Hi LGTers, this traveling baseball fan out of Atlanta would like to ask those of you in the Cleveland-local area a few questions. Naturally, as the excitement for a new season approaches, we have a lot to look forward to; in my case, I look forward to two things most of all - traveling to new baseball parks, and eating the food available in these places.

I'm very likely to make just a quick day trip up to Cleveland on April 26, on the day that the Indians are hosting the Royals, and knocking Progressive Field off of the list of MLB ballparks (#21 for me). That being said, I would like to ask you guys just a few questions:

1. What's the traffic like in Cleveland? I haven't been there since I was just a fourth grader passing through with my family, and seeing Sea World, so my knowledge of what the roads are like, how light/bad the traffic may or may not be is not at reliable. I'm going to be on somewhat of a tight schedule, literally coming in in the morning, and probably taking the last flight out that same day.
2. Furthermore, will I even need a rental car? I'm looking at maps online, and seeing that Cleveland has the RTA rail line. Could I feasibly just take the red line from CLE airport into Tower City station, and just walk to Progressive Field? Anybody have any estimates for how long such rides takes, or if it's like Atlanta's public rail system and is a joke and should be avoided like the plague stick to a rental noob?
3. Progressive Field question itself: it's a 12:05 game I'm looking at, during the middle of a workday. Should I at all be concerned about not being able to get a ticket, and pre-purchase one now, or will I be able to fairly easily walk right up and get a right-field seat without much complication?
4. Food. I'll pretty much have time for one really good meal, and maybe something to snack on at the ballpark. That being said, one breakfast/lunch meal in the city of Cleveland, what should I strive for? Also, anything unique good in Progressive Field?

If any of you guys would be so kind as to field my inquiries, I would be very grateful. I apologize in advance if this is redundant, or if there was a Cleveland visitor's post I clearly missed available somewhere, or if there were any other fanposts of this nature that existed before I came along. I searched for some general and vague terms, and came up with nothing prior to this. Any references, answers and advice are all welcome.

I've done a whole bunch of write-ups of my travels throughout the last four seasons, in collaboration with a lot of the cities' teams I've visited. If there's any interest of those of you here at LGT, I'd be happy to share my experiences in a similar fashion in my short stay in Cleveland.

Great American Ball Park - Red Reporter
Wrigley Field - Bleed Cubbie Blue
Miller Park - Brew Crew Ball
PNC Park - Bucs Dugout
PETCO Park - Gaslamp Ball
Dodger Stadium - True Blue L.A.
Angel Stadium - Halos Heaven
Tropicana Field - DraysBay
HHH Metrodome - Twinkie Town
U.S. Cellular Field - South Side Sox
Kauffman Stadium - Royals Review
Busch Stadium III - Viva El Birdos

Thanks again in advance, and I look forward to all the wonderful advice you guys might have for me.

I've been getting ready for the 2012 fantasy baseball season the past two weeks; and of course the first and most detailed team that I am projecting will be the Cleveland Indians. Last year I projected some players almost perfectly (Hafner, LaPorta, Santana, Brantley, both Perez's) and missed big on others (had Choo penciled in for 22 bombs and Asdrubal for 7. 450 plate appearances by Grady and missed Fausto's ERA by over a run.) Here are my 2012 projections that we could all be laughing at eight months time....

A few notes:

• I have Hannahan & Chiz sharing time at around a 65/35 split. I simply think that Hannahan's defense is too valuable to not being playing on a semi-regular basis. I also like Hannahan's approach at the plate. I think he's a solid player.
  
• I tried to go conservative but I do think this "could" be a bounce back season six years in the making for Travis Hafner. If he plays the way he has the previous five seasons I seriously doubt his option will be picked up in 2013 (see Grady Sizemore from last year.) If "Pronk" does fail to deliver a decent season this year - he could be done in the majors. Vladimir Guerrero and Johnny Damon - two probable future Hall of Famers - and to a lesser extent Chris Gimenez Raul Ibanez and Hideki Matsui, currently can't find work and they have a better track record than Pronk. The market for a DH isn't what it was even just a few years ago - more teams are using it as a revolting door to give guys a day off, using it as a platoon, ect. Travis Hafner dosen't peg me as the type of guy to play for the money; and I don't think that he hasn't been giving 100% the past five years, but I have to imagine the thought of this possibly being his last year in the majors - or at least last year as a starter (I guess he could find a Jim Thome role somewhere) isn't in the back of his mind somewhere.
  
• Speaking of Pronk, I have him and Grady penciled in for one DL stint a piece, because frankly it seems silly not to predict that.
• I have "Fausto Carmona" coming back sometime around the all-star break. He was the hardest to predict. I also put my rose colored glasses on and am imagining that this entire false identity thing being lifted from his shoulders might make him a bit more relaxed and maybe we'll see more of the "good" Fausto than the "bad."
• No projections on guys that I think will have less than 150 AB or 25 IP. Too small of a sample to really make a prediction. Remember David Huff was actually Cliff Lee for about 25 innings last year and Orlando Cabrera was a .300 hitting RBI machine for a few weeks.

Onto the Predictions...

Continue reading this post »

Am I the only one that doesnt understand why the Indians arent releasing Carmona and signing Oswalt? Not only is Oswalt a million times better than Carmona but he would be around the same price as Carmona! The comparison between the two isnt even close! Carmona is essentially our worst pitcher while Oswalt would challenge to be our BEST pitcher. Plus, at the same time, this would allow us to release Carmona with no consequences at all. I am sorry but Kevin Slowey IS NOT the answer. We already missed on Beltran, Pena, etc. Let's make some kind of splash to significantly improve this team. Am I crazy here? What am I missing? Please explain...

via media.cleveland.com

100% Pure Gold*

Although Jack Bauer was the most recent pop culture phenomenon, the number 24 has many references in history. Besides Hall of Famers Willie Mays, and Sam Jones of the Celtics, 24 is also the number of chapters in both Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, which is apropos for the most celebrated Tribe #24, Manuel Aristides (Onelcida) Ramirez, who has a bit of an eccentric journey himself.

Originally born in Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Manny grew up in New York and attended George Washington High School in Manhattan. He was a 3 time All-City selection and the New York City Public School Player of the Year in 1991. He obviously caught the eye of many scouts because of those eye-catching high school numbers, but was luckily still available at #13 in the June 1991 draft, where Hank Peters (and John Hart) selected him based on Mickey White’s input.

He would sign on June 5 of 1991 and reported to the Burlington Indians (Appalachian – Rookie). He had an excellent 326/426/679 slash in 258 PA, which got him the #37 BA prospect heading into his 1992 season for the Kinston Indians (Carolina – A+) His numbers went slightly down, 278/379/502, but that did not faze the scouts as BA moved him up to #13, heading to Canton-Akron Indians (Eastern – AA) for the 1992 season. As a 21 year old, he lit up the league with 32 2B, 17 HR and 79 RBI and a 340/414/581 slash in 396 PA, earning him a midseason call-up to the Charlotte Knights (International – AAA) where he continued to mash, 12 2B, 14 HR 36 RBI 317/424/690 in only 177 PA. This would get him his cup of coffee in 1993 as well, receiving 55 PA in 22 games.

He would open the 1994 season as the starting RF, hitting 269/357/521 125 OPS+ in 336 PA in the strike season of 1994. That would earn him a second place finish as Rookie of the Year, behind hammerin’ Bob Hamelin. Between 1995 and 1998, Man-Ram would be a model of superior consistency; achieving a 147, 146, 144 and 146 OPS+ in each of those seasons, averaging 96 RS, 36 2B, 34 HR, 113 RBI and a 310/398/570 slash over those four seasons, with All-Star appearances in 1995, 1998 a Silver Slugger in 1995, and also finishing 12th in MVP voting in 1995 and 6th in 1998 as well.

As superb as he was in those four seasons, Manny would become All-Universe in 1999, 131 RS, 34 2B, 44 HR, 165 RBI (leading the league), 333/442/663 173 OPS+ (leading the league) an All-Star appearance, Silver Slugger and somehow only 3rd in MVP voting (behind I-Rod and Pedro and tied with Robbie Alomar). In 2000, Manny would play 29 fewer games than in 1999, but still put up an incredible season of 92 RS, 34 2B, 38 HR, 122 RBI, 351/457/697 186 OPS+ and another All-Star, Silver Slugger and only 6th in the MVP voting.

It would be here that Manny being Manny would really get his Odyssey going, moving over to the Red Sox and continuing his mashing ways, averaging 36 HR, 114 RBI, and 313/412/594 157 OPS+ over the next 7 years. He would drift over his final years from the Dodgers to the White Sox and to the Rays, where he would retire unexpectedly after testing positive for a banned PED. Most of his Manny moments occurred as a member of the Red Sox, cutting off a Johnny Damon relay resulting in an inside the park home run, disappearing into the Green Monster, re-using his grandmother’s death to skip team events, and of course not running out ground balls, but rather heading back to the dugout. In Cleveland, he had a couple moments as well: getting caught stealing first base when he stole second, thought Thome had fouled the ball and was thrown out going back to first; receiving three tickets from a Cleveland officer for windows tinted too dark, music too loud and an illegal driver’s license. The officer told him "I’m going to give you a ticket," Manny replied "I don’t need any tickets, I can give you tickets" and opens his glove box to hand a few to the officer. And then as he left, the officer gave him a fourth ticket for an illegal U-turn.

* The number of carats representing 100% pure gold.

A Brief History

Jeff Heath who also wore the #24 for eight seasons like Manny, was a fantastic outfielder as well for the wartime Indians. He was not quite as consistent, but still only had one season under a 100 OPS+, in 1940. Otherwise, he has seasons of 145, 117, 162, 128, 155, and 158 OPS+ while wearing #24. He led the league in triples twice (18 in 1938 and 20 in 1941), finished in the MVP voting three times and also had 2 All-Star appearances. Heath is third all-time in games played in left field for the Tribe, and his best season was probably that 1941 season, 89 RS, 32 2B, 20 3B, 24 HR, 123 RBI and a 340/396/586 162 OPS+ in 643 PA. He is the only Tribe player ever to have 20 doubles, triples and homers in the same season and is fifth all-time in triples with 83.

When Heath switched to #4 in 1945, Dutch Meyer would take over #24 upon his return from World War II. The starting 2B that season, he would have a good year of 292/342/418 125 OPS+. He would switch to #3 in 1946, slumping badly and becoming a minor league journeyman after that.

After the World Championship season of 1948, the Tribe traded Eddie Robinson, Ed Klieman and Joe Haynes to the Senators for Mickey Vernon and Early Wynn. Before being acquired by the Tribe, Wynn was a slightly below average starter, 72-87 in 168 GS and a 92 ERA+ in 1266.2 IP. But the move to Cleveland would prove very fruitful as in 1950, Wynn would lead the league in ERA (3.20) and WHIP (1.250), finishing 18-8 in 28 GS and a 135 ERA+. As a member of the Big 4, he would win 20 games four times in 9 years. His nine years are currently the longest to don the #24. After slumping in 1957, 4.31 ERA (87 ERA+) at the age of 37, Wynn was dealt to White Sox with Al Smith for Minnie Minos and Fred Hatfield.

Early would have one more glorious season with the rival White Sox, finishing 22-10 and 3.17 ERA (120 ERA+) earning his lone Cy Young award at the ripe old age of 39. He would make a return to the Tribe one last time in 1963 (wearing #38) at age 43 before calling it quits and earning a Hall of Fame induction in 1972. Wynn is in the Tribe Top 10 of many pitching categories (WAR, W, IP, K, CG, SHO to name a few). Normally a Hall-of-Famer would be a cinch #1, but Manny was just that good.

When Phil Segui traded Graig Nettles to the Yankees prior to the 1973 season, at least one of the 4 players received was fairly average, Charlie Spikes. The outfielder played 5 seasons in Cleveland, finishing with a 246/305/392 98 OPS+ in 2025 PA. His best year was in 1974, 271/319/431 116 OPS+ 612 PA, but that would be his only positive OPS+ season. He would be traded for the bat challenged Tom Veryzer in the 1977 offseason.

And then we come to the most recent #24, Grady Sizemore. One of the pieces of the Bartolo Colon deal in June 2002, Grady would make his first appearance in 2004. He was scheduled to start the 2005 season in the minors, but Juan Gonzalez had that ill-fated injury in his first, and only, plate appearance in Game 1 an injury just before the season started, opening a spot in the outfield. Although technically not a rookie (having 159 PA in 2004), Sizemore would finish his first full season with a nice 289/348/484 123 OPS+ line, and finishing 23rd in MVP voting. From 2006-2008, he would average 42 2B, 7 3B, 28 HR, 118 RS, 81 RBI, 31 SB and 279/380/879 130 OPS+ in 748 PA. He would be an All-Star each year, win two Gold Gloves, a Sliver Slugger and finish in the Top 12 in MVP voting each season. Grady would have become the top #24 for sure with a few more seasons of those types of numbers, but alas, the injury bug has derailed his last 3 seasons. In 2012, Sizemore will tie Wynn for number of seasons wearing #24, but it is doubtful he will ever achieve his past glory.

Poll

Is Manny worth his weight in gold for best #24?

• Yes, even Manny would vote Manny Oro Uno
• No way, Hall of Famer Early Wynn is the Gold Standard
• No, Grady’s Lady’s prefer their Gold Gloves
• No, Jeff Heath’s candy bar is wrapped in Golden goodness

  27 votes | Results

Continue reading this post »

“It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all the others that have been tried.” -- Winston Churchill

Congratulations, voters. You found the cup of the carpenter. You did not choose poorly. Your dogged pursuit of justice and righteousness prevailed, even in the bearded face of the formidable Casey Blake.

Ladies and gentlemen, I give your aptly-monikered Fridge Magnet — Carlos Baerga. We've added Baerga to our Hall of Handles with dignity, honor and mid-zeroes compensation ...

"Fridge Magnet" — Carlos Baerga (24% of the vote)

"English Leather" — Jack Hannahan (48% of the vote)

Our next name for bid is very near and dear to my pantry. Whilst scavenging about the kitchen,I found a box of Celestial Seasonings Country Peach Passion Herbal Tea. If Country Peach Passion doesn't sound like an awesome and worthwhile nickname to you, then you have no soul and are possibly an android who hates 'the ladies.'

One thing is certain — this is more than an herbal tea. Country Peach Passion is a lifestyle. An full-flavored lifestyle.

Let the Amazon.com Product Description of Country Peach Passion herbal tea be your guide:

Caffeine. 100% Natural herb tea. This product contains all natural ingredients and flavors, and no artificial colors or preservatives. Gluten free. As daring as that first country kiss and as full of promise, our Country Peach Passion Herb Tea is sweet and sassy with flavor. Real peaches and natural peach flavors are brightened with tangy orange peel, snappy hibiscus and the surprise of passion fruit for a memorable orchard fresh taste. Savor an aromatic cup or sip a chilling glass. You never know where that first flirtation will take you!

So ... where will that first flirtation take you?

The virtual floor is open. Let the nominations flood in.

via blogs.roanoke.com (Google image search of "indians fridge magnet")

The nominations are in. The arduous seventy-four-hour process of culling the near-interminable list of suggested recipients to the nine below is finished. The bunting has been hung. The volunteers obliged. The voting rolls opened anew. The meatballs loved.

From these hallowed few you must choose one. Like The Highlander (perhaps a future moniker?), there can be only one ... former or present Cleveland Indian now known as "Fridge Magnet." Weigh the options carefully, consider the pros and cons of each worthy aspirant with full respect, and let loose the machinations of digital democracy.

Then and only then will the black white smoke curl from the figurative chimney of nicknamehood, and a new Indian will take his place in our Hall of Handle Heroes!

So, unlike the foolhardy and reckless, Walter Donovan, do not choose poorly.

Poll

The past or present Cleveland Indians most deserving of the mindless nickname "Fridge Magnet" is:

24%

Carlos Baerga

12 votes

20%

Ryan Garko

10 votes

8%

Grady Sizemore

4 votes

4%

Beau Mills

2 votes

4%

Frankie Pytlak

2 votes

2%

Tony Bernazard

1 votes

8%

Trevor Crowe

4 votes

8%

Chris Bando

4 votes

22%

Casey Blake

11 votes

50 votes | Poll has closed

via www.mainlineautographs.com

Birthday Paradox*

After a dearth of good candidates for #22, there are several decent choices to select from, but no overwhelming choice like the uniforms with retired numbers. But after reviewing the players and the numbers, my choice for best #23 is David Christopher Justice.

The Ohio native was born in Cincinnati and graduated from Covington Latin School at the age of 16 because he skipped the seventh and eighth grades. After attending Thomas More College in Crestview Kentucky for three years, he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 4th round of the 1985 draft.

He would finish the 1985 season as a Pulaski Brave in the Rookie League with a 793 OPS in 249 PA. Justice was promoted to the Sumter Braves (South Atlantic – A) and put up a 934 OPS in 284 PA. This earned another swift promotion to the Durham Bulls (Carolina – A+) with some more excellent numbers, 898 in 284 PA as a 20 year old. Continuing his progression, he would struggle in his first season in AA, 663 OPS in 405 PA for Greenville Braves in the Southern League. But he got back on track in 1988, 882 OPS in 237 PA, arriving in Richmond (AAA) midseason, finishing with a 668 OPS in 275 PA. He would earn his first cup of coffee after posting a 789 OPS in 457 PA as a 23 year old in AAA in 1989.

He would only spend 12 games in Richmond in 1990 (1087 OPS) before landing permanently in Atlanta. He would have a fantastic rookie debut, becoming Rookie of the Year and 24th in MVP voting with a 28 HR, 78 RBI and 282/373/535 143 OPS+ line. Justice would be a mainstay of that perpetual playoff Brave lineup through 1996, including the heartbreaking solo home run to win Game 6 of the 1995 World Series against our beloved Tribe.

After the 1996 season, Kenny Lofton would not sign an extension with the Indians, so Hart made the best deal he could make, trading Lofton and Alan Embree to the Braves for Justice and Marquis Grissom. The Braves were able to deal Justice because they had Jermaine Dye (who would be dealt for Michael Tucker two days later) at the ready.

Justice would help the Tribe return to the World Series in 1997, hitting 33 HR, driving in 101, 329/418/596 and a whopping 158 OPS+ in 582 PA. He made the All Star game, earned a Silver Slugger and finished 5th in MVP voting. In 1998, he would regress down to a 280/363/476 114 OPS+ and in 1999 would bring a 287/413/476 123 OPS+ season. By mid-2000, Justice had kicked it up to a 265/361/582 145 OPS+ line including 21 HR and 58 RBI in 249 PA. By the end of June, the Tribe was 8.5 games back of the White Sox. So Hart dealt him to the Yankees for Jake Westbrook, Zach Day and Ricky Ledee. He only spent 3.5 seasons with the Tribe, but they were very productive, finishing with a 294/392/526 132 OPS+ 96 HR 335 RBI in 2025 PA.

* There is a 50% probability that within a group of 23 people that 2 of them have the same birthday.

A Brief History

The starting right fielder from 1937-1939, Bruce Campbell put up a solid 1911/378/460 113 OPS+ and a 6.0 WAR. Originally acquired from the St. Louis Browns for Johnny Burnett and Bob Weiland in November 1934, Campbell would only start 116 games in 1935 and 1936, wearing #35. His 149 OPS+ in 1936 would earn him the starting job for 1937. After 1939, he would be traded to the Tigers for Beau Bell.

Originally a Tiger first baseman, Les Fleming was blocked by Rudy York in 1940/1941. So the Tigers dealt him to the Nashville Volunteers (Southern Association – A1). He put up a fantastic 414 BA and a 781 SLG with 29 HR in 374 AB for them. Cleveland acquired him at some point that year and he got into 2 games late in September. But 1942 was his best as professional. He had a 292/412/432 144 OPS+, 4.1 WAR and started all 156 games at 1B. He would however join the service in 1943 and 1944.

Early in the 1954 season, the Tribe was sitting in first place, but needed another potential bat. Former All-Star Vic Wertz was struggling with the Orioles, so reliever Bob Chakales was traded for him. Wertz would solidify the bench, playing first base and the outfield. He would put up a solid 275/344/478 122 OPS+ line and hit the famous drive caught by Willie Mays in the World Series. He would also finish 9th in MVP voting in 1956 (264/364/509 126 OPS+ 32 HR and 106 RBI) and 6th in 1957 (282/371/485 133 OPS+ 28 HR 105 RBI) and make the All Star game as well. After an injury plagued 1958, he was traded with Gary Geiger to the Red Sox for Jim Piersall. His final Tribe numbers: 270/358/490 126 OPS+.

Prior to the 1965 season, the Indians traded Bob Chance and Woodie Held to the Senators for their All Star outfielder, Chuck Hinton. Hinton hit ok in 1965 (120 OPS+), but slowly slid back the next two season (108 and 93 OPS+). So off he went to the Angels for Jose Cardenal in 1968. He really struggles in California that year (83 OPS+), so naturally the Indians traded Lou Johnson to re-obtain him. His best season would turn out to be 1970, 318/392/477 135 OPS+ in 224 PA. His final line in a Tribe uniform was 257/327/405 107 OPS+ in 1957 PA.

Throughout the 1970s, Phil Seghi made quite a few poor trades. However, one of the best he did make was to deal Del Unser and Terry Wedgewood to the Phillies for Roger Freed and Oscar Gamble. The Big Fro arrived in Cleveland as 23 year old who could hit, but was not necessarily a good fielder. He mainly DHed in 1973 and 1974, hitting 291/363/469 140 OPS+ in 1974. With the hiring of Frank Robinson in 1975, Gamble would return to the outfield and hit 261/361/454 131 OPS+. Unfortunately, Seghi went back to his old ways and dealt Gamble, only 26, ot the Yankees for Pat Dobson. Gamble finished with a 274/352/463 130 OPS+ during his 3 years.

The only pitcher to make this portion of the discussion, Stan Thomas, arrived in 1976 with Ron Pruitt from the Rangers for John Ellis. In his only season, Thomas would pitch 105.2 innings, appearing in 34 games and have a lowly 2.30 ERA (151 ERA+). But Thomas would only stick around that season as he was claimed in the 1977 expansion draft by the Mariners.

The longest tenured #23 was Chris Bando, a 2nd round draft pick from Arizona State in 1978. In his eight seasons, Bando was the backup to Ron Hassey (82-83), Jerry Willard (84-85) and Andy Allanson (86-88). Only once would he be considered the starter, which was in 1987 because Andy Allanson was injured most of the year. He did not achieve much that year, 218/260/332 56 OPS+ in 229 PA. His best season was in 1984, 291/377/505 140 OPS+ in 260 PA. He finished his eight years with a paltry 227/300/329 72 OPS+ in 1465 PA.

Arriving for his first tour with the Indians in the 1991 Tom Candiotti departure, Mark Whiten would complete his rookie campaign 256/310/422 100 OPS+, finishing 6th in Rookie of the Year voting. 1992 would be more of the same, 254/347/360 100 OPS+. But with the emergence of Albert Belle in 1992, Whiten was dealt to the Cardinals for Mark Clark and Juan Andujar.

After having a very successful 306/387/435 season with the 1995 Chiba Lotte Marines in the Pacific League (Japan), Julio Franco would begin his second tour with the Tribe as a free agent. Primarily relegated to DH and 1B as a 37 year old, Franco’s 1996 season was superb, 322/407/470 123 OPS+. He would make his first postseason appearance that year as well. 1997 was not as kind to Franco, slipping to 184/367/367 91 OPS+. The Tribe would release him on August 13, denying him of his best shot at a World Series appearance.

One of the bigger name free agent signings was Ellis Burks for the 2001 season. He would not disappoint during his three stay, hitting 280/369/542 137 OPS+ in 2001, 301/362/541 139 OPS+ in 2002 and 263/360/419 109 OPS+ in 2003. His three year total of 287/364/520 133 OPS+ in 1313 PA is pretty impressive.

After Burks left, Ben Broussard (formerly #28) assumed the #23 jersey. Never too glamorous, Broussard put up a solid 278/312/485 118 OPS+ over 1278 PA as the 1B during that timeframe. However, Broussard’s biggest contribution was being dealt to the Mariners for Shin-Soo Choo.

The One Year Wonders

Milt Shoffner, Roy Weatherly, Cal Dorsett, Jesse Flores, Hal Naragon, Pete Reiser, Bob Chakales, Bobby Locke, Bud Podbielan, Jake Striker, Johnny Antonelli, Joe Schaffernoth, Floyd Weaver, Dick Donovan, Gene Green, Tommie Agee, Lou Pinella, Ron Lolich, Stan Thomas, Wayne Garland, Bruce Bochte, Willie Horton, Dan Briggs, Luis Aguayo, Denis Boucher, Luis Medina, Dave Mlicki, Jeromy Burnitz, Ricky Ledee and David Segui all wore uniform #23 for only one season.

The All-Time List

Milt Shoffner RP (1929) 2-3, 11 G, 3 GS, 5.04 ERA, 44.2 IP, 89 ERA+

Pete Appleton RP (1930-1931) 12-11, 68 G, 11 GS, 4.27 ERA, 198.1 IP 111 ERA+; traded by Red Sox for Jack Russell

Ralph Winegarner RP (1934-1936) 7-6, 56 G, 10 GS, 5.56 ERA, 160.1 IP, 83 ERA+; after leaving the Tribe in 1936 at 26 years old, he would make not make another MLB appearance until 1949 with the St Louis Browns.

Roy Weatherly RF (1936) 335/364/519, 113 OPS+, 366 PA; switched to #2 next season

Bruce Campbell RF (1937-1939) 292/378/460, 113 OPS+, 1621 PA; traded to Tigers for Beau Bell

Beau Bell RF. PH, 1B (1940-1941) 263/320/350, 76 OPS+, 600 PA; traded from Tigers for Bruce Campbell

Cal Dorsett RP, SP (1941) 0-1, 5 G, 2 GS, 10.32 ERA, 11.1 IP, 39 ERA+; also #33 in 1941

Les Fleming 1B (1941-1942) 291/410/432, 143 OPS+, 670 PA; 25th in MVP voting in 1942

Pat Seerey LF, RF, CF, PH (1943-1946) 231/318/421, 115 OPS+, 1402 PA

Don Black SP (1947-1948) 12-14, 48 G, 38 GS, 4.23 ERA, 242.2 IP, 86 ERA+

Jesse Flores RP (1950) 3-3, 28 G, 2 GS, 3.74 ERA, 53 IP, 116 ERA+; obtained from San Diego (PCL) as part of minor working agreement

Hal Naragon C (1951) 250/400/250, 82 OPS+, 10 PA

Pete Reiser PH, PR, CF (1952) 136/208/364, 61 OPS+, 48 PA; also #38 in 1952

Bob Chakales RP (1954) 2-0, 3 G, 0 GS, 0.87 ERA, 10.1 IP, 436 ERA+; traded to Orioles for Vic Wertz

Vic Wertz 1B, PH (1954-1958) 270/358/490, 126 OPS+, 1852 PA; All Star in 1957, 9th in 1956 and 6th in 1957 in MVP voting; traded from Orioles for Bob Chakales; traded with Gary Geiger to Red Sox for Jim Piersall

Bud Podbielan RP (1959) 0-1, 6 G, 0 GS, 5.84 ERA, 12.1 IP, 66 ERA+; purchased from Reds (Redlegs)

Bobby Locke RP, SP(1959) 3-2, 24 G, 7 GS, 3.13 ERA, 77.2 IP, 119 ERA+; also #29 in 1959

Jack Harshman SP, RP (1959-1960) 7-5, 28 G, 14 GS, 3.22 ERA, 120.1 IP, 117 ERA+; claimed off waivers from Red Sox

Jake Striker SP (1959) 1-0, 1 G, 1 GS, 2.70 ERA, 6.2 IP, 146 ERA+; only appearance with Tribe; traded with Minnie Minoso, Dick Brown and Don Ferrarese to White Sox for Norm Cash, Bubba Phillips and John Romano

Johnny Antonelli SP (1961) 0-4, 11 G, 7 GS, 6.56 ERA, 48 IP, 61 ERA+; traded with Willie Kirkland from Giants for Harvey Kuenn; sold to Milwaukee Braves

Joe Schaffernoth RP (1961) 0-1, 15 G, 0 GS, 4.76 ERA, 17 IP, 85 ERA+; purchased from Cubs; sold to Senators

Dick Donovan SP (1962) 20-10, 34 G, 34 GS, 3.59 ERA, 250.2 IP, 107 ERA+; also #20 in 1962; All Star, 5th in MVP voting; traded with Gene Green and Jim Mahoney from Senators for Jim Piersall

Floyd Weaver SP (1962) 1-0, 1 G, 1 GS, 1.80 ERA, 5 IP, 231 ERA+

Gene Green RF (1963) 205/259/321, 62 OPS+, 85 PA; traded to Reds for Sammy Taylor

Tommie Agee RF, CF. LF (1963) 148/207/296, 39 OPS+, 29 PA

Chuck Hinton PH, LF, CF, RF, 1B (1965-1967, 1969-1971) 257/327/405, 107 OPS+, 1957 PA; traded by Senators for Bob Chance and Woodie Held; traded to Angels for Jose Cardenal; traded by Angels for Lou Johnson

Lou Pinella PH, LF, PR (1968) 000/000/000, -100 OPS+, 6 PA; originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Indians in 1962, Senators drafted him in 1962 first-year draft, traded by Senators to Orioles; traded by Orioles back to Tribe for Cam Carreon; lost to Seattle Pilots in expansion draft

Ron Lolich RF, LF (1972) 188/224/275, 46 OPS+, 85 PA; purchased from White Sox

Oscar Gamble DH, LF, PH, RF (1973-1975) 274/352/463, 130 OPS+, 1346 PA; traded with Roger Freed by Phillies for Del Unser and Terry Wedgewood; traded to Yankees for Pat Dobson

Stan Thomas RP (1976) 4-4, 37 G, 7 GS, 2.30 ERA, 105.2 IP, 151 ERA+; traded with Ron Pruitt from Rangers for John Ellis; lost to Mariners in expansion draft

Wayne Garland SP (1977) 1-5, 6 G, 6 GS, 7.24 ERA, 32.1 IP; switched to #17 when Bochte arrived/Laroche left

Bruce Bochte SS (1977) 304/364/395, 111 OPS+, 444 PA; traded with Sid Monge by Angels for Dave LaRoche and Dave Schuler

Willie Horton DH (1978) 249/314/379, 95 OPS+, 186 PA; traded with David Clyde by Rangers for Tom Buskey and John Lowenstein

Dan Briggs RF (1978) 163/226/265, 39 OPS+, 53 PA; traded to Padres for Mike Champion (PTBNL)

Victor Cruz RP (1979-1980) 9-16, 116 G, 0 GS, 3.83 ERA, 164.2 IP, 110 ERA+; also #47 in 1979; traded by Blue Jays for Alfredo Griffin and Phil Lansford; traded with Gary Alexander, Bob Owchinko and Rafael Vasquez to Pirates for Bert Blyleven and Manny Sanguillen

Chris Bando C, PH (1981-1988) 227/300/329, 72 OPS+, 1465 PA

Luis Aguayo 3B, SS. 2B (1989) 175/239/268, 42 OPS+, 112 PA

Mitch Webster CF, LF, PH (1990-1991) 243/279/388, 85 OPS+, 513 PA; traded by Cubs for Dave Clark; traded to Pirates for Mike York 4/8-5/13

Luis Medina DH (1991) 063/118/063, -49 OPS+, 18 PA

Denis Boucher SP (1991) 1-4, 5 G, 5 GS, 8.34 ERA, 22.2 IP, 51 ERA+; also #49 (I doubt validity of Boucher wearing #23 as Whiten was active entire time Boucher was on roster in 1991); traded with Mark Whiten and Glenallen Hill from Blue Jays for Tom Candiotti and Turner Ward

Mark Whiten RF (1991-1992) 255/335/381, 100 OPS+, 869 PA; 6th in Rookie of the Year in 1991; traded with Denis Boucher and Glenallen Hill from Blue Jays for Tom Candiotti and Turner Ward; traded to Cardinals for Mark Clark and Juan Andujar

Dave Mlicki SP (1993) 0-0, 3 G, 3 GS, 3.38 ERA, 13.1 IP, 133 ERA+; traded with Paul Byrd, Jerry Dipoto and Jesus Azuaje (PTBNL) to Mets for Jeromy Burnitz and Joe Roa

Jeromy Burnitz LF, PR (1995) 571/571/714, 232 OPS+, 7 PA; traded with Joe Roa from Mets for Dave Mlicki, Paul Byrd, Jerry Dipoto and Jesus Azuaje (PTBNL); traded to Brewers for Kevin Seitzer

Julio Franco 1B, DH, 2B (1996-1997) 307/391/429, 110 OPS+, 827 PA

Dave Justice DH, LF, RF (1997-2000) 294/392/526, 132 OPS+, 2025 PA; 21st in MVP in 81; wore #33 until Franco left in 1997; All Star in 1997, Silver Slugger in 1997, 5th in MVP voting in 1997 and 13th in 2000; traded with Marquis Grissom by Braves for Kenny Lofton and Alan Embree; traded to Yankees for Jake Westbrook, Ricky Ledee and Zach Day

Ricky Ledee LF, RF (2000) 222/310/381, 74 OPS+, 71 PA; traded by Yankees with Jake Westbrook and Zach Day for David Justice; traded to rangers for David Segui

David Segui 1B, DH, RF (2000) 332/384/498, 111 OPS+, 245 PA; traded by Rangers for Ricky Ledee

Ellis Burks DH, LF (2001-2003) 287/364/520, 133 OPS+, 1313 PA

Ben Broussard 1B, PH (2004-2006) 278/312/485, 118 OPS+, 1278 PA; traded to Mariners for Shin-Soo Choo and Shawn Nottingham (PTBNL)

Michael Brantley CF, LF (2008-2011) 265/316/359, 88 OPS+, 942 PA; also #61 in 2009; traded by Brewers as PTBNL with Matt LaPorta, Zach Jackson, and Rob Bryson for CC Sabathia

Statistics and such

Other fun facts, the uniform #23 has been worn 94 times by 51 different players covering 76 seasons of a possible 83 seasons since 1929. Uniform #23 was shared in a season twelve times, 1936, 1941, 1954, 1959, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1977, 1978, 1991, 1997 and 2000. It was shared by three players in 1941 and 2000, and shared by four players in 1959 and 1991.

Poll

With all of the decent, but not superb choices, do you agree with Justice being #1?

56%

Yes, Mr. Halle Barry was the right choice

9 votes

0%

No, it should it have been Vic Wertz

0 votes

6%

Chuck Hinton

1 votes

12%

Oscar Gamble

2 votes

25%

Ellis Burks

4 votes

0%

Other, sxplain in the comments

0 votes

16 votes | Poll has closed

Yesterday I tweeted the following upon hearing about Victor Martinez's demise for 2012 (by the way, Sorry Victor. That sucks):

Hey Indians, go get Carlos Pena now. RT @jaysonst: it appears Victor Martinez tore his left ACL. If MRI confirms that, he's out for year.

Here's why. The Indians were awful at first base last year whenever Carlos Santana wasn't there, and it was mostly Matt LaPorta's fault. In 107 games, LaPorta was worth -0.8 fWAR. That's tough to do, but being a below average hitter, fielder, and baserunner while playing the game's easiest position is a good way to do it. Several first base options have been discussed, such as Derrek Lee, Casey Kotchman, and Carlos Peña. Lee is 106 years old and not all that good any more. Even his defense has diminished. Kotchman has always been a good defender and finally had a good year with the bat, catching some of that Tampa magic. I don't want him because he's been a full-time first baseman for five years and had two good seasons. In the last five years, Peña has had four good seasons, including a 2007 season that was MVP-worthy.

Please don't come at me with ages and batting average. Yes, Peña will be 34 in May, but we're only signing him for a year. Age matters with Lee because he's no longer a good player. Carlos Peña can still hit baseballs a very long way. Yes, Peña hit .220 over the last three seasons, and despite that is STILL a better hitter than Kotchman. LaPorta, at this point, has to prove he deserves another chance in Columbus. He's very much in danger of earning the dreaded AAAA tag at this point.

But more importantly, these two or three wins just became more important. Looking at the division, the Twins are going to be awful. The Royals got better and have more help coming. The days of laughing at the Royals are coming to a very quick end. The White Sox seem to be in some kind of in-between twilight zone that seems like some kind of tortuous hell.

The Tigers weren't exactly a juggernaut last season until mid-August when they pulled away from the Indians. They re-signed Gerald Laird, picked up Octavio Dotel, and traded for Colin Balester. Meanwhile, they've lost their DH, and a very viable replacement for him is CARLOS PEÑA. This is potentially a five or six win swing. Of course, the Tigers wouldn't lose all of Victor's production just like the Indians wouldn't lose all of Peña's hypothetical production. They'd each get someone half as good and it would be a two or three win difference. But in 2012, that might be more than enough to decide a division title.

via hypeskin.com (Hy Peskin Collection, not hype skin.)

Pitch-22

People often speak of intangibles — you know, those strangely mysterious qualities athletes have that don’t show up in box scores or on the back of baseball cards. Whether they be grit, leadership, guile, intelligence, or will, these abstract entities entitle the normally less-talented David Ecksteins of the universe a seat at the sports star table.

So I propose a quandary:

Can a player’s name — his birthright or patrimony — be considered as one of these intangibles, that help him rise above his lackluster talent level to excel beyond his mortal abilities?

Consider the case of Calvin Coolidge Julius Caesar Tuskahoma McLish.

Or Cal, for short.

McLish was burdened with a mantle of expectation from his first day forward with the triumphs of a two-time President, a conqueror of ancient worlds, and the capital of the Choctaw nation (Tuskahoma is Choctaw for "Red Warrior.)

What is a Cleveland Indian, but a red (and mostly blue) warrior?

We can argue indefinitely whether or not Cal McLish was certainly better than Brian Giles, whose middle name is a rather pedestrian Stephen, or James … Blair … Bibby.

Both Giles and Bibby went on to slightly more formidable careers in Pittsburgh, while McLish methodically pitched his way out of baseball in short stints Cincinnati, Chicago and Philadelphia.

What we know is this:

McLish won 46 games over a span of four seasons, with an ERA+ of 113. A product of a better overall team in Cleveland than his predecessors in Pittsburgh and Chicago (NL), McLish took advantage of moving into a starting role in 1958 and responded with a 16 win season in 30 starts. A year later, he made 32 starts and won 19 of 27 decisions. He hurled 13 complete games in both seasons, was an All Star in 1958, and an top-15 MVP candidate in both 1958 and 1959.

True, both Bibby and Giles accumulated more WAR (7.0 and 6.8, respectively) than McLish (6.2) in their short tenures, but Giles was on the wrong end of potentially the worst deal in modern Indians history, and Bibby was granted free agency at the end of 1978.

McLish was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds for Johnny Temple, who had two mediocre seasons (one of which he was a dubious All-Star) for the Tribe.

He would later work as a pitching coach for the Philadelphia Phillies (1965-1966), Montréal Expos (1969-1975) and Milwaukee Brewers (1976-1982.)

Cal McLish may indeed be a curious choice for this honor, perhaps getting by more on his namesake than his actual baseball talents.

Poll

What's in a name? Nothing. Here's who should be the best #22 in Indians history.

12%

It's Brian Giles.

3 votes

0%

James Blair Bibby, baby!

0 votes

4%

Wes Ferrell would have worn #22 before 1929, right?

1 votes

4%

Juan Gonzalez, for a little while

1 votes

0%

Bert Blyleven, for a little while less.

0 votes

0%

If you like names so much, you could've picked Candy Maldonado.

0 votes

79%

I can see the future, and the correct answer is Jason Kipnis.

19 votes

24 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

Congratulations to Sir Jack HANNAHAN, who garnered over half of the thousands of votes cast. I'm sure the nickname "English Leather" will serve him well in the years beyond his service to the diamond.

HANNAHAN's gifted glove and English-sounding although Irish surname pushed the vote in his direction. Ohioans love their HANNAHANS, well a little less than Illinois anyways.

What's up next?

The wonderfully charming nickname "Fridge Magnet"

What kind of player is a fridge magnet? Better yet, what kind of former or present Cleveland Indian player is a fridge magnet? A player whose stick-to-it-ive-ness is only challenged by stainless steel? A player who is a reminder of horrible things to come, like a calendar from your least favorite dentist? Or a player who is a cheap souvenir from the Florida panhandle?

There are no parameters other than your own perverted whimsy. Let the nominating process begin!