In one of the simplest moves this year, the Indians brought Kenny Lofton back to Cleveland. This may be the move that gets them into the playoffs. Not only will this move add a much needed boost at the beginning of the line-up; but, it added an electricity to the team and the fans. The Boston series held a lot of excitement -- near sell-out crowds, a lot of tension between Cleveland and the Boston fans, some great pitching match-ups, and a little offense. There was a special feeling back in the Jake through out that series. But, when Lofton came back, the fans went out to see him. There was an electricity on Friday night that was about the team. Cleveland is finally getting excited about this team. A big part of that is having one of our heroes back in town. There are a lot of guys on this team that the fans just don't like -- Michaels, Peralta, Dellucci, and even Blake (although he's underapperciated). Lofton is one of the guys Cleveland likes to root for. When he was here the first time, The fans loved everyone 1-9. It doesn't seem that way this year. Lofton is a favorite. He belongs here and hopefully will retire an Indian.
He's back in the city where he belongs; but, isn't necessarily where he belongs in the batting order. He needs to bat first to get the offense going. The problem is, the Tribe does not have a true number 2 hitter. What the Tribe needs is to bring Omar back and get rid of Peralta, the team would be greatly improved -- offensively and defensively.
It's great to have Kenny home again!!!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Wedge the Crack-head
Why is Wedge in love with pinch-running for Hafner in the 8th inning of a close game? He normally uses Ben Francisco. Last night there were two outs and Hafner was on first. I see two problems with this strategy. One, if we tie the game up, we lose Hafner's bat. Two, we lose Francisco's bat to pinch-hit for someone else.
The other problem with last nights game (vs. CWS), why did he pinch-hit Nixon for Michaels? These are the stupid moves that will keep the Indians out of the post seson this year and for the next 3 years. Why not bring in someone that is hitting at least 250? I understand that he wants to match-up; but, don't do just to do it. If you have no one that you can bring in that's hitting better than the scheduled batter, don't make a move. This is a situation where I would have liked to see Francisco -- but, wait, he was running for Hafner. Can't use the hottest hitter on the team now.
In tonight's game, he nade the same move and Francisco got thrown out at home on a really bad decision by Skinner. However, Garko tied the game-up and now, we've lost Hafner in extra innings. I have one question -- what are the coaches smoking before the game??? They seem to be on another planet.
And we gave Wedge a three year extension. My head's going to ex...pl...ode!!!!
The other problem with last nights game (vs. CWS), why did he pinch-hit Nixon for Michaels? These are the stupid moves that will keep the Indians out of the post seson this year and for the next 3 years. Why not bring in someone that is hitting at least 250? I understand that he wants to match-up; but, don't do just to do it. If you have no one that you can bring in that's hitting better than the scheduled batter, don't make a move. This is a situation where I would have liked to see Francisco -- but, wait, he was running for Hafner. Can't use the hottest hitter on the team now.
In tonight's game, he nade the same move and Francisco got thrown out at home on a really bad decision by Skinner. However, Garko tied the game-up and now, we've lost Hafner in extra innings. I have one question -- what are the coaches smoking before the game??? They seem to be on another planet.
And we gave Wedge a three year extension. My head's going to ex...pl...ode!!!!
C.C. No A-C-E
When I think of an Ace, I think of someone that when you see their name in the line-up, you can bet the farm that he's going to win. Someone that is going to win the biggest game of the year. Someone that is going to beat any other number 1 pitcher in the league 1-0. You need to understand, it's not a word I throw around casually. Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Greg Maddux were all aces in their prime. Clemens in 1990, had a 1.93 ERA, went 21-6, and had 209 strike outs in 228 innings. In 9 of his starts that year, he gave-up less than 3 runs and did not get the win. He only gave up more than 3 runs in two of his starts!! That is the definition of an Ace. That's someone I would count on winning every night he pitched. I don't even regard one of my all-time favorite pitchers, Nolan Ryan, as an Ace.
Yes, Sabathia has put up some great numbers this year. He's also has had some disaster starts. In his last two starts, he's given up 13 runs in 11 innings. In a start against Texas this year, he had a 6-0 lead, and gave up five runs on six straight hits in the sixth inning. In Oakland, he sailed for 6.2 innings and then gave-up 5 runs. That's hardly something a grizzled veteran should do. He hardly measures up to my definition of an Ace.
I don't think Sabathia has ever won a big game against another good pitcher. He will not pitch a shut-out against a good (hitting) team. Yes, he'll beat-up on bad teams, like the Reds, but, put him him in a big game and he will eventually implode.
This guy does not have the mental toughness to be a great pitcher. He will still lose his focus after he's made a mistake or after a mistake in the field. When the Tribe needs him to buckle down, is when he's at his worse. He needs to learn to control his emotions when he's pitching. I think that's part of the reason he's so bad when in pitches in Oakland.
If the Indians were to make the playoffs, which, I still don't think they will because of Eric Wedge of course, he should not be the starting pitcher. I would give the nod to Byrd, a veteran that knows how to pitch in big games. With the Dolans opening up their checkbooks, I'm worried that they are going to pay for a Porsche and only get a Ford.
Would I like to have him on my team? Sure. Do I want to pay him top dollar? No. We have Carmona showing that he is capable of being an Ace, Sowers who can be another dominating pitcher, Westbrook, Byrd, and others in the minors ready to come-up. I would rather trade him and get some much needed help. There are plenty of holes we need to address on this team and he can get a lot of help. Let another team overpay the Indians for him.
Yes, Sabathia has put up some great numbers this year. He's also has had some disaster starts. In his last two starts, he's given up 13 runs in 11 innings. In a start against Texas this year, he had a 6-0 lead, and gave up five runs on six straight hits in the sixth inning. In Oakland, he sailed for 6.2 innings and then gave-up 5 runs. That's hardly something a grizzled veteran should do. He hardly measures up to my definition of an Ace.
I don't think Sabathia has ever won a big game against another good pitcher. He will not pitch a shut-out against a good (hitting) team. Yes, he'll beat-up on bad teams, like the Reds, but, put him him in a big game and he will eventually implode.
This guy does not have the mental toughness to be a great pitcher. He will still lose his focus after he's made a mistake or after a mistake in the field. When the Tribe needs him to buckle down, is when he's at his worse. He needs to learn to control his emotions when he's pitching. I think that's part of the reason he's so bad when in pitches in Oakland.
If the Indians were to make the playoffs, which, I still don't think they will because of Eric Wedge of course, he should not be the starting pitcher. I would give the nod to Byrd, a veteran that knows how to pitch in big games. With the Dolans opening up their checkbooks, I'm worried that they are going to pay for a Porsche and only get a Ford.
Would I like to have him on my team? Sure. Do I want to pay him top dollar? No. We have Carmona showing that he is capable of being an Ace, Sowers who can be another dominating pitcher, Westbrook, Byrd, and others in the minors ready to come-up. I would rather trade him and get some much needed help. There are plenty of holes we need to address on this team and he can get a lot of help. Let another team overpay the Indians for him.
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