 11:48 PM EDT up reply actions  

Ah, thanks for the info. I had started to think I imagined the whole thing.

Mine was a simple list of all the AL east +run differentials from May 28th through June 2.
I was trying to show that, in the context of his post, Neyer’s use of that stat was silly because of the large swings that can take place in short time spans. And that he really wasn’t trying to have anything substantial to say anyway; it seemed non-committal and hastily put together.

I'm emotional about my glove...

by JimmyAB on Jun 3, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions  

I’m gone for a week and miss a meme. Super.

by ameliorate on Jun 2, 2011 3:23 PM EDT reply actions  

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