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Don't you wish you still had Andy Marte to play 3rd? :D Just kidding. It's really a shame, though. Marte was a can't-miss 3Bman, but just hasn't been able to put it together.
And what about Josh Barfield? Could he step in at second base?
Here's what I'm thinking: Belliard for a back-end starter...continue the youth movement
He obviously wasn't can't-miss then. :pQuote:
Originally Posted by PotatoOfCouch13
Touche.
"Marte was a highly rated 3B prospect...
How's that? :D
Sign Rube Baker!!
Trade for Barry Bonds!
In all serousness, how's your backup OFers? You could sub one in for Kouzmanoff and bring Blake into third. As for Belliard, hope someone comes available I guess.
Potato/Houston: Unfortunately my scouts lied about Marte. I later learned in commissioner mode his peak is 82. I woulda kept him. Oh well. As for Barfield, right now he's with San Diego. Maybe they'll trade? IRL Marte... well, highly touted, yes. Why the Indians don't just free up the roster spot and dump him I don't know.
Coach: Maybe not... :)
gosensgo: DEFINITELY not. :) I do have an outfielder in AAA (Francisco), and if I was sure of getting him enough playing time I'd call him out. Your idea might well work if Kouzmanoff gives more trouble. His defense is rising though, and his bat is really good.
*******
April 29 - May 13, 2006
Boston (19-7) (2nd, -1.5g) at Cleveland (11-14) (T-3rd, -5g)
April 29: Indians 3, Red Sox 2 (10)
HoRam gives us 8 very strong innings. Kouzmanoff hits a one-out homer in the tenth to win.
WP: Miller (2-2), HR: Kouzmanoff (5), Hollandsworth (1)
April 30: Indians 4, Red Sox 2
Vazquez doubles home a run, then scores on Martinez's single in the fifth to put the Tribe up for good.
WP: Westbrook (1-1), SV: Wickman (1), HR: Sizemore (6)
May 1: Indians 3, Red Sox 2
Carmona pitches 6 innings of 1 hit ball, but loses it in the seventh. Kouzmanoff ties it with a 2-run shot, then Sizemore wins in the 8th.
WP: Betancourt (1-2), SV: Miller (2), HR: Kouzmanoff (6), Sizemore (7)
May 2: Indians 6, Red Sox 1
Sabathia goes 7.2 innings with 8 strikeouts. Leading 3-1, we blow it open with a three-run eighth. Boone's proving his versatility: He's played 1B, 3B, LF and RF so far.
WP: Sabathia (3-1), SV: Betancourt (3)
*******
Pittsburgh wants to discuss a trade. They offer 3B Joe Randa (78) [36], C Ronny Paulino (72/75) [25] and OF Jeromy Burnitz (79) [37] for SP Cliff Lee (77) [27].
On paper I seem to win this deal, however if you start doing some number crunching it's not so simple. My payroll rises by over $4 million with this plan. Randa might be better than Kouzmanoff this year, but Kevin has an incredible bat. Randa's also 36 with a two year project. Paulino is no better nor worse than Kelly Shoppach, my current backup. Jeromy Burnitz is no better than Casey Blake...and 37 years old.
If they were younger, I'd say yes as depth is one of Cleveland's big problems. As it is, Randa and Burnitz either won't be renewed or are due to retire anyway, so...no thanks.
*******
Now we go back to the Tiger's lair to see if we can make any real dent in their lead.
*******
Cleveland (15-14) (2nd, -3g) at Detroit (18-11) (1st, +3g)
May 3: Indians 4, Tigers 1
Now it's Lee going 8.2 innings as our pitching show continues. We get 3 homers, they give 2 errors. 'Nuf said.
WP: Lee (4-2), SV: Graves (1), HR: Martinez (5), Hafner (6), Garko (5)
May 4: Tigers 3, Indians 0
Kenny Rogers holds us to four singles wasting another solid performance by Ramirez.
LP: Ramirez (2-2)
May 5: Indians 7, Tigers 3
Byrd's bid to stay in the Majors receives a major boost as he gives up 2 R in 8 IP. Three rallies on our side are led by Grady Sizemore (2 for 4, 2 R, 3 RBI).
WP: Byrd (1-2), SV: Graves (2), HR: Kouzmanoff (7), Sizemore (8)
*******
Westbrook missed a start for the second time, and Michaels is missing more playing time. I wonder if they're serious about being here. With all the work backup outfielder Todd Hollandsworth is getting (.229 1-5 1 in 48 AB) I might go ahead and call up Franklin Gutierrez (72/88) and let him have a go. We'll see as the month progresses.
Now we go north of the border for the first time.
*******
Cleveland (17-15) (2nd, -2g) at Toronto (17-15) (3rd, -7.5g)
May 6: Blue Jays 5, Indians 2
Carmona loses it in the seventh with ample help from an error by Casey Blake.
LP: Carmona (2-4), HR: Kouzmanoff (8)
May 7: Indians 3, Blue Jays 2 (12)
Sabathia and Josh Towers both pitch great games. Belliard's 2-run shot gave us the early lead, and Kouzmanoff singles home Hollandsworth for the win.
WP: Wickman (1-0), SV: Graves (3), HR: Belliard (1)
May 8: Indians 8, Blue Jays 5
We tie for the division lead as Belliard hits a 2 run single in the 4th, and Blake a 2-run shot in the 5th to put us ahead for good. Betancourt pitched 4 innings this series giving up 2 hits.
WP: Lee (5-2), SV: Graves (4), HR: Peralta (1), Sizemore (9), Blake (5)
May 9: Indians 2, Blue Jays 0
Westbrook pitches great for 8.2 innings. Our runs come on a double by Sizemore.
WP: Westbrook (2-1), SV: Graves (5)
*******
Well, we caught the Tigers. Now can we stay tied for the lead while hosting the most dangerous team in baseball right now? And can anyone get any thing accomplished when OUR stadium is overwhelmed by THEIR fans?
*******
New York (27-7) (1st, +7g) at Cleveland (20-16) (1st-T, +0g)
May 10: Yankees 7, Indians 2
A 6-run rally tosses Carmona out of the game in the fifth. We strike back late, getting our second hit of the game in the 8th (and finishing with 5), but it's far too little.
LP: Carmona (2-5)
May 11: Yankees 7, Indians 5
The Yanks show us their Wang, who goes 6 innings. C.C. isn't so lucky. Garko does get two homers for 3 RBI to lead our failed effort.
LP: Sabathia (3-2), HR: Martinez (6), Garko 2 (7)
May 12: Indians 7, Yankees 5
A walk, four singles and a double result in a five-run fourth that allows us to hold off a late Yankee rally as Lee tires. Sizemore's 2 runs and Peralta's 3 RBI lead the team.
WP: Lee (6-2), SV: Graves (6), HR: Sizemore (10)
*******
Through May 13
AL East: Yankees (30-8), Red Sox (-7), Orioles (-11)
AL Central: Tigers (22-17), Twins (22-17), Indians (-1)
AL West: Athletics (20-19), Rangers (-0.5), Angels (-1)
AL Wildcard: Red Sox (24-16), Tigers/Twins (-1.5), Indians (-2.5)
NL East: Braves (23-17), Nationals (-2.5), Mets (-2.5)
NL Central: Cardinals (24-14), Cubs (-2.5), Brewers (-5)
NL West: Diamondbacks (23-15), Padres (24-16), Dodgers (-4)
NL Wildcard: Diamondbacks/Padres (23-15/24-16), Cubs (-1.5), Mets/Nationals (-3.5)
Team Leaders
BA: Victor Martinez (.317)
HR: Grady Sizemore (10) (3rd-T)
RBI: Grady Sizemore (31) (9th-T)
SB: Grady Sizemore (6)
W: Cliff Lee (6) (1st-T)
ERA: Jake Westbrook (3.59)
K: C.C. Sabathia (57) (2nd)
SV: Danny Graves (6)
Injuries
NYM-SP John Maine (81/91) [25] (0-3 5.79 0) - August 2007!
SEA-1B Greg Dobbs (72/76) [27] (Last played ML 2005) - August
MIL-SP Doug Davis (82) [30] (2-3 3.27 0) - September
BAL-RP John Halama (67) [34] (0-0 1.06 0) - August
OAK-LF Bobby Kielty (71) [29] (.256 2-21 0) - Season
Bum Watch
Barry is now rated 84, batting .267 5-16 1 with 713 homers lifetime.
Trades
Nope
Milestones
NYY-CF Johnny Damon (84) [32] (.357 3-32 6) - 22g Streak
BOS-LF Coco Crisp (83) [26] (.293 4-19 9) - 26g Streak
NYY-RF Gary Sheffield (84) [37] (.282 5-24 2) - 1,500 RBI
Retirements
Eric Young (LF, San Diego): Age 38, 14 seasons
2006: DNP. Released 4/20.
Career: .285 76-528 457 - 1,703 H
Teams: Dodgers (92), Rockies (93-97), Dodgers (97-99), Cubs (00-01), Brewers (02-03), Giants (03), Rangers (04), Padres (05)
Awards: All Star (96)
Oh no, Bonds needs just 1 more homer to catch Ruth. Time for an inopertune steroid test.
:Dkill bonds!!:D
gosensgo, Darth Jaker: Well, since you insist...
*******
STAR LEFT FIELDER DISAPPEARS
Reward for Whereabouts Causes False Leads, No Answers
SAN FRANCISCO, CA: - In the early morning hours of May 14, unknown assailants broke into the home of Giants outfielder Barry Bonds and kidnapped him.
According to his wife, Liz, a scratching noise awoke her just before 2 AM. She saw the silhouette of a small man in the open doorway of their bedroom and screamed. She felt a sharp pain in her neck and lost conscious.
"It was after four when I woke up, and Barry was gone!" she told local reporters. California State Police, the FBI and Major League Baseball are coordinating a three state manhunt to find his whereabouts.
Police spokesmen report finding a small blowdart near where Ms. Bonds slept with traces of Aliptus somnoluus, a plant that grows only at the base of large, active volcanoes. There were also signs of a struggle, suggesting Bonds did not go down without a fight.
An obsidian stone axe was found near the utility pole leading to the Bonds estate. Someone apparently used it to cut power to the estates' alarms.
Police currently have no reliable leads. One person reported seeing someone with an unusually large head stuffed into the cargo hold of a Continental Air flight to Hawaii, but police discounted this as 'unlikely.'
Until he's recovered, the Giants announced Randy Winn would take over in left field. Barry Bonds is currently third on the All Time list in home runs with 713, and at the center of an ongoing scandal in baseball regarding steroid abuse.
*******
POSTSCRIPT: For those curious, a few days ago I ran a copy of this game from 5/13/06 through 2012 to test a theory of mine. In that 'universe' Bonds was released by the Giants after 2008. After no one would sign him, he retired on May 30, 2009 with 755 homers, tying but not breaking Aaron.
Where were these honored tribesmen when we really needed them? Why do they only exist in our imaginations?
REALLY kill Bonds!
Maybe he did. We'll just have to wait to find out.Quote:
Originally Posted by bwburke94
Lol:D
filihok: IRL they're getting ready for 'Survivor: Hawaii'. Impressing them with your baseball trivia knowledge is going to be one of the immunity challenges.
bwburke: Mebee.
gosensgo: Mebee. :)
Darth Jaker: :)
*******
Late May 2006
I decided not to follow the team to Arlington so I could work on projects here at home. I have a wedding coming up, and coordinating family and friends from across the country is sort of like planning for the All Star Game without technical support.
Ed's wife, Cilla (Priscilla), has invited Katrina to a few of her functions with what passes for high society in Cleveland. It hasn't gone well: Kat's more down to earth and enjoys her songs and crafts.
As for Lou, he called to tell me Casey Blake would miss the Rangers series and rejoin the team in Chicago. Apparently he's having trouble at home and wants a few days to deal with it.
*******
Cleveland (21-18) (3rd, -1g) at Texas (19-19) (2nd, -0.5g)
May 14: Rangers 4-3
LP: Betancourt (1-3), HR: Hafner (7)
Hafner and Hollandsworth team up for most of our runs, but Lou brings in Betancourt for the last two innings. He gave up two runs in the bottom of the eight to kill us. Texas moved into first in the AL West.
May 15: Rangers 8-5 (10)
LP: Byrd (1-3), HR: Belliard (2), Sizemore (11)
We took a lead in the third on a two run homer by Sizemore, but they came back. We scored one in the tenth. Byrd came in to finish the game, and loaded the bases before D'Angelo Jiminez ended the game with a grand slam.
May 16: Indians 9-3
WP: Sabathia (4-2)
We moved back to within one game of the Tigers and Twins. We scored two in the first, three in the third, and four in the sixth. Sabathia did well enough for 7 innings, while Betancourt only gave up a hit and walk in two.
*******
Still no word from the Giants about Bonds. CNN noted that if a kidnap victim isn't found within 48 hours, their odds of coming back start dropping radically. No one's asked for ransom. Speculation now is that some baseball fan, angry over the steroid scandal, wanted to make sure Bonds never broke Ruth's or Aaron's record.
*******
Cleveland (22-20) (3rd, -1g) at Chicago (21-22) (4th, -2.5g)
May 17: White Sox 8-6
LP: Lee (6-3), HR: Martinez (7), Peralta (2)
An ugly game with Cliff Lee only going four innings by which time we trailed 6-0. We didn't get our first hit until the sixth. We scored 6 in the last three innings, but Juan Uribe's 2 run homer sunk us.
May 18: White Sox 12-1
LP: Ramirez (2-3)
The ChiSox passed us, moving into third place. HoRam went only 3.2 innings, giving up 8 runs. Chicago scored 6 in the fourth and 3 in the seventh, helped greatly by an two errors by SS Jhonny Peralta worth 8 unearned runs.
After the game Lou, perhaps showing the first signs of strain as we fell to .500, spit in Peralta's glove nearly leading to a fight.
May 19: White Sox 10-8
LP: Byrd (1-4), HR: Sizemore (12)
With four teams within three games, the AL Central is heating up. Unfortunately we're # 4. We should have had this one, but Lou let Byrd pitch. In the eighth he gave up a single, three doubles, a triple and homer in the eighth. Again, 'nuf said.
*******
I was going to wait until the end of the month, but with an 8.22 ERA...why? I tell Lou to put Byrd on a plane for Buffalo. Jason Davis (72/76) [26] (0-1 2.95 in AAA) will meet us in Cleveland.
Ed called as the team was flying back, asking if it would help if he spoke to the team. Somehow...I don't think so. I told him I'd think about it.
I met Seattle's new GM, Thompson. Young, surprisingly cocky. He has a lot to learn, and I doubt it'll be this year.
*******
Seattle (17-28) (4th, -7.5g) at Cleveland (22-23) (3rd, -3g)
May 20: Mariners 8-6
LP: Davis (0-1), HR: Blake (6)
Davis gets his season debut as a starter. Carmona has some kind of bug, and normally Byrd would have taken his place. Davis does well for one inning..then falls apart. Betancourt relieves and stinks as well. We try to make a game of it including a 3-run ninth led by Peralta's 2 RBI double, but too little.
May 21: Mariners 13-5
LP: Sabathia (4-3), HR: Hafner (8), Sizemore (13), Hollandsworth (2)
We...stink. Sabathia gives up 5 runs in 5, then Davis and Bob Wickman give up 4 a piece over the last two innings. Our one big rally comes from 2-run shots by Hafner and Hollandsworth.
May 22: Indians 7-6
WP: Perez (2-0), HR: Sizemore (14), Boone (1)
We break our 5 game slide..barely. Tied 3-3 in the eight, Lee tired and gave up 3 runs including a homer by Raul Ibanez. Sizemore replied with a three-run shot of his own, and in the ninth Boone soloed for the win.
May 23: Mariners 7-3
LP: Westbrook (2-2)
Westbrook struggles, and yet again Davis blows it in relief. We score all our runs in the first on singles by Garko and Hollandsworth.
*******
Again, a little sooner than I'd have liked but time to try and make a deal if we hope to make a run this season. I offered Aaron Laffey, and received a surprise deal from the Mets. My payroll goes through the roof...but it may be worth it, and for today at least the newshounds at the Plain Dealer LIKE me.
CLE-NYM: SP Aaron Laffey (65/87) [21] (Rookie)
NYM-CLE: SP Tom Glavine (85) [40] (3-4 6.44 0)
I'm hoping Glavine's still good enough to help us. He becomes our # 5, Ramirez goes to long relief/spot start, and Davis returns to AAA with his 15.43 ERA.
*******
Cleveland (23-26) (4th, -4.5g) at LA Dodgers (25-24) (3rd, -3g)
May 24: Indians 6-5
WP: Glavine (4-4), SV: Graves (7), HR: Peralta (3), Sizemore (15)
Lou and I both wanted to see what Tom could bring to the table, and it made sense to start him in an NL stadium anyway. He struggled here and there, but gave us 6 acceptable innings. Hafner (PH for Garko) singled in the eighth to give us a 6-4 lead, preventing Jeff Kent's solo shot in the ninth from tying it up.
May 25: Indians 3-2
WP: Carmona (3-5), SV: Graves (8), HR: Martinez (8)
A pyrrhic victory, for we won the battle but lost Travis Hafner for a week with a sprained ankle. Fortunately we'll be in NL parks for four more days so it's not a major loss. Carmona pitched well, but it took Martinez's ninth inning 2-run shot to give us the win.
May 26: Dodgers 7-6 (12)
LP: Perez (2-1), HR: Sizemore (16)
Sabathia struggled, but for once our relief staff pitched great for over six innings. The lead actually changed hands several times as Dodger SP Brett Tomko also struggled badly. Einar Diaz scored on Julio Lugo's 12th inning single to prevent the sweep.
*******
Cleveland (25-27) (4th, -4.5g) at Chi Cubs (27-22) (2nd, -4g)
May 27: Cubs 13-0
LP: Lee (6-4)
Lee gave up 7R in 2 innings. Ramirez tried to help and gave up 3 in 3. Just in case we didn't get the point, Wickman gave up 3 more in the 9th. They got 17 hits, only 5 for extra bases. Martinez, Sizemore, Hollandsworth and Belliard managed one a piece.
Which brings us to the real tragedy. We've lost Sizemore for two, maybe three months. He caught a deep fly ball and threw to the plate to try and prevent Chicago's 11th run, but the ball barely made it to the infield. Why became painfully obvious when he gripped his elbow and fell to his knees. Torn ligament.
I was looking for an opportunity to bring Franklin Gutierrez (72/88) [23] (.343 in AAA) up, but not like this. He will start, and with Sizemore out until after the trade deadline I have to wonder if we just lost 2006.
May 28: Cubs 6-4
LP: Ramirez (2-4), HR: Kouzmanoff (9)
Kouzmanoff hit a 3-run shot in the third to give us a 3-0 lead. They struck back immediately with 3 of their own, then took the lead in the 7th. We tied on a Kelly Shoppach single, but HoRam pitched the 8th and, with the help of a Kouzmanoff error, gave up 2 runs.
May 29: Indians 6-5 (11)
WP: Graves (1-0), HR: Gutierrez (1)
Gutierrez hit his first career homer, a 3-run shot, in the 6th to put us up 5-3. HoRam once more entered the game and once more blew it, forcing extra innings. Michaels walked and scored on Martinez's double for the win, while Graves pitched a flawless 10th-11th.
*******
We had an off day on May 30, a chance to come home and recuperate. We're 13-15 on the month with one game left - certainly not good enough for the playoffs. Which, it seems, is going to be a problem.
Ed called me on my cell as we were packing to go home. He wants to meet.
May 31, 2006
Standings
Code:American League East
Team W L GB
New York 38 15 --
Boston 34 20 4.5 - WC
Baltimore 25 30 14
Toronto 24 32 15.5
Tampa Bay 19 34 19
American League Central
Team W L GB
Detroit 31 23 --
Minnesota 31 24 0.5
Chicago 28 27 3.5
Cleveland 26 29 5.5
Kansas City 17 37 14
American League West
Team W L GB
Oakland 28 25 --
Texas 27 26 1
Los Angeles 24 31 5
Seattle 22 33 7
*******Code:National League East
Team W L GB
Washington 29 24 --
Philadelphia 30 25 --
New York 28 26 1.5
Atlanta 28 27 2
Florida 22 31 7
National League Central
Team W L GB
St. Louis 32 20 --
Chicago 29 23 3 - WC
Milwaukee 28 23 3.5
Cincinnati 27 24 4.5
Pittsburgh 24 28 8
Houston 22 29 9.5
National League West
Team W L GB
San Diego 31 24 --
Arizona 29 24 1
Los Angeles 28 27 3
Colorado 23 29 6.5
San Francisco 20 34 10.5
American League Leaders
Average: Magglio Ordonez (DET) .367, Carlos Guillen (DET) .342
HR: Richie Sexson (SEA) 16, Grady Sizemore (CLE) 16
RBI: Paul Konerke (CHW) 49, Carlos Lee (TEX) 48
Steals: Carl Crawford (TB) 30, Chone Figgins (LAA) 19
Wins: Jon Garland (CHW) 7, Barry Zito (OAK) 7
ERA: Josh Beckett (BOS) 2.18, Barry Zito (OAK) 2.68
Strikeouts: Scott Kazmir (TBD) 75, C.C. Sabathia (CLE) 73
Saves: Joe Nathan (MIN) 16, Two tied with 13
National League Leaders
Average: Matt Diaz (ATL) .389, Jack Wilson (PIT) .380
HR: Corey Koskie (MIL) 17, Geoff Jenkins (MIL) 17
RBI: Albert Pujols (STL) 57. Miguel Cabrera (FLA) 50
Steals: Willy Taveras (HOU) 17, Jose Reyes (NYM) 17
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: Victor Martinez .315
HR: Grady Sizemore 16 (1st-T)
RBI: Grady Sizemore 45 (5th)
Steals: Grady Sizemore 6
Wins: Cliff Lee 6 (3rd-T)
ERA: Fausto Carmona 4.07
Strikeouts: C.C. Sabathia 73 (2nd)
Saves: Danny Graves 8
*******
(All below for May 14-30 only)
Major Injuries
CHW-3B Joe Crede (81) [28] (.244 7-31 0) - August
DET-SP Nate Robertson (79) [28] (3-4 5.91 0) - Season
LAA-1B Darin Erstad (73) [31] (.268 4-13 5) - Season
ATL-1B Adam LaRoche (84) [26] (.268 11-37 0) - Season
NYM-SS Jose Reyes (75/83) [22] (.254 1-10 17) - Season
NYM-RP Chad Bradford (81) [31] (1-1 4.30 0) - Season
SD-3B Russell Branyan (81) [30] (.231 8-24 0) - September
SD-SP Chan Ho Park (84) [32] (4-1 5.85 0) - Season
*******
Trades
None
*******
Milestones
OAK-1B Frank Thomas (90) [38] (.312 10-42 0) - 1500 RBI
KC-LF Reggie Sanders (76) [38] (.248 6-15 5) - 300 SB
NYY-SS Derek Jeter (89) [31] (.315 5-33 8) - 2000 H
NYM-1B Carlos Delgado (88) [33] (.265 12-43 1) - 1000 R
ARI-RF Shawn Green (84) [33] (.289 10-42 5) - 1000 RBI
*******
Notable Retirements
Jason Grimsley (RP, Arizona): Age 38, 14 seasons
2006: DNP (Last played 2005 for Baltimore)
Career: 41-56 4.76 3 CG 4 SV - 909 IP 612 K
Teams: Phillies (89-91), Indians (93-95), Angels (96), Yankees (99-00), Royals (01-04), Orioles (04-05)
Awards: None
Lou Merloni (3B, Cleveland): Age 35, 8 seasons (Note: Was in AA-Akron when he retired)
2006: DNP (Last played 2005 for LA Angels)
Career: .272 14-124 8 - 1066 AB 290 H
Teams: Red Sox (98-03), Padres (03), Indians (04), Angels (05)
Awards: None
Tough losing Sizemore. I feel your pain.
I'm suprised Glavine accepted a trade to the AL Central. I thought he wanted to stay around his family and the weaker hitting NL.
Is Grimsley trying to avoid this ?Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
And I hear that CSP would like to know the whereabouts of Gosensgo, bwburke, and especially DarthJaker between midnight and 4AM on May 13th.
filihok: I'm surprised Glavine accepted as well. (Actually I'm shocked the NYM offered him!)
As for Grimsley, you may well be right. The game's retiring a lot of players in their mid-30s and up this year.
*******
May Update
"How are our chances?" Ed asked almost as soon as I sat down.
"Of..winning the division?" He nodded and I studied him closely Ed sat in what passed for his office, more like a study. He sat in an oversized chair with one leg dangling over the armrest, elbow on the other, chin on hand. Dark eyes, surprisingly serious, regarded me back.
The truth, between you and me, is 'not good.' At 55 games in you have a pretty fair idea how your team is going to do, and we weren't playing like a championship team. Losing Grady Sizemore, by far our best player offensively, was like a death sentence...and though I probably could trade away to try and find a replacement, realistically I should begin planning for next year.
"We're 5 and a half out," I said. "With 107 games left we have plenty of time to make it up. Teams have come back from far, far worse." Both true. The 1978 Yankees came immediately to mind. "Losing Sizemore hurts, but if we can stay close until he comes back in early August, I think we have a fair shot at this." Again, true. 'Keeping close' to three other teams for two months would be the hard part.
"Rob, I don't like to lose. I think you know that. I bought a team that nearly won the division last year, and I expect them to make the playoffs." He exhaled, apparently biting back more comments. "You won your league last year, Rob. Why is this so hard?"
"Ed, there are 29 other teams out there and they want to win as well. Nothing's guaranteed. That's why we play 162 games." It's true I think we're in trouble, but Memorial Day is too early to give in to despair. Well, unless you're the Royals.
"I expect them to make the playoffs," he repeated petulantly. "I will not take any setbacks."
"We're certainly try," I began.
"Do. Not try. If you won a championship with those rednecks in Oregon," to him anyone who didn't live in a city was a redneck regardless of skin color, "then you can d*mn well do it here."
*******
Facing something not far from an ultimatum, I sat down with Lou who received much of the same spiel by telephone. "Hey," he told me. "We do what we can, and f*** the consequences."
Catcher isn't really a contest. Martinez is one of the best catchers in baseball today, and while Shoppach's done well in limited showings...he's strictly backup.Code:2006 Batting G AVG AB H 2B 3B HR BB K SB CS R RBI SLG OBP
Martinez, Victor 54 .315 200 63 12 1 8 32 32 0 0 30 30 .505 .410
Shoppach, Kelly 4 .333 12 4 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 1 .333 .333
Garko, Ryan 53 .279 208 58 12 1 7 16 43 0 0 29 27 .447 .336
Hafner, Travis 51 .305 197 60 13 1 8 18 38 1 1 29 37 .503 .367
Belliard, Ron 53 .213 188 40 7 1 2 17 30 0 0 17 18 .293 .278
Boone, Aaron 11 .308 26 8 1 0 1 1 5 0 0 3 2 .462 .333
Inglett, Joe 3 .200 10 2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 .200 .200
Kouzmanoff, Kevin 53 .253 198 50 5 0 9 16 40 1 1 28 21 .414 .324
Peralta, Jhonny 52 .269 182 49 9 0 3 21 51 1 2 26 24 .368 .345
Vazquez, Ramon 13 .250 40 10 1 1 0 5 6 2 0 2 2 .325 .333
Blake, Casey 44 .227 154 35 5 0 6 16 40 1 0 22 22 .377 .308
Gutierrez, Franklin 2 .300 10 3 0 0 1 1 2 1 0 2 3 .600 .364
Hollandsworth, Todd 32 .263 99 26 6 1 2 11 19 2 1 9 12 .404 .342
Michaels, Jason 45 .241 191 46 6 1 3 23 44 1 0 28 15 .330 .322
Sizemore, Grady 53 .306 216 66 10 3 16 19 50 6 2 44 45 .602 .368
Fortunately Garko and Hafner aren't really in competition, since the latter's our DH. No problem there.
Right now we'reusing Kouzmanoff at third, Peralta at short and Vazquez at second. Belliard lost his position to Ramon. Boone's proven he wants to be here through sheer flexibility - which makes him most valuable as a utility infielder.
Our current outfield consists of Gutierrez at center for the ailing Sizemore, Hollandsworth in left, Michaels in right. Blake's our only utility infielder. If Franklin's not ready for the show, Blake could find his way back in very easily.
And that is pretty much it. We have THREE people worth talking about in the farm system, none Major League ready.
I'm trying hard to ignore some ugly ERAs from Lee and Glavine. Glavine hasn't been here long enough, and with 6 wins Lee's getting the job done. Byrd is waiting in the wings for someone to stumble or suffer a long term injury.Code:2006 Pitching Team IP ERA G GS W L SV K BB R/9
Byrd, Paul CLE 23.0 8.22 10 1 1 4 1 12 8 15.65
Carmona, Fausto CLE 66.1 4.07 11 11 3 5 0 52 21 11.94
Glavine, Tom CLE 63.1 6.39 13 12 4 4 0 33 26 13.93
Lee, Cliff CLE 68.1 6.19 12 12 6 4 0 48 23 13.83
Ramirez, Horacio CLE 45.2 4.34 9 6 2 4 0 19 17 14.78
Sabathia, C.C. CLE 76.2 4.81 12 12 4 3 0 73 28 12.56
Westbrook, Jake CLE 64.0 4.36 10 10 2 2 0 34 15 12.80
Betancourt, Rafael CLE 28.0 3.54 18 1 1 3 3 20 9 11.25
Davis, Jason CLE 7.0 15.43 3 1 0 1 0 3 2 24.43
Graves, Danny CLE 25.2 1.75 20 0 1 0 8 12 6 8.42
Miller, Matt CLE 27.1 3.62 23 0 2 2 2 20 9 12.18
Perez, Rafael CLE 27.1 1.65 28 0 2 1 0 26 3 7.57
Wickman, Bob CLE 26.0 6.92 23 0 1 0 1 19 16 17.65
Westbrook is missing yet another week, so Ramirez starts in his place. Despite his 'average' record, CC is second in the AL in strikeouts. Carmona's still learning his position and has done fairly well so far.
As for relievers, Graves is doing well enough to keep in the closer role with Perez backing him up. Miller and Wickman continue in short relief, though Wickman's ERA is very troubling. Betancourt continues in middle relief.
Unlike with in the field we DO have some options here for replacements.
Ouch, looks like you need a certain star left fielder to provide some pop to your depleted outfield...
I think everyone knows who I'm talking about...
Potato: You mean Hank Aaron? Isn't he retired? :)
*******
Early June 2006
Memorial Day has come and gone, and we're done monkeying with the pitcher in the lineup for awhile. We do have one more series against the NL, then we're shot of the senior circuit until July.
News out of Hawaii. Apparently a volcano in the center of Hilo is hemoragging lava out of its sides, and there have been a few side explosions as well. It's almost like someone tried to throw something in, but it was too big and now the volcano's stopped up.
*******
San Francisco (20-34) (5th, -10.5g) at Cleveland (26-29) (4th, -5.5g)
May 31: Indians 6-1
WP: Lee (7-4)
For the most part a well fought pitcher's duel, we added four runs in the 8th led by Ron Belliard's 2 RBI double to put the game away. Lee pitched 8 great innings. Vazquez went 4 for 4 with a double.
June 1: Giants 7-6
LP: Glavine (4-5), HR: Belliard (3), Blake (7), Hollandsworth (3)
Glavine struggled early, but we took a 4-3 lead on three homers. Glavine fell apart in the 7th though, and Betancourt gave up a two-run homer to put them up 7-4. We tried to battle back, but it wasn't enough.
June 2: Indians 4-3
WP: Carmona (4-5), SV: Graves (9). HR: Hafner 2 (10), Peralta (4)
Peralta and Hafner homer in the second to put us up 3-1. They close the gap, but Hafner hits a second homer in the fourth. Carmona (5 IP 3 R 2 ER) doesn't exactly have a career day, but it's good enough to give us the rubber match.
*******
Allowing us to narrow the gap ever so slightly as the Twins take over the division. Gutierrez (.130 since coming up) will go to the bench, as Blake retakes right field.
******
Oakland (31-25) (1st, +2g) at Cleveland (28-30) (4th, -5g)
June 3: Athletics 4-2
LP: Sabathia (4-4), HR: Peralta (5)
A close game, but disappointing. Our offense does nothing useful after the second while Milton Bradley hit a 2-run shot off C.C. to cinch the victory.
June 4: Athletics 4-1
LP: Lee (7-5)
Once again our offense sputters, with Garko getting our only run in the ninth. Lee didn't do bad for 7.2 innings giving up 2 R, 1 ER but our offense couldn't give him anything to work with.
June 5: Indians 8-2
WP: Glavine (5-5)
Glavine gave up 10 hits - but only 2 runs in 6.2 IP as our offense finally showed up. Martinez and Hafner both had 3 runs, benefiting from Ryan Garko's 3 for 3, 4 RBI performance. Of our 13 team hits, 7 were doubles.
*******
We get a day off and benefit, moving into 3rd place as the Devil Rays blank Chicago 2-0. Hopefully we can add to their misery. Westbrook's once more ready to pitch again. I ask Lou to put him in the 4 slot to minimize disruption if he needs more time off.
*******
Cleveland (29-32) (3rd, -5g) at Chicago (29-33) (4th, -5.5g)
June 7: White Sox 8-0
LP: Carmona (4-6)
Carmona didn't really fall apart until late, but was never strong as Chicago took a 3-hitter into the ninth. We loaded the bases on a walk, single and hit batter (see below), but zilch.
During that inning Ramon Vazquez took a fastball to the collar bone. He was at the point in his swing where his shoulder tends to dip, and the ball shot up and in. Vazquez fell like he'd been shot. Both benches cleared and some shoving ensued, but I doubt reliever Matt Thornton meant to hit him. Vazquez is badly injured though, and will miss most of the rest of the season. He was batting .313 0-2 2.
In the aftermath, Lou makes some massive changes to the lineup. Catcher Tim Laker (69) comes up from Akron just to fill the bench.
June 8: Indians 8-3
WP: Westbrook (3-2)
Before the game Westbrook gave an angry speech to his teammates - not angry at them, but at our infernal run of luck. "We need to decide whether we really want this!" For this game they did. Belliard and Garko both hit 2-RBI singles in the first to give us a lead we'd never relinquish. Gutierrez came through with 3 runs scored.
June 9: Indians 11-4
WP: Sabathia (5-4), HR: Kouzmanoff (10), Michaels (4), Hollandsworth (4), Garko (8)
We score two runs in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 8th and 9th on the way to a thorough trouncing at Cellular Field. Michaels went 3 for 5 with 3 R, 2 BI. Kouzmanoff: 3 for 4, 3 R/2 BI. Hollandsworth: 2 for 3, 2 walks, 1 R, 2 RBI.
*******
Having given the ChiSox a solid shove backwards, we now take our ailing team to Minnesota. If we're serious about this, sooner or later we have to take down the division leaders.
*******
Cleveland (31-33) (3rd, -5g) at Minnesota (36-28) (1st, +1g)
June 10: Indians 4-2
WP: Glavine (6-5), SV: Betancourt (4), HR: Hafner (11), Hollandsworth (2)
Glavine and Johan Santana fought a duel into the late innings. Glavine was stronger, but made mistakes early giving up 2 runs. Santana took a shutout into the seventh before giving up two homers worth 3 runs. Peralta added to the lead in the ninth.
June 11: Twins 14-9
LP: Wickman (1-1), HR: Hollandsworth (6), Garko (9)
Heading into the 7th and trailing 5-4, Garko hits a 3-run homer and Hollandsworth follows up with a solo shot. Then Graves pitches the 7th and 8th giving up 3 ER. Wickman tries to help him, pitches 0.0 IP and gives up 6 runs of his own.
June 12: Twins 11-2
LP: Westbrook (3-3)
Westbrook gave up 6 runs, only 2 unearned as our defense continues to struggle. Once more it's Wickman, giving up 5 ER in 0.2 IP, who really decimates our hopes.
*******
Seattle's Will Thompson called me today. So cute, the kid thinks he can deal. He offered 1B Richie Sexson and C Kenji Johjima (74/77) [30] in exchange for Belliard, Byrd, and RP Edward Mujica (69/77) in Akron.
I have two fine first basemen. Theoretically I could put Sexson in the outfield, but Sizemore will be back eventually. Plus, Sexson's making a great deal of money. Johjima...well, having another backup catcher would be nice.
As for who he wants in exchange? He can HAVE Byrd. Mujica is neither here nor there. Belliard? Who does that leave with me at second? Joe Inglett?
Heck with it. Let's do it.
SEA-CLE: 1B Richie Sexson (84) [31] (.284 17-45 0)
SEA-CLE: C Kenji Johjima (74/77) [30] (.228 1-9 0)
CLE-SEA: RP Edward Mujica (69/77) [22] (AA)
CLE-SEA: 2B Ron Belliard (80) [31] (.225 3-24 0)
CLE-SEA: SP Paul Byrd (74) [35] (1-4 8.22 1 SV)
In the aftermath of this, Sexson becomes our new LF, Johjima our backup catcher. Hollandsworth returns to the bench, Shoppach reports to Akron to hopefully improve without accruing more Major League time.
In Seattle, Belliard becomes their new starting 2B. Byrd goes to MR, Mujica to A ball.
Meanwhile, I've officially tired of Wickman and his 8.79 ERA. He goes down and Andrew Brown (76/88) [25] (Rookie) gets to try.
A gutsy move. Any trade that commences with "heck with it" makes me nervous. I hope Sexon's bat is big enough to cover all the left-field ground that he can't. If not, you might face some ire for bringing back a player the Indians previously shipped out-for Wickman, if memory serves.Quote:
Heck with it. Let's do it.
SEA-CLE: 1B Richie Sexson (84) [31] (.284 17-45 0)
SEA-CLE: C Kenji Johjima (74/77) [30] (.228 1-9 0)
CLE-SEA: RP Edward Mujica (69/77) [22] (AA)
CLE-SEA: 2B Ron Belliard (80) [31] (.225 3-24 0)
CLE-SEA: SP Paul Byrd (74) [35] (1-4 8.22 1 SV)
So your face would like to meet my fist? :mad:Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
Richie Sexson!?!?!
Hey, this is 2006. Let's not let 2007 and 2008 color our thoughts. :)Quote:
Originally Posted by dannymac910
Sexson is coming off a great 2005 where he hit .263/.369/.541 with 39 HR and 121 RBI, and he's got a .284 average and 17 homres so far in 2006. For a washed-up old starter, a poor second basemen, and a middling relief prospect, Sexson alone is a good haul. Getting a early-30's catcher is just a little extra.
Nice move.
Even if Sexson doesn't pan out and Johjima doesn't play much, its still worth giving up an awful pitcher who won't be up again, an struggling infielder on his way out and a relief prospect who might get a hit of the majors in a few years, but likely not much more.
Good deal. And it gives you some pieces to deal. (Either Shoppach or Johjima plus one of your 1B or OFers once Sizemore's back.)
Nice deal, and you don't even have to trade Sexson or Johjima, you can keep them around for depth, because you never know when injuries will strike. Plus, you needed a big outfield bat, maybe Sexson is that guy?
Big Sexy!
More like Big Horrible Player Who Has Turned Into A Taller Version of Jose Vidro Which Is To Say He Sucks. :( :mad:Quote:
Originally Posted by rockiesfan4ever
filihok: Any trade that commences with "heck with it" makes me nervos too! If Inglett gets hurt at second...well, I think the last trade I initiate will be to hopefully find a 2B.
I didn't know about Richie's history with the Indians. Hopefully it'll work out!
Coach Owens: My my, so violent!
dannymac910: Yep!
HoustonGM: Well, I DID warn everyone I don't know the modern players as well as say the late 70s and 80s. :) Sexson looks solid so far. We'll see how he does down the stretch. The only thing not to like about him is he's expensive ($7.1m)...but Byrd and Belliard together were over $10m. AND Seattle added I think $500K to the deal.
gosensgo101: Right. Byrd was declining in Omaha stat wise, and after another prospect or two develops I'd never see him again. Belliard was overpriced and getting old. I could spare Mujica. Incidentally, I watched the real Mujica pitch on Saturday. Ugh.
rockiesfan4ever: Let's hope so!
Coach Owens: You sound bitter. :)
*******
Loading the Back End
While our team continues to struggle and define mediocre play, it's time to get ready for oh...2011.
The Rule IV draft was surprisingly sparse. Very few credible players, none who looked like they'd storm the Hall of Fame. Perhaps that's just as well, for with our minors systems so badly depleted I have one goal: Restock.
I want at least one first baseman and two infielders. The rest...well, whoever looks like they can last.
Top Ten
1. KCR - CF Darrell Lund (63/87) [18]: One of the few prizes, Lund is very fast (87 Sp) and projects to be a Gold Glover in time. (99 Fld)
2. COL - 2B Reggie Pullen (57/93) [20]: Also really fast, and can really hit the ball. Batted .347 as a sophmore at Texas A&M.
3. PIT - LF Josh Brown (62/90) [20]: Another excellent fielder and hitter, Brown batted .377 as a sophmore at Stanford.
4. TB - 1B Mike Fowler (58/94) [17]: The quality of player is beginning to drop off, though Fowler had a nearly 2:1 walk:strikeout ratio as a senior.
5. SEA - 3B Josh Benson (54/93) [17]: Not much to recommend this guy. Again, good eye, but gets sick a lot.
6. DET - SS Brien MacLise (59/86) [20]: Pretty uniform development. Whether he can keep it up long enough to benefit the Tigers is the question.
7. LAD - C Tyler Murr (57/90) [17]: At over 2:1 walk:strikeout ratio, and a good fielder (82), Murr could have a long, satisfying career.
8. CIN - SS Greg Wymer (61/83) [20]: With 30 SB in two years at Stanford, and a 1.096 OPS this year, Wymer has real potential if the right organization can nurse him along for a few years.
9. BAL - 1B Andy Zilberfayz (54/93) [18]: Mediocre and even a little slow. MLB scouts have high hopes for Zilberfayz, but it might just be hype.
10. SF - SS Adam Hofer (54/90) [21]: A poor fielder who hit .238 as a college freshman, his development is largely theoretical.
Cleveland
1. SP Paul Wishart (49/94) [17]: I need fielders, but his upside is hard to ignore. Great endurance, decent power for a Rookie leaguer (63) and only missed 5 days in High School including 'senior skip day.' (8-4 2.97 81 K/63 I as a senior)
End 85/Ctr 51/Pwr 63/Mov 54/Def 73/Hit 59/Hea 82.
2. 1B Pete Collin (53/81) [20]: By now the picks were getting slim. He's a little slow, but has a strong arm. (What does a 1B need a strong arm for?) Like Wishart he rarely gets sick. (.272 11-50 0 as a freshman.)
Con 61/Pwr 68/Spd 57/Eye 68/Arm 70/Rge 61/Fld 64/Hea 81
3. 3B Marcello Rivera (50/79) [16]: A very bright kid who skipped a few grades when he was younger. No real detriments, but far too young to have any real strengths either. (.285 1-16 0 as a senior.)
Con 65/Pwr 54/Spd 66/Eye 63/Arm 69/Rge 63/Fld 69/Hea 78
4. RP Jeremiah Modzinski (48/79) [20]: You know someone with that name has GOT to be tough. Surprisingly good hitter, but loses his pitching power after only a few innings. (3-2 3.62 36K/50 I as a college freshman.)
End 26/Ctr 63/Pwr 60/Mov 54/Def 77/Hit 68/Hea 77
5. SS Tomomasa Hamano (48/72) [17]: Hamano emigrated from Japan at age 7 and speaks both Japanese and English fluently. He has quite the work ethic, and will need it if he expects to make the show. (.262 5-24 2 as a senior.)
Con 55/Pwr 58/Spd 66/Eye 57/Arm 67/Rge 62/Fld 64/Hea 77
6. 2B Danny Bartelt (49/70) [17]: Like Hamano, Bartelt will need to work hard if he wants this. (.272 5-16 0 as a senior.)
Con 57/Pwr 58/Spd 63/Eye 60/Arm 72/Rge 59/Fld 62/Hea 65
You mean amature draft?Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
and per another thread:
The answer is Richie SexonQuote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
The Rule IV draft is the amateur draft.Quote:
Originally Posted by filihok
Ah...Rule IV.
Most people only talk about the Rule V draft.
Muh bad...
Oh! Pwned!Quote:
Originally Posted by houstongm
Moar! Mooar! D:
filihok: As Houston sez, the Amateur Draft IS the Rule IV draft. :)
I don't know where this Sexson hate comes from. (Then again, I've not looked at his last two years' stats.) Through 2005 he's an EXCELLENT fielder.
At 1B he shows as .993 lifetime, LF 1.000. My playing him in LF is the first time he's played this position since 2000, and so far he's perfect.
HoustonGM, Coach Owens: :)
SrMeowMeow, dannymac910: If you insist :)
*******
Late June 2006
I walked into the clubhouse just in time to see Lou Brown erect a cardboard life-size picture of Ed Sinclair. Written above his head in a cartoon bubble were the words "YOU SUCK!"
"Alright girls. For those who don't know, this is our owner. He's already told Rob Knight and I that he's not accustomed to working with losers." Not quite true...though definitely the gist of it. To try and keep a straight face I scanned the players. Angry and disheartened in equal measure.
"Now here's the deal. Everyone else is giving up on us. Why? 'Cause we're the Indians, and except for getting lucky twice ten years ago we haven't done s*** since '54."
Even our local sports writers seemed poised to give up. Plain Dealer columnist and blogger Paul Hoynes was calling it a lost season, while Terry Pluto wondered what it would take to rouse us.
The answer wouldn't be Sinclair saying the team sucked though. Anger simmered, but didn't transmute into determination. We would have to find inspiration elsewhere.
*******
Barry Bonds has resurfaced...in Hawaii!
After much of Hilo was evacuated following a volcano breaking apart in the center of the isle, Bonds arranged a press conference in Honolulu. He didn't look well: Burns covered his face and arms, and his skin's darkened to obsidian. He moved slower, and his voice was raspy..but determined.
He declined to say how he wound up in Hawaii, except to confirm he was kidnapped. Then he stunned everyone by announcing his retirement:
Barry Bonds (LF, San Francisco) retires at age 41 after 20 seasons.
2006: .267 5-16 1,
Career: .300 713-1869 507, 2754 Hits
Teams: Pirates (86-92); Giants (93-06)
Awards: MVP (90, 92, 93, 01-04); AS (90, 92-98, 00-04); Gold Glove (90-94, 96-98); 3rd in career HR
"I've decided to stay in Hawaii," he said coldly. "I have unfinished business."
*******
And so begins a 10 game homestand.
*******
Baltimore (33-35) (3rd, -12.5g) at Cleveland (32-35) (3rd, -6g)
June 13: Orioles 3-0
LP: Glavine (6-6)
Glavine had another of his frightening performances, giving up 10 hits in 5.2 IP, but this time the offense wasn't there to help. The relievers tried to help with only Brown giving up a run in his debut, and Martinez went 3 for 4, but you gotta score to win.
June 14: Orioles 9-6 (11)
LP: Graves (1-1), HR: Martinez (9), Kouzmanoff (11)
We probably had this one until Martinez yielded a passed ball, and Carmona threw a wild pitch with bases loaded. We limped back, tying it in the 8th on a Martinez double and so to extra innings where we squandered a bases loaded, 1 out opportunity. Graves pitched 0.2 innings in the 11th and was simply wretched.
June 15: Orioles 9-1
LP: Lee(7-6)
On my birthday the Orioles gifted me with a humiliating loss. Lee gave up 5 runs in 4.2 innings, then Brown gave up 4 more in 1. Hafner went 4 for 4 with 2 doubles and our only RBI.
June 16: Indians 5-1
WP: Westbrook (4-3), SV: Graves (10), HR: Hafner (12)
Our first save in the better part of a month comes after 8 solid innings by Westbrook. We took the lead with a run in the second and two in the third, and never looked back.
*******
And we only lose half a game because Minnesota and Detroit are doing just as bad.
After payroll (and adjusting expenses) Ed calls to tell me we might actually lose money for the rest of the year. He expects results for what he's dishing out.
*******
Minnesota (39-31) (1st, +1g) at Cleveland (33-38) (3rd, -6.5g)
June 17: Indians 7-2
WP: Ramirez (3-4), HR: Hafner (13)
HoRam pitches a beautiful 8 innings, stumbling only once (a 2-run homer by Michael Cudyer). We tied on a 2-run double by Martinez, then took the lead for good on Hafner's 3-run shot. Blake's 2-run single completed the rout.
June 18: Twins 8-6
LP: Graves (1-2), HR: Martinez (10)
Leading 5-3 entering the ninth, Graves blows another save. Lou's been wanting to move Betancourt back to closer for awhile now. Maybe he's right. Five runs, including a 2 RBI triple and 3-run blast by Justin Morneau put us in our place.
June 19: Indians 14-5
WP: Glavine (7-6), HR: Kouzmanoff (12), Sexson 2 (19)
Tom gives up 5 runs, 3 unearned thanks to the hole in Kouzmanoff's glove. Our offense fires back with three big rallies and some nickel and diming besides. Sexson goes 4/5, 4 RBI. Michaels 3/5 2 runs. Kouzmanoff 3/5 3 RBI.
Kouzmanoff was a bit of a wildcard: Along with his error, he hit into two double plays...but of course his three-run homer, single, and run scoring double put him one step from hitting for the cycle. Brown continues to settle down, pitching 2.1 IP of scoreless relief.
*******
Well, not too shabby. We're off on the 20th as the Twins start chewing on the Royals, so in the end we only gain half a game.
******
Chicago (34-40) (4th, -7g) at Cleveland (35-39) (3rd, -6g)
June 21: Indians 6-4
WP: Perez (3-1), SV: Graves (11), HR: Sexson (20), Garko (10)
Trailing 4-0 on a depressingly hot day, Sexson and Garko hit back to back homers to pull us within one in the sixth. In the eighth Inglett singles home Kouzmanoff, then Michaels hits a 2 RBI double to give us the game.
June 22: White Sox 6-2
LP: Westbrook (4-4), HR: Peralta (6)
Westbrook doesn't impress. Neither do the relievers. Martinez scored our second run on TWO wild pitches by Matt Thornton in the ninth.
June 23: Indians 6-2
WP: Sabathia (6-4), HR: Kouzmanoff (13), Blake (8)
Our turn. C.C. gives up 1 ER in 7 innings. Sexson's 2-run double led things off, then Kevin's solo shot put us ahead for good. Blake's 3-run homer in the seventh added some insurance. Miller and Perez combined for two innings of perfect relief.
*******
Another day off, and we gain nada. Ed Sinclair called to congratulate me on our recent performance. "But if we're winning," he said, "then why aren't we rising in the standings?"
Well..because Minnesota's also winning. Anyway, the Tigers passed them and now sat in first place with the Twins 1 out.
"Fix it." He hung up.
*******
Now begins a nine game roadtrip. After that four at home, then the Break.
*******
Cleveland (37-40) (3rd, -6.5g) at Kansas City (27-49) (5th, -16g)
June 25: Indians 7-4 (13)
WP: Perez (4-1), SV: Graves (12), HR: Martinez (11), Hafner (14)
Hafner hit a two-run homer in the sixth to give us a 4-3 lead, but Glavine struggled through the eighth and KC tied. For four more innings our relief corps would duel until Andrew Sisco gave up 3 unearned runs on a 2-RBI Peralta single and wild pitch.
June 26: Royals 7-4
LP: Lee (7-7)
KC took a 5-0 lead as Lee didn't make it past the third. We struggled back, led by Hafner's 2 for 4, 3 RBI performance but the Royals slammed HoRam late.
After the game, Travis Hafner decided to 'discuss' HoRam's pitching with him. When the discussion is over, Peralta half-carried him into the trainer's room with a cracked rib. Hafner's now on the 14-day DL and out until after the Break. Grr.
June 27: Royals 2-1
LP: Westbrook (4-5), HR: Peralta (7)
Westbrook only has one bad inning, loading the bases before Mark Teahen hit a 2 RBI single. Unfortunately Peralta came up with our only response.
*******
This is the worst team in our division? What's it going to take to light a fire under this team? With Hafner AND Sizemore gone, is it too late?
*******
Cleveland (38-42) (3rd, -6.5g) at Chicago (36-45) (4th, -9g)
June 28: White Sox 6-5
LP: Miller (2-3), HR: Blake (9)
Carmona pitched 6 innings of credible ball before leaving with a sore bicep. (He'll probably miss his next start.) Too bad he can't stay in, as Perez and Miller blow it in relief.
A huge 5-run third led by Martinez's 2-run double and Blake's 2-run homer gave us the lead until Perez gave up two in the seventh. Rob Macowiak hit an RBI single in the eighth to give Chicago the win.
June 29: Indians 13-1
WP: Sabathia (7-4), HR: Martinez (12), Peralta (8), Blake 2 (11), Sexson (21)
We get five homers as we mow our way through six pitchers. Sox starter Javier Vazquez pitched hurt (and may miss HIS next start) giving up 6 runs in one inning. Sabathia on the other hand was brilliant, giving up 3 hits in 7 innings. Brown finished, pitching two shutout innings.
June 30: White Sox 8-4
LP: Glavine (7-7), HR: Martinez (13), Sexson (22)
A really good game until the 6th: We were tied 1-1 after one, and led 4-3 after two. Paul Konerko kicked Glavine out with a bases loaded double in the sixth, and reliever Matt Miller just made it worse.
*******
And so June is over. We finish 12-15 for the month, 39-44 overall, and 7.5 games behind Detroit. The Tigers AND the Twins need to stumble. Badly.
Check them out, and you'll immediately understand.Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
Of course, that could just mean he's not getting to any hits because he has no range. That's the problem with the error stat, and using it to judge fielding - you can't make an error if you don't get to the ball, and I'd rather a player say, get to the ball, and drop it, leading to a single, than a player not get to the ball and have it roll to the wall for a double or a triple.Quote:
At 1B he shows as .993 lifetime, LF 1.000. My playing him in LF is the first time he's played this position since 2000, and so far he's perfect.
Unfortunately, Mogul gives you little to go on for judging fielding besides the traditional stats and the ratings.
HoustonGM: I'm sure you're right. It's still interesting the game gives him an 85ish fielding rating. :)
*******
July 1, 2006
Standings
Code:American League East
Team W L GB
New York 53 29 --
Boston 53 30 0.5 - WC
Baltimore 41 44 13.5
Toronto 36 47 17.5
Tampa Bay 33 50 20.5
American League Central
Team W L GB
Detroit 46 36 --
Minnesota 46 38 1
Cleveland 39 44 7.5
Chicago 38 46 9
Kansas City 29 53 17
American League West
Team W L GB
Oakland 48 33 --
Texas 42 40 6.5
Los Angeles 40 45 10
Seattle 38 45 11
*******Code:National League East
Team W L GB
Philadelphia 47 36 --
Washington 43 39 3.5
Atlanta 40 43 7
Florida 40 43 7
New York 39 43 7.5
National League Central
Team W L GB
St. Louis 49 31 --
Cincinnati 42 38 7
Chicago 41 40 8.5
Milwaukee 38 41 10.5
Pittsburgh 38 43 11.5
Houston 34 45 14.5
National League West
Team W L GB
Los Angeles 50 32 --
San Diego 47 37 4
Arizona 40 42 10
Colorado 33 47 16
San Francisco 29 52 20.5
American League Leaders
Average: Victor Martinez (CLE) .343, Magglio Ordonez (DET) .347
HR: Carlos Pena (BOS) 23, Richie Sexson (CLE) 22
RBI: Alex Rodriguez (NYY) 78, Carlos Lee (TEX) 78
Steals: Carl Crawford (TB) 41, Chone Figgins (LAA) 35
Wins: Three tied with 10
ERA: Danny Haren (OAK) 2.71, Barry Zito (OAK) 2.82
Strikeouts: Scott Kazmir (TBD) 109, Two tied with 103
Saves: Huston Street (OAK) 23, Two tied with 20
National League Leaders
Average: Matt Diaz (ATL) .383, David Wright (NYM) .346
HR: Three tied with 22
RBI: Albert Pujols (STL) 76. Miguel Cabrera (FLA) 73
Steals: Willy Taveras (HOU) 33, Juan Pierre (CHC) 31
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: Victor Martinez .343 (1st)
HR: Richie Sexson 22 (2nd)
RBI: Richie Sexson 57 (10th)
Steals: Grady Sizemore 6
Wins: Sabathia, Glavine, Lee 7
ERA: Jake Westbrook 4.10
Strikeouts: C.C. Sabathia 97 (5th)
Saves: Danny Graves 12
*******
Major Injuries
BAL-RF Jay Gibbons (81) [29] (.237 13-34 0) - September
CHW-SP Brandon McCarthy (75/83) [22] (1-2 2.87 0) - September
KCR-RP Joel Peralta (76/79) [30] (2-2 5.90 0) - Season
MIN-CF Torii Hunter (89) [30] (.240 10-50 4) - September
NYY-RP Octavio Dotel (81) [32] (6-0 3.15 2) - August
SEA-SS Yuniesky Betancourt (85/93) [24] (.270 7-39 1) - September
TEX-CF Freddie Guzman (72/78) [25] (Last MLB 2004) - September
ATL-RF Jeff Frabcoeur (81/90) [22] (,255 15-48 1) - September
HOU-SP Troy Patton (64/91) [20] (2-2 4.43 0) - September
PIT-SP Victor Santos (68) [29] (1-0 4.05 0) - September
SFG-RP Jeremy Accardo (88/95) [24] (4-1 5.96 1) - September
*******
Trades
BOS-TBD: LF David Murphy (72/85) [24] (Minor)
BOS-TBD: LF Jacoby Ellsbury (69/82) [22] (Minor)
TBD-BOS: RF Aubrey Huff (86) [29] (.258 6-26 0)
KCR-CHC: SP Luke Hudson (77/78) [29] (5-4 4.52 0)
CHC-KCR: RP Roberto Novoa (65/76) [26] (Last MLB 2005)
CHC-KCR: RP Clay Rapada (59/72) [25] (Minor)
CHC-TBD: RP Jae Kuk Ryu (69/83) [23] (Minor)
TBD-CHC: SS Angel Berroa (80) [28] (.232 3-16 3)
SFG-BOS: SP Jason Schmidt (91) [33] (5-8 4.87 0)
BOS-SFG: RP Manny Delcarmen (76/86) [24] (0-0 2.92 1)
BOS-SFG: SP Jon Lester (72/89) [22] (1-0 1.50 0)
BOS-SFG: SP Kason Gabbard (73/89) [24] (Minor)
*******
Milestones
BOS-RP Keith Foulke (89) [33] (3-2 4.64 13) - 200 Saves
BOS-LF Manny Ramirez (94) [34] (.282 16-53 0) - 2000 Hits
BOS-SP Curt Schilling (85) [39] (8-3 3.11 0) - 200 Wins
KCR-LF Reggie Sanders (76) [38] (.281 11-33 8) - 1000 Runs, 300 HR
LAA-LF Garret Anderson (82) [34] (.261 10-55 1) - 2000 Hits
NYM-RP Billy Wagner (91) [34] (2-3 2.97 17) - 300 Saves
SDP-C Mike Piazza (87) [37] (.313 17-59 1) - 1000 Runs, 2000 Hits
*******
Notable Retirements
Jose Mesa (RP, Colorado): Age 40, 17 seasons
2006: Last MLB 2005
Career: 77-101 4.29 6 CG 319 SV 970 K 1426 IP
Teams: Orioles (87, 90-92), Indians (92-98), Giants (98), Mariners (99-00), Phillies (01-03), Pirates (04-05)
Awards: All Star (95-96)
Tom Martin (RP, Colorado): Age 36, 9 seasons
2006: Last MLB 2005
Career: 9-9 4.88 3 SV 168 K 231 IP
Teams: Astros (97), Indians (98-00), Mets (01), D-Rays (02), Dodgers (03-04), Braves (04-05)
Awards: None
I don't have any numbers, and I could be remembering wrong, but I think back in 2005-2006, around then, he was a decent to very good fielder, although he's surely dropped off now.Quote:
Originally Posted by CatKnight
But considering the game is a simulation, don't let any real life biases get in your way, as I'm sure you know. If he has an 85ish fielding rating, he's generally going to be a pretty good fielder.
ugh, glad to see boston is cleaning out their farm system to win now....
Something tells me Boston is going to live to regret some of those trades.
And cut a guy some slack on the Rule IV draft. I can count in English, French, Spanish, Swedish, Danish, German, and Arabic but not Roman :rolleyes: