Let's Go Tribe!: FanShots

Martin Shines at AAA Syracuse

2009-07-04T13:18:32Z

Martin Shines at AAA Syracuse

J.D. Martin has paid some serious dues, and it pleases me to see him have some success. Here is a link to his 2009 stats. 58 K's against 7 BB's is pretty awesome.

Gotta love the media

2009-07-04T13:00:35Z

Gotta love the media

Herges DFA, Abreu Up

2009-07-04T03:05:19Z

Herges DFA, Abreu Up

I guess the Indians really are going to give Mike Gosling a chance to let us remember his name.

Independence Day Rumor Rundown

2009-07-04T03:01:25Z

Independence Day Rumor Rundown

Reds, Cubs, Mets, Giants, Phillies: were also in on DeRosa (Stark)
Kerry Wood is probably too expensive to move; Betancourt isn't (Stark)
Indians have scouted Red Sox' system recently; more Victor rumors result (Heyman)
...and the Giants have scouted the Indians' big-league club (Heyman)
In a thin market for arms, nobody has mentioned the exquisitely available Carl Pavano (me)

View From the Booth: Carmona to the Clippers

2009-07-03T22:23:46Z

View From the Booth: Carmona to the Clippers

He's starting Sunday. Considering how far he fell, this is kind of amazing to follow.

Meloan dealt to Rays

2009-07-02T18:49:40Z

Newsflash: Zombie Marte Sighted by Fangraphs

2009-07-02T14:27:35Z

Newsflash: Zombie Marte Sighted by Fangraphs

Nothing much new here, really, although the article does offer faint praise of Marte's performance at Columbus -- making contact, not striking out too much. With Wes Hodges due to return soon, what happens to Marte?

Nyjer Morgan is a Valuable Asset...

2009-07-02T13:13:44Z

Nyjer Morgan is a Valuable Asset...

Interesting piece by Dave Cameron, linked to by Rob Neyer. Neyer sort of counterbalances Cameron's enthusiasm but an interesting read from both sides, especially given some recent discussions about the value of defense on this site.

Indians international prospect ages three years overnight

2009-07-02T01:31:56Z

Indians international prospect ages three years overnight

"Confirmed: Dominican SS Jose Osoria, who signed w/ #Indians for $575K last July 2, is really 20-year-old Wally Bryan." Wally Bryan? The fact that he talked with an Iowa accent should have been a tip-off.

DeRosa to Have Tests on Wrist

2009-07-01T16:02:44Z

DeRosa to Have Tests on Wrist

Wonder what effect this could have on the PTBNL.

On The Bright Side, Choo Is Good

2009-07-01T15:58:25Z

On The Bright Side, Choo Is Good

Second best offensive RF, over 1 year's time.

Akron vs Bowie, Carmona Starts

2009-07-01T01:48:35Z

Akron vs Bowie, Carmona Starts

Carmona's box score at Akron today. Nice line, no walks in 7 innings. Perhaps his delivery was successfully rebuilt...we can dream right?

Postseason Surgery Likely for Grady

2009-06-30T23:01:25Z

Postseason Surgery Likely for Grady

Soloff said "there's a high index of suspicion" that Sizemore will need an operation at some point. Soloff, speaking before the last-place Indians hosted the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, said Sizemore will have to play with soreness in his elbow for the remainder of the season.

Barfield to Columbus, Perez added to roster

2009-06-29T19:15:28Z

Barfield to Columbus, Perez added to roster

Josh Barfield has been demoted to Columbus to make room for new relief pitcher Chris Perez. This is no surprise since Cabrera was actived before yesterday's game, meaning Barfield went from almost completely useless to entirely useless on the Indians roster.

ESPN's Crasnick Overview of Shapiro & Tribe

2009-06-29T17:16:52Z

ESPN's Crasnick Overview of Shapiro & Tribe

Not a bad write up examining Pythagorean problems over the years, our poor draft history, perceptions of the FO, etc.

More on DeRosa-Perez swap, reactions from Lee and others

2009-06-28T18:45:49Z

More on DeRosa-Perez swap, reactions from Lee and others

The Accountability All-Stars weigh in. Wood: "This is the result of how we've played as a team." Hafner: "We're going to miss him. At the same time, this team has a lot of depth at positions and we're still looking to win as many games as we can." But as for Cliff: "Until you have a no-trade clause in your contract, there's always a chance something will happen."

The sidebar names Jess Todd and Francisco Samuel as two of the names on the Indians' pick list.

"The Indians are informing teams that Cliff Lee is indeed available."

2009-06-28T16:16:23Z

"The Indians are informing teams that Cliff Lee is indeed available."

Those words this morning from Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports. The language is a little stronger than prior reports, which suggested that the Indians were willing to listen to offers but would have to be overwhelmed. Of course, the Indians are always wiling to listen to offers — literally on any player — and of course, they will still need to be overwhelmed in order to trade Cliff Lee.

So what's different about this report? The suggestion that the Indians essentially have put the other 29 clubs "on notice" — we really might trade this guy, so if you were thinking about trying to overwhelm us, better get on it right now before some other club does.

The Colon/Sabathia bonus: Act now, and you can have him for three months in this year's pennant race, not just two. And the only-Colon bonus: You also get a very reasonable 2010 option, which means (best case) he can be part of your pennant race next year as well, or (worst case) you can re-flip him a year from now if you're out of it.

Rosenthal reports that the Rangers potentially make a good fit, if they can figure out a way to fit in his salary, and if they're willing to let go of an advanced prospect who's a potential ace. Rosenthal reported just four days ago that the Dodger have an interest, and that the Phillies inquired but weren't yet prepared to overwhelm.

In today's report, Rosenthal quotes a source as saying that Lee is set on becoming a free agent after 2010. This is not entirely news, and the then-age-32 pitcher is unlikely to be a good value signing for any club. It does reflect the reality that with another disappointing season under our belts, we're losing whatever shine we had with respect to signing or re-signing veterans who want to win.

Lee's sentiment may be giving the Indians a little push here, although they certainly are in a position to do nothing and not feel stupid about it. Much moreso than in prior years, however, money may be a real factor — not for 2009, but for 2010. The economic situation combined with a disappointing season could lead to truly massive shortfalls in ticket revenue, both for 2009 walkups and 2010 season tickets. A highly touted rookie may not be able to match Lee's performance in 2010, but he might not be that far off, and he'll definitely be $8 million cheaper.

Even beyond all that, the simple reality is that there likely will never be a better time to sell high on Cliff Lee. He is the reigning AL Cy Young winner, and he's got a 2.23 ERA over his last 14 starts. Over his last 47 starts, he has a 2.67 ERA, and he's allowed only 19 home runs in that span while averaging more than 7 IP per start.

Driveline Mechanics Doing in Depth Look at Perez - Derosa Trade

2009-06-28T06:18:12Z

Driveline Mechanics Doing in Depth Look at Perez - Derosa Trade

I have already have looked at Perez's Pitch F/X data while Kyle is working on and will have available soon the mechanics of Chris Perez's throwing motion.

Jason Kipnis Scouting Report

2009-06-27T03:22:17Z

Jason Kipnis Scouting Report

I swear I'm not looking for excuses to post FanShots here.

Jose Veras added, Jensen sent down

2009-06-27T02:58:40Z

Jose Veras added, Jensen sent down

Up seven runs ... two lead-off walks ... yeah, we've seen enough of that this season. A little surprising to see them burn Jensen's option at this late date, when it seems like he probably should have been sent down weeks ago.

Jose Veras is ... well, he just is.