Tribe interested in Rafael Furcal?

As astutely speculated over at the DiaTribe Sunday, SI.com is reporting that the Indians have an interest in LA Dodger shortstop Rafael Furcal. This is just the kind of signing the Tribe has lacked and would get the fan base charged up. If they have to go with less of a closer, fine. A journeyman starter? Good by me. This team is in need of a jolt and adding Furcal, although injury prone, would be a giant step in the right direction. With the way the hot stove has burned cool for the past 3 years, Tribe fans would surely welcome the front office attempting to make a splash for once. Don't bet on this happening, but we can dream.

Tribe Signs Tomo Ohka

The Indians today signed veteran hurler Tomo Ohka to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Ohka should add depth to triple-a Columbus add be a Spring Training buddy to Masa Kobayashi. He has apparently never appeared in any gay porno movies, which immediately vaults him into being the second greatest Japanese pitcher in Indians history.

Tribe possibly interested in Mike Lowell?

This post is complete speculation, but if the Red Sox are indeed interested in free agent first baseman Mark Teixeira, then Boston would have one to many 3rd Baseman. With the success Kevin Youkillis had manning the hot corner late last year and his popularity among bean town fans, I would imagine GM Theo Epstein would be looking to find a suitor for Lowell and his 2 year contract. Also, with Scott Boras prized catching free agent Jason Varitek looking for $50 Million, the Sox are in the market for a catcher. Would a deal with Kelly Shoppach involved entice Theo? These two teams have made deals of substance before, so we will just have to wait and see.

Tribe Times is Back!

I am going to again be posting some rumors, opinions, what nots from time to time if anyone is out there checking this. I kind of gave up on the blog thing, but will still post from time to time. Congrats to Cliff Lee on his Cy Young. He was one of the first topics I discussed back in March, wondering if he would be traded or possibly being sent to Buffalo. Boy was I wrong!!!

10 in a row!

The Tribe has been able to rattle off 9 straight wins since my last post. Some friends of mine believe this blog is a jinx on the Indians and said that the next time a put something up the team will subsequently lose. Whatever the case, I will continue to post weekly and it is nice to talk about some positive developments. Although the last 3 teams seem to have given up their respective seasons (Royals, Rangers, Tigers), a team still has to play these games and the Indians seem to be collectively succeeding. The keys to the Indians streak has been clutch hitting and a bullpen that is finishing games. After the installation and execution of Jensen Lewis as closer, the rest of the bullpen (Betancourt, Perez, Donnelly) have settled into their respective roles. Ryan Garko and Franklin Gutierrez have been a hot streak, and Kelly Shoppach and Jhonny Peralta have provide much needed power. Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee have continued their All-Star seasons, and the potpourri of pitchers (Reyes, Jackson, Sowers) have been just good enough to put together quality starts. Now back to the hear and now...

The Indians currently have a record of 65-67, with 30 games left. If the Indians go a respectful 20-10 to end the season, here is what the rest of the teams in the races would have to go for the Tribe to make the playoffs.

Red Sox 7-23

Yankees 14-16

White Sox 8-22

Twins 9-21

Basically, barring a complete meltdown by 3 of these four teams, the Indians are still done. The frustrating part is give the Indians just 5 more wins somewhere amongst the first 4 months, and they would still be in the race. Oh well, we might as well just enjoy our Tribe playing well now and wait until next year for contention again

Wahoo Roundup

Random thoughts from a less than active blogger...

Not much interesting going on with the Tribe, they are battling for last place, their most interesting youngsters are still years away from the bigs, and football season is almost here. It is hard for me to get too involved with this team on a daily basis with updates as it is just not that compelling. When Hafner and Martinez come back, that should infuse my fandom a bit again.

The Paul Byrd trade saved the Indians 2 million dollars, let's see them spend it next year.

Jensen Lewis' velocity is up and is closing now. He looks good, but can he pitch this way in April and May?

The 2009 Tribe thirdbasemen will not be Andy Marte.

Adam Miller will be in the bullpen in the Majors in 2009.

Francisco and Choo are a lock next season, unless one is traded.

Sal Fasano is still awesome.

Two pitchers between Laffey, Sowers, Reyes, and Huff will be in the starting rotation at the start of next year.

Asdrubal is hitting in August, can he hit in April?

Ryan Garko will be on this team next season.

The Kansas City Royals come to town in the battle for the basement tonight.

100th Post, Worst lineup in 100 years

Well it toook about 5 months, but we have officially reached the one hundred post mark, whatever that means. If there are any readers still out there feel free to post a comment on your feelings about the Tribe in 2008. I will give you a topic, here is the batting order for the Indians today...

CF Franklin Gutierrez,

3B Jamey Carroll

LF Ben Francisco

SS Jhonny Peralta

RF Shin-Soo Choo

DH Ryan Garko (Andy Marte replaces Garko for not running out a ground ball)

1B Andy Gonzalez

C Sal Fasano

2B Asdrubal Cabrera

LHP Jeremy Sowers

This has got to be one crappiest lineups the Tribe has trotted out in decades. Only 3 of the guys (after Garko was benched) started in the playoffs last year. The sad state of affairs really makes me wonder how this team expects to contend in 2009. Their offense is weak, their bullpen is horrific, no closer, and only two starting pitchers penciled in (Lee, Carmona). This may be a one and done type of team, where they can contend to a point and then have to start over. I can't even begin to think about what they could do in the off season as there are too many holes to fill. This front office has really no track record of signing any free agent besides fill in guys, so how do these questions become answered? Unless this team promotes guys who look like future solutions (Crowe, Reyes, Huff, Hodges), the rest of 2008 will continue to be one giant yawn.

Weekly Wahoo Update

Sorry for not updating as often, it has been a busy summer (baby on the way). Casey Blake was traded to the Dodgers and is playing well (5-13, 1 ejection). The 2 guys they picked up (Jon Meloan and Carlos Santana) seem like a pretty solid return for a player in his free agent year. I will miss Casey as being a constant in the lineup, wherever in the field he was playing. He was one of GM Mark Shapiro's best moves over the years and would not mind seeing him back next year on a 1 year contract. I imagine someone will give him at least a two year deal because of his great versatility in the field. Also, the Indians traded for Cardinal starting pitcher Anthony Reyes, while shipping out Akron reliever Luis Pedromo. Reyes will serve as a reclamation project as he started game one of the 2006 World Series, but since has struggled. Look for him to jump to the majors sometime in August, especially if Paul Byrd is traded. Finally, Aaron Laffey was sent down to "straighten things out." Why he can't do that at the major league level for a last place team is beyond me.

On the field:

The Indians are so far 2-3 on their current homestand. I went to the game on Saturday and witnessed Fausto get pounded in the first but was OK with things since we had club seats and I was eating nachos in air conditioning while Carmona was lighting the mound on fire. Andy Marte hit a homerun, which was ok I guess. While we were leaving my friend Scott kept mumbling, "maybe next year," which seems to be the theme of Cleveland sports. Other random thoughts:

Jhonny Peralta seems to be back.

Cliff Lee surprised everyone this year besides one, himself.

When Ben Francisco is in a slump, it gets magnified. He is an aggressive hitter who swings often early in the count.

Grady Sizemore is only going to get better.

Betancourt has completely lost all of his confidence. He won't even talk to reporters anymore.

Victor Martinez seems to be only a few weeks away from returning, which will help the lineup out immensely. The season of Nightmares continues today as Cliff Lee goes for win number 15 tonight against Nate Robertson. Are you in the Tribe? Still?

Split the Road, Tribe

Tribe Times has been on hiatus for a week and not much really happened. The Indians have been playing better of late sans Aaron Laffey's last two starts. The team as a whole seems to be having more fun actually playing the game rather than "grinding." It will be a long last few months of the baseball season, so I am going to add another addition of Random Thoughts.

The Retro 1989 jerseys need to be sold in stores and uses next year. Paul Hoynes said that the Mariners gave the 25 man roster a chance to buy their respective jerseys for charity and a whopping 20 did so. Bring them BACK!!!

Casey Blake may not be traded, which is not necessarily a bad thing. If they can sign Casey to a one year contract with a club option for 2010, I would be all for bringing him back. He is a definite team leader and a good guy to have around. Blake may not take such a deal since this is his first opportunity at Free Agency and he may want the security of a multi-year deal. That would be risky since he is 35.

Aaron Laffey better straighten things out our the 2009 rotation is looking thinner by the day.

Tom Mastny introduces himself with an "I'm Tom Mastny," meatball everytime he pitches.

Edward Mujica may not be as bad as I thought he was.

Juan Rincon may be worth a 2009 look, but will probably end up like Jorge Julio/Roberto Hernandez.

David Dellucci should be duct tapped to the bench.

Andy Marte is playing better, but is not the long term solution at 3rd Base.

Ryan Garko should not be our starting firstbaseman in 2009.

Jhonny hit good, field bad.

Travis Hafner may be done for the year.

Would you sign K-Rod to a 5 year, 65 million dollar contract if it meant no offensive help next year? I would.

Matt LaPorta will be an Indian in May of 2009.

Shin Soo Choo and Ben Francisco will form a platoon next season. Book it!

Fausto will be one of the few players to watch left this season.

Jamey Carroll has a future being a jockey at Thistledown.

Sal Fasano is one of my favorite Indians of all time.

Two roster moves happened over the past week, as Asdrubal Cabrera was called up and Jorge Velandia was sent to Buffalo. Also Fausto Carmona is due to pitch on Saturday for the first time since the middle of May, so look for Matt Ginter to be sent down.

Browns training camp opened today so I imagine not many people but the diehards are reading this anymore. Thanks to those who do, whoever and wherever you are.

Lee, Sizemore help lead A.L. to Victory

The American League won yesterday 4-3 in 15 innings with the help of Cleveland's own All-Stars Cliff Lee and Grady Sizemore. Lee pitched two scorless innings, striking out the first two batters he faced. Grady went 1-5, scored the game-tying run and stole a base. It has been a solid 7 days for the Indians in an otherwise disasterous season. Tribe Times will be on hiatus pretty much until Sunday as I am on vacation in that crummy state up north. If anything of importance happens I will post when possible. The Indians head to the west coast Friday to face Seattle for three. Let's hope they can salvage something out of the rest of the season

Matt LaPorta Update

Akron Aeroes Left Fielder Matt LaPorta went 3-6 today in a two game double header. All of his hits were singles, and in the second game he had 2 of the teams' 4 hits. Hey, he is the future, so might as well check up on him. The Aeroes now possess most of the position player talent in the Indians farm system (LaPorta, Hodges, Rodriguez, Crowe) so they seem to be much more interesting to follow than our floundering ballclub.

Tribe loses 10th in a row.

Wow what a finish! I actually thought the Indians would win tonight after they were up 6-0 in the fifth inning. The bullpen of nightmares continues to haunt my dreams. Why did Wedge only let Rafael Perez pitch to one batter in the eighth when he is clearly the best reliever on the team. I guess he wanted to boost Jensen Lewis' confidence by having him face the meat of the Tigers order in a tie game. Wedge has had issues all year with the gas cans out beyond the fence, but he needs to develop some type of continuity. Grady had three hits and two rbi's, while Jhonny continued his hot streak with 2 hits and 2 rbi's. Paul Byrd pitched well, but let 2 batters on in the seventh which ended up killing them. If this game was in April Wedge would have yanked Byrd after six, but the way the pen is, I can't really blame him. Striking out three times in a row (Choo, Garko, Marte) with the bases loaded didn't help either. Thankfully there is only 4 games left until the All-Star break. With Wednesday's loss, the Indians have now lost 10 consecutive games for the first time since 1979, when I was 7 months old. The record for most losses in a row was 12 set in 1931. Let's hope that record is not broken

Juan Rincon added to roster, Elarton to DL

Juan Rincon was added to the worst bullpen in the major leagues today, as Scott Elarton was placed on the DL. Rincon was lighting up Buffalo with a 6.75 ERA but showed good arm strength and has late innings history on a playoff club, according to Eric Wedge. The Indians lost to the Tigers tonight 9-2 on 2 hits. CC looks great as a Brewer. I am going to go throw up now.

Down on the Farm Report: David Huff

Since the Cleveland Indians are in the basement of the A.L. Central, we decided to further investigate the talent in the minor leagues. Today's topic is AAA pitcher David Huff. This southpaw was drafted in the 1st round of the 2006 amateur draft out of UCLA. While Huff is no fireballer (often topping out in the low 90's), he has rapidly moved through the Indians system. He has in two years went from rookie ball to AAA. Huff will turn only 24 in August and will be an option for the big club rotation in 2009. Ross Atkins has compared him often to Tom Glavine with his pinpoint control. His strikeout to walk ratio is outstanding in Buffalo (11-1), but I don't expect the Indians to rush him. With the season a loss cause, look for Huff to debut sometime in September. Here are his stats this year...

Akron 5-1 1.92 ERA 10 Games Started 65+ innings, 62 K's, 14 Walks.

Buffalo 2-2 3.79 ERA 7 Games Started 38 innings, 42 K's, 4 Walks.

Huff needs to show a bit more dominance in Buffalo to show the parent club he is ready for prime time. I hopefully think he will become more like Aaron Laffey than Jeremy Sowers as his strikeout numbers are higher. Don't see all three in the rotation next year because that would be way too many soft tossing lefties. The Indians pitching depth has been depleted over the past few months severely so Huff will definitely be a factor next season.

It's official, CC to Brewers for LaPorta and 3 others.

Multiple sources are reporting that 2007 AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia will be traded to the Milwaukee Brewers tomorrow for OF Matt LaPorta, pitchers Zach Jackson and Rob Bryson, and a player to be named later who is likely 3B Taylor Green. Laporta is the main player in this deal, so expect him to be start out at Buffalo and make his way up to Cleveland after September 1st. Here are their stats...

Matt LaPorta: .291 (.404 OBP) 20 HR 66 RBI AA Huntsville

Zach Jackson: 1-5 7.81 ERA 22 Appearances (6 starts) AAA Nashville

Rob Bryson: 3-2 4.25 ERA 22 Appearances (5 starts) A West Virginia

Taylor Green: .297 (.381 OBP) 10 HR 50 RBI A Brevard County

I was hopping the Tribe could snag the Escobar kid, but we won't know how good this trade will be until 3-4 years from now. LaPorta seems to be the real deal, and the Bryson kid has 73 K's in 55 innings pitched. CC was one of the best players ever to don a Tribe uniform and will be sorely missed. It is a sad day to be a Indians fan as our best pitcher in the past 30-some years will now be pitching elsewhere. More to come over the next 24 hours.