It's Tribe Time (2010 Indians)

[CatKnight]

Introduction

I'm back!

Those of you who have read my previous dynasties know I tend towards elaborate plotlines and characterization. Well, this won't have that. Work and life keep me busy enough where I don't have as much time as I'd like for one of those. Yet, I do want to start getting back into the swing of things.

So, with apologies to YEAH DAWWWWG, I'll be borrowing a bit of formatting from his Twins dynasty which I've found very clear and easy to follow. I won't bother with much detail on the rest of the league, though I'll try for monthly summaries to give you an idea who's doing what.

Team

I moved to Cleveland in 2006. I may have attended one or two games that year, but I didn't really pay any attention until 2007 when the Indians were...pretty good and made it to the ALCS. The following two years Cleveland returned to mediocrity and began trading away its big names, including Sabathia (Yankees), Lee (Phillies), Casey Blake (Dodgers) and Victor Martinez (Red Sox). One can argue whether Cleveland needed to do this given the realities of baseball finances, but it was still disheartening. Over the past few days the Indians traded away more players leading a radio commentator to openly wonder whether the Indians are farther away from contending than 'we' thought.

Therefore, we'll take the 2010 Cleveland Indians and attempt to bring them their first World Series since 1948.

Game Notes
BBM 2011 v 13.08 with default rosters.

* League Editor: Inflation Index lowered to 26,190. No particular reason except that a minimum salary of $400K is easier for me to remember and estimate how much I'm willing to pay my people. Similarly, annual inflation increase is turned off.

* League Settings: Manager difficulty. Medical Staff Impact -50, All Expenses reset to 'Very Good', Promotion 0/50/50/50, Contract Renewals 20, Trade Frequency -20, Stats vs. Ratings +50. I'm hoping that expenses won't be an issue for competitive balance. Renewals and Trade Frequency are changed mainly to discourage the AI from making too many changes. I like teams that are at least somewhat consistent.

* Player Settings: Aging Randomness 50, Draft Predictability -50, Effect of Happiness on Negotiating -50/Performance -100. The first two changes are to make the draft more of a crapshoot, while the latter two will help smaller teams retain their players without hurting their skill level.

* Simulation Settings: Double Plays -10: The default seems to be a little high.


House Rules

1. I reserve the right to make any changes to have a better game/tell a better story/etc. This primarily means I might move teams, realign divisions and so forth.

2. Free Agents: I may have a number of FAs per year equal to last year's finish: 4th = 4, etc. I must negotiate through the game engine - competitive bidding is on. I may also have half of that number rounded up in FAs with peak below 75 to restock my minors as needed. These picks do not carry over from year to year.

2a. In 2010 I only get half of these totals, so 2 + 1 minor leaguer. (1+1 used through May 20)

3. Trades: I may initiate two trades per year using the trading block. I cannot offer more than three players in a trade. I cannot alter the AI offer except to balance cash. I may accept computer trade offers, but again cannot change them except to balance cash. Again, these trades do not carry over. I may not trade injured players.

3a. In 2010, I get an extra trade on April 1 to customize my team. (Used)

3b. I may not trade during the offseason. The AI trade frequency will be reset to -100 between October and March.

4. Injuries: Anyone who is injured for less than 14 days must stay on the ML roster: They weren't put on the DL.

5. Roster Changes: The 25 man roster may only be changed (due to promotion/demotion or bringing people back from the DL list) between series. However, I may bring a player off the DL early expecting to use them mid series. Injured players can be placed on the DL at any time pursuant to rule 4.

6. Lineup: The AI will determine all lineups and rotations. I determine who's on the 25/40 man roster.

7. Starting after the 2011 season, "I" can be fired. This is a random roll dependent on what place I finish in the AL Central.

[CatKnight]

reserved for links and summaries

[CatKnight]

2010 - Looking at the AL Central

Let's take a quick look around the division.

Chicago White Sox
2008: 89-74 (1st, +1g; Lost ALDS) 2009: 79-83 (3rd, -7.5g) 2010 Pred: 71-91 (4th, -12g)

There's not much to say about the ChiSox. They do well enough to avoid embarassing themselves or manager Ozzie Guillen, but not enough to really compete. They do have two very good pitchers however including former Padre Jake Peavy and can still surprise you.

C: A.J. Pierzynski (.300 13-49 in 2009)
1B: Paul Konerko (.277 28-88)
2B: Gordon Beckham (.270 14-63) - rated 84/93
3B: Mark Teahen (.271 12-50 w Royals)
SS: Alexei Ramirez (.277 15-68)
LF: Juan Pierre (.308 0-31 w Dodgers)
CF: Alejandro De Aza (.250 0-3 w Marlins)
RF: Alexis Rios (.247 17-71 w Blue Jays/White Sox)
DH: Carlos Quentin (.236 21-47)
P1: Mark Buehrle (13-10 3.84)
P2: John Danks (13-11 3.77) - rated 90/93
P3: Jake Peavy (9-6 3.45 w Padres/White Sox) - rated 90
CL: Bobby Jenks (3-4 3.71 29 SV)
SU: Matt Thornton (6-3 2.74 4 SV)

Detroit Tigers
2008: 74-88 (5th, -14.5g) 2009: 86-77 (2nd, -1g) 2010 Pred: 78-84 (2nd, -5g)

The Tigers lost the division in a one game playoff against Minnesota. They appear to be a team in transition, and thanks to generous spending despite the fragile economy Detroit's well on the way to another championship. Cabrera and Verlander are some of the most dangerous people in our division. Detroit probably won't win in 2010 - but 2011 is a distinct possibility.

C: Gerald Laird (.225 4-33)
1B: Miguel Cabrera (.324 34-103) - rated 93
2B: Scott Sizemore (Rookie)
3B: Brandon Inge (.230 27-84)
SS: Ramon Santiago (.267 7-35)
LF: Ryan Raburn (.291 16-45)
CF: Clete Thomas (.240 7-39)
RF: Magglio Ordonez (.310 9-50)
DH: Johnny Damon (.282 24-82 w Yankees)
P1: Justin Verlander (19-9 3.45) - rated 93
P2: Max Scherzer (9-11 4.12 w D-backs) - rated 87/91
P3: Rick Porcello (14-9 3.96) - rated 78/93
CL: Jose Valverde (4-2 2.33 25 SV w Astros)
SU: Phil Coke (4-3 4.50 2 SV w Yankees)

Kansas City Royals
2008: 75-87 (4th, -13.5g) 2009: 65-97 (4th-T, -21.5g) 2010 Pred: 69-93 (5th, -14g)

The Royals have dwelt in or near the cellar of this division for years now. It's not entirely clear why, though much blame seems to be placed on owners and management. Whatever the reason, these Royals are no better and it's hard to imagine them competing this year. (It's worth noting however, that in a test game the '10 Royals won the division with an 81-82 record.)

C: Jason Kendall (.241 2-43 w Brewers)
1B: Billy Butler (.301 21-93) - rated 85/91
2B: Alberto Callaspo (.300 11-73)
3B: Wilson Betemit (.200 0-3 w White Sox)
SS: Yuniesky Betancourt (.245 6-49 w Mariners/Royals)
LF: Scott Podsednik (.304 7-48 w White Sox)
CF: Mitch Maier (.243 3-31)
RF: David DeJesus (.281 13-71)
DH: Rick Ankiel (.231 11-38 w Cardinals)
P1: Zack Greinke (16-8 2.16) - rated 93
P2: Brian Bannister (7-12 4.73)
P3: Kyle Davies (8-9 5.27)
CL: Joakim Soria (3-2 2.21 30 SV) - rated 89/93
SU: Matt Herges (3-1 3.38 w Indians/Rockies)

Minnesota Twins
2008: 88-75 (2nd, -1g) 2009: 87-76 (1st, +1g; Lost ALDS) 2010 Pred: 74-88 (3rd, -9g)

After two years of forcing the AL Central into a 163rd game, the Twins may take a step back this year...or may not. Mauer and Morneau are still a devastating combo, and this year the Twins christen their new stadium: Target Field.

C: Joe Mauer (.365 28-96) - rated 93
1B: Justin Morneau (.274 30-100)
2B: Orlando Hudson (.283 9-62 w Dodgers)
3B: Jim Thome (.249 23-77 w White Sox/Dodgers)
SS: Nick Punto (.228 1-38)
LF: Jason Kubel (.300 28-103)
CF: Jason Repko (.000 0-1 w Dodgers)
RF: Denard Span (.311 8-68)
DH: Michael Cuddyer (.276 32-94)
P1: Scott Baker (15-9 4.37)
P2: Kevin Slowey (10-3 4.86)
P3: Nick Blackburn (11-11 4.03)
CL: Jon Rauch (7-3 3.60 2 SV w D-backs/Twins)
SU: Matt Guerrier (5-1 2.36 1 SV)

Cleveland Indians
2008: 81-81 (3rd, 7.5g) 2009: 65-97 (4th-T, -21.5g) 2010 Pred: 83-79 (1st, +5g; Lose ALDS)

I don't believe for a moment that the Indians can win the division in 2010. Even ignoring the real life evidence, 'we' just don't have the parts in place for a serious run...this year. Possibly in 2011, almost certainly in 2012, but not today. Last year GM Mark Shapiro announced that '09 and '10 were basically lost seasons, and I think he hit it on the head.

No, this will be a rebuild year. My primary goals will be to gut Cleveland's payroll so in 2011 or 12 we can make a splash in free agency. No doubt it made sense at the time, but 'our' payroll has some serious imbalances that need to be dealt with from day one.

Before we do, however, a quick look around the rest of the league.


Prediction

Red Sox  (102-60)             Indians   (83-79)          Athletics (92-70)
Rays     (101-61) wc          Tigers    (78-84)          Mariners  (85-77)
Yankees   (92-70)             Twins     (74-88)          Rangers   (82-80)
Orioles   (73-89)             White Sox (71-91)          Angels    (76-86)
Blue Jays (66-96)             Royals    (69-93)

Phillies  (90-72)             Cardinals (90-72)          Dodgers   (94-68)
Marlins   (83-79)             Brewers   (90-72) wc       D-backs   (79-83)
Braves    (77-85)             Cubs      (84-78)          Giants    (76-86)
Mets      (77-85)             Astros    (80-82)          Padres    (72-90)
Nationals (76-86)             Reds      (78-84)          Rockies   (70-92)
                              Pirates   (70-92)
                              
AL:  TBR 3 OAK 1; BOS 3 CLE 0 - TBR 4 BOS 1
NL:  LAD 3 MIL 2; PHI 3 STL 2 - PHI 4 LAD 2
WS:  TBR 4 PHI 1

Batting Titles:  Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS .348), Albert Pujols (STL .340)
Home Runs:       Justin Morneau (MIN 37), Ryan Braun (MIL 48)
Runs Batted In:  Justin Morneau (MIN 128), Ryan Braun (MIL 151)
Steals:          Jacoby Ellsbury (BOS 87), Nyjer Morgan (WAS 75)
Wins:            Jon Lester (BOS 20), Chad Billingsley (LAD 18-t), Adam Wainwright (STL 18-t)
Earned Run Avg:  Matt Garza (TBR 2.34), Adam Wainwright (STL 2.36)
Strikeouts:      Jon Lester (BOS 208), Yovani Gallardo (MIL 256)
Saves:           Rafael Soriano (TBR 40), Trevor Hoffman (MIL 45)

All Star MVP:    Joe Mauer (MIN)
Divisional MVP:  Mike Cameron (BOS), Blake DeWitt (LAD)
Divisional MVP:  Carlos Pena (TBR), Domonic Brown (PHI)
LCS MVP:         Sean Rodriguez (TBR), Larry Wetzel (PHI)
World Ser. MVP:  Carl Crawford (TBR)

Cy Young:        Jon Lester (BOS), Adam Wainwright (STL)
MVP:             Justin Morneau (MIN), Albert Pujols (STL)
Rookie of Year:  Scott Sizemore (DET), David Freese (STL)

[CatKnight]

Opening Moves

Let's get the questionable but life saving move out of the way:

Trade
Indians to Yankees
* 1B/DH Travis Hafner (78) [32] (.272 16-49)
* SP Jake Westbrook (79) [32] (DNP in 2009)
* C Mike Redmond (72) [38] (.237 0-7 w Twins)

Yankees to Indians
* $1.25 M dollars

No one offered a player. The why is obvious enough: I've just cut over $24 million in payroll giving up three players who are, to put it nicely, past their peak. Nonetheless, Hafner and Westbrook aren't bad players and can still contribute to their title defense. Three teams actually offered cash for these people, with the others being Boston and the Mets.

Free Agency

Though I probably have pitchers to get me through the year (in which time hopefully one or two of my rookies have developed), I'm going to go ahead and get a veteran presence. I could give you a handful of role-playing reasons to do this, but the truth is I just like the idea of his career ending in Cleveland...and it gets a really weak starter back in the minors where he belongs.

After a surprisingly ugly bidding war with the Nationals, we acquire Pedro Martinez (76) [38] (5-1 3.63 w Phillies) for $3.65 million.

Team Roster, Opening Day 2010 - Batters

CATCHER
Lou Marson (72/78) [23] (.246 0-4 w Phillies/Indians) - Starter
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 11
Acquired: 7/09 Trade w Phillies
Debut: 2008 Philadelphia Phillies

Wyatt Toregas (73/76) [27] (.176 0-6) - Bench
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 12
Acquired: 6/04 Amateur Draft
Debut: 2009 Cleveland Indians

* Toregas is a never-was that never-will-be. Marson is biding time while Carlos Santana (73/91) continues to develop in AAA-Columbus.

FIRST BASE
Matt LaPorta (75/85) [25] (.254 7-21) - Starter
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 11
Acquired: 7/08 Trade w Brewers
Debut: 2009 Cleveland Indians

Chris Giminez (70/73) [27] (.144 3-7) - Bench
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 11
Acquired: 6/04 Amateur Draft
Debut: 2009 Cleveland Indians

* LaPorta came here in the 2008 Sabathia trade. Whether he's the Indians' future remains to be seen. Giminez wouldn't be on the roster except we have few other people capable of playing 1B well. Russell Branyan (80) [34] will probably bump him when he comes off the DL in late April.

SECOND BASE
Asdrubal Cabrera (88/92) [24] (.308 6-68) - Starter
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 10
Acquired: 6/06 Trade w Mariners
Debut: 2007 Cleveland Indians

Luis Valbuena (76/80) [24] (.250 10-31) - DH
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 11
Acquired: 12/08 Trade w Mariners
Debut: 2008 Seattle Mariners

Luis Rodriguez (75) [29] (.202 2-16 w Padres) - Bench
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 10
Acquired: 12/09 Free Agent
Debut: 2005 Minnesota Twins

* Cabrera starts at second, and for the moment Valbuena is our DH. Again, I expect that to change rapidly when Branyan returns. We have two older players in AAA (Mark Grudzielanek and Tony Graffanino) who will probably retire soon.

SHORTSTOP
Jhonny Peralta (81) [27] (.254 11-83) - Starter
Contract: $4.6M through 2010
Acquired: 4/99 Free Agent
Debut: 2003 Cleveland Indians

Anderson Hernandez (71) [27] (.251 3-37 w Mets/Nationals) - Bench
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 10
Acquired: 3/10 Waivers from Mets
Debut: 2005 New York Mets

* Peralta is one of the more reknowned players on the team. Hernandez is another never-was, and could very easily lose his position to one of three shortstops in AAA-Columbus. Certainly short of a major breakout, Hernandez won't be tendered in arbitration.

THIRD BASE
Andy Marte (77) [26] (.232 6-25) - Starter
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 10
Acquired: 1/06 Trade w Red Sox
Debut: 2005 Atlanta Braves

* Marte is widely considered a busted prospect. As it stands, he's holding the fort while Lonnie Chisenhall (62/91) develops in A-Lake County. Of course, if this year is any indication, he might make a decent RP...

LEFT FIELD
Trevor Crowe (72/74) [26] (.235 1-17) - Starter
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 10
Acquired: 6/05 Amateur Draft
Debut: 2009 Cleveland Indians

* Another probably busted prospect. He's on the opening day lineup to give Michael Brantley (74/83) a little more time to develop in Columbus while keeping his arb clock from running. If he struggles he will probably go down for good. Jordan Brown (73/80) starts the year on the DL and will also probably see playing time.

CENTER FIELD
Grady Sizemore (87) [27] (.248 18-64) - Starter
Contract: $6.55M through 2011
Acquired: 6/02 Trade w Expos
Debut: 2004 Cleveland Indians

* One of our most popular players, Sizemore's managed to survive two (IRL three) years of rebuilding the team. We do not have another CF anywhere near ready for the show, so let's hope he stays healthy.

RIGHT FIELD
Shin-Soo Choo (84) [27] (.300 20-86) - Starter
Contract: $400K through 2013
Acquired: 7/06 Trade w Mariners
Debut: 2005 Seattle Mariners

Austin Kearns (75) [29] (.195 3-17 w Nationals) - Bench
Contract: $400K through 2010
Acquired: 1/10 Free Agent
Debut: 2002 Cincinnati Reds

* Choo is another popular player with a potentially bright future. Kearns probably won't get any better, but there aren't any better options in the minors.

[CatKnight]

Team Roster, Opening Day 2010 - Pitchers

STARTERS
Fausto Carmona (81) [26] (5-12 6.32)
Contract: $5.5M through 2011
Acquired: 12/00 Free Agent
Debut: 2006 Cleveland Indians

Justin Masterson (79/83) [25] (1-7 4.55 1 CG)
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 2010
Acquired: 7/09 Trade w Red Sox
Debut: 2008 Boston Red Sox

Pedro Martinez (76) [38] (5-1 3.63)
Contract: $3.65M through 2010
Acquired: 4/10 Free Agent
Debut: 1992 Los Angeles Dodgers

David Huff (76/81) [25] (11-8 5.61)
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 2011
Acquired: 6/06 Amateur Draft
Debut: 2009 Cleveland Indians

Aaron Laffey (75/79) [24] (7-9 4.44 1 SV)
Contract: $400K throgh Arbitration 2010
Acquired: 6/03 Amateur Draft
Debut: 2007 Cleveland Indians

* Carmona is our ace. He spent part of last year in rookie ball getting back his confidence. 'Nuf said. I'm hoping Martinez has just a little gas left in the tank. Next year we will probably have Nick Hagadone (74/94), who came to the Indians with Masterson from Boston and projects in every dynasty I've played as a strikeout dynamo. The pitcher I bumped by signing Martinez was Jeremy Sowers (73) [26].

RELIEVERS

Chris Perez (80/91) [24] (0-1 4.32 1 SV) - Closer
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 2011
Acquired: 6/09 Trade w Cardinals
Debut: 2008 St. Louis Cardinals

Rafael Perez (80) [28] (4-3 7.31) - Setup
Contract: $895K through 2010
Acquired: 1/02 Free Agent
Debut: 2006 Cleveland Indians

Joe Smith (79) [26] (0-0 3.44)
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 2010
Acquired: 12/08 Trade w Mets
Debut: 2007 New York Mets

Saul Rivera (78) [32] (1-3 6.10 w Nationals)
Contract: $400K through Arbitration 2010
Acquired: 12/09 Free Agent
Debut: 2006 Washington Nationals

Jason Grilli (76) [33] (2-3 5.32 1 SV w Rockies/Rangers)
Contract: $400K through 2010
Acquired: 11/09 Free Agent
Debut: 2000 Florida Marlins

Jamey Wright (76) [35] (3-5 4.33 w Royals)
Contract: $400K through 2010
Acquired: 2/10 Free Agent
Debut: 1996 Colorado Rockies

* Chris Perez will probably be our closer for awhile, as Kerry Wood (79) [32] and his $10.5 M contract are going away as soon as he's off the DL in late May. Our bullpen is a mess and there isn't much hope in the minors. Expect Jess Todd (75/86) [23] to debut later this year.

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

No apologies needed, Cat. It's pretty nice to have such a renowned Dynasty writer be taking elements from my dynasty into theirs.

[ewing6]

Good start i'll be reading

[onemoretime]

Ill be enjoying this no doubt, Cleveland and a reknowned writer = Good Times.

[gosensgo101]

[gosensgo101]

There's not much to say about the ChiSox. They do well enough to avoid embarassing themselves or manager Ozzie Guillen, but not enough to really compete. They do have two very good pitchers however including former Padre Jake Peavy and can still surprise you.

Ozzie does enough to embarrass himself already.

[CatKnight]

YEAH DAWWWG: Thank you! I'm glad you're still updating yours. You had me worried for a few days.

ewing6: Welcome and thanks!

onemoretime: Glad to have you onboard.

gosensgo101: Well....true. Very true.
*******

Opening Day 2010
April 5, 2010
U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago

Opening Day Lineups:

Cleveland Indians          Chicago White Sox
1. Grady Sizemore (CF)     1. Juan Pierre (LF)
2. Asdrubal Cabrera (2B)   2. Alexis Rios (RF)
3. Shin-Soo Choo (RF)      3. Gordon Beckham (2B)
4. Matt LaPorta (1B)       4. Carlos Quentin (DH)
5. Andy Marte (3B)         5. Paul Konerko (1B)
6. Jhonny Peralta (SS)     6. A.J. Pierzynski (C)
7. Luis Valbuena (DH)      7. Alexei Ramirez (SS)
8. Trevor Crowe (LF)       8. Mark Teahen (3B)
9. Lou Marson (C)          9. Alejandro De Aza (CF)

P. Fausto Carmona          P. Mark Buehrle

TOP 1ST: Buehrle pitching Sizemore singles, but is caught stealing second. Cabrera grounds to first. Choo strikes out. 0R 1H 0E 0L Tied 0-0

BOTTOM 1ST: Carmona pitching Pierre singles. Rios strikes out. Pierre steals second and third. Beckham grounds to second scoring Pierre. Quentin grounds to third. 1R 1H 0E 0L White Sox 1-0

TOP 2ND: LaPorta singles. Marte stirkes out. Peralta singles. Valbuena singles. Crowe grounds to first scoring LaPorta. Marson grounds to second. 1R 3H 0E 2L Tied 1-1

BOTTOM 2ND: Konerko pops to third. Pierzynski flies to right. Ramirez homers. Teahen singles. De Aza grounds to third. 1R 2H 0E 0L White Sox 2-1

TOP 3RD: Sizemore strikes out. Cabrera flies to center. Choo doubles. LaPorta homers scoring Choo and himself. Marte pops to short. 2R 2H 0E 0L Indians 3-2

BOTTOM 3RD: Pierre lines to third. Rios lines to right. Beckham flies to left. 0R 0H 0E 0L Indians 3-2

TOP 4TH: Peralta strikes out. Valbuena grounds to short. Crowe singles. Marson grounds to short. 0R 1H 0E 1L Indians 3-2

BOTTOM 4TH: Quentin flies to center. Konerko doubles. Pierzynski grounds to short. Ramirez grounds to pitcher. 0R 1H 0E 1L Indians 3-2

TOP 5TH: Sizemore flies to right. Cabrera singles. Choo strikes out. LaPorta grounds to short. 0R 1H 0E 1L Indians 3-2

BOTTOM 5TH: Teahan flies to left. De Aza grounds to short. Pierre grounds to short. 0R 0H 0E 0L Indians 3-2

TOP 6TH: Marte strikes out. Peralta flies to right. Valbuena grounds to second. 0R 0H 0E 0L Indians 3-2

BOTTOM 6TH: Rios flies to left. Beckham grounds to third. Quentin grounds to first. 0R 0H 0E 0L Indians 3-2

TOP 7TH: Crowe grounds to short. Marson grounds to short. Sizemore grounds to first. 0R 0H 0E 0L Indians 3-2

BOTTOM 7TH: Rodriguez playing 3B. Konerko grounds to short. Pierzynski grounds to third. Ramirez strikes out. 0H 0R 0E 0L Indians 3-2

TOP 8TH: Cabrera flies to left. Choo doubles. Gonzalez pitching. LaPorta grounds to short. Rodriguez pops to first. 0R 1H 0E 1L Indians 3-2

BOTTOM 8TH: Teahen strikes out. De Aza singles. Pierre doubles, scoring De Aza. Pierre steals third. Rios grounds to second, scoring Pierre. Beckham strikes out. 2R 2H 0E 0L White Sox 4-3

TOP 9TH: Jenks pitching. Peralta grounds to third. Valbuena grounds to second. Crowe grounds to short. 0R 0H 0E 0L

*******
Chicago White Sox 4, Cleveland Indians 3
WP: Edgar Gonzalez (1-0), LP: Fausto Carmona (0-1), SV: Bobby Jenks (1)
HR: (CLE) Matt LaPorta (1), (CHW) Alexei Ramirez (1)
*******

Thoughts:
Carmona gets a complete game ... my manager (the AI) left him in for one inning too long. Otherwise we didn't do too badly, and it was certainly a close and fun game to watch. I'm not expecting much from this team so it's hard to be disappointed.

Cleveland Indians at Chicago White Sox
April 5, 2010

                     1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 +  R  H  E
       Indians (CLE) 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 0    3  9  0
     White Sox (CHW) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 x    4  6  0

CLEVELAND                    ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
Grady Sizemore (CF)           4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .250
Asdrubal Cabrera (2B)         4  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .250
Shin-Soo Choo (RF)            4  2  0  1  0  0  2  0    .500
Matt LaPorta (1B)             4  2  0  2  1  2  0  0    .500
Andy Marte (3B)               3  0  0  0  0  0  2  0    .000
 Luis Rodriguez (P)           1  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
Jhonny Peralta (SS)           4  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .250
Luis Valbuena (DH)            4  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .250
Trevor Crowe (LF)             4  1  0  0  0  1  0  0    .250
Lou Marson (C)                3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
TOTALS                       35  9  0  3  1  3  6  0

   2B:  Shin-Soo Choo 2 (2)
   HR:  Matt LaPorta (1)
   CS:  Grady Sizemore

               CLEVELAND   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
          Fausto Carmona  8.0  6  0  1  4  4  4 110   4.50
                  TOTALS  8.0  6  0  1  4  4  4 110

CHICAGO                      ab  h bb  r hr bi  k sb     avg
Juan Pierre (LF)              4  2  0  2  0  1  0  3    .500
Alexis Rios (RF)              4  0  0  0  0  1  1  0    .000
Gordon Beckham (2B)           4  0  0  0  0  1  1  0    .000
Carlos Quentin (DH)           3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
Paul Konerko (1B)             3  1  0  0  0  0  0  0    .333
A.J. Pierzynski (C)           3  0  0  0  0  0  0  0    .000
Alexei Ramirez (SS)           3  1  0  1  1  1  1  0    .333
Mark Teahen (3B)              3  1  0  0  0  0  1  0    .333
Alejandro De Aza (CF)         3  1  0  1  0  0  0  0    .333
TOTALS                       30  6  0  4  1  4  4  3

   2B:  Paul Konerko (1), Juan Pierre (1)
   HR:  Alexei Ramirez (1)

                 CHICAGO   ip  h bb hr  r er  k pit    ERA
            Mark Buehrle  7.1  9  0  1  3  3  6 108   3.68
          Edgar Gonzalez  0.2  0  0  0  0  0  0   8   0.00
             Bobby Jenks  1.0  0  0  0  0  0  0  10   0.00
                  TOTALS  9.0  9  0  1  3  3  6 126

     WP: Edgar Gonzalez (1-0)
     LP: Fausto Carmona (0-1)
     SV: Bobby Jenks (1)

     Temperature: 39F
     Wind: 5 MPH (out to center)
     Attendance: 40,615
     Time: 2:14

[CatKnight]

April 7

Indians 3 White Sox 1
WP: Masterson (1-0), LP: Peavy (0-1), SV: C Perez (1)
HR: (CLE) Choo (1)

Shin-Soo Choo homers early to give us the lead for good. Justin Masterson finally leaves the game after 7.2 innings and our bullpen makes its season debut.


April 8:

Indians 4 White Sox 10
WP: Floyd (1-0), LP: Grilli (0-1)
HR: (CLE) Cabrera (1), Sizemore 2 (2), (CHW) Ramirez (2)

Pedro Martinez doesn't make it through the third inning, but it's ultimately Jason Grilli who wastes our 3-run 1st inning. 3B Andy Marte gets out first error of the year.

*******

Cleveland Indians (1-2)
Tied for 3rd Place (1 GB) behind Chicago and Detroit

*******

April 9:

Indians 9 Tigers 8
WP: R Perez (1-0), LP: Bonderman (0-1), SV: C Perez (2)
HR: (CLE) Marson (1), Peralta (1), (DET) M Cabrera (1), Inge (1)

An alarming game despite our win: SP David Huff only lasts four innings and we go through five pitchers before rallying late. We also seem heavily dependent on power, and the Indians don't strike me as a power heavy team.

April 10:

Indians 3 Tigers 4 (13)
WP: Ni (1-0), LP: Grilli (0-2)
HR: (CLE) LaPorta (2)

Fu-Te Ni is an...interesting name for a pitcher. So be it. Though Grilli gets the loss, the real blame lays solely on CF Grady Sizemore who bobbles an inning ending fly ball allowing Adam Everett to score.

April 11:

Indians 7 Tigers 5
WP: Wright (1-0), LP: Schlereth (0-1), SV: S Rivera (1)
HR: (CLE) LaPorta (3), Sizemore (3), (DET) M Cabrera (2), Damon (2), Ordonez (1), Santiago (1)

Another troubling win as Carmona doesn't make it out of the fourth inning. Choo's two-run double in the sixth gives us a 4-3 lead, while both of our homers occur in the eighth to put the game out of reach.

*******

In my two previous games the AL Central is a low powered slugfest. By low-powered, I mean four if not all five teams all spend the season hovering around .500 ball. It makes for a strange looking, but very close divisional race. So far that looks to be what will happen here.

*******

Cleveland Indians (3-3)
Tied for 1st Place (0 GA) with Chicago and Detroit

*******

[YEAH DAAAAWG]

Yeah, haha, I had a busy couple of days where I didn't have the time to really update it. That may happen occasionally.

Anyways, you definitely have a good team to build with here. In every sim I've seen Hagadone turns into a complete stud, and Sizemore, Cabrera, and Laporta are all excellent hitters to start with. Though Sizemore may be getting to that age where he looks better as trade bait for you than a piece to build around.

[CatKnight]

YEAH DAWWWG: I agree. I'm looking forward to seeing Hagadone play. Sizemore...I may have to trade him when his contract is up, as I'm sure he'll think he's worth some ungodly amount. Until then I plan to enjoy having him around. LaPorta, Cabrera and possibly Peralta will factor heavily as we rebuild.
*******

So we head home for the first time tied for the division lead. Let's see if it lasts...
*******

April 12

Rangers 1 Indians 3
WP: Masterson (2-0), LP: Wilson (0-1), SV: C Perez (3)
HR: (CLE) LaPorta (4), Peralta (2)

Masterson lasts another 7.2 innings and once more gives us a convincing victory. We continue to rely on power with Peralta's sixth inning, two run shot leading the way.

April 14:

Rangers 1 Indians 7
WP: Martinez (1-0), McCarthy (0-2)

Martinez remembers how to pitch. A solid performance with Marson and backup 1B Chris Giminez getting 2 RBI each.

April 15:

Rangers 13 Indians 0
WP: Harden (2-0), LP: Huff (0-1)
HR: (TEX) Guerrero 2 (2)

Texas avenges themselves in style as SS Elvus Andrus goes 5 for 6 as DH Vladimir Guerrero gets six RBI. They score ten in the 4th inning obliterating Huff and RP Jamey Wright.

*******

Cleveland Indians (5-4)
Second Place (1.5 GB) behind Chicago

*******

April 16:

White Sox 3 Indians 1
WP: Buehrle (1-0), LP: Laffey (0-1), SV: Jenks (2)

Laffey does well. ChiSox ace Mark Buehrle does better. Our sole run comes on an Alexei Ramirez error.

April 17:

White Sox 4 Indians 5 (15)
WP: Grilli (1-2), LP: Gonzalez (1-1)
HR: (CHW) Quentin (2)

Carmona misses his start with a sore arm, and Masterson tires after two innings. Chicago takes a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth when a major rally ties the game. For the next five innings both bullpens cancel each other out when Chicago RP Edgar Gonzalez tires. He loads the bases for Shin-Soo Choo, who hits a line drive up the middle to get the win.

April 18:

White Sox 12 Indians 2
WP: Floyd (3-0), LP: Martinez (1-1)
HR: (CHW) Teahen (2), Quentin (3), (CLE) Marson (2)

Martinez goes back to sucking, and RP Jamey Wright decides to come along for the ride raising his ERA to 12.38. Once these two idiots leave the game it settles down, but by that point (the 4th inning) we're already behind by eleven runs.
*******

The season's twelve games old and we're straddling the .500 mark. It's too early to look at who is really helping or hurting us, but a few names stand out. Grady Sizemore has an OBP of over .400, while LaPorta's 4 homers lead the team. Marte and DH Valbuena are hitting below the Mendoza line. Masterson came back to earth but still boasts a K/IP ratio of over 1. Martinez (6.36 ERA), Huff (9.39) and long reliever Wright are embarassing themselves.

*******

Cleveland Indians (6-6)
Tied for 3rd Place (2.5 GB) behind Chicago

*******

[CatKnight]

Back on the road for pretty much the rest of the month. If we actually plan to compete (unlikely, but hope springs eternal...) we'll need to win at least half of the next nine games and stay close to the ChiSox. The good news is we're about to get Russell Branyan back.
*******

April 20

Indians 5 Twins 7
WP: Guerrier (2-0), LP: Smith (0-1), SV: Rauch (5)
HR: (MIN) Thome (4), Cuddyer (1)

Trailing 4-0, we rally to tie the game in the seventh. Up until this point Joe Smith's had a stellar season (sporting a 0.96 ERA in 9.1 IP), but today he falls apart giving up three in the eighth. We manage to score one when Choo brings home Marson on a single, but can't quite close the gap.

April 21

Indians 5 Twins 9
WP: Slowey (2-1), LP: Laffey (0-2), SV: Duensing (2)
HR: (CLE) Valbuena 1, (MIN) Mauer (4)

Now here are the Indians I expected to see this year: Incompetent. Yet, it's worth noting we didn't give up. Minnesota scored all their runs early off Laffey and Jamey Wright. We spent the rest of the game nickel-and-diming our way back.

April 22

Indians 10 Twins 6
WP: Carmona (1-1), LP: Blackburn (0-2), SV: Smith (1)
HR: (CLE) LaPorta (5), Peralta (3), Sizemore (4), Kearns (1), (MIN) Thome (5)

Kearns DHs for an injured Valbuena. Cleveland scores in five different innings including three in the ninth to slam the door in Minnesota's face. The Twins scored four in the bottom of the eighth to crawl back to within one. Sizemore had 4 RBI and Peralta 3 in a very successful day for the club, while Minnesota's Jim Thome earned 5 RBI in a losing cause.

*******

Cleveland Indians (7-8)
Fourth Place (4.5 GB) behind Chicago

*******

April 23

Indians 2 Athletics 3
WP: Wuertz (1-0), LP: Rivera (0-1), SV: Bailey (4)
HR: (OAK) Sweeney (4)

Masterson pitched well again, but left after seven innings so Oakland finished us off late. Sizemore earned the team's only RBI on a double scoring Choo.

April 24

Indians 4 Athletics 6
WP: Sheets (4-0), LP: Huff (0-2), SV: Bailey (5)
HR: (OAK) Ellis (4), Kouzmanoff (8)

When Andy Marte (2 for 3, triple, 2 R, 1 RBI) is your offensive player of the game, you know there's trouble. David Huff gets blasted again and the starter's ERA creeps over 9.

April 25

Indians 5 Athletics 8
WP: B Anderson (1-1), LP: Laffey (0-3)
HR: (OAK) Cust (4), Rosales (1)

Ow. Another lazy performance by the Indians. Saul Rivera leaves in the eighth game with a broken tibia. No loss.

*******

The good news: Russell Branyan (80) [34] (.251 31-76 w Mariners) is ready to resume his career. He'll rejoin the lineup as IF Luis Rodriguez (75) [29] (.091 0-0) returns to Columbus to figure out which end to hold a bat from. He becomes our 1B, while Matt LaPorta moves to DH and Valbuena goes to the bench.

The bad news (kinda): Saul Rivera (78) [32] (0-1 7.36 1 SV) is put on the 60 day DL due to his broken shin. Since his arbitration clock runs out this year anyway, we might as well see if Jensen Lewis (77) [25] (2-4 4.61 1 SV in 2009) has learned anything since last year. He'll go to long relief while Jamey Wright moves to mid-relief.

*******

*******

Cleveland Indians (7-11)
Tied for 4th Place (7.5 GB) behind Chicago

*******

April 26

Indians 2 Angels 1
WP: Martinez (2-1), LP: Weaver (2-3)

Pedro Martinez proves he still has it..sometimes at least...by pitching a 7K one-hitter with only 1B Kendry Morales standing between him and the record books. Branyan goes 2 for 4 in his season debut.


April 27

Indians 12 Angels 3
WP: Carmona (2-1), LP: Pineiro (2-3)
HR: (CLE) Branyan (1), Sizemore (5)

Jensen Lewis' season debut hardly goes smoothly (2 IP 2 ER), but by the point he entered the game it was already too late and Sizemore's ninth inning grand slam was just icing on the cake. Choo went 4 for 6 with 3 runs and 2 RBI while Branyan and Marte also hit two men home.

April 28

Indians 3 Angels 7
WP: Kazmir (1-2), LP: Masterson (2-1)
HR: (CLE) Branyan (2), (LAA) J Rivera (3)

The road-trip ends on a sour note with Masterson having a bona fide poor outing (4.1 IP 5 ER). Marte led the offense with a 2nd inning 2-run triple that temporarily gave Cleveland the lead.

********

I was hoping for a little better than 3-6, but we could have done much worse. April's almost over so it's time to take a look at where we stand along with the rest of the league.

*******

Cleveland Indians (9-12)
Tied for 4th Place (7 GB) behind Chicago