Indians by the Numbers — #26
by talonk on Feb 23, 2012 5:15 PM EST
The Cantons of Switzerland*
After two spectacular choices for best #25, the #26 had as many holes as a block of Swiss cheese. But the player to wear the uniform the longest, was also the best as well … Brook Wallace Jacoby.
Jacoby, originally born in Philadelphia, grew up in Ventura, CA, attending Ventura High School before moving onto Ventura College (JC). After two seasons of community college ball, the Atlanta Braves used a 7th round pick on him in 1979, becoming the only draft pick from that round to make the show.
After signing he played 42 games as an outfielder at the Braves affiliate in the Gulf Coast League and 8 more for the Kingsport Braves of the Appalachian League, batting .266 and slugging .394. In 1980, he opened with the Anderson Braves (South Atlantic-A) with a 296/368/508 slash before getting a late season call to the Savannah Braves (Southern-AA). In 1981, he was converted to third base and hit 292/344/501 and earned a late season cup of coffee (11PA) with the Atlanta Braves.
After spending all of 1982 with the Richmond Braves (International-AAA) with a 299/359/461 line, Jacoby would earn another cup of coffee in late 1983 after a 315/387/542 season. But the Braves had Bob Horner entrenched as their 3B (hitting a fantastic 143 OPS+ in 1983), so he was included as one of the PTBNL (along with Brett Butler) by John Mullen in the Len Barker deadline deal. This was probably one of Seghi’s best deals he ever made.
Jacoby would be an everyday player for the Tribe for the next 7.5 seasons, mostly at 3B, twice being the Tribe lone All-Star representative (1986, 1990). His best season was the infamous juiced ball year of 1987 where he hit 300/387/541 143 OPS+ with 32 HR but only 69 RBI. In 1991, Jacoby was approaching free agency, so John Hart dealt him at the deadline to the Athletics for Lee Tinsley and Apolinar Garcia. The Tribe would resign him in the offseason, but his power numbers disappeared in 1992, 261/324/326 84 OPS+ in 327 PA. He would spend his final season with the Chuncihi Dragons.
Jacoby finished his career as an Indian with a 273/338/412 106 OPS+ in 4804 PA. He was able to land on the All-Time Tribe Batting Leader board for strikeouts (738 - 7th), sacrifice flies (38 - T10th) and GIDP (131 - 4th). He is the current hitting coach for the Cincinnati Reds.
*There are 26 Cantons (states) in Switzerland
A Brief History
Like a republic supporting neutrality, there weren’t any players making a big distinction wearing #26. The first player of note probably is Hoyt Wilhelm. He got a late start in the majors, playing his first game at 29 for the Giants. His first 3 years were really good, but in 1955-1956, he was just below league average. The Giants shipped him off to the Cardinals and 40 appearances later, the Tribe claimed him off waivers. He would pitch in 2 games in 1957 and another 30 in 1958, accumulating a 3-7 record with 6 starts, a 2.49 ERA (150 ERA+) in 94 innings. But, the Indians somehow exposed him on waivers, losing him to the Orioles, where he would pitch another 14 years, mainly with the Orioles and White Sox, and complete his credentials for the Hall of Fame.
Another reliever who escaped the Tribe bullpen was Dick Brodowski. In 1958 and 1959, he put up a sparkling 280 ERA+ in 40 innings, but had a horrific 6.1 BB/9 to his 4.7 K/9 ratio. He would get into 1 game for the Reading Indians (Eastern-A) in 1960 before leaving baseball for good.
Future first base coach Ted Uhlaender played with the Indians in 1970-1971. The starting CF in 1970 and the starting LF in 1971, Uhlaender does have the distinction of having the second most PA as #30. After arriving from the Twins with Graig Nettles, Dean Chance and Bob Miller for Luis Tiant and Stan Williams, he would hit 279/329/371 and a 91 OPS+. Gabe Paul shipped him off to the Reds for Milt Wilcox.
Looking like the Red Cross, Boog Powell arrived in spring training of 1975 with Don Hood from the Orioles for Dave Duncan and Al McGrew. Powell replaced John Ellis as the 1B and would mash a 297/377/524 154 OPS+ 27 HR, 87 RBI line, his best year since 1970. But he slumped badly in 1976, 215/305/338 90 OPS+ and was released in spring training 1977.
Not to be mistaken for the Alps or Jura, Bob Wickman was the key piece of the deadline deal of Richie Sexson in 1996. Over the next 6+ years (he missed 2003 due to injury) Wickman would be the escape artist of the closer variety. Of his 255 games, he would finish 215 of them with 139 saves, and usually by walking a tightrope as his Tribe WHIP is a not so stellar 1.317. He finished his Tribe career with a 3.23 ERA and 138 ERA+. He also is the Tribe career leader in Saves, with his high of 45 in 2005 leading the league. He would also nab an All-Star appearance and finish 26th in MVP voting in 2005.
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Nickname Seeks Indian Vote — "Country Peach Passion"
by emd2k3 on Feb 18, 2012 1:12 PM EST
Huzzah! The nominations have been received.
The select few below were either chosen out of a deference to their birthplaces and origins, or born of spite. For some, what once was once sweet, juicy promise has soured to bitter fruit indeed.
Out of these proud men, only one can embody the essence that is the optimal mix of country, of peach, and of passion.
Channel your inner Delta Burke (who may not fit inside most of you, ironically) and answer one simple question:
Who is your Country Peach Passion?
Goodyear, AZ recommendations
by millionairesrow on Feb 16, 2012 3:46 PM EST
Indians by the Numbers — #25
by talonk on Feb 16, 2012 11:10 AM EST
Oh, sunny days! After a heated discussion for best #24, there are two candidates who each wore #25 for at least eleven seasons and five more with at least four years to choose from. But there is a clear cut top choice for best #25 …
James Howard Thome. The Peoria, IL native is the youngest of five kids (one minute behind his twin sister Jenny) to his parents Chuck Jr. and Joyce. Growing up, Jim was destined to become a Hall of Famer, but not for baseball, but rather the family forte, softball. Jim’s grandfather Chuck is a Peoria Sports Hall of Fame softball player, as is his grandmother Carolyn, and his uncle Art is there as well. Carolyn was recruited to play softball at 15 by Caterpillar Tractor, getting job in the mailroom so she could play. Jim’s father, although not a Peoria Hall of Famer, is a local legend who played many years in the Outlaw League, and was paid handsomely to be a hitter for many teams throughout the years. His older brothers Chuck III (Caveman) and Randy were also star fast-pitch softball players after graduating from Limestone Community High School.
Jim also attended Limestone Community High School in Bartonville, IL, and was star guard for the basketball team, scoring 36 points in a conference title game. He was also a star shortstop in baseball, but at 6-2 and 175 pounds considered too small and was not drafted in the amateur draft. He moved onto Illinois Central College in East Peoria, IL and the Indians drafted him in the 13th round after one season there. He would sign his first professional contract 13 days after being drafted.
Thome reported to the Indians Gulf Coast League affiliate after signing and put up a meager 237/314/296 line in 213 PA. In 1990, he opened with the Burlington Indians (Rookie) and opened up like gangbusters, 373/503/754 in 149 PA, earning a jump to the Kinston Indians (A+) where he continued his hot start, 308/427/462 in 143 PA. After his stupendous 1990, Baseball America ranked him #93 overall prior to the 1991 season. He would again split time, starting in Canton/Akron (AA - 337/426/469 in 345 PA) and Colorado Springs Sky Sox (AAA - 285/331/411 in 166 PA). This would also get him his first cup of coffee, 255/298/367 in 104 PA.
Baseball America would up his ranking to #51 in 1992. He would have 1322 PA in Canton/Akron and 55 more in Colorado Springs for a cumulative 329/444/510 line. He would also start 37 games at 3B midseason for the Tribe hitting 205/275/299 in 131 PA. This would earn him another trip to AAA to start 1993, this time with the Charlotte Knights, where he regained his stroke, 332/441/585 in 497 PA. He would be called up to the bigs for good on Aug 13, 1993. He would post a 131 OPS+ in 192 PA in 1993 and a 126 OPS+ in 369 PA during the strike shortened 1994 season.
However, his breakout season would be the pennant season of 1995, 314/438/558, 157 OPS+ 25 HR and 73 RBI, mostly from the 6 spot in the lineup. He continued mashing in 1996, 311/450/612 167 OPS+, 38 HR, 116 RBI and finishing 15th in MVP voting and acquiring his one and only Silver Slugger. By 1997, Thome had built up enough of a reputation where his numbers dipped ever so little, 286/423/579 156 OPS+, but yet moved up to 6th in MVP voting while garnering another All-Star appearance. Thome also moved across the diamond to first base in 1997 after the Indians acquired Matt Williams.
In 1998 Thome would miss some time due to injury, but was excellent again, 293/413/584 153 OPS+, another All-Star appearance and 21st in MVP voting. In 1999, he became the true definition of a slugger as his numbers dipped a little bit more, but still very, very good 277/426/540 141 OPS+, but now he led the league in strikeouts. The turn of the century was more of the same, 269/398/531 132 OPS+, his worst season since 1994. Thome was 29 and maybe his best days were behind him.
But in 2001, Thome tapped into his fountain of youth once again, 291/416/624 170 OPS+ with 49 bombs and 124 RBI and 7th in MVP voting. This led to the contentious negotiations of trying to extend him to stay in Cleveland. A deal could not be worked out, and in 2002, he had possibly the best offensive season ever by an Indian, 304/445/677 197 OPS+, 52 HR, 118 RBI. He led the league in slugging, OPS, OPS+ walks and actually cut his strikeouts down to 139. All of this stellar numbers would lead to his first MVP, no? Nope, he somehow finished a distant 7th, behind Tejada, A-Rod, Soriano, Garrett Anserson, Giambi and Torii Hunter. The only one of that group that had a solid argument was A-Rod, the rest paled in comparison numbers wise.
It was during that 2002 season, the infamous "tear the jersey off my back" quote was uttered when he denied Shapiro the chance to trade him for prospects. And when he left for Philly in the offseason, it caused a lot of hatred to be spewed, probably the most up until the LeBron "Decision". Thome would continue his mashing ways, 3 years in Philly until Ryan Howard took his spot, onto the White Sox for 3+ seasons, a late season run with the Dodgers and back to the AL Central with the Twins for almost 2 full seasons. He reached the 600 career HR mark and was traded back to the Indians for a final farewell tour. But alas, he has signed another deal with Philly for 2012.
Thome should be a sure fire Hall of Famer and in my opinion a first ballot one to boot. As it is, in his 13 seasons with the Tribe, 9 as a full time player, he ranks very high on many of the all-time career Indian lists: first in HR (337), BB (1008), K (1400) and IBB (87); second in RBI (937); third in SLG (.566), OPS (980), OBP (.414) and oWAR (51.7); fourth in OPS+ (152), WAR (47.0) and TB (2667); fifth in RS (928); and tenth in 2B (263) and PA (5805).
* The sun rotates around once in 25 days near the poles.
Second with a Solar Flare
Before Thome made his mark, the other player who would have definitely been first on this list would have been Edward Miguel Garcia. Probably the best #4 starter ever for the Tribe (and in history?), The Big Bear was the least well known pitcher of the Big 4 rotation, behind Hall of Famers, Lemon, Feller and Wynn during the 1950s heyday.
Born in San Gabriel, CA, Garcia grew up in Orosi, CA, dreaming of being a jockey as a young teen. He attended Visalia High School and was pitching in a semi-pro league in Tulare when Indians scout Willis Butler signed him as an amateur free agent in 1942. Garcia reported to the Appleton Papermakers, an Indian Class D affiliate in the Wisconsin State League and had an average season, 10-10, 3.94 ERA in 137 IP. After 1942, he reported to Europe, stringing telephone wires for the Army Signal Corps for the next 3 years during World War II.
After being discharged, Cleveland assigned him to the Class C Bakersfield Indians of the California League. He was much better, 22-9, 2.56 ERA in 236 IP and even hit .342 in 111 AB. He was promoted to the Wilkes-Barre Barons (A-Eastern) in 1947 and the Oklahoma City Indians (AA-Texas) in 1948 with a cumulative 36-26, 3.16 ERA. He would receive his call-up in late 1948 and appeared in the season finale as a reliever, pitching 2 scoreless innings.
Garcia broke camp with the Tribe as a reliever and spot starter. He would finish the season with a 14-5 record in 41 games, 20 starts and a league low 2.36 ERA and league best 170 ERA+ in 175.2 IP, earning him 4th in Rookie of the Year voting. He would become a mainstay in the rotation for the next eight seasons, with an average season of 16-11, 32 GS, 3.27 ERA, 117 ERA+ and 235 IP. He did lead the league in ERA (2.64) again in 1954, making three straight All-Star games (1952-54) and finishing 22nd in 1951, 9th in 1952 and 19th in 1954 MVP voting.
In 1958, he only pitched in 6 games, making one start after slipping on a wet mound in spring training. And was released at the end of May (this was because back then, teams were only allowed 2 players on the Disabled List). He returned in 1959, getting into 29 games, 6 GS, and a 4.00 ERA. He was 35 at this point, and the Tribe released him after the season. He pitched briefly for the White Sox in 1959 and the Senators in 1960 before retiring.
As unheralded as Garcia is in Indians lore, he was able to rack up some impressive career pitching numbers with the Tribe: fifth in SHO (27); sixth in G (397); eighth in WAR (34.6), BB (696) and H (2102); ninth in W (142), GS (281), IP (2138) and K (1095).
Some quick questions for the locals
by royhobbs on Feb 12, 2012 10:34 AM EST
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:
- 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.
- 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?
- 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?
- 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.
Eric's 2012 Cleveland Indians Projections...
by AmbienTribe8 on Feb 11, 2012 3:52 PM EST
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 GimenezRaul 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...
Oswalt > Carmona/Heredia
by Tribe Alive on Feb 11, 2012 12:41 PM EST
Indians by the Numbers — #24
by talonk on Feb 10, 2012 5:56 PM EST
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.
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Nickname Seeks Indian — "Country Peach Passion"
by emd2k3 on Feb 7, 2012 11:33 PM EST
“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.
Nickname seeks Indian vote — "Fridge Magnet"
by emd2k3 on Jan 23, 2012 8:02 PM EST
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.
