Tribe Mosh Pit--April 29th, 2007

First and Foremost, I would like to send out my sincere condolences to Josh Hancock's family and teammates, the long reliever for the Cardinals who died early Sunday morning. Hancock was driving in the left hand lane on I-40 outside of St. Louis, when he struck a tow-truck, who was helping another car on the side of the road. Hancock wasn't a superstar, but he was an important piece of the Cardinals' bullpen. Last season was his most important as a player, as he set career marks in several categories, including innings, games and strikeouts. He started his career in Boston in 2002, went through Philadelphia and Cincinnati, before becoming a member of the Cardinals, and a World Champion, in 2006. Hancock was 29.



How about the umpires blowing the call on Saturday Night.I couldn't have been the only one that thought, "doesn't that run count?" With that being said, you CANNOT change the call three innings later, even if Trebelhorn noticed it less than an inning later. What SHOULD have happened was a public flogging of the umpires for blowing a call WE all learn in little league. The only thing we missed out on, was Eric Wedge storming out of the dugout like George Brett in the Pine Tar incident. So, the game is under protest. Do you want the Bad?...or the Worst? Worst case scenario? Cleveland loses the protest, and the game. The Bad? Cleveland has to remake a PARTIAL game, to go along with the Seattle series. Still, getting a win out of a loss wouldn't be a bad deal at all.



Fausto Carmona was as efficient today as any Cleveland starter in recent memory. Carmona had a shutout rolling for 8 1/3, when he gave up a ninth inning dinger to Aubrey Huff. He had scuffled a bit in the eighth inning, so you have to respect the decision by Eric Wedge to give him a shot for the complete game shutout after the Tribe packed on 3-runs to their 3-0 lead. How efficient was Carmona? He gave up six hits, two walks (both in the 8th), with one strikeout. Carmona induced 18 ground balls, 16 of which were outs, and only 6 fly balls. He threw 104 pitches, and 72 strikes. That makes three straight solid outings for Carmona, and 2 straight dominating games. He's finally looking like the pitcher we thought he was.



So where does that leave Eric Wedge, with Cliff Lee set to start next Thursday?Thursday is a long ways away, but my best guess is that Wedge has already made the decision to send down Carmona. To further along my hypothesis, I'm betting that Wedge had it all written down beforeFausto's final two outings. Wedge is the kind of guy that sticks to the plan. When asked today about it, Wedge seemed as though he knew what was going to happen, but not committed just yet:

"One way or another, we're going to have a tough decision to make," Wedge said. "We're not going to do anything today, let's put it that way. In a situation like this, we're going to take as long as we can."

So what are the possibilities? Many say deal Paul Byrd to the Yankees. He's pitching well, and the Yanks will pay for him. Sorry, that won't fly. Not yet. We have to hope that Byrd pitches well until July, then you move him then. Cleveland can get a lot for him, but I don't believe now is the time. Of course, with New York in a state of flux right now, you never know. You could move Carmona to the bullpen in long relief, but you can see that he tires right around the 85-90 pitch count mark now. His arm is just getting used to throwing 100 pitches. You cannot make him a long reliever. You could move Sowers to the pen, but he's done nothing to merit that. You could send Carmona down (which is what they are going to do), which is the best option mentioned, but it WILL screw with his head, and we saw what happened when he moved to the closer roll. Carmona is ALREADY thinking about it:

"I'm not even thinking about that," Carmona said through translator Luis Rivera, the team's first-base coach. "I'm not going to waste my energy thinking about things that I can't control."

So what do you do? Do you use a six man rotation, and send down Mastny? Do you rotate Byrd, Sowers and Carmona? It's a tough decision, but if you were to ask me, I'd probably move Byrd to the pen, and spot start him. I know it would KILL the potential for trading him, but when you have a 23 year old pitching as well as Carmona, you don't mess with him now. Of course, a lot can happen in four days.



It was good seeing Jaret Wright today.Every time I see him, I think about his 2-hit gem in game seven against Florida in 1997 (was it that long ago?). If only he had stayed in the game. Still, it was ironic that Cleveland hammered the bookends today in Wright and Guthrie, two former Indian #1's. Three runs against Wright, and three runs against Guthrie. I guess it doesn't pay to pitch against your former team, against another future star. Yeah, I'd say it was a game full of irony alright.



Cliff Lee has a new slider that he's going to start using this week. If the pitch WORKS, it could put Lee over the edge from a pedestrian lefty, to a dominating one. I don't know how smart it is though to come of the IR throwing a pitch you've never really thrown before, but then again, what do I know. I'm a Lee fan, and think that he still could be a top-end starter. Hopefully, this is the pitch that does it.



I'm an optimist, so I tend to see the good in Peralta,when others don't. He had a costly error yesterday, that is for sure. Still, you can't help but see flashes of 2005 in EVERY game these days. His fielding IS better, and at times, downright sparkling. No, he's not going to confuse anyone of Omar Vizquel, but face it folks, he's a once in a lifetime player. What has impressed me, over the past few games, has been his timely hits. He still strikes out too much, but he seems to be turning the corner. Let's just hope that Peralta finds a way to be as patient as his teammates. He's got time. It's not like Cleveland has anyone to push him. Of course, rumor has it that Byrd is available!



Barfield continues to show the Indians that it's not (just) a bat they traded for when they sent K2 to San Diego. Hey made a couple of plays today look easy, that Ronnie Belliard would have missed diving. One was a ground ball up the middle he grabbed and still beat the runner by 5 steps. An inning later, he made another fantastic play the OTHER way. He made it look easy. If you blink hard enough, it looks a lot like Roberto Alomar out there. At the plate, he still looks like my five-year-old most of the time, but it can't get any worse. It will improve, and look at it this way; Kouzmanoff is batting .127 with 1 dinger and 4 RBI. Barfield is batting .155 with 1 homer and 9 RBI. Who has the better stick?



Speaking of decisions, what is Wedge going to do when Marte is ready to play?Do you send down Shin Soo Choo, who shouldn't have been sent down in the first place? Do you keep Choo, and keep Marte at AAA until he gets his groove back (sorry Stella)? It really doesn't make a whole bunch of sense to keep Choo, which would give Cleveland four lefty outfielders (along with Dellucci, Nixon and Sizemore). Of course, mentioning Sizemore is plain silly, but with Dellucci healthy (he isn't going anywhere), and Nixon playing exceedingly well, it's hard to put up a defense, baseball-wise, that Choo needs to stay. He's good, but you just can't keep that many lefty bats. Choo will be heading down, where he'll find a brother-in-arms with Carmona. I would pay money to see what those two would have to do to find a way to talk to each other.



I hated the Nixon signing, I'll admit it.Mainly because of Choo, but also because of his injury-issues. Still, I have no problem with him shoving my opinions down my throat. If Choo never sees Cleveland again this year, THAT'S NOT A BAD THING. If Nixon continues with timely hits, he is a fantastic signing. It's a long season though. It seems to me that Cleveland really has some tradable commodities, especially with the Yankees struggling. Wouldn't that be ironic.



Finally, Cleveland's hitters are third in the AL in strikeouts with 174 (behind Kansas City and Tampa Bay--yeah, I know, scary).. Cleveland is third in the AL in walks with 97 (behind Boston and Chicago). So, does that make Cleveland more selective? Yeah, roll around with that one for awhile.



Is there anyone that believes Cleveland couldn't and shouldn't be playing any better? They can, and will.



Next up...C.C. Sabathia vs. A.J. Burnett on Tuesday in Cleveland. Burnett recently smoked the Yankees with seven shutout innings. Of course, the Yankees aren't the Indians.



No, I'm not really sure what that means either...



It's a beautiful day for baseball...isn't it?

Tribe Mosh Pit–April 29th, 2007

For those of you that visit my site, The POJO Dojo, you’ll know that I dedicated many of my posts to the Cleveland Indians. Each Sunday, I posted on a mish-MOSH of items, and I called it The Sunday Mosh pit (for those that need an explanation of where and why I use the term mosh, well, please read the first two sentences again). I’m not abandoning the Dojo just yet, but I am going to bring the ‘Mosh Pit’ over here, and refocus it on many BIG-TICKET Tribe items, and some other MLB news that may effect the Tribe. So, without further ado, my first edition of the Tribe Report’s ‘Tribe Mosh Pit.’

FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE AT the TRIBE REPORT, CLICK THE HEADLINE!

A Message to the AL: The Tribe is for Real, AND Improving

We all know the numbers by now:



• A six game winning streak



• A 13-7 record, first in the AL Central



• A series victory in all but the Yankee series



• A 4-2 record against division rival Chicago



• A 2-0 record against division rival Minnesota



I know, I know, it's early, but it is incredibly tantalizing to compare this season to the past few. After 20 games the past three years, Cleveland was already scuffling. April has historically been a difficult month for this version of the Indians. Under Wedge, Cleveland came into the season 38-59 in April. That history makes this 13-7 start something to keep an eye on. An April with a winning record puts them ahead of their past bell curve.



Still, it’s early, and I don’t have to tell ANY Indian fan that it’s a long season.



How REAL is this team?



Offensively, it's safe to say that Cleveland hasn’t come close to tapping their offensive potential. Cleveland is tied for ninth in the AL in batting with an unspectacular .247 (all stats are BEFORE tonight’s victory). Only two Tribe regulars were batting over .300, and it took a 16 for 26 run by Travis Hafner to get him included in the .300 plus range. The majority of the Indians' runs have come from the home run ball. Look, home runs are important, but depending on the big inning isn’t something you want to hang your hat on. With that being said, the offense is still finding ways to win games, and doing all the necessary things TO get the job done. Average is overrated when you are finding ways to get on base.



Cleveland’s offense has a solid .350 OBP to go along with an enigmatic offense that strikes out a lot, but walks more. Tonight, Cleveland was out-hit 8-7, but managed to take 8 walks. If you put 15 men on base, your chances of winning are pretty good. This is a good sign that we are going to see a giant offensive improvement as the season progresses, and the weather warms up the Tribe bats. Cleveland batted .280 last season, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize they are going to end up around there again this season.



I also can’t express enough how BIG 2-out runs are. The Tribe of the 90’s made a living out of huge 2-out hits. This team seems to have the same sort of drama-inducing sense. Last night, both Josh Barfield and Grady Sizemore’s daggers came with 2-outs. Cleveland does struggle a bit with runners in scoring position at .237, but this will no doubt improve. It has too…or the ball’s going to start to bounce the other way.



Josh Barfield isn’t going to end up hitting .130.



Grady Sizemore isn’t going to end up hitting .270.



Vmart isn’t going to end up hitting .280.



We don’t know WHAT Peralta is going to do, but he WON’T hit .230 this year. He’s hitting the ball hard…and IS a different player this year.



Shin-Soo Choo and Ryan Garko have all found a way into the lineup, and have added a needed spark. Choo probably won’t be around for long, but it’s hard to argue with what he’s been doing. Having interchangeable parts as the year progresses is an added bonus. Especially with injury-prone Trot Nixon (what a start).



Point? This team hasn’t come close to reaching its offensive stride. Sooner or later, this is a team that will score runs in multiple innings to go along with the big inning. Once that happens, there are some AL teams that aren’t going to be all that happy. Realize this. Cleveland is FINDING ways to win. Something tells me we aren’t all that far away from not having to look that hard.



The starting pitching is just warming up. C.C. Sabathia is doing what we expect. He’s a #1 starter. He’s a stopper. In five starts this year, C.C. has given up 3 runs or less in all but one start. He has 35 K’s in 34 innings pitched. More impressively is that he’s only walked 8, and topped out with 3 against Chicago. The key for C.C. is to stay healthy. If he does, this could be a ‘break-the-bank’ year for Sabathia.



Jake Westbrook signed a new multi-year deal (3 years, 33 million). I needed to mention that, because Westbrook has been the complete opposite of Sabathia this year. His ERA stands at 7.96. It came down over a run last night thanks to a low strike zone from the umpire. He hasn’t looked good. Westbrook is to good a pitcher not to turn around. Watch for Jake to turn it around as the weather warms up, and his new contract settles in.



Sowers has been a solid #3 starter for this team. In three of four starts, he’s given up 3 or less runs, and has really done the job expected of him. He doesn’t walk many (we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt for his five walk performance against Chicago), he hasn’t given up the long ball, and aside from getting blown up in the Bronx, has been the 2nd best starter on the staff. There’s no reason to think that Sowers WON’T continue this throughout the seasons. Expect consistency, an occasional blowup, but more good than bad. Isn’t that the definition of a #3 starter?



Byrd has been a mild surprise so far. He goes 6 innings. He avoids HUGE innings. This year, he wins games. Many are calling for Byrd to be dealt once Cliff Lee comes back, and I can’t deny that might not be the smart way to go. I do feel that Byrd is underrated, and as a #4 is extremely effective. Of course, once Lee comes back, if you’d ask me who I’d rather have in the rotation, Byrd or Fausto Carmona, I’d pick Carmona every time. That puts Adam Miller as the first guy called up from Buffalo. I like the sound of that.



Speaking of Fausto, how about this kid? After getting lit up in his first start, he has been highly effective, and improving in every start. Psst…he outdueled Johan Santana. You are looking at a #2 or #3 starter in the making, and I’m happy with the Tribe brass finally just putting him in the rotation. He’ll probably be in Buffalo soon, but I suspect not for long.



Cliff Lee is the kind of pitcher you always expect more of. I remember seeing him dominate in Akron, and you have to think that he can do that in the Majors. The question becomes when. He should be back in the rotation next week, and let’s hope that we get the top end starter he should be. He’s looked good in his rehab starts.



Overall, this rotation has been relatively consistent (Byrd, Carmona and Sowers), sometimes spectacular (CC), and head-scratching (Westbrook). But with Adam Miller rolling in Buffalo, and Cliff Lee joining the club this week, this staff is as good as it has been in the last several years…with plenty of room to improve. Look for a move (Byrd or…surprise, surprise, Westbrook).



The Relief Pitching has been pretty darn good. I know, I saw Fultz and Hernandez do their impression of the local pinball machine last night. But, I also so Rafael Betancourt slam the door shut on the Orioles…followed by Joe Borowski striking out the side in the ninth.



Fernando Cabrera has been electric. His ERA stands at 0, while compiling a 1-0 record, with fifteen K’s in 10 innings pitched. There are already calls to move him to the closer roll. I just want to remind you all what moving around a bullpen can do. Leave him be. We need shut down setup guys.



Jason Davis and Betancourt are proving the Tribe brass right. Many felt that both would “grow up” this year. Davis has been pretty lights out (although walking a bunch), and Betancourt has been as well. These two, with Cabrera, have given the Tribe a solid trio to use in the 7th and 8th innings.



The new signings, Aaron Fultz, Roberto Hernandez and Joe Borowski have had their ups and downs. Fultz, overall, has been very good. The last two games, he’s failed to retire a batter, however, with 2 walks and a run-scoring hit. Hernandez has, for the most part, gotten the job done. Still, he’s not lock down any more. Like last night, he can give up a string of hits. Borowski has nine saves, to go along with his 9.00 ERA. He’s given up a run in 4 of his 10 appearances. Still, he’s only blown one save so far, and aside from getting BLOWN UP against the Yankees, hasn’t been anything we didn’t expect. As advertised, this guy is a lot like Bob Wickman. Take a look at Wickman’s stats this year. No, he’s not blown up like Borowski did against New York, but you’ll notice some striking similarities.



You add to that Mike Miller, who’s on the DL, Tom Mastny, and a slew of kids in Buffalo who have been lights out. Certainly, this is a vast improvement.



The Indians fielding hasn’t been close to up to par, but better than it looks from the outside looking in. Barfield and Marte have 4 errors apiece, and Peralta has 3. The Tribe as a team have 18 errors, third worst in the AL. With that being said, anyone who saw the game last night, and the play that Barfield made, shows you what kind of defensive player Barfield is. He covers a country-mile, and makes fantastic plays look easy. He’ll get errors on plays many can’t even get too. Marte looks flat out overwhelmed. Truth be told, he’s starting to scare me a whole lot. Thank god we got Kelly Shoppach in that deal. Peralta IS playing better in the field. His three errors are actually in the top third of the AL, and he and Barfield are playing well together. Again, the defense has struggled, but overall, still is improved. Marte will need to be watched.



Overall, you have to grade the Tribe start as an A-. I’d throw them an A+, but this team still isn’t grooving yet. That’s the exciting piece to this start. Anyone who’s seen this team play over the past few years, knows that there is another gear we haven’t seen yet. Still…



I’m pretty happy with the gear we are in now.



Tonight…Sowers against Bedard. Let’s pull for 7.

A Message to the AL: The Tribe is for Real, AND Improving

We all know the numbers by now:

· A six game winning streak

· A 13-7 record, first in the AL Central

· A series victory in all but the Yankee series

· A 4-2 record against division rival Chicago

· A 2-0 record against division rival Minnesota

I know, I know, it’s early, but it is incredibly tantalizing to compare this season to the past few. After 20 games the past three years, Cleveland was already scuffling. April has historically been a difficult month for this version of the Indians. Under Wedge, Cleveland came into the season 38-59 in April. That history makes this 13-7 start something to keep an eye on. An April with a winning record puts them ahead of their past bell curve.

FOR THE COMPLETE ARTICLE AT the TRIBE REPORT, CLICK THE HEADLINE!

Westbrook Down, CC Sabathia and Pronk To Go

Jake Westbrook signed a 3 year contract extension worth 33 million. 11 million dollars a year for the most consistent Indians pitcher over the past few seasons. Money well spent. Actually, it's not really 11 million dollars a year. Cleveland has front-loaded the deal so that he'll receive some of that money this season. There are certainly benefits to that down the road.

When you compare Westbrook's 11 million a year average to this year's free agent crop of pitchers, and you can't help but think that Cleveland got off with a bargain. Miguel Batista signed a 3 year, 25 million dollar deal with Arizona. Adam Eaton signed a 3 year, 24.5 million dollar deal with Philadelphia. Tom Glavine signed a 1 year, 10.5 million dollar deal. Ted Lilly signed a 4 year, 40 million dollar deal with the Cubs. Greg Maddux signed a 1 year deal for 10 million with San Diego. Jason Marquis signed a 3 year deal with Chicago for 21 million. Gil Meche signed a 5 year, 55 million dollar deal with Kansas City. Mike Mussina signed a 2 year deal with the Yankees for 23 million. Andy Pettitte signed a 1 year deal with the Yankees for 16 million. Jason Schmidt signed a 3 year, 47 million dollar deal with the Dodgers. Jeff Suppan signed a 4 year deal worth 42 million dollars with Milwaukee. And finally, Barry Zito and his 7 year, 128 million dollar deal.

Here's a look at their stats over the past three years:

You can see he stacks up very well with the folks making a ton more. In most cases, he's better. His ERA is fourth on that list, behind Schmidt, Pettitte and Glavine, who all have less innings pitched, and were all pitching in the NL, a much easier league for a pitcher. He's tied with Maddux for the lead in wins, with 44. He is first in Complete Games of the group listed, with 10. The closest to him is Schmidt, with 7. Everyone else had 5 or less. Westbrook is second on the list in innings, with 625, behind the workhorse Greg Maddux. Only one person on the list has less home runs given up, and that's Batista, who also happens to have nearly half the innings pitched.

You look over those stats, and you literally do a double take. Westbrook would have made a lot more than 11 million a year next season. As a matter of fact, Jake Westbrook would have made THE #1 free agent pitcher next off-season, assuming the Cubs aren't stupid with Carlos Zambrano. I really don't think that it's to far off to think that he COULD have commanded a 4 or 5 year deal, in the neighborhood of 15 million a year.

Cleveland dodged a bullet, and for the first time, we may have a sign that people may stick around for a bit, here in Cleveland.

So the question remains...does this signing mean that CC Sabathia and Pronk are GOING to sign? Or does it mean that one of the two are gonzo.

Those questions are for later...because...

Pronk won't talk contract until the off-season. I totally get his decision. The only reason why Westbrook continued was because it looked good. I think you'll see Cleveland sign Pronk to a big time deal. He will be first on the agenda when the year is over, along with, I'm guessing, a closer. But that's for a later discussion.

Cleveland remains in first place in the AL Central, and has the best record in the American League. Of course, they are 3ish games behind in games played to everyone else, because of their lost series. There has been little time for consistency, and it's early yet, but I like the way their starters look. Sabathia has looked flat out electric. Westbrook has been off, but you wonder if the contract talks have anything to do with it. Sowers has been Sowers. Nothing special, but good enough to win. The surprise here, has been Paul Byrd. He had that no-hitter washed away, and looked good over the weekend. If their starters continue to do well, and the hitting continues to improve...this could be a special year.

6-3 isn't spectacular, but compared to other April's, it's downright exciting.

Check out the latest Ohio State business at THE Horseshoe, a new POJO Joint Production at the MVN Network.

Indians in Snowland--Hargrove and Selig

Everywhere you turned today, the media was whining and moaning about the schedule, and how MLB doesn't have a clue at what they are doing. Well, I absolutely agree that MLB doesn't have a clue about what they are doing. I can't, however, say that I agree that the schedule makers have it all wrong. Of course, looking at the Tribe today might make you think I'm absolutely crazy.

It's cold up north in April. We all know that. How many times have you sat at the Jake, or at the Muni in the olden days, and flat out frozen you butt off during the home opening series? I remember an opening day at Municipal Stadium that was ripe with frozen rain, that my girlfriend made me leave during the delay. I took her home, and made it back in time for the start of the game. It was miserable, and continued to get worse. But you know what? It was opening day. I don't think the smile ever left my face that day. THERE IS NOTHING LIKE OPENING DAY. For us old-time Tribe fans, it used to be the only day we had a shot.

Now there's a push to have the cold weather teams without domes start their games in a warm weather city, or a city, like Milwaukee, with a dome. On the outside looking it, this looks like it would be a smart move. Who wants to start their season in the snow? Who wants to SIT in the snow to watch a baseball game?

I DO, THAT'S WHO! I'd be there right now, if I could, freezing my ass off. Why? It's opening day. The thing about today's game is that it's not opening day. For three straight years, we've had to stomach a trip to Chicago. It's bad enough not having a game at home, but to have to travel TO Chicago, a city just as cold, with a team that ranks in the vacinity of your nearest toilet. There's a magic to opening day that ranks somewhere slightly above the FRIDAY after opening day, after three games have already been played, for your opening day.

Leave it to Bud Selig to even PONDER this idea. No, he hasn't made the decision yet, but it sure would be the wrong one, which is right up his alley. The rumored switch in schedule would be to have historically cold weather teams not play at home for the first week of the season, to ensure that they aren't playing in the frozen tundra (pssst...Bud...you are from Milwaukee. Will ONE WEEK MAKE THAT MUCH OF A DIFFERENCE?). It wouldn't be longer than 1 series, or 1 week.

Now, I've already mentioned how special opening day is, or at least, used to be. During the Selig era, opening day has gotten a little less special. I'm not sure if it has anything to do with anything other than Selig, but the tradition seems to have taken a hit. It doesn't help that the opening game was taken away from Cincinnati. In a league struggling in this NFL market, it needs every traditional aspect that it can get. We'll find that out later this year when MLB loses the Hank Aaron record. Having half the team assured of not having that game EVERY year takes away something from those cities. Like I said, "Hey, let's go see game #7, Cleveland is finally at home," sounds a lot different than, "IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY FOR BASEBALL! IT'S OPENING DAY!"

I also seem to recall somewhere, that most teams do better at home, than on the road. I know this isn't always the case, but I know it's better than 50%. I'll leave the statistical wizards figure it out. I can tell you this, coming home every year after a season starting 6-game road trip doesn't exactly start you off on the right foot. I can't imaging Major League Baseball owners ever agreeing to it.

When it's all said and done, the ONE time we can be thankful for the Yankees and the Red Sox is now. I can't imagine either one of these teams WANTING this to happen. That, combined with the fact that Bud Selig splits his time in the back pockets of both. Still, Bud Selig is about as trend-following as it gets. So many times, without having any foresight for the future, he makes a move that screws the league long term. This would be such a move.

Hey Bud, do you want a suggestion? How about this, and it's complicated so pay attention. START THE SEASON A WEEK LATER! Seriously, do we really need 162 games a year? Does it have to ALL be about money? Couldn't you find a way to start the season a week shorter, shrink the season from 162 games to 156 games, and GET RID OF MOST OF THE INTRA-LEAGUE GAMES! You keep one series a year, or perhaps, a home and home series. Now, you are immediately saying that it's not fair to the teams that don't have a traditional national league rivalry. Yo Bud, here's the deal. THAT'S HOW YOU CREATE RIVALRIES! Personally, I'd like to see intra-league play go away. It serves no purpose other than to carry a bit of uniqueness to seeing a strange team come to your ballpark. Personally, the novelty has worn off. But that's for another day. So Bud, if you really are that concerned about the weather, get rid of the games that happen WHEN IT'S COLD. Start the season later, and get rid of some games.

As I report this, the Cleveland Indian game has been PostPoned due to snow, with the Tribe up 4-0, with 2 outs in the fifth inning. That's when that jackweed Mike Hargrove strolled out on the field at the speed of constipation, and began whining about the weather. Out came Eric Wedge, and the two managers began verbally sparring. Normally, I would applaud this, but it worked to Hargrove's favor. The umpire called a delay, and the game would never resume. The 4-0 lead will forever be wiped out. Remember this one folks, because these are the kinds of games that can change momentum. Hargrove also spent some time trading barbs with the fans. Wonder if there's any harsh feelings lingering for the "Human Snow Delay?" The game is rescheduled as part of a day/night doubleheader tomorrow at 1:05. The bonus? Snow is predicted. Looking forward to counting how many times the fans boo Hargrove. The bad? In a game that doesn't count at all, Victor Martinez left with a strained quad. I blame it on Hargrove, and Selig. They both HAD to have something to do with it. I've never been a Hargrove fan. Now it grows from indifference, to a bit of hate.

Now, what are we going to do about those games at the end of October?

TribExtravaganza

What will run out first? The Tribe's offensive exposive extravaganza, or the POJO Dojo's complex headlines, combinining Tribe with unique words starting with E?

I hope I have to start getting creative.

The Tribe bats are on fire right now. This is no fluke. In the second inning, Jhonny Peralta rips an RBI triple, followed by Josh Barfield's RBI single, followed by Andy Marte's 2-run smash, to give the Indians a 4-3 lead (Thome hit a 3-run dinger in the first inning). Pssst. Here's a little secret for you. That's the bottom of the order...7-8-9. Pssst. Yeah, they are that good.

In the fourth inning, VMart comes in with an RBI single to make the score 5-3. VMart went 4-4. In the sixth inning, VMart hit an RBI single to make the score 7-6, Chicago. Westbrook had given up another dinger to Iguchi, and a 2-run single by Joe Crede. I'ts good to see his bat hot.

Grady Sizemore hit his 2nd homer in as many games in the seventh, that gave the Tribe the lead for good.

Grady went 2 for 6 with the game winner.

Trotter went 2-5 with 2 doubles and a walk.

Pronk went 1-2 with a double and get this, 4 walks. Now, please understand that 2 of these walks were intentional. Yeah, you read that right. Intentional walks to GET TO VICTOR MARTINEZ. Hang on a second...........

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA....

Hafner was intentionally walked in the 4th (VMart RBI single) and the 9th. Let me tell you this folks. If Pronk keeps getting intentionally walked, Cleveland's going to win a bunch of games.

Dellucci went 1-4 with a double.

Peralta and Barfield both went 1-5, and Marte went 1-4. Talk about big hits.

Guess what. Martinez' two RBI came with 2 outs. Sizemore's 2-run dinger came with 2 outs. I don't need to tell you how important that is 2 DAYS IN A ROW DO I. A team that makes clutch hits, is clutch. Another important little tidbit is that Cleveland managed 10 walks today. You put together 2-run RBI, with a patient team at the plate, and you have a whole BUNCH of trouble for other teams.

You also have to like the way the end of the order is shaping up. Peralta, who resembles our favorite Vizquel replacement, Barfield (YES!) and Marte's power could be devastating to the AL. And what about Trotter? Look, I've been a harsh opponant of signing him, and it's only been two games, but dare I say that Trot is the spark right now. If you've seen a game, you know what I mean.

As good as the hitting was, HOW ABOUT THE EARLY LOOK AT THE BULLPEN? Westbrook obviously struggled. But look what happened after he left. Tom Mastny came in in the sixth inning, and promptly got Iguchi to pop out, and Uribe to ground out. In came Aaron Fultz, who got Podsednik to fly out, ending the inning, led off the seventh by walking Darin Erstad, but got Thome to hit into a fielder's choice. Enter Rafael Betancourt, Who got Konerko to ground out. Walked Jermaine Dye, putting Dye on first, and Thome on second. Then promptly struck out Joe Crede, to end the inning. Enter the old man, Roberto Hernandez. Things started off rough, as AJ Pierzinski led off with a double. Then the old man got Iguchi to pop up a bunt attempt to first base for an out, got Alex Cintron to pop out to Barfield, and Pods again popped out to end the inning.

In the ninth, in came Bob Wickman. Well, it really was Joe Borowski, but man did it feel like Wickman. Borowski walked Erstad to start the inning. Thome was up, and Borowski came up with a HUGE K. I was ready to bet my house on a Thome dinger. Erstad then stole second. Konerko walked. Then Big Joe struck out Jermaine Dye. Up came Joe Crede. I envisioned a bomb to straight-away center. What I got, however was a bomb from Joe Crede to left field. Michaels made the catch, falling to the ground, to end the game.

So in the end, what do we get from the bullpen today? 4 IP, 1 Hit (yeah, I said only 1), 0 runs and 4 walks (in honor of Bob). Aside from the walks, it was utter brilliance. Fultz got the win. Betancourt and Hernandez both got holds. Borowski rolled with his first Indian save.

Defense anyone? Okay, you had to see Jason Michaels' catch to appreciate it. Wedge gets props for this, as Michaels had just entered the game to pinch hit. Barfield had an error today, but it cost the Indians nothing. Heck, even VMart threw out a runner. He was 1 for 3, as Darin Erstad had 2 today.

Overall, another nice game for Cleveland, although Westbrook struggled. The key for Westbrook may have been the weather. It was very typical Chicago weather. 32 degrees, and windy.

What more do I have to say, other than keep it up. Let's hope game one and game two are season long trends!

Eddie Robinson died today, one of the immortal coaches. RIP coach Eddie. What you did for sports is at least the equal to Jackie Robinson. Know Dat.

Bud Selig + DirecTV = Evil

Bud Selig is making 14.5 million dollars a year.

In case you passed out, let me say it again to make sure that you understand what I just said. BUD SELIG IS MAKING 14.5 MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR AS THE COMMISIONER OF BASEBALL. Not a bad gig, especially when you are terrible at it.

For those of you that live in a hole, Bud Selig engineered a deal with DirecTV last month that would give the satellite programmer exclusive rights to Major League's Extra Innings package. Not only that, but DirecTV would have an exclusivity agreement to carry the brand new MLB Network, that will begin programming in 2009, with the caveat that they will OWN 20% of the Network to MLB's 80%. In other words, big money for the satellite provider.

In doing so, Cable and DirecTV's direct competition, Dish Network would be left in the dark. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the hundred's of thousands of fans that have received the Extra Inning's Package via one of the other services.

Before going any further, let's look at the thought process involved in making this move.

Bud Selig's thinking: I know how to maximize the baseball dollar! DirecTV comes to me with a 7-year, $700,000,000 deal, and we'll be just like football! We'll launch our MLB Service on DirecTV, then ultimately, be able to sell it to cable and Dish Network to include it in one of their special packages. Therefore, baseball and dish network will make a killing! Oh, and those that whine and moan about it HAVE to purchase the online service, which is $20 a month. Yeah, this is perfect!

Notice there was no concern about the fans.

I know what some of you are thinking. I'LL JUST GET THE LOCAL PACKAGE OF SPORTS PROGRAMMING CABLE AND DISH NETWORK OFFER. Hold the phone people. Baseball created an out of market rule years ago to help maximize their Extra Innings Package. This deal means that if you live outside a certain baseball market, you cannot receive the local telecast. Let me give you an example. Say you live in Erie, Pennsylvania, and have Sports Time Ohio in your cable package. You'll notice that as soon as the Indians' starts, you are blacked out. Why? Even though you are 90 miles away from Cleveland, and over 100 miles away from Pittsburgh, you are NOT in the local market, and therefore, can't receive the telecast. Not only that, but you can't receive tapes of telecasts. You know, when Sports Time Ohio plays repeats of great games in Tribe History, the blackout ALSO commences. Let's say, you decide to get a bit subversive, and get the dish network multi-sports package, thinking that's the $5.99 way around it. Read the above. Yeah, you get every sports package from every sports station around the country. Guess what. Blackout. You have to purchase the Extra Innings package.

Now you know your options if you live outside a market.

Wonderful isn't it!

I know, you want to use the internet to LISTEN to the game of your choice on the local radio station. Yeah, you guessed it. Blackout. You have to purchase THAT service through MLB as well.

Well, Mr. Selig, as always, didn't foresee the backlash that this would cause to the general public. After signing the deal, he realized his mistake when Congress and every media outlet began hammering the hell out of him and MLB.

Wait a second? Doesn't the NFL do the same thing? Yes. Here's the difference. The NFL did it from THE START! Nobody ever purchased one thing or another to GET the NFL network and NFL Season ticket. I know for a fact, that people have purchased cable or the Dish Network as a means to an end to get Extra Innings, since it's been an offering for the past three years at least. Now, there are literally hundreds of thousands of people that may be out of luck because they are tied to multi-year deals with either cable or DN. Wonderful.

Selig and MLB decided that they would allow both cable and Dish Network to match DirecTV's offer of 7 years and 700 million. It's believed both immediately said they WOULD match. Are you hearing this? This package could have been worth 7 years and 2.4 billion dollars to MLB. Yeah, I know, I checked the ratings as well. I can't believe it either. The catch? Both Cable and Dish Network wanted the same 20% take in the MLB Network. DirecTV, the final say in the matter, of course said no. MLB of course, said no, and the discussion continued.

Realize this. MLB is negotiating as we speak with cable for sure, and we all think, with Dish Network to get the Extra Innings package onto their networks. If MLB and the two other programming networks agree, the final say goes to DirecTV.

What do I believe? This is the OUT for MLB to tell the other two networks to go to hell, and come out being able to say, "We offered them an opportunity, and they screwed up."

As a matter of fact, most people are starting to say that.

THOSE would be the people I like to call sheep.

Sorry folks, but it's a joke. What Selig wants to happen is DirecTV to maintain as the exclusive holder of all that's baseball. Supply and Demand. There will be NO deal whatsoever, because he knows that DirecTV will never sign on the line onto THEIR COMPETITORS. UNLESS 2 things happen:

1. Congress really does drop the hammer on baseball (hard to do with football's season ticket package, even though it's obvious that the reasons I outline exist)

2. Dish Network and Cable come up with a ridiculous agreement, that now only allows MLB and DirecTV exlusive ownership (can you imagine Dish Network PAYING DirecTV for programming? I don't know about you, but this doesn't sound like good business to me), but comes with a money figure that dwarfs DirecTV's.

I don't see it happening.

Then I think about Bud Selig and his 14.5 million dollars a year.

And I just want to puke.

TribExplosion

THE HITTING

Grady Sizemore went 2 for 4 with a lead-off homerun (the first since JULIO FRANCO in 1988), scored 3 runs, and knocked in 1.

Trot Nixon went 3 for 4, with hits in his first three at bats, scored 3 runs, before being taken out in the 8th inning for Jason Michaels.

Pronk went 2 for 5, with 3 runs, knocking in 1.

VMart went 2 for 4 with 3 RBI.

For those scoring at home, the top four Tribe batsmen went a combined 9 for 16, with 9 runs and 5 RBI. Cleveland will win a lot of games doing HALF of that.

Jhonny Peralta went 2 for 3 with 1 run and 3 RBI, and Josh Barfield went 1 for 5, but had an inning-breaker triple in the first with 2 outs that scored 2 runs.

Overall, Cleveland scored 6 runs with two outs. Listen folks, it's only the first game of the year, and often you get your hopes up or down too much based on one game. I'm not, but will say this. You win games when you score runs with 2 outs. Ask the Tribe of the 90's.

Jose Contreras left the game in the second inning, having pitched only 1 total inning (he didn't retire a batter in the 2nd), gave up 7 hits, 8 runs (7 earned), to the tune of a 63 ERA. Yeah, those numbers weren't great for Jose. Boy do they make me laugh though.

THE PITCHING

CC Sabathia didn't have the good stuff today. He led off the game giving up a double to Pablo Ozuna, and a home run to Darin Erstad. From that point on though, He was pretty good. He got out of the second with only a single. Paul Konerko hit a shot to left in the third. CC then got through the next 8 batters (one double play) by giving up only 1 hit.

In the sixth, with one out, he walked Konerko, gave up a single to Jermaine Dye, and a weak, infield single to Joe Crede. With one out, CC gave us a clue that this really may be his year. He forced Tadahito Iguchi to pop out, and struck out AJ Pierzinski. He came to pitch when it counted most. The bottom line here is that CC should have come in rusty after having to leave his last spring training start when he got nailed with the line drive. He was, but found it as he went on. When it counted the most, CC was up to the task. Nicely done.

Rafael Bettancourt came in in the seventh, and mowed them down with one strikeout.

Roberto Hernandez came in in the eighth, and struck Jim Thome out facing his first batter as an Indian, and went three up and three down.

Then came a pause when Joe Borowski came in for his first bit of work. Alex Cintron led off with a single, followed by Brian Anderson's (no, not that one) double. Bowrowski than gave up two sac flys, and mowed down Rob Mackowiak.

Don't make a thing about Borowski. We all know what it's like for a closer coming into a game with nothing on the line. It's different.

WHAT IT MEANS?

Not a whole lot. It's a microcausm of what we all know. Cleveland has a bunch of offense. Cleveland has good starters. Cleveland has some talented relievers, with a bunch of questionmarks.

But psssst. We hammered the hell out of the White Sox. Does it GET much better than that?

Welcome back Tribe, we all missed you.

And to the White Sox? Get used to this.

Tribe Baseball: The Smell of Summer

"Well, beat the drum and hold the phone - the sun came out today!
We’re born again, there’s new grass on the field.
A-roundin’ third, and headed for home, it’s a brown-eyed handsome man;
Anyone can understand the way I feel."

John Fogerty's centerfield sums up what every Indians fan is thinking right now. Could this be the year? Is a whole generation of fans going to get what no Indians' fan has seen since 1948? Or is this just another step towards the big dance?

I don't know the answer to that, and unlike my bold NBA prediction for the Cavs, I've decided to stay quiet on where I think the Tribe will end up this year, but I sure like the message that Cleveland sent out in the first three innings:

Here follows a short description of Jose Contreras getting his ass handed to him:

Grady Sizemore led of the season with a home run. Trot Nixon followed with a single. Travis Hafner followed with another single. Trot made it to third. VMart followed with another single, scoring Nixon. Pronk to 2nd. Casey Blake hit into a fielder's choice, but Pronk made it to third. Dellucci K'ed. Then the fun started. Jhonny Peralta singled, scoring Hafner, and getting Blake over to third. Then newly acquired Josh Barfield tripled, scoring both Blake and Peralta. Marte popped out to end the inning.

What an inning, and what a start to the season. It didn't end there. CC did struggle initially, giving up a double and a dinger and a single before getting out of the inning after giving up 2 runs. Then came more thunder from the offense.

Grady Sizemore walked. Trotter doubled (sorry about anything I said Trot) and Grady went to third. Pronk legged out an infield single, scoring Sizemore, and Trotter scored on a throwing error. Contreras was gone. VMart flied out, but Casey Blake doubled, moving Pronk to third. Dellucci was walked intentionally, to get to Peralta, and allow for the double play potential.

Last year, Peralta hits into a double play.

This year, Peralta singles, scoring Hafner and Blake, and moving Dellucci to 2nd. This year, Peralta is back to normal.

Finally, Barfield hit INTO that double play, to end the inning.

After a quick bottom of the inning, the Tribe started off with two quick outs. Then came Trotter, who singled to go 3-3 in three innings as an official member of the Indians. Hafner followed up with another single, and then VMart rifled one to deep center, a double, and Hafner and Trotter both scored. Blake struck out to end the third.

So in case you weren't keeping score at home, Cleveland is up 11-2 in the top of the fourth. After three innings, the only Indians not to have a hit are David Dellucci and Andy Marte. After three innings, the only Indians not to be on base is Marte.

I'm not going to sit here and give you another play by play. I'll let better blogs to that, but I will say it's a great start.

Of course...there's still six innings to play, and we still have to see our bullpen.

Who cares.

It's BASEBALL SEASON!

My synopsis of the Indians will be coming later this week, as well as an update on the game 1 destruction of the White Sox.

So PAY ATTENTION!!!!

Let's Go Tribe!

Eye On the Tribe: From Baerga to Barfield

In the land of the Cleveland Indians, second base has always been a position that has been a "position of interest." When the Tribe traded for Sandy Alomar Jr. and Carlos Baerga, things got really interesting. Baerga was a solid second baseman. But rumors began to circulate immediately about Alomar Jr.'s brother, Roberto.

Baerga faltered, and was dealt with Alvaro Espinosa to the Mets, for Jeff Kent and Jose Vizcaino. Both Kent and Vizcaino would do alright in the position. There was a huge problem, however. Neither one was Baerga or Alomar. Kent and Vizcaino were promptly packaged together with Julian Tavarez in a deal with San Francisco that brought the Indians Matty Williams and Trenidad Hubbard. At the time, it was a good deal. Cleveland needed a third baseman. Unfortunately, it left them with a HUGE hole at 2nd base.

Enter Tony Fernandez, and Julio Franco. Both played very well in the Indians World Series year in 1997. The problem? Fernandez was 35, and Franco was 38. Oh, and neither player was Baerga or Alomar. As a matter of fact, the rumors that Baerga was going to come back began circulating. Franco was released, and Tony Fernandez hit the free agent market.

Enter the Shawon Dunston experiment. Dunston looked terrible in his shift to 2B, and was dealt to San Francisco. David Bell took over the position. Bell was dealt to Seattle for Joey "Bug Eyes" Cora. This brought on Branson and Enrique Wilson, and Cora. Truly a horrid year for the Indians second sackers.

Then came the day many of us waited for, December 1, 1998. Roberto Alomar joined the Indians. He would be the savior, and was the final piece of the World Series puzzle. Besides, second base would be manned by an MVP candidate, and the heir apparent in Cleveland for 10 years. Alomar batted .324, with 24 dingers and 120 RBI. yeah, I'd say that was pretty impressive. Alomar followed with .310, 19 and 89. No, not the year before, but still a fantastic season. In 2001, it was another one of THOSE seasons. Alomar rolled with .336, 20 and 100. There was noone better in the field. This was WITHOUT Sandy, who was granted free agency the year before.

Alomar was unhappy. No title, and no brother. He was dealt to New York, and just like that, we were all left scratching our heads. Ricky Gutierrez was brought in from Houston. What he WASN'T, was Alomar or Baerga. He was more Tony Fernandez. John McDonald filled in. Another year, another wonder where the heir went, and not second baseman in the near future, although people were excited about Brandon Phillips.

Then Phillips played, and it was too soon. It didn't work, to the tune of .208, and McDonald and Santos filled in. Now we were really in trouble. Phillips, our answer, exploded in front of our eyes, and there was nobody left. Ron Belliard was brought in, and again, tuned in a Tony Fernandez year. It was a suprise, though, as many felt he was a fill in guy. 2005 brought the same results and 2004. He was adequate. No, not the great fielder, but not a duff either. Still, many people were hoping Phillips would recover and become another Alomar or Baerga. Last season, Belliard was doing his normal thing, but was dealt. The curse of Alomar and Baerga bites again. His replacement? Joe Inglett, and Hector Luna. Yeah, I know, it was painful. Phillips had been dealt, and was tearing up the NL. Cleveland had nowhere to go.

Then came the deal.

Kevin Kouzmanoff for Joshua LaRoy Barfield. The son of Jesse.

A new 2nd baseman for a team in desperate need.

He had a fantastic rookie season for San Diego (remember where Alomar started?).

Many believe that Barfield has the ability to hit in the ballpark of 25 home runs. Batting second on this team, that would be an interesting number for Sizemore, who is leading off, and has 25 homerun potential. You don't need the taters at the start of the order, but it doesn't hurt. More importantly, you get a kid that can field, and can hit, and will develop, and what do you end up with?

This spring, Barfield was in early, working with Jhonny Peralta to get their gig down. It helped Peralta as well. This is a working joe, so he won't be reminding anyone of Baerga any time soon.

After only 10 games, Barfield is batting .375, with an OBP of .430, 4 stolen bases, and 5 runs. On the defensive side, Barfield is rolling. In 65 innings of work, and 36 chances, Barfield hasn't made an error. He covers a whole lot of ground, and will make Garko and Peralta look much better. It's early, I realize that, but it's not hard to see that the kid can hit. It's not hard to see that the kid works hard. It's not hard to see that he fits this club. It's not hard to see that 2B won't be an issue for the next few years.

Is he the next Tony Fernandez? Is he the next Carlos Baerga? Is he the next Roberto Alomar? I don't know the answer to any of those questions.

What I do know is this. There are a lot LESS questions now, then there were 6 months ago. My guess is that those three names will be a distant memory.

Can't WAIT to see this kid play when it counts.

Adam Miller the Fifth Starter? Not yet… I will tell you this. Adam Miller has made his statement to the top five. He's not in the rotation yet, but he's not far behind. Watch the chatter begin if Paul Byrd or Fausto Carmona stumble out of the gate. Maybe it's the 14 scoreless innings. Maybe it's the pedigree. Maybe it's all of the above. He's hammering on the door.

As for now, Fausto Carmona gets his big chance with Cliff Lee out. Carmona has had a decent spring as well, going 2-1 with a 3.6 ERA so far. I'm hoping Carmona really pans out as a starter, as it will give the Indians a wealth of arm talent, which will help them down the road, as well as at the deadline.

Miller will make this team next year for sure. As for this year? Time will tell, and so will Fausto.

Have you been paying attention to the OTHER Miller? Matt Miller is having some kind of power spring. In seven and two-thirds innings, he has 16 K's and five walks. Not counting the walks, that 16 K's out of 22 batters. Heck, 16 out of 27 is good enough. I'm starting to like this bullpen.

One final thought for the night: Using Roberto Alomar as your guideline, what do YOU all think about Josh Barfield?

No, I don't want to set him up to fail, but I do think Barfield is going to be a player. Alomar? Maybe not, but his ceiling is high.

Eye On The Tribe

The Tribe has had some interesting developments over the past few weeks in Winter Haven. I will admit, after the offseason, it was hard to get into the humdrum of spring. After watching all the games I have DVRed over the past couple of days, I have a couple of thoughts, on a couple of players.

The Stud: Adam Miller is going to be good, and with this club soon. He's been solid this spring, with an ERA of 0, in two starts and three appearances. He hasn't exactly dominated, but he's definately looked good. It's going to be hard for the Tribe brass to keep him in the minors. I hope he spends most of the year down on the farm, but if there are any more injury issues with the starters, look for Miller to be the next man up.

Why Get Nixon and Dellucci again? The surprise of the spring has to be the play of Ben Francisco and Franklin Gutierrez. Both are batting well over .300, and are playing nearly flawless in the outfield. Francisco has been showcasing some power as well. This does a couple of things: It give the Tribe plenty of trading power. No, these guys aren't going to bring superstars, but they might bring parts that we need if they get dealt. It also give us Nixon insurance. If ANY of the outfielders get hurt, we've got the parts in Buffalo to fill the needs. The outfield looks strong, and I haven't even mentioned Trevor Crowe yet. Poor Trevor won't be seeing the outfield in Cleveland any time soon.

THIS is why we got Dellucci and Michaels. Could we see one or both of these guys as the regular outfield?...

More on this tomorrow. I had a much longer post, but it disappeared. I have been having blogger issues, and I keep forgetting to save my posts before publishing them. When I hit the Publish button, nearly my entire post disappears. Frustrating...

should be fixed by tomorrow. Will see you all then. Check my labels for just a bit of what I talked about.

The Loozer Commeth, AND Go-eth--GOOD RIDDANCE

How do you know you've come a long way?

I forgot about the game last night. Here it is, the big return of Loozer, and I was sitting at a Verizon kiosk checking out new phones. It's a beautiful thing, and gives you a good idea about how much I care about Loozer's return.

I've come a long way.

After watching the game this morning, I have a few things to say. Some of them may be deemed sacreligious in some circles, but I'm only speaking the truth as I see it.

The fans really handed Loozer his ass. It was fun to watch. It wasn't nearly as voracious as I thought it would be, but it was pretty good. To bad we had to wait three years.

Larry Hughes was horrid from the floor last night, once again. I believe he was 2 for 17. Ouch. He did play great defense, and that pass to Lebron...but I'll get to that later. But Hughes' defense...solid stuff. The most impressive play last night was when he got back off a turnover and Utah was rolling down on a 3 on Hughes, and Larry came out with the steal. Fantastic stuff, really. He also filled the stat line with 8 boards and 5 assists. Seriously folks, when your point is capable of 8 boards every night, you have an advantage. This is the Hughes I want to see. No, not the guy chucking up misses, but the guy that fills the stat sheet. He also had 2 steals, and 2 blocks. This is the Lebron-mate we've been looking for.

How about that Cavalier defense anyways? This is just me, but am I the only one that thought Lebron led the defensive charge last night? There wasn't really one signature play on defense, but there was just something there, something I've seen before, but for some reason it was resonating throughout the building last night. Maybe it wasn't even his defense, but the way he was playing. Irregardless, the Cavs really stepped it up on defense, something they've been good at, but you could tell it was a total team effort.

Drew Gooden, who was brought in to take the place of Loozer, played one hell of a game last night, in particular in the second half, in particular in the third quarter. Gooden was the driving force in the defensive effort. He really can play the kind of defense at times that can get under the skin of opponents. He certainly did that. He also found the point, scoring 9 by my count. Drew ended with 14 points, and 12 boards, putting up remarkably similar numbers that Gooden would be putting up if he were a Cavalier. This tenacious Gooden is the player we need to win the title. You put him together with Varejao, and you've got (no pun intended) twice the heart and player that Loozer is. My preference is the two headed monster. My gut tells me both will be Cavs for awhile.

Carlos Loozer is one hell of a player. He did make Gooden look silly early in the game with a fine move baseline that led to a dunk. He finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds. He never would have been THAT player as a Cavalier. He didn't want to be the second fiddle, he wanted to be the star. To bad for him. Carlos, I hope the spotlight is better than a title. That being said, I'm done with you. From this point on, you're back to just another player. No need to mention a guy on a team that will never do a thing. By the way, did anyone notice the two foul shots he missed in the fourth quarter? Not bothered by the fans? Yeah, okay...

Sasha Pavlovic may be the guy that wins the Cavs a title. Most impressive wasn't his 21 points, but his 50% shooting. He hits valuable jump shots, and threes in particular. In general, you are looking at an offensive player. If he can average 15 a game for this team, they will score 100 more often than not.

Ira Newble played. Nothing really more than that, but he played. Just felt like letting you know;).

Lebron James was on fire last night. There's not really another way to say it any better than that without using profanity. I gotta tell you, that jam that he had off the Hughes pass was one of the most impressive dunks I've seen all year. Hughes just threw the ball up into the air, and any time the receiver of the pass has to redirect his body in the air to catch, than dunk, it's something special. I swear though, this time, Lebron bent nearly 45 degrees, caught the ball, and dunked with verocity. When James is coming down the floor he is a hybrid of 2 players, Dr. J, and Dominique Wilkins. He moves like Doc, that grace, and always seemingly heading to the hoop in a twisted position. When the ball goes down, it's like Dominique, at the speed of sound. What always impressed me about Wilkins was how quickly the ball went through the hoop and hit the floor. Often, Wilkins would get hit be the ball bouncing off the floor, BEFORE HE CAME BACK DOWN. Watch Lebron, then some old clips of Doc and Wilkins, you'll see what I mean. The chips were down last night, and we were watching the Cavs of the crap part of the season. Even Lebron started off slow. In the second half, Lebron was a machine. His defensive rebounding was top notch. You all know he ended with 24 points, 17 boards and 9 assists. Talk about filling up a statline, and leading by example.

The Cavs have won 8 games in a row, and have changed their season with the streak. I just hope the season continues to be this fun. Their next four games should be interesting to say the least. On Tuesday, we head to Charlotte. Then comes three home games in a row, Dallas on Wednesday, New York on Friday and Denver next Sunday. Dallas and Denver stand out. Denver ran Phoenix out of the building last night, and Iverson had a game for the ages with 44 and 15 assists. That should be a fun game.

Here's to you Boozer, and your team's four game losing streak. Super road trip.

On to Charlotte.

The Sunday Mosh Pit: 10 Questions the Cleveland Indians Hope To Answer

As we start the first FULL week of Spring Training games, Cleveland fans remain hopeful that Mark Shapiro made the necesary moves to not only improve the club from last year (who am I kidding, improve the club from THE YEAR BEFORE), but end up ahead of the Tigers, Twins and White Sox. It really may be to early to tell what's going to happen once the season begins, but that's no reason not to speculate. Today, I'm going to look at the top eight on and off-field questions the Tribe will hopefully be able to answer by the time Cleveland takes the field at the start of this season. Even if they can't, I WILL. Of course, before that, I need to mention who I think will MAKE THE ROSTER. I do believe things are relatively settled, minus surprises and injuries, of course:

Starting 9
CF-Grade Sizemore
LF-Jason Michaels or LF-David Delucci
DH-Travis Hafner
C/1B-VMart
RF/1B-Casey Blake
RF-Trot Nixon
SS-Jhonny Peralta
3B-Andy Marte
2B-Josh Barfield

Utility
SS/2B--Mike Rouse (based on Terry Pluto)
C--Kelly Shoppach
(look for Garko to be the odd man out--and VMart to rotate at 1b)

Starting Five
#1--CC Sabathia--LHP
#2--Jake Westbrook--RHP
#3--Cliff Lee--LHP
#4--Jeremy Sowers--LHP
#5--Paul Byrd--RHP

Relief
Closer--Joe Borowski--RHP
Setup--Roberto Hernandez--RHP
Setup--Rafael Betancourt--RHP
Matchup--Aaron Fultz--LHP
Matchup--Fernando Cabrera--RHP
Middle Relief--Jason Davis--RHP
Middle Relief--Matt Miller--RHP

alright, on with the questions...

10. Is Mark Shapiro signing a contract a done deal? How many weeks in a row have we heard that Shapiro is signed, sealed and delivered? My only questions then is, WHY HASN'T HE SIGNED? Most people seem to agree that Shapiro does an amazing job with the payroll he's given. The ONLY problem is that there haven't been results. Shapiro HAS to produce a playoff appearance this season, because if his offseason acquisitions explode on him this year, the way they did last year, there are going to be far less folks saying how good he is. Look for Shapiro to sign a deal soon, as I really do see Shapiro putting it off while he's dealing with Westbrook, Sabathia and Pronk. He'll sign before the start of the season. Most of you know what I think about Shapiro. If he wants to stay, they should let him sign a deal that allows him to stay as long as he wants too. He's that good. I'm just surprised he hasn't tried to pursue a team with a larger payroll. My bet is if he did, he'd figure out a way to get them to the series in the first two years there. Let's just hope he never gets the itch.

9. Is Eric Wedge on the hot seat? I rarely disagree with Terry Pluto. Most will agree that he's as good as it gets, and rarely gets it wrong. Today, Mr. Pluto discussed how Eric Wedge ISN'T on the hot seat this year, that he isn't worried about his contract since he sees this team as playoff calibre, and that this team is a lock for 90 games (minus injury). I don't agree at all. I think Wedge IS on the hot seat. I think as relaxed as he looks, he'll begin feeling the pressure if the Indians aren't in the mix early. I also think Showalter may not have been brought in to replace Wedge, but do you really think he'll say no? I will say that Pluto brings a solid argument about the job Wedge has done with this team, and how he handles his starters, his rotation, and his strategy. The bottom line, however, is the 'scapegoat' mentality by Dolan. If this team doesn't do well, he'll defer, and we'll see Wedge go first, and Shapiro second. Wedge is on the hot seat, if this team doesn't perform. I absolutely think Cleveland will make it to the playoffs this year, and possibly, if the bullpen is as good as I suspect it is, win the division. If they don't make the playoffs, Wedge, who's contract is up this season will be gone. This would be rated higher, but if it becomes an issue, it won't be until break or later.

8. Which minor league players will make an impact on the Big League club out of Spring Training, and as the season progresses. Adam Miller will be on this team before the end of the year. I think Cleveland would ultimately want to see him make it until the end of the season in AAA, before taking over Westbrook or Byrd's slot next season, but he's just going to be too good to not have on the big club. No, I don't think he's going to make the club out of Spring Training. Trevor Crowe is the guy that's perhaps hurt the most by the platoon situations. Yeah, it pushes Choo and Garko out, but Choo is the unquestioned next guy in line in the outfield, and Garko will more than likely make the team. Crowe, who had one of those fantastic seasons last year that many didn't expect, will have to have a lot happen. I think we'll either see Crowe or see Crowe dealt by July. I like him, but most say he doesn't have the range to play center field. I could see him in left, but not with platoon central. He could be the bait we need, like K2, that could upgrade a position at the break. THE PLAYER that I believe will have the most impact on the big league club this year is Tony Sipp. It may not be until the stretch run, and there will be a couple that go before him, but Sipp will be this team's closer, perhaps as early as next year. They'll want him up earlier.

7. Is Andy Marte the answer at third base? Lake Erie Hope does a really nice job talking about Marte, Travis Fryman's help, and his potential in the lineup. I don't agree that he's in the same position as Peralta was two years ago, but I do agree that Marte could be the fulcrum of this team. IF Marte performs above expectations, and provides icing on the cake, the Indians offense will be incredible. If he just performs to standards, hits for power, not for average, Clevelands offense will overall improve. There is concern on my part, that Marte may underperform. Marte has never hit for average, and learning HOW to hit for average in the majors is a mistake in my opinion. Marte is only 23 years old, and we've yet to see the player that Marte will become. My hope is that he's ready this year. I have a strange feeling that he's not. Of course, any Andy Marte will be better than the Aaron Boone-led platoon of last season. Of course, Marte only batted .226 in his limited action. Not exactly stellar statistics. Strange things could happen at third base this year, and it may help clear up problems in other areas.

6. Which Platoons (Delucci/Michaels in left, Blake/Nixon in right, Blake/Garko/VMart at first) will work, and which platoons won't? I really like the Delucci/Michaels platoon. This platoon is going to produce all year long, and I don't really have much more to say about it. What will ultimately happen here is that we will forget all about left field becuase these two can play defense, and can hit. Both are scrappy, and are those guys you need on the team to succeed. Blake and Nixon will work for as long as Nixon isn't hurt. My prediction is that he will be however, which will bring Choo and Garko back into play. Back to that in a second. I also believe that Garko is the real deal at 1B, as most others do. The problem is that there is no room for Garko with the addition of Nixon. Look for VMart to play a bit more at 1B in the platoon with Blake. If Nixon gets hurt, look for the hot bat, Garko or Choo, to get called up. More than likely, it will be Garko, to platoon with VMart, while Blake takes the majority of AB's in right. I also think it is distinctly possible that you could see Blake playing third base. I hope I'm wrong about Marte, but I just can't get Alex Escobar (without the injuries) out of my head. Look for left field to work well, and Right Field and First base to just plain work out. This could get really complicated as the season progresses, so tune back in to the DOJO to see how it all works out.

5. Will Mark Shapiro be able to sign Jake Westbrook by the start of the season? Jake Westbrook may not be the most talented Tribehand starter, but he's certainly the most consistent. Since becoming a full-time starter in 2004, JW has averaged 32 starts, 212 IP, 3 CG, 15 wins, 11 losses, and a 4 ERA. Here's a guy you plug into your 2 or 3 hole (preferably 3), and forget about. He's the guy that gives your starting pitching depth. He's also not worth the money that will certainly be offered to him next October by one of the large market teams. The question then becomes, will Mark Shapiro find a creative way to get Westbrook to not only sign on the dotted line, but sign in a way that will still allow him to go after Pronk and CC before their contracts run out next year. The popular opinion is that Shapiro might be able to sign 2 of the 3, and will probably be able to only sign one of the big 3. Sabathia and Pronk are both higher ceiling guys, so what Shapiro WON'T do is overspend now, and lose both Sabathia AND Pronk. If Cleveland can manage to get Westbrook to sign a decent deal that fits payroll, then look for Shapiro to jump on getting one of the other 2 to sign as well. Why is this a big question this preseason, when Westbrook isn't a free agent until the end of the year? Signing Westbrook now, not only will build support from the fan base to support the Dolan-led Tribe, but will send a clear message to the other Indians AND Free Agents that Cleveland is trying to build a winner. Shapiro has done a nice job building Cleveland as a team that can rebuild a career, and it has paid dividends in the free agent market. Now both the Dolans, and Shapiro need to take the next step. The Wildcard here, of course, is the Indians depth at starting pitching. With Adam Miller and Fausto Carmona both looking like potential top-end starters, and Chuck Lofgren and Scott Lewis looking even more dominating heading to AA this year, the focus for Shapiro might not be on starting pitching. Of course, if you are always looking towards the future, WHEN do you try and win the series? Personally, Cleveland should set their sights on Westbrook and Pronk. I would absolutely love to have Sabathia sitting there at the #1 slot, but I also wouldn't even DREAM OF PAYING him 130 million dollars over 7 years. Set your sights on Westbrook and Pronk (and just figure Pronk you WILL sign), and hope for the best.

4. Which player will surprise out of the gate? I really think that Josh Barfield is going to be someone that has everyone talking. LEH talked about him in the same breath as another former Padre, Roberto Alomar, and I agree. I know people think he's good, but my guess is that we'll see Barfield in the 2 hole before we get to the break. His upside is huge, and as many can already tell you, he's the type of player and person that works hard to get where he wants to be. He's working with Peralta right now, and you can tell from watching (or listening) that he's a gamer. I know there are players with questions, like VMart throwing guys out, and the others that I've mentioned, but I think all that will iron itself out. Barfield will take this team to the next level. It's all about being strong up the middle...and I do believe that Barfield, Sizemore and yes, Peralta, will be a strength for years to come...and I do mean offensively AND defensively.

3. What role will Fausto Carmona play on this team? Carmona is going to be the #1 guy in Buffalo, where he should be. Cleveland tried him out as a closer last year, and it failed miserably. I can't help but think back to Julian Tavarez, and it's just hard to believe it was 14 years ago. He came out as a starter in 1993, and was shelled as a starter his first year, in 7 starts. Spent a year in the minors in 1994, then was a lights out relief pitcher in 1995, before struggling in 1996 while moving between starting and relieving. Of course, he's been used in a variety of roles since leaving Cleveland after 1996, but you have to wonder what would have happened had he been used strictly as a starter, or a reliever, earlier in his career. Many thought he had top of the rotation potential. Cleveland never gave him the shot because they needed the slot in the pen, and had two kids named Wright and Colon. Carmona hopped back and forth last year as well. This year, however, Shapiro seems committed at allowing Carmona to remain a starter, and that's the way it should be. I see Carmona being the first line of defense if/when one of the starters go down. I really get a sense that this kid could be something special. My suspician is that we'll get to see some of that this year. The key will be to keep him as a STARTER!

2. Who will come out as the best player on the team? Pronk is Ortiz. Ortiz is Pronk. The similarities are astounding. But I believe this is the year that a player will come out of spring showing everyone that not only is he the best player on the Tribe, but the best player IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE. Grady Sizemore is going to have a monster year. I watch Sizemore play, and I can't help but think of Robin Yount. He LOOKS like him in the outfield, the way he charges the ball...the ground he covers. Yount wasn't flashy, but he flashed in the outfield. Yount didn't dominate you offensively, but he made you bleed. Sizemore is the same way, and only getting better. I believe that this season, we are going to see something special...that Sizemore is going to potentially show the league that he is not only the best in the AL, but the best in MLB. I don't have to tell you Indians fans about him, most of you are probably nodding right now. His OBP jumped to .375 last year, and I think will improve this year, with steadier bats in front of him. I also believe we will see Sizemore pick up some more RBI's, and have more power opportunities for as long as Barfield is batting 9th. It's not inconceivable to predict Sizemore closing in or surpassing 30-30 this season. Expect big things from the kid, he's that good.

1. What will happen to Jhonny Peralta? Jhonny Peralta WILL be back to his old self. I'm NOT talking about the Peralta from last year that everyone is fixating on. I'm talking about the Jhonny Peralta from EVERY OTHER YEAR HE'S PLAYED. I keep reading things that are infuriating, and the one at the top of the list is that "The Indians haven't made a move to make sure they have a shortstop to take over if Peralta struggles as he did last year." Look, I'm all for having a backup plan, but to make it sound like Peralta is a dog that needs to be put to sleep, instead of that dog that barked every other year of his career is absolutely ridiculous. Let's look at the facts last season. Peralta struggled, and there's no doubt. He lived in Wedge's doghouse all season, and wasn't in shape. You also have to look at the changes at the top of the order with the dealing of Coco Crisp as a major shift. It was one season, and a season in which it is very evident. He's in great shape this year, has already looked like a different player in the field, and has a good stick. He's also looked very good with Barfield. I really believe that not only will Peralta be improved at the plate, but with Barfield, will be ABOVE AVERAGE in the field. There, I said it. Now, about Peralta growing to 6'8", gaining X-Ray vision, and having three bones removed from his ribcage, well...everyone has to have an excuse.

Notice what's NOT mentioned? Nothing about the relief corp. I'm just going to say it's improved, and you'll have to live with it. It has some depth, and should allow Cleveland to develop some of their relievers.

I hope this helps with some of you as Spring Training continues, and hold onto the rope, things are sure as hell going to get bumpy...

Indians Bullpen Takes First Blow of the Season--Keith Foulke Retires

UPDATE: 6:50 PM--FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2007--Keith Foulke has retired, and Joe Borowski has been named the closer of the Cleveland Indians. Foulke had felt soreness over the past 10 days while preparing for spring training.

"Over the last few weeks, while preparing for the 2007 season, my body has not responded as it has in years past," Foulke said in a statement. "I feel strongly I will not be able to perform at the level where I need to be to help the Indians this season. They are a class organization and I wish them the best of luck in 2007."

Mark Shapiro had nothing but positives to say about Foulke, who, by announcing before camp that he was retiring, gave up a 5 million dollar payday.

"He didn't want to disappoint the organization or his teammates," Shapiro said, praising Foulke's integrity. It's a blow to our depth," Shapiro said. "We knew there was risk involved in a number of guys we signed. It's disappointing, but at the same time we prepared to make adjustments in personnel, we're just making them faster than we had to."

Shapiro didn't stop there. When asked about Foulke's injury, Shapiro stopped short of spelling it all out.

"It would be more appropriate for Keith [to comment on the health issue] at a time he's comfortable," Shapiro said. "There were some historical [health] issues, and one of those issues acted up again on him. It wasn't something he was prepared to go through again. There was certainly some risk in the signing, due to his medical history," Shapiro said. "But he did pass our physical. With that being said, we entered into the contract knowing there were some health risks involved."

Shapiro didn't minced words when asked about his bullpen, and what spring training would bring with regards to the hole Foulke's retiring made.

"We no longer have a closer controversy, Joe Borowski's our closer," Shapiro said. "We'll tell our scouts to pay closer attention and highlight guys we had conversations about this winter," Shapiro said. "But we would like to get a full look at our guys in camp. Those guys will get opportunities, and they'll get better looks. Our offseason strategy, recognizing the limitations of the market, was to add depth, to add bulk," Shapiro said. "That strategy will be tested immediately with this news, and we'll react."

When asked about Foulke's retiring, Joe Borowski showed nothing but class.

"It's unfortunate, because him being in the bullpen would have made our bullpen that much stronger," Borowski said. "I think general manager Mark Shapiro did enough this offseason where it's not like we're saying, 'Oh no, what do we do now?' But it definitely hurts to lose someone of that quality coming out of the bullpen."

Eric Wedge was also following company lines.

"I have a tremendous amount of respect for the decision he made and how he went about it," Wedge said. "It's obviously an unusual situation, but it's something we'll handle accordingly."

Of course, Wedge, who can be baffling at times, didn't seem to have an answer when asked who would back up Borowski.

"I just started thinking about it," manager Eric Wedge said. "I'm not ready to speak on that just yet. It is something we're definitely going to have to make a decision on, though."

Gee, thanks Eric Wedge, for all your fantastic insight. It's wonderful to see that you've been pondering your bullpen.

Wow,

I have to tell you that surprises for me in sports are a rarity.

Today, I was surprised.

Keith Foulke, one of the pieces signed by General Manager Mark Shapiro, retired from baseball. Foulke, who reported with pitchers and catchers, to Winter Haven, Florida, yesterday morning, had decided by noon that his playing days were over. Foulke reported pain in his elbow and shoulder, and decided that he didn't want to go through the pain-filled seasons of 2004-2006.

Foulke nearly retired last season:

"If I can't have fun playing this game, if I don't have the motivation to prepare ... as far as strength and training and all that," he told the Boston Globe, "I'm not going to be a middle bullpen, 5.00 ERA guy. Either I can come back and be a dominant pitcher, or I'll take it to the house."

What does this mean for the Tribe?

1. It appears as though Joe Borowski is a lock to at least start the season as the Tribe's closer. I'm saying it now though; Joe Borowski will not END the season as the Tribe closer.

2. It will save the hastle of having to decide between several others at the bottom end of the relief staff, such as Fernando Cabrera, Jason Davis and Matt Miller. Miller appeared to be the odd man out, as Cabrera and Davis are out of options. They either remain with the team, or head on down the road to waivers.

3. This gives Jason Davis a clear window to earn the closer's job, which I believe the Tribe management is secretly hoping he would do. Signing Borowski and Foulke, in my humble opinion, bought the Tribe a year so that Davis could earn this job. His stuff is wicked. I don't believe he has a 10 cent head...just one that has had a hard job acclimating to the Bigs. If what I'm hearing is true, this looks like the season where Jason Davis shows people that not only is his stuff dominating, but so is his moxie.

After it's all said and done, this is NOT good news for the Indians. A healthy Foulke would have provided a dominant closer for the Indians, with Joe Borowski a substantial part-time closer and main setup man. Now, it's Borowski or we end up with last season...no clear closer.

But, it's not the end of the season just yet. We don't know what we were getting with Foulke, and at the end of the day, his retiring saves us the 5 million we would have had to pay him had he started the season with the Tribe. It also gives Shapiro some time to make a move if he sees he has too, or give a guy like Davis the opportunity to become the heir-apparent, or present-day closer.

Of course, as an Indians fan, you have to say, "Uh-oh, here we go again..."

Is this the start of a "painful" 2007 season?

Or is this the news we needed to find a real closer?

Sometimes you need a smack in the face to wake up and smell the coffee. Most of us hoped that Foulke and Borowski were the answers. Perhaps this will proved us and Tribe management with a large dose of reality. The answer isn't in the aged, injury prone relievers we signed, but in the youth we are developing. Let's just hope Borowski gives us enough games to allow the youth, to step up.

As far as the retirement goes, the POJO Dojo wishes Keith Foulke good luck, and thanks for the memor...er...well...

Thanks for the 3 or so hours...

Chripes...the next thing you know, we'll sign Juan Gonzalez, and have him get hurt trying to leg out a single in his first at bat of the season.

Tribe Signs Trot and other Odd Indians News

The Cleveland Indians have signed Free Agent and former Red Sox outfielder Trot Nixon to a one-year, three million dollar contract.

Huh? What? Trot Nixon? Where did this come from?...and Why? I've purposely avoided all other blogs on this one, so I could get a clear take on it. The spin on this signing is that Trot Nixon brings a playoff presence, a solid on base percentage and low-strike out guy. Nixon has been described as "heart and hustle" in just about every article that I've read. I know Trot Nixon, and I don't disagree with any of what I just typed. He's all of the above. So do I like the signing?

Right now...NO.

Nixon hasn't played even close to a full season in three years due to a variety of reasons. In 2004, he had a herniated disc. In 2005, he had a left oblique muscle strain. In 2006, he had a right biceps strain, and a staph infection that followed. He's obviously injury prone. A lot of that is due to the way that he plays. He is 100% tough, a roughneck who charges pop flies like a linebacker. Unfortunately, it's cost him many games, and more importantly, sapped him of the strength that led to his best season, in 2003, in which he hit .306 with 28 taters and 87 RBI. Since then, Nixon hasn't hit more than 13 homers in one season, and has 27 total...in three seasons. Not all that good.

Nixon does bring a presence to this club, and the playoff experience will help. At 3 million, it's another low risk signing.

Nixon's signing can mean only one thing for the 24-year old Shin-Soo Choo: back to the minors. Choo was expected to start in right field for the Tribe, and certainly has the talent to be the starter. With the addition of the veteran bat however, it's believed that because of the now veteran mix of Jason Michaels, David Dellucci, Casey Blake, Grady Sizemore and Trot Nixon, that Choo will find himself roaming the outfield in Buffalo.

It really seems as though Shapiro lacks the confidence in his young players.

Now, there is some potential to this signing, and keep in mind that Cleveland isn't trading away young talent to pick up Nixon. It's another low-risk, potential high-yield signing. If Nixon stays healthy, and plays close to the player in his prime, you can count on a .280 average, somewhere in the realm of 20-30 dingers, and 75-85 RBI coming out of the 2 whole. It does set the lineup a bit better.

The Lineup would look as follows, right now:

Grady Sizemore
Trot Nixon
Pronk
VMart
Casey Blake
David Dellucci
Andy Marte
Jhonny Peralta
Josh Barfield

Now, let's go a bit further. Imagine if one of the following three bring the stick that we think they can: Andy Marte, Jhonny Peralta or Josh Barfield. If Peralta returns to his freshman form, or Barfield continues to progress offensively, you can move either to the two-hole, and move Nixon to the five-hole. I like this a lot better if Nixon is the player of old, because he provides instant protection for VMart if he simply is the guy that has a .360 OBP. Imagine if Marte begins to really develop the power. In my humble opinion, anything that you can do to move Dellucci, Michaels or Blake down in the order, makes your team that much better.

The other way to look at this is on the trade front. If Nixon pans out, it certainly allows you to entertain some trades with your depth in the outfield. With Choo, Francisco, Crowe and Gutierrez knocking on the door, you'd have to expect that Cleveland will be looking to make a move down the line for a better outfielder at the deadline, or a package with Garko for a better first baseman. Who knows. I suppose we need to wait to see what happens down the line, but overall, I can't figure this deal out.

So, again, the Indians and Mark Shapiro surprise me, and go out and sign someone unexpected to a low risk deal. Let's hope it pans out.

Cleveland designates Jeremy Guthrie for assignment: One question is answered with the signing of Nixon. To make room for Trot, Cleveland designated Guthrie for assignment, who was out of options. Guthrie, a former #1 pick, has yet to show the Indians that he was worthy of the pick. Shapiro said it best:

"It might have been a slight miscalculation on us on how advanced he was when we drafted him."

You always hope that the light turns on with a guy with this much talent. It just doesn't happen yet. Don't be surprised though, if Guthrie turns into a decent pitcher down the road, if someone gives him a chance. He will certainly be picked up.

Cleveland avoids arbitration...again: As most of you know, Cleveland has avoided arbitration with any players over the past 15 years. Davis was the last player this year, who was eligible. Cleveland, in typical fashion, came in at the deadline, and signed Davis to a one-year, $650,000 deal. Davis was asking for $760,000, and Cleveland was asking $600,000. Davis has wicked talent and a blazing fastball. If he ever puts the talent together with a bit of a mental game, he could be something special. Cleveland won't be letting him go until he proves that he'll never mature into that mental game. There seems to be a lot of evidence showing that this may be Davis' year. He was a bit of a bright spot in the bullpen last year, going 3-2 in 39 appearances, with a 3.74 ERA in 55 1/3 innings. He only gave up one home run. If he continues to advance, he really adds to this team. For more on the arbitration deal, check out two fantastic articles at Erik Cassano's Weblog, and at The Diatribe.

Cleveland also signed Rafael Bettancourt: Another player up for arbitration was Rafael Bettancourt. Rafael signed a one-year, $850,000 contract, which was over a 100% raise from last year. After a rough spot, Bettancourt, rom Aug. 23 through the end of the season, had an ERA of 1.10 in 13 games, and converted three straight save opportunities. He's another player, that if plays to standards, or improves, really makes the Tribe a hard team to beat in the last four innings.

Foulke signs a 1-year deal, and Tribe ups the ante to Mark Mulder

Keith Foulke is an Indian: Foulke passed his physical yesterday, and the only questions remaining was HOW MUCH and WHEN? We found out today. Foulke was given a 5 million dollar base salary, with 2 million dollars in incentives. Apparently, if Foulke "closes all year" according to his agent, he will make 7 million. To put that in perspective, Eric Gagne was offered a 1 year deal for 6 million, with incentives that could take it to 10? Is Gagne THAT much better than Foulke? Gagne certainly has much more upside, but Foulke IS healthy, and HAS pitched since his injury woes, and effectively. Let's not forget that Foulke has been a fireman of the year as recently as 4 years ago, saved game 7 of a world series 3 years ago, and is currently riding an 11+ inning scoreless streak. The interesting piece of this contract is that whatever incentives he earns THIS season becomes part of his BASE salary next season. It could be enough to get him to stay a second season if he pitches effectively this season. The other bonus, according to his agent, Dan Horwits, is his eagerness to be an Indian.

"Keith is very excited about coming to Cleveland...they pursued him very aggressively."

Now you can look at it how you want to, but when it's all said and done, it's very possible that Foulke waited on THE INDIANS, not the other way around.

So how does the bullpen shape up, now that it appears we've made our final bullpen move? I'm going to ASSUME that Cleveland is going to use a 12 man pitching staff, although the potential is there for 13. Why? All those wondering about and whining about all the multi-position players the Indians have, can now see a potential benefit of such a makeup. If it's 12 OR 13, it should look something like this:

Closer--Keith Foulke
setup/closer--Joe Borowski
setup/situational--Rafael Bettancourt
setup/situational--Roberto Hernandez
Spot Lefty/situational--Aaron Fultz
Middle Relief--Fernando Cabrera
Long and Middle Relief--Jason Davis
(13th Man)Either Lefty Juan Lara or Rafael Perez or wildcard Fausto Carmona if they want him close by.

Starter--CC Sabathia
Starter--Jake Westbrook
Starter--Cliff Lee
Starter--Paul Byrd
Starter--Jeremy Sowers

There are lots of odd men out, and still the potential for a big deal before or during spring training. It's my belief that the Indians really want Carmona in the rotation THIS year. I don't see him in the bullpen at all. If he makes the rotation, that gives the Tribe TON of flex, and could prompt a major deal involving either Lee or Westbrook, or in the happenstance that the Tribe signs Mark Mulder, BOTH players. I just don't see Jeremy Guthrie, one or both of the lefties, Tom Mastny, Carmona, Ed Mujica, Matt and Adam Miller (come July), among others, sitting in Buffalo (Brian Sikorski was designated for assignment to make room for Foulke). It does give us incredible depth to either deal, or make sure the Foulkes, Borowskis and Robertos stay healthy. Watch Jason Davis and Fernando Cabrera though. I believe Cleveland will keep them, rather than try and make them through waivers (out of options, and someone will claim them), and will give them a chance to not only make this club, but be a factor. There seems to be a bit of noise about Jason Davis' maturity level having improved drastically. We'll see if it pays off. His stuff is that good.

In other news on Thursday, the Tribe has upped their offer to Mark Mulder, according to the St. Louis-Post Dispatch. Both Cleveland and Texas have given Mulder an offer that will pay him 7.75 million in year one, and could go up to 10 million in year two. It appears as though Texas' offer is slightly better than Cleveland's. The interesting twist here appears to be St. Louis. They've only offered Mulder a one-year deal, but are now being given a chance to match the other deals. It's obvious that Mulder would like to stay. I just don't see St. Louis doing it. We shall see. I still think Texas is the front runner here, but Cleveland is still in the race.

Some final Tribe Notes: Cleveland also signed veteran infielders Luis Rivas and Keith Ginter to minor league deals. There's really not much to say here other than both players at one time or another were above average prospects for their organizations (Rivas-Twins, Ginter-Astros/Brewers). They will be given an opportunity to earn a spot on the team as a utility infielder. Rivas and Ginter both have good gloves. Ginter has more pop, having hit 19 dingers in 2004 in only 113 games. Rivas has had injury issues curtail a potentially blossoming career with Minnesota. In 2001, his first full season, Rivas had 31 Stolen bases. His issues, however, have been a bad stick, and a ton of K's. Either way, both have good gloves, and could be the answer at the utility role.

So we wait for Mulder, who is waiting on the Cardinals. I don't care if the players think the Indians should be their first choice...

just their best choice...

See you tonight with a bit on the NFL coaching carousels.