Free at Last, Free at Last, Shin-Soo Choo is Free at Last!

The days of worrying about a 30-month long commitment to the South Korean military ended for Cleveland Indians rightfielder Shin-Soo Choo today as South Korea defeated Chinese Taipei 9-3 to win the Asian Games gold medal.  The South Korean government gives exemptions to any gold medal winner of the Asian Games.

More on this game later, and what the future holds for Choo later today.

Say What? Cleveland's Rafael Perez a starter?

Are the Cleveland Indians planning on moving Rafael Perez to the starting rotation?

On Tuesday Night, not only did Rafael Perez start the game for his Dominican Winter League team, Gigantes del Cibao, but his numbers were off the charts. Perez went four innings, giving up only one hit, walking three, while striking out five batters. Regardless of what the Indians plan on doing with Perez in the future, the numbers certainly are a positive sign.

It's likely that the Indians are just hoping to get Perez innings, as they do with relievers in spring training to ensure they get work. It would be an interesting move, however, should the Indians decide to make Perez a starter. It wouldn't be new teritory for the 27-year-old lefty.

Of Perez' 115 minor league games, 76 of those were starts. He was effective as a starter, but the Indians saw a need at the back end of their bullpen and felt that Perez could be a candidate for the set-up role short term, and perhaps the closer role long-term. Everything seemed to be going according to plan in 2007 until the playoffs, then it was all uphill for Perez, whose had his struggles since then.

At this point, if the Indians are throwing Perez as a starter up against a wall to see if it sticks, I'm pretty okay with that. As a matter of fact, I'm pretty okay with whatever the Indians and Manny Acta try to do to kickstart the team. I'm not sure messing with the bullpen is necessarily the way to go, but it's not like it could be worse than it was last year. Perez was rubberbanded back and forth so much in the midst of it all, he probably thought he was playing winterball some time around August.

It should be interesting to see what Perez will do for the rest of the winter league season. His first and only other appearance was on November 20th in his normal role as set-up man. It was equally crisp, as he went the entire eighth inning, giving up a walk, and striking out two.

Will he start next? Will he relieve next? Who knows. Let's just hope Acta and the Indians management make up their mind. Perez has seen enough roller coaster rides in the past.

Adam Miller is gone, but not forgotten

There has never been anything simple about Indians right-hander Adam Miller. The former first-round sandwich pick tantalized the Tribe masses with 100 MPH fastballs and dreams of an ace that is untouchable. Miller was arguably the Tribe's top prospect in 2007 and 2008, and seemed on the fast track to the big league club in 2009 or 2010 at the latest.

Then came the injuries.

Miller's injury issues culminated last season when Miller couldn't bend the tip of his right index finger during spring training. On the eve of Miller perhaps reaching his dream of playing in the majors, he was faced with the possibility of never playing again. The tendon surgery needed to repair his injured finger quite often leaves scar tissue. That scar tissue could cause repeat surgeries that would likely end his career.

Enter Adam Miller today. On August 4th, Miller had his second and last scheduled surgery on his injured finger, and has been rehabbing ever since. Miller is scheduled to begin throwing later this month, with the Indians being understandably cautious in his recovery.

Now, Adam Miller is 100% unknown. Will he have the same velocity that he had prior to the surgery? Will scar tissue hamper or put a stop to his return? Will Miller ever play a season, let alone a season without injuries? Is Adam Miller even still considered a prospect at this stage of his career? The Indians need to find out soon, because he's currently listed on the Indians 40-Man roster. Will the Indians protect him heading into next month's rule 5 draft?

Miller still remains a tantalizing talent, and at this stage of the game, I'm not talking about his above average heat. Miller, who will celebrate his 25th birthday later this month, has already felt both sides of the extreme. He's been the top prospect, and now, completely out of the equation. To top it off, he's never even had a cup of coffee in the bigs.

Still, Miller perserveres. He has the head of an ace, and when healthy, an arm that goes with it. It's optimistic to think he'll even return to the minors, let alone make an impact at the major league level. Yet if his rehab is any indication of the type of player he could be...

I wouldn't bet against him. Anything the Indians get from Miller at this stage of the game would be icing on the cake. You can't help but wonder that if everything falls into place, he could be just what the doctor ordered for a staff that is lacking the punch and pop of CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee.

Here's hoping Miller is on his way back...

The Indians not so obvious question mark

You know that it's going to be a long season when the benchmarks of your 2010 ballclub are likely to be question marks. That's what the Cleveland Indians are facing in 2010 when they roll out a club that will mirror more of a quad-A minor league affiliate than a major league franchise.

The Indians Gibraltar in 2010 will likely be Grady Sizemore. The Tribe centerfielder battled injury all year, playing only 106 games before getting shut down for the season. Sizemore had elbow and hernia surgery and is rumored to be near 100%. Sizemore had his worst season in many statistical areas, but most distressing was his drop in OPS to .788. Sizemore plays the game with an unbridled fury in the field and on the basepaths.

Can Sizemore remain healthy at this stage of the game with his style of play? There's no reason to suspect that he can't. He's about to enter the prime of his career, and at 27-years-old, Sizemore is still one of the youngest stars in the majors. Still, his body broke down last season after years of plowing into walls, making hit-stealing catches and turning singles into doubles.

Will he rebound in 2010? He should, and he most definitely needs to. The Indians have enough question marks heading into the 2010 season. With all do respect to Shin-Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera, but they don't need their best player on that list as well.

Will the Indians be competitive in 2010? Their slim chances will rest on the shoulders of Grady Sizemore.

Manny Acta--Some thoughts a couple of days later

The Cleveland Indians have their new manager in Manny Acta, and with it comes a slew of anger, excitement, question marks and answers. Yeah, I know, it's a riddle wrapped in an enigma. The Acta hiring has certainly brought everyone out of the woodwork to throw out their opinions. It likely speaks more to the fact that the only excitement generated by this team since 2007 has involved the manager hire, and a couple of former pitchers facing off against each other in the World Series. Don't worry, I'll get to that tomorrow.

I've taken a couple of days to let the Acta hire sink in. Was it a good hire? I'll continue to state that this team needed a vocal leader. They needed a guy who could fire this team up when needed. They needed a guy who could stand up to Shapiro when he needed players, but could work with him as well. They needed a guy with some seasoning who has been through the ropes, and had a history of success. I've always believed in the old adage that winning breeds winning. Sure, there are instances that go against that line of thinking, but few and far between.

When Mark Shapiro hired Acta, my first thoughts were that they rushed the pick because Acta was in talks with the Astros. I didn't know the particulars at the time, but found out that my thinking was likely true. Acta was offered the job with the Astros, and according to all reports, was looking for a three-year deal. Drayton McLane was only willing to go for two years, with a club option for a third. Shapiro stepped up on Saturday and made a three-year offer. Acta quickly took the Tribe offer. It made sense for Shapiro to sign the guy for three years, since he has three years left on his own deal. Shapiro and Acta are now tied together for better or worse.

Now, in one respect, you have to respect Acta for taking the deal with the Indians, and actually meaning it. It probably took a lot to not take the deal with the Astros, where he coached for 8 years, and was involved in their organization for 16. That said, you have to also give him credit for getting the best deal, after likely playing both teams against each other. Normally, the Tribe comes out in the losing end of these types of fights. This one they win, for better or worse.

I have to believe that Don Mattingly and Bobby Valentine both declined to take the job, or at least let it be known that the Indians' job was only a stepping stone. Mattingly never did sign up for an interview after rumors (likely true) circulated that he was in line to take over for Torre, and also using the interview process to lock the Dodgers into place. Valentine's job just got more important at ESPN with Steve Phillips getting fired, and he is likely waiting for a big job to open up, either back in New York with the Mets, or another locale. No doubt, Shapiro was feeling the heat, and with Acta about to sign a deal with the Astros, he stepped in.

Acta may have been the best candidate of the current crop of manager-possibilites, but that doesn't make him the best hire. I do believe that Shapiro acted too soon, and hired a guy that he perceived to be 'in his pocket.' Whether any of that turns out to be true is shrouded in the future, but the appearance looks all too familiar for my taste. It smells of Eric Wedge.

I will say this for the guy, you can tell that he lives the game of baseball. He did his homework with regards to the Indians, and it really sounds like he knows this organization. It smells a bit like there was some talk prior to the media and fans knowing about Acta, but regardless, you can't help but be impressed with this guy's vast knowledge of players from the big league club, clear down to the minors. If he's done the work prior to the job, what kind of crazy work ethic is he going to bring once he's here?

"I'm not blind, help me if I am, but I think we do have the component of a terrific lineup already in place. We do have some work to do in our starting rotation..."

Acta certainly realizes where the teams' strengths are, and what needs fixed. Any blind man can figure that out. This team obviously has some good, young offensive tools to put in place. The rotation could stand out as the weakest in the league if parts aren't added, and I have to believe that parts aren't going to be added. At least Acta knows that going in.

He also talked briefly about the division, and how it was balanced. You have to appreciate the fact that Acta found a way to call the Central balance, which is likely code for garbage. The reality is that with some luck, the Indians could contend. No, not because they are deserving, but exactly the opposite. NOBODY is deserving. Acta was likely smart to take this job over the Astros for the simple fact that there really won't be a stand out team, unless it's bad, which the Indians could contend for.

"I prepare myself very well, that's what I do."

I do believe that Acta is a preparation freak. I've seen them before. They aren't always successful, but they are organized. Acta certainly is that. I have no worries about what this guy will put in place. I think he'll have a quality coaching staff (and would love for HIM to pick it out, although that's unlikely), and quality plans in place with regards to training this team. I'm just not sure that he has the skills to motivated these young guys day in and day out. I do believe Wedge was "prepared." It's just another case of a guy being prepared, but not understanding his players. Acta seems different, more eager, more willing to get in the players heads. That said, there's nothing from his prior experience that would support that.

"Big shots are just little shots that keep shooting. I'm willing to keep shooting until I become a big shot."

This quote cracked me up on several levels. First off, this is the kind of wit that never would have come out of the mouth of Wedge. Was it a staged comment? Perhaps. Was it indicative of what could happen? Possible. Remember, Joe Torre struggled with the Mets before landing a job with some upper level teams in the Braves, the Cardinals and the Yankees. He was able to become a "Big Shot" because he played with the big fish. Cleveland will never be confused as a big fish. Torre also had pull in this league based on his playing career. Yes, Acta is respected, but many consider him "new money." He's a guy that is working his way up. He gets the nod from some baseball guys, but he's not a guy that is connected. I know, mafia talk. If Acta fails in Cleveland, he's likely never manage again. Torre likely would have, because he was a known commodity.

"We have the potential here to have a terrific outfield. We have a team that has a chance to get out of the American League norm or just sit around and wait for the homerun. We gottalot of athletic guys out there that we can do different things with them."

I do like the sound of this. I want this team to start applying pressure to other teams on the basepaths. The story on this guy is that he's not going to run. Most Saber guys don't. He sounds like a guy that will mold to the team. That's a good thing, no matter how you look at it.

Could the Indians have made a better hire. I really believe they could. Am I jumping on the Manny Acta bandwagon? I can't lie, I loved his interview. At the very least, we may have a guy here that can make things interesting with his comments. There is certainly more than a dry wit. We aren't talking about a guy who is walking out of "Teaching Communication" by Eric Wedge and Bill Belicheck. This guy can motivate the masses...

I'm still not sure he can motivate this team.

There is some hope though.

Unfortunately for Acta, directly in his way of a World Series is a young and inexperienced offense, no really starting rotation, a bullpen in disarray, a GM who is proving to be overmatched, an owner who won't spend money, and a 61-year drought.

Wow...I'm starting to feel sorry for the guy...

Manny Acta named 40th manager of the Cleveland Indians

The Cleveland Indians have made their choice for their manager during the 2010 season and beyond. According to Indians.com writer Anthony Castrovince, Manny Acta, who was fired by the Washington Nationals last season after going 158-252 during his 2 1/2 seasons as manager, is Mark Shapiro's man.

The 40-year old Acta was canned by the Nationals mid-way through the 2009, which had put a kibosh to several years of upwards movement as a coach, which began in 1991 as a player-coach for the Asheville Tourists. From 1993, Acta managed at various levels of the Houston organization. In 2002, he became former Tribe player/manager Frank Robinson's third base coach, lasting in that position until 2004. He then became the third base coach for the New York Mets until 2006. The Nats hired him as their manager in 2007.

So is this a good hire for the Indians? My short answer is no. Acta is certainly the type of manager that Mark Shapiro was looking for. Acta is a firm believer and follower of Sabermetrics, which was no doubt important to the like-minded Shapiro. Acta also had a vast knowledge of the Indians current roster, and threw out the caveat that he's likely been in contact with the Tribe front office for the better part of a month. He certainly has a basic familiarity with the club he will be taking over. Of course, wouldn't any manager that gets the job? I'm not worried about the guy that does his homework for an interview. I'm worried about a guy who does his homework on his way to a World Series.

What worries me is that Acta fits into the same mold as Eric Wedge. Sure, Wedge had his good points. Even I can admit that. The sum of his parts obviously didn't equal consistent success. Now I don't know Acta from a hill of beans, but there are reports that Acta shares many of the same depressive traits as his predecessor. Does this make him a yes man, as everyone fears? I'm not sure. I do know that Mark Shapiro is on the hook, as he should be. If Acta does prove to be another Shapiro robot, this team likely won't succeed.

Top that off with the where Acta came from, and it equates to a bad, bad mixture. Acta came from Washington, and lost a whole bunch. His record in 2 1/2 seasons with the Nationals was 158-252. Nothing to shout home about. He comes from a lot of losing and likely will be a Shapiro yes-man. Boy, it does get you excited, doesn't it?

Losing isn't always a precursor of more losing. Terry Francona had a horrid stay in Philadelphia and rolled out a record of 285-363. He obviously did a bit better in Boston. Joe Torre was even worse with the Mets. He started his career with a 286-420 record, before righting the ship with stints in Atlanta, St. Louis, the Yankees and the Dodgers. Bobby Cox started his career in Atlanta, and struggled as well. His 263-323 start was a bit better than Francona and Torre, but it bought him a pink slip, before he was rehired a few years later for a more successful run in both Toronto and back in Atlanta.

Could Acta be the next Francona...the next Torre...or the next Cox?...or is he going to just be the next Wedge?

The bottom line? It doesn't really matter now, because he's here either way.

Is it a good hire? Not in my opinion, but I can only hope...

Isn't that what we say every year?

Indians should just say no to Torey Lovullo

The Cleveland Indians interviewed their third candidate, triple-A manager Torey Lovullo, today in their ongoing attempt to hire their next manager. Let's just get the obvious out there right now. Lovullo knows the players. He said it over and over during the presser, and it was blatantly obvious that it was the central focus of his meetings today with Indians brass.

Gee Torey, really?

You mean to tell me that after eight years of managing in the Indians system, you are "familiar with the setting." Wow, that's really coming up with some unique views. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure what was more inane, listening to Lovullo talk about his familiarity with the system, or the Indians even putting Lovullo through the interview process to begin with.

This may just be me, but don't you think that the Indians might have a bit of knowledge about a guy they've been grooming for the better part of the past decade? Oh, sure, they are going through a 'process,' but talk about a giant waste of time. Either the Indians know Lovullo's philosophy as a manager, or they are just found out, in which case they are brain dead. The word is still out on that one.

I will say that Lovullo gave one good answer that I could hang my hat on if the Tribe brass decides to hire Wedge-lite.

"Another belief of mine is to get a lineup up there as fast as I can and then stick to it. Of course, you have to have a couple of plug-in guys, and you have to keep your bench sharp, but I believe in using the same lineup and the same batting order as much as I can."

No doubt Lovullo was addressing the fact that Wedge changed lineups more than John Mayer dumped Jennifer Anniston. Of course, it's likely that all the other managers will follow that philosophy, since they seem to be sane individuals. Well, Bobby Valentine may not be sane, but he knows how to manage.

It's time for Shapiro to admit that he screwed up with regards to Manuel, and needs to look for someone who has the potential to be a winner, and not necessarily a robot.

Bobby Valentine anyone?...

Jake Westbrook's lost year

Jake Westbrook has been shut down for six weeks, essentially ending his season before it really had a chance to begin. Westbrook was working his way through a rehab assignment after Tommy John surgery over a year ago, and was scheduled to rejoin the Tribe within the next two weeks. Now, his future status is certainly up in the air.

The news isn't all bad. Fans of the scrappy pitcher feared the worst with regards to his surgically repaired elbow. Another surgery would have likely ended Westbrook's career with the Tribe, and likely would have jeopardized his career. Those worries can be brushed aside for now, as Westbrook's soreness in the elbow appears to be caused by scar tissue from the surgery. As bad as it sounds, it is a normal reaction to the invasive surgery. Pitcher's so routinely have the procedure done in this era of the game that it's often easy to forget that the window for return is up to 18 months.

For those counting at home, Westbrook will have spent nearly all of the first two years of his three-year, 33 million dollar deal injured. Don't get me wrong, he deserved the money, but it's painful to watch Mark Shapiro now pocket more ammo as to why he should never sign a pitcher to big money.

Westbrook, the Tribe's resident bulldog, will likely spend the winter building up his arm for next season. Anthony Castrovince speculates that he may even pitch winter ball to strengthen the arm. Either way, let's hope that Westbrook comes back healthy in 2010.

The Indians will only be better for it.

The ongoing saga of Jon Meloan and Winston Abreu

Lord knows I've spent the better part of a month bitching and moaning about the morons running the Indians. The dealing of a young arm in Jon Meloan for an old arm in Winston Abreu was the prototype deal in the 'land of idiots' known as the Indians' front office.

Perhaps it was much ado about nothing.

The Indians had designated Abreu for assignment after three bad appearances. As expected, the former Rays reliever cleared waivers, and Cleveland offered him a minor-league deal to stay with the Tribe at triple A Columbus. Abreu chose instead to re-sign with the Rays this past Thursday.

Oh how I wanted to hammer Shapiro for giving up Meloan for nothing, which was accentuated by the Rays reacquiring the shabby player they dealt for the young hurler.

Leave it to the Rays to save Shapiro when they designated Meloan for assignment on Friday to make room on the 40-man roster for catcher Gregg Zaun. They had acquired Zaun earlier in the day in a waiver-induced trade with the Orioles. It's unknown if the Indians will try and sign or trade for their former reliever, and even a bigger unknown if Meloan will even want to return to the Indians.

It speaks volumes that Abreu would rather sign with the Rays, who look to be perennial contenders for the next several years, than the always-rebuilding Indians. My how quickly times can change.

Pavano dealt to division rival

The Cleveland Indians continued their major upheaval yesterday when they dealt Carl Pavano to the Minnesota Twins for another one of those players to be named later.

Pavano had started 21 games for the Tribe, going 9-8 in those starts (matching his 4-year win total with the Yankees), with a 5.37 ERA. Pavano struck out 88 and walked only 23 in 125 2/3 innings this year. He was the last remaining member of the Tribe staff with a clear shot at winning 10 games on the season. The next most wins on the roster. He was also scheduled to make a boatload more money with tonight's start with the Indians, had he made it.

Pavano was placed on waivers earlier this week and claimed by the Twins, and the Indians quickly worked out a deal with their division rival. To replace Pavano's roster slot, the Indians recalled Rafael Perez from triple A Columbus for his third stint with the Tribe.

Justin Masterson, who was acquired by the Tribe last week in a trade deadline deal involving Victor Martinez, will take over Pavano's slot in the rotation tonight against the White Sox. Masterson, who many thought wouldn't be starting for the Tribe until September, will be on a short leash tonight, taking the mound with a 60-65 pitch count. Likewise, Pavano will be on the hill against the Tigers tonight.

As for the player to be named, you know the drill. The Indians will have until September 1 to choose a player off a list that the Twins and Indians have been working on all week. Many are speculating that it's going to be a pedestrian player, but I'd be willing to bet that the Indians will get a player near the top five in the Twins organization. Shapiro has made a killing off deals like this, and I have no doubt he's done it again. It's about the only thing he's good at.

Pavano certainly wasn't a need on this current team, and dealing makes nothing but good future sense in a year that has made no sense at all.

Indians toss away Meloan--DFA Winston Abreu

In one of the most confounding moves of the season, Mark Shapiro dealt away Jon Meloan on July 2, 2009 for a 32-year old reliever Winston Abreu. Adding more to the confusion, the Indians now have DFAed Abreu today, which essentially means they have 10 days to either work out a trade with another team, release him, or send him to Columbus if he should clear waivers.

Meloan was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers last year in the Casey Blake deal that also brought the Indians Carlos Santana. Meloan has a mid-90's fastball, and a whole bunch of upside. On a team that has a bad habit of signing cruddy relief pitchers, Meloan seemed like an incredible get for Blake, especially when you consider that certain guitar wielding catcher the acquired with him. Sure, Meloan has struggled for much of this season, but certainly the upside for the then 24-year old (turned 25 on July 11) far outweighed his half season struggles.

Unless you're named Mark Shapiro.

You have to question the trade based on the simple logic that Meloan was 24, had a live arm, and upside. Abreu has played with about half the teams in the majors, is 32, and was having one of those seasons that makes scouts scratch their heads. He was pitching too good for a pitcher that's been a whole lot of bad. He was suspended for three games as an Indian, and really bad in the only three games he pitched in (23.14 ERA after giving up six earned runs in 2 1/3 innings over three appearances).

The move made so little sense, that many figured that Abreu had to fit into some other trade scenario with either the Rays, or perhaps as a fill in for another trade involving Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez. It turned out that Abreu wasn't dealt, although it is potentially possible that he was supposed to be moved based on the fact that the Indians dfaed him the day after the deadline. Perhaps he was a door opener for Shapiro with the Rays, who were interested in acquiring both Cliff Lee and Victor Martinez. Shapiro may have been looking to soften the Rays by taking a lesser player with the hopes of springing some of their slew of prospects. If that was the case, it obviously didn't work.

Either way, the Indians dump Meloan for Abreu, which is slang for acquiring a large pile of dung. Chalk it up to another screw up in a growing list of man for GM Mark Shapiro. Whether or not Meloan fit into the future plans of the Tribe, it doesn't really make sense dumping a live relief arm when you are trying to acquire LIVE RELIEF ARMS.

Victor Martinez leaves "his house"

Roll this one off of your tongue a couple of times: Victor Martinez was traded to the Boston Red Sox. Who the Indians got in return is nearly secondary, but for the record, the Indians brought in three more fireballers to add to their system. The 6'6", 250 lb, 24-year old Justin Masterson is the anchor to this trade for the Tribe, having spent the past two seasons mostly in the back-end of the Red Sox pen. Along with Masterson, the Tribe received two top-ten pitching prospects from the Sox in lefty Nick Hagadone and righty Bryan Price.

Who cares.

Anthony Castrovince reported earlier today that V-Mart spent the afternoon crying in front of his locker. I can't deny feeling the same way that he does.
I've followed this team since birth, and had to live through the teams of the 70's and 80's to get to the 90's. Now the thought of any amount of longevity with regards to losing is nearly too damn painful to even think about. The Indians have shed every noteworthy player on their team. Grady Sizemore remains, but you have to wonder what in the hell he is thinking at this point. Nice sales pitch to Grady, don't you think. "Don't worry Grady, stick it out,and we just might have a winner a couple years from now...maybe."
So now this team is an unknown commodity. There doesn't appear to be any hope for 2010, unless a slew of prospects can somehow surprise the hell out of the American League. Don't count on it. Perhaps 2011 is the year this team rebounds, but don't hold your breath.

Trust me...I haven't barely taken a breath in 37 years waiting...

Same ole' Shapiro, David Dellucci called up to Cleveland

Mark Shapiro and the Cleveland Indians have done it again.  With the Indians sputtering at 8-14, Shapiro has decided to call up the much-maligned David Dellucci to fill in the hole left by Travis Hafner's move to the 15-day DL.

David "Freakin" Dellucci.

Sitting in triple A is one Matt LaPorta, who the Indians were hailed for acquiring last season in the deal for CC Sabathia.  LaPorta is struggling in Columbus with a paltry .352 average, a .430 OBP, an 1.103 OPS, five dingers and 14 RBI.  He's walked only eight times, to match his strike out total.

I suppose Shapiro and Wedge didn't want those numbers taking over for Hafner.  I mean, why bring up a guy who is tearing the cover off the ball to strictly be a hitter at DH, when you can call up David Dellucci.

In fairness to Dellucci, he started a rehab assignment in Columbus on April 20 and has hit .414 in 7 games.  He was 5 for 10 with runners on base and 3 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

With that said, if good ole' double D plays like the garbage we've seen in the past couple of years, all things are fair in love and war.  Of course, knowing Shapiro, he'll find a way to replace Dellucci with Jason Michaels.

Here's to you Mr. Shapiro!  Thanks for playing right out of your playbook again.

An off day with Matt LaPorta's big league dreams

A lot has happened in the past two days since last I posted, and I'm not talking about the Swine Flu pandemic that is sweeping the nation.

Tops on my Tribe list is one Matt LaPorta, who should find himself in the Tribe line-up come Friday.  With Travis Hafner going on the DL, and the Indians calling up Rich Rundles as a temporary fix, who's going to take Hafner's place in the line-up?  Personally, I'm ready to see LaPorta make his debut.  Unfortunately, and don't throw up yet, David Dellucci is the likely candidate to make the big club.  Let's put it this way.  If Shapiro is going to be the same precautious GM that we've grown to abho...er...love, than Dellucci will get the call.  If he's going to start taking chances with these prospects he's gotten for his big name trades, we'll find out later today, or early tomorrow.  Okay...go ahead an throw up, I think we know where this is going.  Here's the rest of the Tribe's off-day news, including some information on Hafner.

• The Indians won one of the ugliest baseball games ever played, 9-8, appropriately on a walk-off error by the Red Sox.  Tony Sipp may have been the only player in the game unscathed by the bad pitching and defense that was paramount in this game.  He pitched to five batters in 1 1/3, striking out three.  Thusfar in 2009, Sipp has gone three innings, giving up no-hits, one walk while striking out six.  Here's a great piece on Tony Sipp from Anthony Castrovince.  Eventually hitters will start figuring him out, then we'll see how HE adjusts.



• The Indians lost a game that they should have won to the Red Sox, 6-5.  Fausto Carmona looked like his old self until the seventh inning reared its ugly head.  Still, Carmona was about as unhittable as he's been since 2007, at one point retiring 12 hitters in a row.  He would ultimately give up two runs with two outs in the seventh, and get bounced from the game, but he continues to improve.  If he stays healthy, I have to believe Carmona is back.  Mark DeRosa bobbled an easy double-play ball that would have ended the eighth inning, and Boston ended up tying the game, then winning it in the tenth.  You win some, you lose a lot more.



• Travis Hafner went on the DL with a sore shoulder after playing in only 17 of their first 22 games.  There were some moments there when Hafner looked like his old self, but you have to belief this is chronic.  Of course, this could be part of the recovery.  Play four or five days a week, rest, sore shoulder, DL, so on and so forth.  More likely however, the days of Hafner even having a glimmer of his old self may be gone.  We already knew that though, didn't we.



• Adam Miller had surgery on his finger Tuesday.  It's the first of two surgerys.  The first was the flexor pulley system, followed in three months with the tendon.  When it's all said and done, his finger should bend normally.  Of course, at any point, he may need a third surgery to remove scar tissue.  If this happens, his career could be over.  Let's hope he's on the road back.



• The Indians are finding a multitude of ways to lose.  Paul Cousineau of The Diatribe rolls out the carpet with a bit of homage to Clint Eastwood...



• I'm also working on an alliance with Tony Lastoria, in which I will take a much, much smaller part in a partnership that will have me reporting on several Kinston Indians games this year.  I once had the dream of throwing up minor league reports up here, but realized early on that there wasn't anything I could put up that would be remotely close to what Tony does a Indians Prospects Insider.  There aren't many major league sites as good as his.

Good Luck Adam Miller

Adam Miller is a prodigious talent.  The 6'4" right-hander has tantalized Indians' fans since we all first found out about his blazing, 97 MPH fastball.  According to Head Tribe Trainer Lonnie Soloff, Miller will likely have season-ending surgery on the middle-finger that has plagued him over the past two seasons.  The biggest fear is that Miller's surgery to the finger on his throwing hand could be career-threatening.

Surgery on tendons in fingers often require a second and even third surgery to help remove scar tissue that develops.  On top of the oft-needed repeat operations, the initial procedure isn't a lock to return mobility to the finger that has kept him from returning to his top-prospect form.  These are a lot of questions that won't be answered for the next six months to a year...if ever.

The hope is that Miller's surgery is a success for his long-term health.  The best case scenario is that 12 months from now, Miller will be wearing a baseball uniform, trying to regain the arm-strength he lost during rehab.  We here at Bringing Back Boudreau wish Adam the best in his rehabilitation.  Too often we see a kid with talent, and just see the numbers.  With Miller, it was #1 (prospect, starter, closer), 97 (MPH fastball) or 9.2 (K's per 9 innings).  Too often we're counting surgeries, or how many times a guy's been shut down, and forgetting that there's a 25-year-old kid behind all those digits.

Let's just hope that the most important digit, Miller's middle finger, responds to a difficult surgery and recovery. 

Tony Sipp nabs his first tour of duty with Indians

Relief pitcher Tony Sipp was called up by the Cleveland Indians after last night's game to help support a bullpen that has been nothing short of terrible so far in 2009.  To make room for Sipp, the Indians sent down fellow-lefty Zach Jackson.

Tony Sipp was on the fast-track to the Indians' bullpen in 2007.  Sipp was a mainstay in the top 10 Indians' prospect lists, and was on the shortlist of potential closers in the coming years.  Then came the Tommy John surgery after he was shut down for half of 2007.  He wouldn't find his way into a game until the middle of 2008.  Now he's healthy, and has finally reached his dream of playing with the Indians.

Sipp, a power-armed lefty, will likely take the place of fellow lefty Rafael Perez, while Eric Wedge and the Tribe coaching staff tries to right the ship on a season that has gone terribly wrong.  Wedge stated earlier in the week that Perez would stay with the big-league club, but wouldn't be put into pressure-packed situations.  In other words, Perez won't be seeing the light of day in close games in the later innings.

Enter Tony Sipp.

Sipp's best pitch is his slider, but also has an excellent fastball clocked in the lower-to-mid 90's, with plus movement.  Tony Lastoria, author of Indians Prospects Insider, the most knowledgeable site with regards to the Indians minor league system, thinks that Sipp's best pitch could turn out to be his developing change-up.  Mark this down now, he's going to be an elite pitcher at the back-end of this bullpen...perhaps as early as this year.

Sons of Geronimo is a big fan, and hopes that this is Sipp's opportunity to make a long overdue splash in the majors.

Zach Jackson's misfortune, after the jump...

 

Zach Jackson was sent down to make room for Sipp.  The move is an enigma to me.  Jackson seems to be another forgotten arm in the Tribe pen.  He's a lefty, like Sipp, but apparently not capable of pitching late in the game.  Sipp certainly is, so the Indians made the move to send the long-inning specialist to Buffalo to get more work.  Unfortunately for Jackson, I don't see him ever finding a long-term place in the Indians pitching staff because of Eric Wedge's lack of insight in using long-relievers.  Look for Jackson to either be released, part of a trade, or left to rot in Columbus.  Either way, he certainly deserved a bit more consideration.  Perhaps the better move was to send Perez down for a few weeks, then bring him back when he's straightened out for either Sipp, or for Jackson at that point.

At the end of the day, this move should bolster the back-end of the bullpen.  It should only be a matter of time before Jon Meloan makes his debut as well.

I hate off days

I hate off days, but the Indians have to have them.  This past weekend series has the mind working a bit, and there may need to be some changes in the mix for a Tribe team that needs to be better than 4-9 at this stage of the game.  Let's hope that the Tribe is on an upswing, and not a ride to .500...

...or worse...

• I have to ask, what's the bigger cliche?  Is it saying that the Jorge Posada home run was bogus because of the idiot in the stands interfering with Trevor Crowe's glove, or saying that the Indians shouldn't make excuses?  Personally, I'm sick and tired of taking the gutless approach and saying the call was garbage.  It obviously changed the momentum of the game.  Could the Indians have scored more runs after that?  Sure, but to ignore the fact that there was a momentum shift based on THE WRONG CALL is just the wrong take.

• Could Rafael Perez look any more clueless on the mound than he has thus far this season?  He was the one guy early last year that seemed to have the stuff to keep him out of a prolonged slump.  Now, he either can't find the strike zone, or is throwing up gopher balls.  It may be time to send the kid down.

• Speaking of clueless on the hill, what about Jensen Lewis.  Remember Lewis in the spring of last year?  Neither do I, because he was horrid, and was sent down to the minors.  When he returned, he was a different pitcher.  Perhaps he needs to visit Scott Radinsky in Columbus himself.  It seemed to work last year, maybe this year as well.  Of course, when does Lewis start to figure it out on his own?

• So, we send down Perez and Lewis, what do we have waiting in the wings in Columbus?  My personal favorite is Tony Sipp.  His most recent outing was a beautiful two-inning affair that saw him give up only two hits, while striking out four.  I think he'll be dominant in the bigs, if they bring him up right.  Jon Meloan is also a guy that can control a game.  I'd love to see both make the move up, and hold the fort.  Ultimately, Meloan, Sipp, Lewis and Perez will be the anchor of our pen.  Let's get that going now.

• Adam Miller is struggling again with his finger.  If you are surprised by that statement, than you are brand new to the planet earth.  Welcome.  There's talk amongst the organization that he may have career-threatening surgery to repair the tendon in his finger.  Isn't his career threatened now?  I hope things work out for the power pitcher, but as of now, he should be off our list of future superstars...although that could change down the line.

• Seriously folks, if our starting pitching doesn't work out, what do we do?

• How long with the Tribe brass give Eric Wedge to right the ship?  Personally, if the Indians remain below .500 before the break, will he make it after?  I'm not a big fan of changing a manager in the middle of the season, so we shall see.

• Is it just a fact that Fausto Carmona won't ever find the strike zone consistently?  Is his slider and breaking stuff just too good?  It looks that way.  Hitters have learned to sit on his straight stuff, and let his breaking stuff go out of the strike zone.

• The Indians offense is now entering a phase when they just get it.  They are truly waiting for their pitches, and making the opposing starter really work to get outs.  If the pitching can come together, the Indians should make a run at the Series.

I know...I know...run at the Series seems a bit far-fetched...even for me.  But hey, it's still only April...right?

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