Answering the Fans

I was lucky enough to attend an Indians season ticket holders' Town Hall event held at Westlake High School Tuesday where Assistant GM Chris Antoneti and Manager Eric Wedge, among others (Bob Dibiasio, Dennis Lehman) answered some questions from the common folk. The usual softball questions were asked as I expected, since we all were pretty much just fans excited to talk to the leaders of our favorite club. The panel was extremely cordial and answered even the stupid questions about signing big name free agents. I was able to record about 15 minutes of it, (I am the guy who asked about the teams' philosophy on injuries and if the Tribe would resign Manny) and took a few mental notes as well. This first video is about Travis Hafner and Jake Westbrook.

Here is a synopsis of what I heard

When Wedge was asked about Andy Marte, he basically said they haven't been able to tap into his full potential in Cleveland and that it might have to happen somewhere else. Said for some guys sometimes their ability to stay consistant just clicks on one day(used the example of Casey Blake after 8 years in the minors and Jamie Moyer, saying he remembers facing him in the minors). I would say Marte is pretty much done as an Indian.

Wedge said they wouldn't have guessed Cliff Lee would accomplish the season he had after his first spring training start (joked that he asked Carl Willis what the two had been working on all winter). After his amazing April continued into May and June, Wedge knew Lee's season would be special. Told Cliff after CC was traded, he was the man, his ace. Also mentioned Kelly Shoppach while speaking about Lee prominantly, so don't be surprised to see a Lee/Shoppach battery most of the time.

Antonetti spoke about how the Indians decided to bring in Carl Pavano. Said he was in the best shape he had been in 4 years. Pavano also bluntly talked about that he pretty much sucked in New York and was ready for a big comeback. Apparently the team was impressed with his desire to bounce back and Pavano seemed to be the most physically recovered reclamation project out there. Stressed it was a low risk/high reward signing.

Wedge spoke about how Josh Barfield needs to develop some more "flexibility" in his game to make the club, saying that he may need to learn the outfield to become more versatile. Also talked about Ryan Garko learning some left field (yikes!) for when Victor Martinez plays first. Doesn't have any illusions that Garko will be the next Willie Mays out there, but just being serviceable would add to club overall. Also said DeRosa would play some right field for Choo against tougher lefties and that Jamey Carroll may patrol the outfield as well. The skipper seems to really want to be able to juggle his players around to find the right fit any given day. Stressed it was a 162 game season and needs to be treated as such. (never overact to any situation).

Antoneti mentioned 3 players to watch in AA Akron, Carlos Santana, Beau Mills, and Hector Rondon as well as hyping up the AAA Columbus outfield of Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley, and Trevor Crowe (compared him to Coco Crisp).

Wedge spoke a bit about the usual question that comes up at these type of events, Cleveland's market size and players coming and going. He said that the 10 game losing streak was more of a product of the players' uncertainty about the CC trade talks and felt the team didn't really give their best effort. Said a lot of players got exposure last year to the big league team that they normally would not have, and will help come 2009. Mentioned that the two biggest team leaders left (Sabathia, Blake) but more talent will come on through (mentioned Matt LaPorta, David Huff). Antonetti talked about even though the season was a disappointment, they were able to replenish the farm system more than expected through their various deals.

When I asked about the teams feeling concerning disclosing injuries, Wedge and Antonetti both basically said that the team would lose a competitive advantage if they told the media every little bump and bruise. (The video is below).

It was a fun experience for my wife Lynsey and I to go out and hear about our beloved Tribe (It was also the first time we left our 1 month old son at Grandma's house). The event gave the fans an up close feeling of where the front office hopes and feels the team will be in 2009. We will be off to the winter caravan tour in Sandusky with Ryan Garko and David Huff Monday so I will have some stuff up here about that as well. Here is the last clip which is really just financial talk and kind of boring. For all you Derek Jeter fans there is some drooling over him in here as well. Enjoy!

Is Pavano coming to Cleveland?

General Manager Mark Shapiro seems to be really pushing to complete his 2009 roster as Buster Olney is reporting that the Indians are close to signing off injured Starting Pitcher Carl Pavano. This looks to be a reclamation project a la Kevin Milwood in 2005. Carl has only thrown 45 2/3 innings over the past 2 seasons and his last good season was in 200 (his free agent season). He was a complete bust in his 4 years as a New York Yankee, only pitching in 26 games over that time period. Pavano missed all of 2006 and has had a variety of injuries. This would be a low risk, high reward signing that Shapiro is notorious for. I say go for it Mark, it immediately makes the rotation stronger if he is just average. Pitching coach Carl Willis has worked well with our starting staff (2 Cy Youngs in 2 years) so that may attract Pavano to help revitalize his career. He also used to date Alyssa Milano, which is always a bonus

DeRosa an Indian

Not breaking news, (more than a week old), but the Indians traded Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer, and John Gaub to the Chicago Cubs for infielder Mark DeRosa. DeRosa played the majority of 2008 at Second Base, but the Tribe is looking at stick him at third. For more in depth analysis, check out the DiaTribe. I really like this move as it adds more flexibility to the 2009 roster.

Franky G, Frankly Gone

Ken Rosenthal and Anthony Castrovince are reporting that the Mets, Mariners, and Indians have consummated a 12 player deal...

The Mets are working to acquire a setup man for new closer Francisco Rodriguez — and that setup man would be another closer from the American League West.
J.J. Putz could be headed to the Mets in a three-team trade with the Mariners and Indians, according to major-league sources.
Under terms of the deal, the Mets would get Putz, outfielder Jeremy Reed and reliever Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners would receive reliever Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first baseman Mike Carp from the Mets. They'd also get Franklin Gutierrez from the Indians and minor leaguers. The Indians would get reliever Joe Smith from the Mets and infielder Luis Valbuena from Seattle.
From the Mets' perspective, the deal would be Heilman and Smith for Putz. Chavez and Reed would be an exchange of backup outfielders, Smith and Green an exchange of right-handed groundball specialists.

Joe Smith player profile here

Luis Valbuena player profile here

Although I believe Franklin Gutierrez is probably one of the best defensive outfielders I have ever seen play for the Tribe, this trade seems to be pretty solid. Gutierrez was a man without a role on this team, but don't count out Franky G from possibly making an impact someday soon. Most fans may easily forget how great he played in the second half of 2007, eventually showing his struggles in the ALCS (sans a homerun at Fenway in Game 2). Tribe Times will miss Frank and wish him all the best!

Joe Smith pitched in an astounding 82 games last year and posted a solid 3.55 era. Seems odd that the Mets would deal such a solid reliever, but now adding Putz as a setup man for K-Rod seems like quite an eighth and ninth inning tandem. Even better news is that now two dominate AL closers have jumped ship to the National League, while the Indians are close to nabbing a stud of their own in Kerry Wood. Pairing Smith with Wood, along with Lewis, Perez, Betancourt, Kobayashi, and possibly Adam Miller immediately makes the 2009 bullpen extremely deep and miles ahead of last years gas can of a relief corps.

I honestly had never heard of Luis Valbuena before this past hour, but he seems pretty similar to a certain Venezuelan middle infielder Cleveland acquired from the Mariners a few years back (Asdrubal Cabrera). Some talk out of Seattle suggested that he would be in the mix as the Mariners starting second baseman in 2009, so I imagine he will me in the mix here as well. To net a solid bullpen arm and a marginal prospect for essentially a fourth outfielder seems to be another solid move by Shapiro, Antonetti and the gang. More moves to come I imagine as the Rule 5 draft kicks of Thursday. Hooray for Activity!

Castrovince Update:

UPDATE No. 2 (11:50 p.m. ET): Holy Lord, this thing just keeps growing. It's actually a 12-player swap, and it does involve other Minor Leaguers. Nobody from the Indians, though.
In addition to the players previously mentioned, the M's are getting right-hander Maikel Cleto, left-hander Jason Vargas and outfielder Ezekiel Carrera from the Mets.
Wow.

Winter Wonderings with Wedge

As the visions of Wood dance through the heads of Tribe fans everywhere, my thoughts have immediately move towards the infield. After viewing STO's Matt Underwood interview Eric Wedge about everything Indians, some items up for debate have become clearer.

• Basically said if no infield moves were made, Peralta would remain at Shortstop which can't be good for Barfield.
  


• When asked about Shoppach/Martinez/Garko First Base/Catcher situation, Wedge said that Shoppach's role would increase behind the dish, but the league will adjust to him at bat. He stated that he won't commit to anything at the moment, leading me to believe that they are shopping him hardcore (with 3 catchers on the 40man) for a middle infielder.

• The team is looking at probably after January 1 for a starting pitcher but Shapiro and Antonetti have been kicking the tires on every possibility.

• Tribe is exploring everything at closer (trade/free agent) so it seems they are coming up with a back up plan if the Kerry Wood deal falls through.

The skipper seems pretty optimistic about the Indians addressing the needs of the team. I am relieved to know that Wedge doesn't see a Cabrera/Barfield double play combination in 2009. The next 48 hours may paint a more clearer picture of what team will be taking the field come opening day

Would Wood Work in Cleveland?

Indians.com is reporting that the Tribe is close to signing Free Agent closer Kerry Wood to a two year deal with an option for a third. Now I would prefer the Indians to utilize the little cash they have on an infielder, the signing of Wood solidifies the bullpen, a major problem in 2008. With this signing, you can probably pencil in either Josh Barfield or Jamey Carroll in at second base this year, which is not good for the offense at all. As for another starting pitcher, there is word that Shapiro may be interested in Kris Benson on a minor league deal. As long his contract is not guaranteed the move would be fine with me, plus his wife is crazy hot, well more crazy than hot. Hopefully we wouldn't have a repeat of this guy with his significant other.

Sayonara Tom Mastny

The Tribe's 40 man roster is now down to 38 as reliever Tom Mastny was sent packing off to the far east. The Yokohama Baystars purchased the contract of the Cleveland reliever who spent parts of the prior three years with the club. Tom terrific posted a 10.80 era in 14 games and one memorable June start in Texas. His two claims to fame as an Indian were taking over the closer's role after Bob Wickman was traded away in 2006 and pitching well in the ALCS against Boston, hurling 4 2/3 scoreless innings in 3 outings. Here's to you Tom, good luck and make sure to buzz a fastball in on the chin of Tuffy Rhodes.

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?