A Fresh Start (Indians)

Lawrence Dolan, retired attorney and effectively one of the great patrons of modern Cleveland, died peacefully while taking a nap on a cold December afternoon. He'd seen his doctor two weeks before and passed his physical quite well for a 74 year old man, and some in high society found his sudden passing odd.

Dolan was 74 though, and at the request of his family no autopsy would be performed. Instead, over five hundred people including Mayor Frank Jackson, most of the city council, and a surprising cross section of society saw him laid to rest in Cleveland Heights.

Dolan always intended the team and his other holdings go to his sons. Matthew and Paul Dolan were both attorneys. The former served as US House representative for parts of Columbus, while Paul served as team president. Unfortunately there was a problem.

Usually when one writes a will, there is a clause specifically voiding any previous documents. For whatever reason, Dolan's will dated December 2, 2005 didn't have this. It did leave the team in Paul's care. His previous will, from October 2003, left the team to Matthew.

The Cleveland Indians were the crown jewel of Dolan's holdings. Along with the usual prestige of owning a Major League team, between 1989 and 2000 its value rose from $35 million to $210 million.

As the wrangling grew uglier and more public, General Manager Mark Shapiro registered his disgust with both sons by resigning on January 9. This left the team effectively leaderless as both brothers appointed their own replacements who issued conflicting orders.

As one of the founding members of the American League descended into chaos, Major League Baseball met in emergency session on January 27. There they agreed by a vote of 28-2 (both Cleveland delegates and Florida dissenting) that if the Dolan brothers couldn't resolve their differences, then maybe someone should buy the team out.

That someone proved to be Edward Sinclair, a resident of nearby Avon. Sinclair's father made the family fortune during Cleveland's hey day as one of the manufacturing centers of the nation. Ed added to this by investing in Microsoft very early and riding the wave of Bill Gates' success. He paid the brothers $250 million each.

Sinclair made a clean sweep of the Indians front office, feeling more comfortable with 'rookies' that owed their success to him as opposed to veterans with loyalties to Shapiro or the Dolans.

These 'rookies' would have one of the best teams in the league at their disposal. In 2005 the Indians finished 93-69, six games behind the World Champion White Sox and two out of the wildcard. However that also led to great expectations. Local talk show host Mike Trivisonno promised Tribe fans a divisional pennant, if not the Series, and he was not the kind of man who took disappointment well.

Ed and I met at the University of Akron, where we both earned MBAs. He returned to his parties and society, while I went into sports and finally led the Redmond (Oregon) Trailblazers to the very first Golden League championship.(1)

The Golden Baseball League, like its more popular brethren further east, is an independent league. Their teams are not farms for the Majors, but nor are the players really of Major League quality. Since there's a very low salary cap, the only people who play in the GBL are the up and comers who didn't get drafted, the oldsters no one wants hoping to make a comeback, and those who simply love the game. As an example, Rickey Henderson played for the San Diego Surf Dawgs.

Sometimes independent players do get signed, a cause for celebration league wide. I didn't know general managers could be as well.

In a way I shouldn't have been surprised. Ed doesn't have the temperament - or desire - to try to run a multi-million dollar franchise. I have to admit it's a bit disconcerting going from a total team payroll of less than $150,000 to over $50 million.

My name is Knight. Robert Knight.

You can call me Cat.

*******
(1) Redmond is a real city in central Oregon, and the Golden League is real as well. The Trailblazers, however, are fake.

*******

COMMENTS:

The Kansas City dynasty will rest for awhile. I thought it time to try something new.

2006 was the year I came to Cleveland. I lived most of my life in Connecticut, but have spent the twenty-first century wandering from place to place (including central Oregon) before settling here. When I came, I needed a fresh start, hence part of the name of this dynasty.

I expected Cleveland to be depressing, a rest stop while I gathered my strength for a return home or to wander somewhere else. Instead I found some good friends and a fiance, so I guess this is home now.

2006 was also the year I started paying attention to baseball again. I spent the 90s first apathic, then disgusted by the game I loved as a child. To this day I know more about the teams of the late 70s and early 80s than those of the 90s and early 00s. A friend here is an Indian-holic and started dragging me to games. Soon enough the old spark returned. I joined these forums in March '07, and the rest is history. That's the other reason for this dynasty title.

In a sense, I'm using this dynasty to get a better feel for the team's recent history. Looking at their '06 roster, there are players I don't recognize...and many of those I do are in the minors. I don't know much about the other teams at all. This is a way of finding out.

So...the year is 2006. The Indians have a lot of potential...but the AL Central is one of the most competitive in baseball. Barry Bonds hasn't broken Aaron's record yet, and with any luck (no interference from me this time) maybe he'll get eaten by giant shark.

It's Tribe Time.

Table of Contents:
2006 begins below.


House Rules

BM09 v11.10, Equalized Cities

1. Only three trades per year: One in the off-season, one between April and June, the last in July. All must use the trading block. I cannot modify offers except to balance cash. (Exception: +1 trade in 2006)

2. I may accept computer trades, but again can't modify except to balance cash.

3. All games are on manager level, either simmed or 'watched' as GM.

4. Free Agent resignings are per a modified version of OFG's rules. There is a 33% chance this will apply to resigning players as well. There is also a 50% chance of avoiding arbitration in any given year.

5. The number of FAs I can sign in a given year is equal to x-1, where x equals my finish last year.

6. I get an additional FA signing which MUST be used on a prospect (70- overall, 83+ peak, age 25 or under)

7. I can indeed be 'fired' - my current contract runs through 2008.

8. As you know, I have a habit of changing the 'world' around me. For one thing, if we ever reach 2011 I'm considering an expansion. You've been warned.

9. There is a Rule V draft offseason for minor leaguers age 29 and over.
*******

Future Spoiler Info

Code:

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Year        Record        Finish        -        Batting MVP        Pitching MVP
2006

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February 27, 2006

Mark Shapiro, now the former GM of the Indians, lived in a large house in nearby Lakewood. He answered the door himself, surprise giving way to pleasure. "Rob! You're early. Come in."

"Not too early, I hope?" I couldn't time traffic in Cleveland yet. I was rather pleased I'd made it at all.

"Not at all." We walked upstairs and into his den, where a man sat leafing through a book. He put it down when I entered.

"I hope you don't mind, Rob. I thought this would save us some time."

Eric Wedge, field manager of the Indians, smiled as we shook hands. He was a big man in his late thirties who managed 86 at bats in four years before ending his playing career in 1994. He'd led the Indians since 2003 with a lifetime record of 241-245. He and his coaches survived Sinclair's purge, which was good as I had no idea where to find a replacement.

"I'm surprised you aren't at Winter Haven," I remarked.

"I was, and I'm going back tomorrow morning. Mark called and thought we should meet before the rest of the players report. Plus, it gives me a chance to see my wife."

Polite small talk, then Shapiro got to business. "Rob, I thought it important to give you an idea of the state of the league, as well as the team. It's only fair since you weren't part of the fighting that took place when Larry died."

The lesser news had to do with stadiums. St. Louis had a new one (New Busch Park...original) and opened on April 2 against the Cubs. The Nationals, Mets and Yankees were all in various stages of designing their own fields as well.

The big news, the big secret really, was that Major League Baseball simply wasn't stable anymore.

"It started after '94," Shapiro said. "We lost a lot of fans after the strike, and while we're getting them back it's more mercurial than in the past. Less team loyalty and more bandwagoning. That's one of the reasons Selig talked contraction in '02 and the Expos failed two years later."

The C- word. In some sports circles it ranked up there with the N- word, the F- word, and several other words you don't say in polite company.

Now it might happen again. Mark told me the Pirates were in serious, serious trouble. They'd gone thirteen seasons without even breaking .500, Pittsburgh was actually shrinking in size, and their fans were leaving for more competitive teams like the Phillies or Indians.

"McClatchy is still looking for a local buyer, but if he fails...well, at Summer Meetings you'll probably hear some presentations."

"From who?"

"San Jose, California would like a team," Shapiro said, shaking his head. "However with San Fran and Oakland so close I don't think anyone's going to bite. San Antonio, Indianapolis and Jacksonville seem to be the leaders right now."

Jacksonville? Baseball and Florida don't seem to go together, though it's true Jacksonville's really of a different temperament then points south. San Antonio? Maybe... Indianapolis is the most natural replacement, though perhaps a little close to Cincinnati.

"There's more though." Apparently Detroit was also in hot water, though owner Michael Illitch was more hopeful of getting out of it. "If the Tigers are getting ready to fall also, Selig may just cry enough and bring us back down to 28 teams."

Losing two of the oldest franchises in baseball would be....serious.

"What does the Players' Union think?"

"Oh, they're giving the usual commentary about how any contraction would violate the CBA, though they could care less if teams want to move. They're trying to keep it out of the papers, as are we." Baseball labor relations stayed wary, but stable since the '94 strike. No one wanted to chance disenfranchising the fans entirely and killing their golden goose.

"You can probably learn more if you talk to Arneault." Michel Arneault, a Montreal native, took over the Tigers a month ago. "Careful though, he can be touchy."

Eric and I talked briefly about the roster. We agreed little could be finalized until Spring Training was finished, but if I felt a sudden need to recruit us another pitcher or outfielder, he wouldn't lose any sleep.

So I did.

Trade:
CLE-ATL: 3B Andy Marte (67/73) [22] (.140 0-4 0 in 57 AB with ATL last year)
CLE-ATL: RP Juan Lara (69/79) [25] (3-3 5.46 1 SV in AA-Akron)

ATL-CLE: SP Horacio Ramirez (76) [26] (11-9 4.63 1 CG)

As far as I'm concerned, the Braves can have Marte back. Lara might be a fine reliever in time, but we have better people also coming up through the ranks. Ramirez isn't outstanding...but he's 26, where as Paul Byrd is 35 and has about the same skills.

Ramirez will be our #5 starter. Marte and Lara end up in AAA-Richmond.

I thought you said you would do a Mariners dynasty next?!?!! :(

screw the Indians:D:D

Looks good as always :), I wish I could develop storylines as well as you do for Dynasties.

Interesting. Starting a modern era dynasty. It'll be interesting to see how Barry's chase goes, as well as possible contraction, and, of course the who steroid thing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gosensgo101

Interesting. Starting a modern era dynasty. It'll be interesting to see how Barry's chase goes, as well as possible contraction, and, of course the who steroid thing.

---

Yes, Barry's chase. I'm sure that will go very well for him, as always :cool:

Coach Owens: I did. Sorry :( As you read above, this one has personal significance for me. Anyway, I don't want to take away from your dynasty, which I'm enjoying. If it helps anyway, you'll like what happens below.

jshaw: Hm. Who's your team? I'm feeling this sudden urge to edit players. :)

YEAH DAWWWG: Not much of a story so far, but thanks :)

gosensgo: We'll see about Barry. The steroid era is fortunately about over, though of course we still have the Mitchell report to look forward to.

SrMeowMeow: Hey! I said I wouldn't interfere with Bonds' record chase. I probably meant that too. :)
*******

2006 Predictions

AL East
1. New York Yankees (87-75)
2. Baltimore Orioles (84-78)
3. Boston Red Sox (81-81)
4. Toronto Blue Jays (78-84)
5. Tampa Bay Devil Rays (68-94)

AL Central
1. Minnesota Twins (91-71)
2. Cleveland Indians (86-76)
3. Detroit Tigers (84-78)
4. Chicago White Sox (69-93)
5. Kansas City Royals (52-110)

AL West
1. Oakland Athletics (96-66)
2. Texas Rangers (93-69) (Wildcard)
3. Los Angeles Angels (90-72)
4. Seattle Mariners (76-86)

NL East
1. Philadelphia Phillies (97-65)
2. New York Mets (95-67) (Wildcard)
3. Atlanta Braves (93-69)
4. Washington Nationals (83-79)
5. Florida Marlins (71-91)

NL Central
1. St. Louis Cardinals (94-68)
2. Milwaukee Brewers (80-82)
3. Chicago Cubs (75-87)
4. Houston Astros (74-88)
5. Cincinnati Reds (71-91)
6. Pittsburgh Pirates (69-93)

NL West
1. San Diego Padres (88-74)
2. Los Angeles Dodgers (83-79)
3. Colorado Rockies (77-85)
4. Arizona Diamondbacks (76-86)
5. San Francisco Giants (69-93)

N/S Rating 1.66; Extreme records 0/0/1/0; High: PHI 97; Low: KCR 52

*******

I've found that exact numbers mean very little - but predictions can still show basic trends. For example, I'd be very surprised if the Cardinals didn't win the NL Central, while the NL East promises to be a real battle.

As for us, this tells me the Twins have an advantage - but not an overwhelming one. Detroit also wants a shot at the divisional pennant, so the ALC could be amusing.

I expected Kansas City to be bad, but what's wrong with the ChiSox? Didn't they win the Series last year? For that matter, last year's NL Champ, the Astros, aren't expected to break 81 wins either. Hm.
*******

Strange news out of Seattle: While vacationing in Hawaii before getting ready to start the season, enraged natives captured GM Bill Bavasi and fed him to a volcano.

Hawaii isn't supposed to have any natives - at least in the tribal sense - but apparently a small group living in the interior of Hilo felt their volcano god was angry about the Mariners' poor performance in recent years. They clubbed him and threw him in.

Major League Baseball is obviously appalled. The Mariners have hired some kid named Will Thompson to take over.

I've barely skimmed your other dynasties, as I'm not too familiar with many historical names and don't really have any "attachments" to them, but I've always thought them to be some of the best around, just by glancing at the immense detail you have in your posts. Now that you're doing a modern one, you've gained another loyal reader. Really looking forward to this one.

:)

Also, you won't abandon this one like you did with "Tribal Warfare" will you?

Well, there goes expansion to Hawaii... :D

Great start. You know I'll be reading!

Could the Natives stay in the story? Please! They are awesome! Maybe Bonds should go on vacation to Hawaii...

Houston: Welcome! Just be ready for inconsistencies. I know the 70s and 80s players (sadly) much better than the modern ones :)

Coach Owens: Probably not, though one of my thoughts (before this) was to resurrect it. Since I'm sticking with BM09 though, and didn't want to start that far back this time...here we are. :)

PotatoofCouch: I dunno, the Mariners could go to Hawaii. Their fanbase is already in place :)

RedSoxRockies: We'll see what we can do :)
*******

I flew to Tampa on a rainy day in late March then, rather than be met at the airport by a fawning traveling secretary, rented a comfortable mid-size Ford and drove the fifty-odd miles across state to Winter Haven.

Despite recent (half-hearted) attempts to renovate the stadium, Chain O'Lakes park betrayed its origins back in the '60s. For the fans it's comfortable, and can easily seat 7,000 or more. However, it doesn't really have the bells and whistles a modern site requires. The dorms are cramped, and some of our offices are actually in trailers. In other words, for a man used to working in the independent leagues with a $150,000 odd payroll it's like coming home.

The players hate it. Good. A little humility lesson never hurt anyone, and might make them more grateful for being in the show.

The truth is we aren't even supposed to be here. In 1992 Homestead, Florida agreed to build the Indians a state-of-the-art stadium to rival the Yankees' camp or those in Arizona. They came through. Then so did Hurricane Andrew, annihilating the park.

They couldn't be ready by 1993, and we needed a home. The city of Winter Haven agreed to renovate Chain O'Lakes for us, but only if we promised to stay ten years. We did, they did, and for all this time Homestead's stood empty. I'm not sure why the team didn't leave in 2003, but I think part of it is indifferent attendance in the southern part of this state.

Perhaps the Marlins would like it in Homestead, if they can add about thirty thousand seats. With Wayne Huizenga (owner of the Dolphins) out of the way, there's really no reason to stay in Dolphin Stadium if they don't have to. Sharing a stadium with a football team is so early '70s...

Over the next few days I watched the team practice and play. Wedge assigned a number of people to minor league camps, and I didn't interfere. Most of them wouldn't have earned a spot in Redmond! Our future didn't look promising. (I begin with 6 fielders and 10 pitchers in the minors. Ack!)

Finally we sat down and went through the rest:
*******

OPENING DAY 2006
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...s/CLE1980-.gif
ROSTER

CATCHERS

Victor Martinez (89) [27] (.305 20-80 0)
CON: $2.47m thru 2006 / ACQ: 07/96 Amateur Free Agent
DEBUT: 2002 Cleveland Indians (5th season)

Kelly Shoppach (73/75) [25] (.000 0-0 0 in 15 AB with Boston)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2009 / ACQ: 01/06 Trade with BOS
DEBUT: 2005 Boston Red Sox (Rookie)

Getting Shoppach was one of Shapiro's last acts, and the trade didn't even finish until he was gone. Time will tell whether it was a good trade or not. Martinez, meanwhile, is one of our best players and will be here for a long time to come.

FIRST BASE

Ryan Garko (81/86) [25] (.000 0-0 0 in 1 AB)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2009 / ACQ: 06/03 Amateur Draft (3rd round)
DEBUT: 2005 Cleveland Indians (Rookie)

Travis Hafner (90) [28] (.305 33-108 0)
CON: $3.67m thru 2006 / ACQ: 12/02 Trade with TEX
DEBUT: 2002 Texas Rangers (5th season)

I knew Shapiro liked his teams young, but that's now two rookies..and Garko's starting! Hafner is our DH.

INFIELD

Ron Belliard (82) [30] (.284 17-78 2)
CON: $5.3m thru 2009 / ACQ: 12/03 Free Agent
DEBUT: 1998 Milwaukee Brewers (9th season)

Kevin Kouzmanoff (74/86) [24] (Rookie)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2009 / ACQ: 06/03 Amateur Draft (6th round)
DEBUT: 2006 Cleveland Indians (Rookie)

Jhonny Peralta (83/88) [23] (.292 24-78 0)
CON: $1.51m thru Arb 2007 / ACQ: 04/99 Amateur Free Agent
DEBUT: 2003 Cleveland Indians (4th season)

Ramon Vazquez (75) [29] (.212 0-5 0 with Boston/Cleveland)
CON: $669K thru 2006 / ACQ: 07/05 Trade with BOS
DEBUT: 2001 Seattle Mariners (6th season)

Joe Inglett (74/77) [27] (Rookie)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2009 / ACQ: 06/00 Amateur Draft (8th round)
DEBUT: 2006 Cleveland Indians (Rookie)

Aaron Boone (70) [33] (.243 16-60 9)
CON: $1.7m thru 2006 / ACQ: 06/04 Free Agent
DEBUT: 1997 Cincinnati Reds (9th season)

And may I introduce the mostly has beens and never will bes. Peralta (his first name is spelled correctly) is our only real bright spot. We have hope for Kouzmanoff, but this will very much be a trial by fire for him. Belliard's aging, but should be okay for a bit. As for the others - we've seen Vazquez's best, and it's not very good. Inglett is getting old to improve much more. Boone's time has passed.

OUTFIELD

Jason Michaels (80) [29] (.304 4-31 3 with Philadelphia)
CON: $1.81m thru 2006 / ACQ: 01/06 Trade with PHI
DEBUT: 2001 Philadelphia Phillies (6th season)

Grady Sizemore (93) [23] (.289 22-81 22)
CON: $1.0m thru Arb 2008 / ACQ: 06/02 Trade with MON
DEBUT: 2004 Cleveland Indians (3rd season)

Casey Blake (77) [32] (.241 23-58 4)
CON: $2.63m thru 2006 / ACQ: 12/02 Free Agent
DEBUT: 1999 Toronto Blue Jays (8th season)

Todd Hollandsworth (75) [32] (.244 6-36 4 with Chicago(N), Atlanta)
CON: $1.8m thru 2008 / ACQ: 01/06 Free Agent
DEBUT:1995 Los Angeles Dodgers (12th season)

Again, Shapiro's last trades and signings didn't take hold until after the new year. Michaels and Sizemore look solid. Blake looks like he's getting old, as does Hollandsworth.

On the Farm

OF Franklin Gutierrez (77/81) will probably join mid-season. IF Lou Merloni (70) could also see time if we struggle.

A great start. I suggest you get Jake Taylor as a manager. He was a catcher for the Indians, until bad knees drove him out of the game. He had a reputation for being a party hound in the 1980s, but he seems to have settled down.

--Pet

Quote:

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Originally Posted by petrel

A great start. I suggest you get Jake Taylor as a manager. He was a catcher for the Indians, until bad knees drove him out of the game. He had a reputation for being a party hound in the 1980s, but he seems to have settled down.

--Pet

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Not Lou?

Also: Woo! Grady Sizemore! Representin'!

OPENING DAY 2006
http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x...s/CLE1980-.gif
ROSTER (continued)

STARTING ROTATION

C.C. Sabathia (94) [25] (15-10 4.03 1 CG)
CON: $5.66m thru 2006 / ACQ: 06/98 Amateur Draft (1st round)
DEBUT: 2001 Cleveland Indians (6th season)

Cliff Lee (79) [27] (18-5 3.79 1 CG)
CON: $2.32m thru 2006 / ACQ: 06/02 Trade with MON
DEBUT: 2002 Cleveland Indians (5th season)

Jake Westbrook (82) [28] (15-15 4.49 2 CG)
CON: $4.85m thru 2006 / ACQ: 06/00 Trade with NYY
DEBUT: 2000 New York Yankees (7th season)

Fausto Carmona (84/93) [22] (Rookie)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2009 / ACQ: 12/00 Amateur Free Agent
DEBUT: 2006 Cleveland Indians (Rookie)

Horacio Ramirez (76) [26] (11-9 4.63 1 CG)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2007 / ACQ: 03/06 Trade with ATL
DEBUT: 2003 Atlanta Braves (4th season)

C.C. has already made a name for himself around here, though Cliff Lee was our ace last year. Carmona's very young, but should show some potential. Horacio's a stopgap while more pitchers develop in the minors.

BULLPEN

Rafael Betancourt (90) [30] (4-3 2.79 1 SV)
CON: $1.1m thru Arb 2007 / ACQ: 01/03 Free Agent
DEBUT: 2003 Cleveland Indians (4th season)

Rafael Perez (82/89) [24] (Rookie)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2009 / ACQ: 01/02 Amateur Free Agent
DEBUT: 2006 Cleveland Indians (Rookie)

Matt Miller (82) [34] (1-0 1.82 1 SV)
CON: $348K thru Arb 2007 / ACQ: 02/04 Free Agent
DEBUT: 2003 Colorado Rockies (4th season)

Bob Wickman (79) [37] (0-4 2.47 45 SV)
CON: $2.95m thru 2006 / ACQ: 07/00 Trade with MIL
DEBUT: 1992 New York Yankees (14th season)

Danny Graves (75) [32] (0-0 5.75 0 SV with New York(N))
CON: $1.45m thru 2006 / ACQ: 12/05 Free Agent
DEBUT: 1996 Cleveland Indians (11th season)

Paul Byrd (76) [35] (12-11 3.74 2 CG with Los Angeles(A))
CON: $4.1m thru 2007 / ACQ: 12/05 Free Agent
DEBUT: 1995 New York Mets (11th season)

Betacourt and Miller came up rather late. Hopefully they peak late also. Wickman was last year's closer, but he's fading. Graves and Byrd are...there. Byrd was to be our fifth starter until Ramirez came along. Perez is our only young guy in the 'pen.

On the Farm:

Jeremy Guthrie (73/78) and Jason Davis (74) could start later in this season depending on how they do. Fernando Cabrera (73/84) and Andrew Brown (77/82) could find their way into the bullpen before this is over.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Coach Owens

Not Lou?

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S**t! I thought Lou was dead, but he wasn't. Of course, Lou Brown!

No nonsense on the field.
Knows how to deal with cranky vets.
Knows how to handle the rookies.
Great tire salesman.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by petrel

S**t! I thought Lou was dead, but he wasn't. Of course, Lou Brown!

No nonsense on the field.
Knows how to deal with cranky vets.
Knows how to handle the rookies.
Great tire salesman.

---

Doesn't fall for lame excuses like a legthing or a spiritual thing or a psychological thing or a heart attack!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CatKnight

Byrd was to be our fifth closer until Ramirez came along.

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Fifth starter, you mean. ;)

I just realized. You...have...HoRam.... :eek:

Have fun losing to the Twins :) Good luck, I'll be reading.

Houston GM: Sh!

petrel: See what trouble you're about to start?

Coach: Now that's the problem with not knowing the modern players. I didn't know anything about HoRam til you spoke up and I did a Google search. I guess 'I' fell for the Braves' rhetoric just like Bavasi :)

EVEN: At last! A target for my editing! Lessee...Johan Santana (55/63)...
*******

April 1, 2006


"And remember, tune in at six o'clock for a special edition of Tribe Talk. Indians owner Edward Sinclair will be holding a press conference."

"What is this about, Schwabbie? There won't be anything to report until tomorrow."

"I'm not sure, but..."

I turned off the radio. I didn't know either, which I thought was a pretty big problem. I'd called Ed the second I heard about this mystery press conference, and he asked me to drive on over.

Sinclair's estate makes Shapiro's home look like a hovel. Steel picket gates and a six foot tall brick wall defended him from intruders. After speaking briefly to the intercom, the gate swung open allowing me to enter.

I found him in his study - an oriental rug that, if sold, could put a child through one year of college, sat under an obsidian colored desk that could easily pay for the second. A bookshelf sat along one wall full or out-of-print collections that he didn't read. Paintings lined the other walls.

Sinclair smiled and waved me to a chair next to a man I didn't recognize - short, pudgy, black hair fading to grey with a moustache. Ed was, as usual, in a nice suit as if planning for a party. This guy wore a polo shirt and jeans.

"Sorry Ed, I didn't know you had company."

"That's alright, Rob." His smile broadened. "You would have met soon anyway. I want you to meet Lou Brown, your new manager."

He tipped an imaginary cap to me as I simply stared. "Uh...manager of what?"

"The Indians!"

"We have a manager. Eric Wedge."

Brown read my face. "Surprised the h*** out of me too, kid."

It took me another three full seconds to recover. "Mister...Brown? Could I have a moment alone with Ed?"

Lou glanced at Sinclair, who shrugged. "Sure. I need to take a piss anyway." He winked at me then left.

I smiled at his back until he was out of sight, then stood and gripped Ed's desk. "Are you out of your mind?"

He leaned back, startled. "What do you mean?"

"Opening day is tomorrow!"

"Yes?"

"And you want to change managers now?"

"Is there a problem? I thought better now than in mid season."

"He...no! Wedge handled spring training and you fired him?"

"Yes." Sinclair folded his hands. "I'm doing you a favor, you know."

"How do you figure that?"

"As long as any member of the old regime is around, there will be people comparing you to Mark Shapiro. Wedge is of the same cut as them: A sabretooth who likes statistics."

"Sabre...Sabermetric?"

"I don't get into subspecies."

This was like a bad dream. Or maybe a bad movie. "This guy doesn't know any of our signals. He doesn't know our players! Did you at least keep the coaches?"

"Certainly. I'm not worried about staff."

"How do you expect him to lead a ballclub with one day's notice? Does he even have any experience!?"

Brown poked his head in. "Hey, Rob? Is that your Ford out front?"

I turned. "Yeah?"

"Your tires are wearing down. I can get you a real deal on white walls..."

*cry*

I can't wait till Lou pisses on some high priced vet's contract....

--Pet

Or gets a naked picture of Sinclair to motivate his players!

I've never heard of Lou Brown (I'm a young'un :)), whats his story?

*cries* Dawg....go out right this minute and rent Major League, please.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bigpapi

*cries* Dawg....go out right this minute and rent Major League, please.

---

And #2! To me ML 1 and ML 2 go together. However Major League 3 isn't that great.

Anyways, Cat, nice dynasty. I'm not big on following retro ones, so this one being a modern day dynasty I'll be tuning in.

I say Hafner develops like Cerrano and you need to pick up a japanese outfielder to tease him! Nice Start Cat. I'll be reading.

SrMeow: Cry?

petrel: That would be amusing. ;)

Dawg: Yep! Lou Brown's the manager of the Indians in 'Major League'

bigpapi: Definitely worth renting.

mattynokes: Ya know, I'm not sure I've seen ML2. I know the general plot, but I don't recall actually seeing it. Hm.

Bichetteman: Hm...that could be fun too :)
*******

Early April 2006

The press conference went about as well as you would expect. Incredulity followed by concern. Didn't we know Eric Wedge led the Indians from obscurity to over ninety wins last year? Could the judgement of a first year GM (somehow this became my idea) be trusted?

Even Bud Selig called with a wary "Are you sure about this?" Just wonderful.

Lou managed to keep his mouth shut, though I could see him turning red as the questions continued. Ed thoughtfully let me handle the baseball questions. Did I think this would hurt the Indians' chances? No, of course not. We have complete faith in our players. Are we worried about the Twins and Tigers? No. We're going to play ball for 162 games, and the best team will emerge. How about the rash of contracts coming up at the end of the season?

"We will worry about those towards the end of the season." I leaned forward on the podium for emphasis. "I'd ask our players to concentrate on baseball right now. We don't want to distract them."
*******

"Hello, girls!" So began Lou's stint as Indian manager, much to the shock and chagrin of our players. We start out in the hole half a game, as the ChiSox annihilated Texas 10-2 yesterday. This could be a long season.
*******

Kansas City (0-0) (2nd-T, -0.5g) at Cleveland (0-0) (2nd-T, -0.5g)

2: A close fought game until the sixth when Ryan Garko hit a bases loaded double to blowit open. Garko and Kouzmanoff both earned their first (two) hits and a double apiece. Martinez went 4/4. Indians 9-5
WP: Miller (1-0), HR: Sizemore (1), Martinez (1)
*******

In St. Louis, the Cards showed off their new stadium in style. They annihilated Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano, tossing him out after two innings on the way to a 13-2 massacre including two homers by Albert Pujols.
*******

3: Trailing 2-0, we exploded for 8 runs in the next three innings capped by Blake's grand slam. Lee pitched 5.1 mediocre innings. Hafner went 2/4 with 2R, 2RBI. Indians 9-5
WP: Lee (1-0), HR: Blake (1), Hafner (1)

4: We squandered a 6-0 lead, and they nearly blew one of 12-9. John Buck's grand slam off Miller gave them the lead for good. Kouzmanoff hit his first homer. Michaels went 4/6 with 3 R. They went through EIGHT pitchers, while we went through 5. Royals 12-11
LP: Miller (1-1), HR: Kouzmanoff (1), Sizemore (2)
*******

We'd briefly held first place, but the loss puts us into a tie with our next opponent.
*******

Cleveland (2-1) (1st-T, +0g) at Detroit (2-1) (1st-T, +0g)

5: Fausto Carmona's debut sees him go 6 innings while giving up 2 runs. Not bad for a converted reliever. Byrd comes in and gives up a third run. Tigers 3-1
LP: Carmona (0-1)

6: The buzz on Braves fan boards was that HoRam was, at best, mediocre and 'Good riddance.' Perhaps, but for one day Ramirez was fantastic giving up 1 run in 8 innings. Martinez's 2 run homer and a late rally puts the game out of reach. Indians 6-1
WP: Ramirez (1-0), HR: Martinez (2)

7: We could have had this one: Leading 5-1 in the 7th, C.C. gives up a 3-run homer to Marcus Thames. Relievers take over into the eleventh when the Tigers play small ball, scoring on two singles and a sac bunt. Tigers 6-5 (11)
LP: Betancourt (0-1), HR: Martinez (3)
*******

I suppose I should be happy. .500 ball with a raw manager who barely knows our signals? Lou seems abrasive. So far the rookies like him, while the vets don't know what to do yet.

The Blue Jays are 6-0. The Yanks lead the wildcard at 6-1. Good thing this isn't football or I'd be worried.
*******

Los Angeles (2-4) (3rd, -2g) at Cleveland (3-3) (2nd. -1g)

8: Lee rebounds with a great performance: 3 hits in 8 IP. It's never even close, especially after a 5-run rally in the 4th. Sizemore goes 2/3 with 3 RBI, Michaels and Belliard each get 3 hits. Indians 11-0
WP: Lee (2-0). HR: Sizemore (3)

9: Leading 4-2 in the 8th, Westbrook finally breaks down and they tie it. Miller takes over pitching: LA scores 3 in the 9th, we only score 2, one of those on a back to back passed ball and wild pitch. Angels 7-6
LP: Miller (1-2)

10: Our offense gets revenge, scoring 5 in the 1st. They get 3 in the 2nd, but that's it for them as we keep going. Carmona pitches another solid 6 innings. Blake hits his second grand slam of the season. Indians 10-3
WP: Carmona (1-1), SV: Byrd (1), HR: Blake (2)

11: A much closer game: Martinez's 3 run blast puts us ahead, but this time the Angels won't give up. Ramirez still gives us 6 solid innings, and relief pitching finishes it. Indians 5-4
WP: Ramirez (2-0), SV: Betancourt (1), HR: Martinez (4), Michaels (1)
*******

Well, that felt pretty nice. It'll feel even better if we can do something about the Tigers, who are coming to town.

Detroit (6-3) (1st, +0.5g) at Cleveland (6-4) (2nd, -0.5g)

12: A general solid performance. Sabathia finally hits his stride going 7 innings. Hafner goes 3/4 with 2R and 2RBI. Even Miller (0.2 IP, 0 H) manages not to blow it. Indians 7-3
WP: Sabathia (1-0), SV: Miller (1), HR: Hafner (2), Kouzmanoff (2)

13: Another game we should have had, Bob Wickman and Paul Byrd...suck..giving up 4 runs in the ninth to turn a probable win into a loss. Let's not forget Lee though, who's being very inconsistent and only went 3 full innings forcing an improbable comeback from 6-0. Tigers 10-9
LP: Byrd (0-1), HR: Sizemore (4)

14: For reasons that aren't at all clear, Betancourt STARTS. I understood when Lou said Westbrook needed a day off, but what about BYRD? Or...anyone trained to go more than one inning? Well, it was all relievers and we actually managed to hang in there most of the game. Trailing 4-3 after 7 they scored 2, then we copied them. In the ninth the Tigers scored one more. Grr. Tigers 7-5
LP: Betancourt (0-2), HR: Blake (3)
*******

AL Central
Detroit (8-4)
Cleveland (7-6) (1.5)
Chicago (7-7) (2)
Minnesota (5-8) (3.5)
Kansas City (4-10) (5)

ALE: New York (11-2), Toronto (-2), Boston (-4)
ALW: Oakland (8-5), Texas (-2), Seattle (-3)
ALwc: Toronto (9-4), Boston (-2), Cleveland (-2)
NLE: Atlanta (7-6), Florida (7-6), Washington (-0.5)
NLC: Milwaukee (7-5), PIT/CHC/STL/CIN (-1)
NLW: San Diego (9-5), Los Angeles (-0.5), SF/ARI (-1)
NLwc: Los Angeles (9-6), Arizona (-0.5), San Francisco (-0.5)

Rumor is they're calling Lou "Wilford Brimley".

--Pet

petrel: Lou hasn't asked anyone to eat their oatmeal. Yet. :)
*******

April 14, 2006


Detroit's GM, Michel Arneault(1), travelled with the team so I visited him in the guest box during the final game. He rose and bowed when I walked in.

Arneault was a slim man in his late thirties with short black hair. He dressed immaculately in a $500 suit with a black and silver tie. His attendant, a pretty thing of about 20-25 with blond hair, blushed when she saw me. He murmured something in her ear and she left.

"Mister...Knight, yes?" He gripped my hand in both of his. "An honor, sir! Please, will you join me?" He spoke with an accent, but I understood him well enough.

"The pleasure's mine." Didn't hurt to be polite. "How are you enjoying the game?"

He glanced over his shoulder at the center field scoreboard. "I am enjoying it very much, though I fear you must be suffering grievously." He wrung his hands as if this actually bothered him. "Such are the whims of destiny."

"It's not over yet." I sat beside him and we talked about our lives and families. "Are you married?" he asked, glancing at my hand.

I followed his gaze to the simple gold band. "Engaged." And so I talked about Katrina(2), coming in from Oregon. To hear him tell it, his wife's name was 'Mon cher.'

Finally the conversation swung around to the state of the American League, and I asked about the Tigers' woes.

"Us? In trouble? Who has told you such nonsense?" he snapped, his accent thickening. "I will wring their nose from their face! It is an insult!"

"So it's not true?"

"Non! Oui, it is true the Tigers have seen better days, but I run a tight ship. There is no danger of the team going bankrupt or moving. Not on my watch!"

I apologized and inevitably the conversation shifted to Pittsburgh.

"Now that is a different kettle of fish," he said in a troubled tone. "I may be wrong. I hope so, indeed, but I do not see how they can stay."

He then added a surprise. "It is not well publicized, for many are waiting for the Pirates to decide if they can weather this storm or not, but there may be another potential place for them to go."

"Besides Jacksonville, Indianapolis and San Antonio? Where?"

"And besides San Jose, do not forget. I am, however, speaking of Calgary."
-------

(1) For those new to my dynasties, I always fictionalize the GMs. This way I can give them what personalities and histories I want.

(2) And for those who remember Katrina from 'Royals'...that's my RL fiance's middle name and the one she uses. For those veterans of 'Cardinal' and 'Destiny' who remember Kelly, that's her first name.
*******

Cleveland (7-6) (2nd, -1.5g) at Boston (7-6) (3rd, -4g)

16: Kouzmanoff's two-run error gives the Sox a lead we never come back from. Tim Wakefield holds us down most of the game until he tires late. Garko's two run double is almost our only reply. Red Sox 5-3
LP: Carmona (1-2), HR: Sizemore (5)

17: Hafner singles home Michaels in the first, and that's it for us. C.C. continues to struggle and only makes it five innings. Red Sox 5-1
LP: Sabathia (1-1)

18: This time it's the 2nd inning with Kouzmanoff's solo shot that's our only run, and Lee struggling through 5.1 innings. Red Sox 5-1
LP: Lee (2-1), HR: Kouzmanoff (3)
*******

Well, that officially stunk. Unfortunately our east coast trip isn't over.
*******

Cleveland (7-9) (3rd, -2.5g) at New York (13-3) (1st, +2g)

19: We didn't deserve this one. Thrice we left the bases loaded. Kouzmanoff alone stranded 8 runners (and had another error.) Staying in it as long as we did is a testament to Jake Westbrook (5.2 IP 9 K).Give Yankee Kyle Farnsworth some credit also: He loaded the bases in relief with no outs...then struck out the side. Yankees 4-3
LP: Westbrook (0-1)

20: We snap our losing streak at 6. Carmona pitches 8 shutout innings, while Michaels gets two homers worth 3 RBI. Indians 6-1
WP: Carmona (2-2), HR: Michaels 2 (2)

21: Despite a late comeback led by Sizemore and Blake, the Yanks take the rubber match. Randy Johnson strikes out 10 in 6.2 IP. Yankees 4-2
LP: Ramirez (2-1), HR: Blake (4)
*******

Ugh. We're already in trouble and it's not even May yet. Lou's asking everyone if they've eaten their oatmeal, whatever that means.
*******

Minnesota (9-10) (3rd, -3.5g) at Cleveland (8-11) (4th, -4.5g)

22: Sabathia gives up one in the first, but that's it as our offense makes a methodical comeback. Hafner's 2 run homer paves the way, and another RBI helps seal the deal. Indians 5-1
WP: Sabathia (2-1), HR: Hafner (3)

23: When Lee leaves after 5 innings we begin trying to battle back, but then reliever Bob Wickman gives up 5 runs in 0.1 innings. An overall sloppy performance all around. Twins 10-3
LP: Lee (2-2), HR: Hafner (4)

24: Tied 2-2 in the ninth Martinez singles, advances on a sac bunt, goes to third on a fly, and scores on Kouzmanoff's single to take the rubber match. Indians 3-2
WP: Perez (1-0)
*******

We get a day off to think about what's happened so far and get ready for our next opponents. I feel a strange affinity for them. I wonder why...
*******

Kansas City (7-15) (5th, -7g) at Cleveland (10-12) (3rd-T, -4g)

26: Question: Leading 2-1 entering the 7th, which is worse? Carmona imploding and giving up 4 runs, or Paul Byrd giving up 2 consecutive homers an inning later? Garko hits his first career homer amidst this drama. Royals 7-2
LP: Carmona (2-3), HR: Garko (1)

27: Leading 1-0, Sabathia struggles through the eighth, then Byrd once again makes it worse. Garko and Kouzmanoff hit solo shots - our only runs. Royals 4-2
LP: Byrd (0-2), HR: Garko (2), Kouzmanoff (4)

28: We save our tattered rep by blowing the Royals out. Sizemore and Hafner both get three hits, and combine for five runs in the eighth to destroy KC. Garko apparently loves the Royals, going 6 for 13 with 4 HR in the series. Indians 11-0
WP: Lee (3-2), HR: Hafner (5), Garko 2 (4)
*******

April 29, 2006

Standings

Code:

---

American League East
Team            W    L    GB
New York        20    5  --
Boston          19    7    1.5
Toronto        14  12    6.5
Baltimore      12  15    9
Tampa Bay        7  18  13

American League Central
Team            W    L    GB
Detroit        16    9  --
Chicago        13  14    4
Cleveland      11  14    5
Minnesota      11  14    5
Kansas City      9  16    7

American League West
Team            W    L    GB
Oakland        15  10  --
Texas          13  12    2   
Los Angeles    10  16    5.5
Seattle          9  17    6.5

American League Wildcard
Team            W    L    GB
Boston          19    7  --
Toronto        14  12    5
Texas          13  12    5.5
Chicago        13  14    6.5
Baltimore      12  15    7.5

---

Code:

---

National League East
Team            W    L    GB
Atlanta        14  12  --
New York        14  12  --
Washington      11  14    2.5
Florida        10  15    3.5
Philadelphia    10  18    5

National League Central
Team            W    L    GB
St. Louis      16    8  --
Milwaukee      15    9    1
Chicago        13  11    3
Pittsburgh      11  14    5.5
Cincinnati      10  14    6
Houston          9  15    7

National League West
Team            W    L    GB
Los Angeles    17  10  --
San Diego      17  10  --
Arizona        14  12    2.5
San Francisco  13  12    3
Colorado        8  16    7.5

National League Wildcard
Team            W    L    GB
San Diego      17  10  --
Los Angeles    17  10  --
Milwaukee      15    9    0.5
Chicago        13  11    2.5

---

*******

American League Leaders
Average: Magglio Ordonez (DET) .368, 2 tied with .360
HR: Richie Sexson (SEA) 10, Carlos Pena (BOS) 9
RBI: Magglio Ordonez (DET) 26, 3 tied with 25
Steals: Chone Figgins (LAA) 12, 3 tied with 8

Wins: Barry Zito (OAK) 5, 7 tied with 4
ERA: Curt Schilling (BOS) 2.08, Josh Beckett (BOS) 2.18
Strikeouts: Scott Kazmir (TBD) 44, C.C. Sabathia (CLE) 42
Saves: Todd Jones (DET) 9, Huston Street (OAK) 8

National League Leaders
Average: Kenny Lofton (LAD) .417, Jack Wilson (PIT) .379
HR: Corey Koskie (MIL) 10, Ray Durham (SFG) 9
RBI: Corey Koskie (MIL) 25, Albert Pujols (STL) 24
Steals: Chris Duffy (PIT) 12, 2 tied with 9

Wins: John Thomson (ATL) 5, 3 tied with 4
ERA: Jason Johnson (CIN) 1.24, Mark Prior (CHC) 1.34
Strikeouts: Tim Hudson (ATL) 45, Mark Prior (CHC) 42
Saves: Macay McBride (ATL) 10, Derrick Turnbow (MIL) 10

Cleveland Indians Leaders
Average: Travis Hafner .360 (2nd-T)
HR: Sizemore, Hafner 5
RBI: Travis Hafner 25 (2nd-T)
Steals: Grady Sizemore 4

Wins: Cliff Lee 3
ERA: Fausto Carmona 3.48
Strikeouts: C.C. Sabathia 42 (2nd)
Saves: Rafael Betancourt 2
*******

Major Injuries (All stats for 2005)
BOS-SP Daisuke Matsuzaka (70/91) [25] (Rookie) - 3 mo
BOS-2B Mark Loretta (82) [34] (.280 3-38 8 with SDP) - 2 mo
DET-RP Jason Grilli (74/76) [29] (1-1 3.38 0) - Season
LAA-SP Bartolo Colon (71) [32] (21-8 3.48 2 CG) - 4 mo
OAK-RP Scott Sauerbeck (75) [34] (1-0 4.04 0 with CLE) - 4 mo
OAK-SS Bobby Crosby (83) [26] (.273 0-2 0 SB) - 2 mo

HOU-RP Chad Qualls (83/89) [27] (6-4 3.28 0 SV) - 2 mo
HOU-RP Scott Dohmann (74/77) [28] (2-1 6.10 0 with COL) - 3 mo
MIL-SP Tomokazu Ohka (75) [30] (11-9 4.04 1 with WAS/MIL) - 2 mo
PHI-RP Arthur Rhodes (77) [36] (3-1 2.08 0 with CLE) - 3 mo
SFG-CF Steve Finley (73) [41] (.222 12-54 8 with LAA) - 2 mo
WAS-LF Ryan Church (81/85) [27] (.287 5-42 3) - 3 mo
WAS-SP Ramon Ortiz (66) [33] (9-11 5.36 1 with CIN) - 5 mo
WAS-CF Nook Logan (79) [26] (.258 1-17 23 with DET) - Season

What's with all these transplants getting injured?
*******

Trades (All stats for 2005)
TB-KC: SS Ben Zobrist (73/78) [24] (Rookie)
TB-KC: 3B Sean Burroughs (76) [25] (.250 1-17 4 with SDP)
KC-TB: 1B Doug Mientkiewicz (75) [31] (.240 11-29 0 with NYM)
KC-TB: SS Angel Berroa (78/79) [28] (.270 11-55 7)

Uhm...okee.

KC-HOU: 3B Sean Burroughs (as above)
KC-HOU: RP Scott Dohmann (as above under Injuries)
HOU-KC: RF Jason Lane (81) [29] (.267 28-76 6)

I'm gonna call this a Royals victory
*******

Milestones (All stats for 2005)
ARI-RF Shawn Green (84) [33] (.286 22-73 8) - 1000 R
COL-C Yorvit Torrealba (79) [27] (.234 3-15 1 with SFG/SEA) - 20g Streak
NYM-SP Pedro Martinez (91) [34] (15-8 2.82 4) - 200 W
PIT-RF Jeromy Bernitz (79) [37] (.258 24-87 5 with CHC) - 300 HR
SDP-C Mike Piazza (87) [37] (.251 19-62 0 with NYM) - 400 HR
SFG-LF Moises Alou (81) [39] (.321 19-63 5) - 300 HR
STL-CF Jim Edmonds (88) [35] (.263 29-89 5) - 1000 RBI
*******

Notable Retirements
Mike Lieberthal (C, Philadelphia): Age 34, 12 seasons
2006: .182 0-1 0 in 11 AB - 2005: .263 12-47 0
Career: .274 141-574 8 - 1,082 H
Teams: Phillies (94-06)
Awards: All Star (99-00), Gold Glove (99)

The talent always rises to the top, no matter the manager.

Besides, it's a long season. You have plenty of time to recover from April, especially the way your youngsters are hitting lately.

Kill Barry Bonds... Kill Barry Bonds... Kill Barry Bonds...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by yaya0

Kill Barry Bonds... Kill Barry Bonds... Kill Barry Bonds...

---

But how? Arms exploding from using too many unknown substances on them?

PotatoofCouch: Our hitting is fantastic! .293 last I checked. Our pitching and fielding? Hm.

yaya0: I may not need to. He's fading fast in this dynasty - already down to an 85. He has 2 HR so far, giving him 710 lifetime.

eick: A meteor almost as big as his head lands on him and sinks San Francisco into the sea.
*******

April 29, 2006

We're 25 games in and have won eleven - not good. What's even more frustrating is that our Pythagorean shows we should have won fifteen and be neck and neck with the Tigers.

My assistants - Directors of Scouting, Business, and Player Development - know even less about how to run a Major League club than I do so I cornered Lou to go over our lineup.

C Victor Martinez (.344 4 HR-17 RBI)
1B Ryan Garko (.344 4-16)
DH Travis Hafner (.360 5-25 1 SB)
CF Grady Sizemore (.314 5-20 4)
RF Casey Blake (.279 4-14 1)
LF Jason Michaels (.263 3-10 0)
3B Kevin Kouzmanoff (.256 4-9 0)
2B Ron Belliard (.226 0-7 0)
SS Jhonny Peralta (.269 0-8 0)

Only two real worries here:

Kouzmanoff's doing okay behind the plate, certainly for a rookie, but his fielding has slipped to .906. Lou promised to talk to him and I agreed to give him another month. My pickings for replacing him are rather slim: Aaron Boone? He's 33 years old, and 0 for 9 on the season.

Belliard has the opposite problem: A good glove (.992), but his production is worrisome. Again, we'll give him another month but if he continues to struggle... Lou reminded me Kouzmanoff's a young kid. True. Belliard's 31 though, and running out of excuses.

We therefore content ourselves with shuffling the lineup around.

SP Jake Westbrook (0-1 5.19)
SP Fausto Carmona (2-3 3.48)
SP C.C. Sabathia (2-1 4.31)
SP Cliff Lee (3-2 4.93)
SP Horacio Ramirez (2-1 3.43)

Again, only some rearranging here. For a washed up, mediocre pitcher Ramirez is doing just fine in the 5 spot.

CL Danny Graves (0-0 1.98)
SU Rafael Perez (1-0 1.50)
SR Matt Miller (1-2 6.75 1 SV)
SR Bob Wickman (0-0 6.75)
MR Rafael Betancourt (0-2 5.40 2)
LR Paul Byrd (0-2 6.57 1)

We haven't seen much of Betancourt, but his high ERA and DICE are worrisome. We'll give Graves and Perez a shot. The only one here in real danger of losing his job (and thus a demotion) is Paul Byrd, who needs to step it up if he doesn't want to be considered too old to continue.