Meet the Tribe... Pitching Edition

Every year I watch spring training and end up seeing numbers in the 60's and 70's donning the uniforms of my favorite ball club, the Cleveland Indians and have no clue who they are. This year I have put an end to that as the following article has the names and numbers (with a brief commentary) of all 59 players invited to Goodyear, Arizona this Cactus season. Some will be huge contributors, others will be inevidably cut by the second week of March. Just print a copy off, tune into STO on February 25th, and start dreaming of another odd year playoff appearance. Today will focus on the Pitchers, and Sunday will focus on the position players.

Pitchers

63 Rafael Betancourt Raffy right's 2009 season is a big one for both the Tribe and him. Will he repeat his disappointing 2008 or rekindle the his magical 2007 campaign? Bet on somewhere in the middle to be true. Imagine Indians brass is betting on him not pitching in the WBC (Venezuela) and focusing on spotting his fastball. 2010 is a club option so Raffy will need to prove to the Indians he is back. Hopefully 2008 was more of an abberation than an impending decline.
Interesting Tid Bit... Victor Martinez is the Godfather to his Betancourt's son.
55 Fausto Carmona Can Fausto cut down his walks and baffle A.L. hitters with his wicked slider? The Indians are leaning heavily on Carmona to help stabilize the 2 slot in the rotation. If his walks are down, his consistancy will return. Showed toughness and grit while pounding Gary Sheffield's face in late September game against Detroit. Just turned 25 in December.
Interesting Tid Bit... Fausto favorite movie? Major League 2.
57 Zach Jackson Zach has an outside shot at the roster as either a 5th starter or 7th man out of the pen. More likely headed to the Columbus rotation. One of four players acquired from Milwaukee in CC trade.
Interesting Tid Bit... Jackson's last two starts of 2008 were impressive, earning wins against eventual A.L. playoff participants Boston and Chicago (13 innings, 4 earned runs, 8 K's).
30 Masahide Kobayashi Kobayashi has a lot to prove in 2009 after pitching inconsistant the second half of last season. Club feels that Kobayashi wore down and only allowed him to throw in 3 games in September, eventually shutting him down after September 13th.
Intersting Tid Bit... Cousin to world renown Hot Dog eating champion Kobayashi. (no, not really).
32 Aaron Laffey Was A.L. Rookie Pitcher of the Month for May, developed some elbow trouble, and was eventually shut down for the season. Leading candidate to be teams' 5th starter. Lived in Cleveland during off season to refocus and train for 2009. Tribe brass still high on him as he lefty is just turning 24 in April and despite struggles posted a 4.23 ERA in 16 starts.
Interesting Tid Bit... Loves listening to 2Pac.
31 Cliff Lee What can you say about ole Clifton? 2008 Cy Young winner, All-Star starter, 22 game winner. If he is anywhere close to the pitcher he was last year, losing CC will be much easier to deal with. Mind Boggling 2.54 ERA with 170 K's. Ace of the staff.
Interesting Tid Bit...Lee's middle name is Phifer.
50 Jensen Lewis Was 13-13 in save opportunities as Tribe's de facto closer. Stuggled with velocity early on in 2008, but rebounded quite well posting a 1.59 era over his last 10 outings. Lewis will be relied upon as a 7th and 8th inning guy with having the potential to fill in at closer if Kerry Wood needs a day off or is placed on the Disabled List.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was college teammate to fellow Tribe pitcher Jeremy Sowers.
46 Scott Lewis This Ohio State Alum has an outside shot at the 5th slot in the rotation, more likely headed back home to Columbus. Won all 4 starts he made for the Indians in September, posting a 2.63 ERA. Threw a shutout in his Major League Debut.
Interesting Tid Bit... Majored in Sociology at THE Ohio State University.
59 John Meloan Right hander acquired from the Dodgers in the Casey Blake trade. Pegged as a late inning option in Triple A. Throws fastball in mid 90's, will be one of the first call ups if bullpen struggles.
Interesting Tid Bit... K'd 2 in his 2 games pitched last season in the majors with the Indians.
72 Adam Miller The eternal prospect who only just turned 24 in November. Fastball in upper 90's, but can't stay healthy. Reportedly 100% (we'll see) as his finger problems are apparently behind him. Has been moved to the bullpen to try and keep him on the field for an extended time. Outside shot at making the team as the 7th option out of the pen. May still be a starter again someday.
Interesting Tid Bit... Enjoys meat sandwiches.
49 Edward Mujica Posted a 6.75 ERA over 33 games, but actually went through a 10 inning scoreless streak, which means when he is bad, he is God awful. Out of options so has a shot at making the bullpen. More likely sent packing after lighting the Arizona sky with Rawlings products.
Interesting Tid Bit... Resides in Yagua, Venezuela. Hope he stays there come February 12th.
44 Carl Pavano Was blasted mercilessly and basically compared to a part of the female anatomy in Joe Torre's book. Dated Alyssa Milano. Pitched really crappy over his four years in New York. Indians hoping he can regain his 2004 form (big stretch) and be the teams' 3rd starter.
Interesting Tid Bit... May be arrested in June 2009 for stealing $1.5 million from Cleveland and its fans.
53 Rafael Perez Pitched solid in 2008, will probably be the only Lefty out of the pen. Likely main set up guy looking to continue his consistantcy. Posted a 3.54 ERA over 76 plus innings. An unsung contributor.
Interesting Tid Bit... Turns 27 in May.
27 Anthony Reyes Out of options, has inside track at 4th slot in the rotation. Put together 5 solid starts (2-1, 1.83 ERA in 34 plus innings) for the Tribe before being shut down September 5th as a precausion. Former top prospect for St. Louis needs to stay healthy to ever be counted on.
Interesting Tid Bit... Lost 10 straight games to start 2007 season.
75 Hector Rondon Soon to be 21 year old ticketed as ace of the Akron staff. Went 11-6 at Single A Kinston and rated as a top 10 prospect by Baseball America. Fastball clocked in the mid 90's.
Interesting Tid Bit... Played in the 2007 Futures game for the World Team during All-Star weekend.
56 Rich Rundles 6'5 Lefty gave up only one run over 5 innings of work over 8 games last September for the Tribe. Primarily a matchup lefty who is a great bullpen depth option who will probably start the season in Columbus. Will definitely see time in the Big Leagues in 2009.
Interesting Tid Bit... Throws side-arm.
70 Tony Sipp The off injured Sipp looks to rebound from Tommy John surgery. Looking to round out an impressive Columbus bullpen. Left hander experienced more arm pain in Winter Ball so the team is being cautiously optimistic in his return.
Interesting Tid Bit... Sports a career 2.74 ERA in the minors.
38 Joe Smith Acquired in December from the Mets as part of the 3 team deal involving Franklin Gutierrez. Sidearmer posted a 2.57 era over his last 10 games while New York was in the playoff hunt. Righties batted .192 against him. Virtual lock to make club as a matchup guy out of the pen.
Interesting Tid Bit... Grandparents live in Bay Village, Ohio.
45 Jeremy Sowers Jeremy's 2008 campaign was a roller coaster of a season that went primarily down, posting 4 wins in 22 starts with an ERA above 5. In the mix for the 5th slot, but pretty much a depth option. Former #1 pick has been unable to his 2006 form when he won 7 games and posted a 3.57 ERA. His velocity is up, but the difference between his fastball and changeup is to low (5mph) to be consistantly effective against major league hitters.
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite music is New Wave and 80's. or loves the band AH-HA.
37 Jake Westbrook Jake signed a 3-year 30 million dollar contract in 2007 and subsequently needed Tommy John surgery causing Tribe fans to utter the phrase "only in Cleveland." Will try to make it back after the All-Star break to contrinbute to a hopeful playoff run. Westbrook is a hard worker and will be back to his regular form by 2010.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was traded to the Indians back in 2000 from the Yankees as part of the David Justice deal along with Zach Day and Ricky Ledee.
34 Kerry Wood Signed a 2 year, $20.5 million dollar deal with a $11 million vesting option in 2011. Saved 34 of 40 games for division winning Cubs. Tribe hopeful long history of arm troubles stay away. First fire baller to close for the Indians since John Rocker.
Interesting Tid Bit... Struck out 20 batters in one game in 1998.

Non Roster Invites
36 Greg Aquino posted a 2.45 ERA in 23 innings for Triple A Norfolk in 2008. Had 12.54 ERA in 9 games as an Oriole. Started season on 25-man roster.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was originally an infielder.
58 Jack Cassel 28 year righty pitched in 9 games for the Astros, posting a 5.64 ERA. Triple A bullpen option.
Interesting Tid Bit... Brother is New England Patriots QB Matt Cassel. Seriously!
39 Vinnie Chulk In the mix (longshot) for last bullpen spot. Posted a 4.83 ERA in 27 games for the Giants. Never was recalled after being sent to the minors in June, pitched adequately in Triple A Fresno, with a 3.65 ERA over 24 plus innings. Major contributor to SF bullpen in 2007 where he pitched in 57 games, going 5-4 with a 3.57 ERA.
Interesting Tid Bit... Has a degree in sports management.
64 Ryan Edell Lefty posted a 7-8 record with a 3.80 ERA over 26 starts in Double A Akron in 2008. Has excellent arm control meaning he slots the arm angle on his pitches mostly the same. Not much of a power pitcher as he throws in the low 90's. Likely an eventual bullpen candidate as a long man in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Likes eating Hamburgers.
40 Matt Herges 38 year old pitched in 58 games for Colorado in 2008, going 3-4 with a 5.04 ERA. Has appeared in 537 games over his 12 major league career for the Dodgers, Expos, Padres, Giants, Diamondbacks, Marlins and Rockies. First try at the A.L. Long shot to make bullpen, but may give Triple A a try. Threw 3 shutout innings in 2007 World Series.
Interesting Tid Bit... Was named in the Mitchell Report for taking Performance Inhancing Drugs.
69 David Huff 2008 Indians Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Lefty was 1st round pick out of UCLA in 2006. Real shot at rotation out of Spring Training, will definitely be first call up if doesn't break camp with the big league club. Demonstrates outstanding control as he only walked 29 batters in 26 minor league starts in 2008. Compiled a 5-1 record with a 1.92 ERA in Akron over 11 games. Went 6-4 with a 3.01 ERA in Buffalo over 16 starts. A Strike Trower who has a solid velocity (94mph fastball).
Interesting Tid Bit... Favorite player growing up was Tom Glavine.
16 Tomo Ohka Triple A Starting Pitching Depth Option. Has career 50-62 record in the big leagues. Went 5-11 with a 4.18 ERA in Triple A Charlotte in 2008 (White Sox affiliate).
Interesting Tid Bit... Mentioned in 2003 episode of The Simpsons.
54 Kirk Saarloos Spent most of 2008 season in Triple A Sacramento for Oakland as a starter, posting a 9-4 record and 4.22 ERA in 22 starts. Should make the rotation in Columbus.
Interesting Tid Bit... Career Record is 29-30 with a 5.02 ERA.

Special thanks to Tony Lastoria's book "2009 Cleveland Indians Top 100 Prospects" for his analysis on Tribe minor leaguers. You can purchase his book at his site http://www.indiansprospectinsider.com/. Phenominal Tribe Resource!

3 Burning Tribe Questions

In celebration of the various lists, previews, and breakdowns circulating around the Internet concerning the 2009 MLB season, Tribe Times has decided to jump into the fray. With the equipment trucks on their way to Arizona (yawn), and the most recent news of the Indians signing Vinnie Chulk (bigger yawn), let's get the prognostications flowing...

1. Can "Hot" Carl Pavano become the teams' 3rd starter?

At first I thought this signing had the makings of a Kevin Milwood-type reclamation project. By further examination, it looks as more likely to turn into a Jason Johnson-type disaster. Pavano has been horrible since 2004, basically suffering through injury after injury. He didn't take to well to the New York media, dated this girl, and was called out by his teammate Mike Mussina (who rarely ever says anything) questioning his intestinal fortitude. Here is an excerpt from spring training 2007.

"When one guy is out there playing the game despite whatever is going on and somebody else is not, that's how teammates get bad tastes in their mouths," Mussina said. "As another starting pitcher, who hasn't been 100 percent for all of the last two years, I know what it takes to be able to go out there and pitch, and I know when you can't go out there and pitch. And sometimes it's a fine line, but I think after 15 years I kind of know where the line is."
Pavano says that one injury led to another and that he finally feels well after working out with a new trainer in Arizona during the offseason. Some of his teammates kept pointing out that each time it appeared he was close to being ready to pitch in the major leagues, another injury occurred.
"I'm looking at from a perspective of just the way each thing happened and the timing of it and just piecing all those things together," Mussina said. "You get to form your own evaluation. It didn't look good. From a player's and a teammate's standpoint, it didn't look good. Was everything just coincidence over and over again? I don't know."

Never a good sign that a guy you may slot in as your number 3 man in your rotation has confidence and toughness issues. The front office has stated that of all of the guys considered as low risk/high reward alternatives (Pavano signed a 1 year 1.5 million incentive laden contract), he was in the best shape and possessed the most confidence. The Tribe brass may be kicking themselves at signing Pavano so early as guys like Ben Sheets and Pedro Martinez, among others are still currently free agents and will likely have to take contracts in the 4-7 million dollar range on one year deals. Granted, the payroll is pretty well maxed out, but if they would have waited and scrounged up another couple million, the team and the fans may have a bit more to feel confident about when you look at the starting rotation. If Pavano has any injury in Spring Training lasting more that a week, I would hope the team cuts bait quickly.

Best Case Scenario:

Pavano regains some Marlin magic and wins 15 games with an era under 4, helping to solidify the middle of the rotation.

Worst Case Scenario:

Carl hurts his arm, shoulder, or whatever and lights the Progressive Field mound on fire after every start, resulting in his ultimate release at the end of May.

Prediction:

Carl muddles through most starts until the All-Star break, eventually getting DL'd for a third time and being replaced by Jake Westbrook by August.

2. Will Travis Hafner rePronk his career?

I have been a huge Hafner fan ever since he was dealt from the Rangers for Einar Diaz and Ryan Drese and hope he can return to his former glory, but the 2009 season may be a make or break for number 48. Red Flags surround the DH, as besides the lost season of 2008, pundits have questioned his sharp statistical decline of 2007 in relation to 2006 when he hit 18 less homers in 23 more games. Terry Pluto recently wrote that he felt for Hafner to be somewhat effective this season, he would need to rest at least once or a twice a week. That is a worrisome proposition in that a guy whose sole responsibility to the team is swinging a bat needs a regular break from doing what he does best can't be a good thing.

The lineup can recover from Pronk sitting a few out as they showed at the end of last year (Kelly Shoppach, take your bow), but Travis seems to be his own harshest critic. A repeat of 2008 would sure to render him frustrated and nothing better than a guy off the bench. The bigger problem would be the 49+ million dollars left on his 4 year deal that would severely hinder the front offices' payroll flexibility if Hafner is rendered useless. The team and player seem confident that all problems in the shoulder have been fixed and we should see the Travis of old in 2009, sans his significant weight loss.

Best Case Scenario:

Hafner his fully healed, plays in 140 games, slugs 35 homeruns, has a OBP soaring over .400 and becomes the feared hitter he was back in 2006. Pronkville Rejoices!!!

Worst Case Scenario:

Elbow flares up, can't get into a rhythm, and we are stuck with a .220 50 million dollar DH for 4 more years

Prediction:

Pronk is tough, and his part project part donkey side takes over. Travis belts 25-30 homeruns, spends one or two short stints on the DL, hits around .270, and hears more cheers than boos at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

3. Does Mark DeRosa have what it takes to bat second and be a difference maker?

Everything out of Chicago has been extremely positive about the Tribe's new third baseman. I have heard words like "gamer" and phrases like "great clubhouse guy" when describing DeRosa, but will he produce in the AL? He primarily batted in the second half of the Cubs order, generally being protected from being heavily counted on to spark innings (which DeRosa did on his own to his credit). The Indians haven't had a solid number 2 hitter sans two months of Asdrubal Cabrera in 2007, or more notably since Coco Crisp in 2005. DeRosa seems a pretty solid player to plug in to the 2 hole with his .376 OBP. His 106 K's need to be cut down as he will be more heavily counted on to move runners along by putting the ball in play. The conversion over to the American League shouldn't be an issue as he played for Texas in 2006, having some success. In the past 3 years(2 in Chicago, 1 in Texas, 500 AB's in each season), DeRosa has only manned the hot corner a mere 99 times while committing 9 errors. The team has stated that 3rd Base is his best position, which is up for debate. His fielding percentage at third over the sample size above is .960, while his career FP there is .949, which rank him pretty much average and a slight upgrade over Casey Blake.

The real question will be if Asdrubal struggles a la 2008, or Peralta's lack of range gets worse, will the D-Man be back at second? DeRosa's ultra flexibility to be able to play pretty much anywhere (notably the corner outfield positions) seems to be what really attracted the Indians to the former Wrigleyviller, so don't be surprised to see him all around the diamond. His club friendly $5 million dollar one year contract may also provide this 2010 free agent some incentive to put together another productive season.

Best Case Scenario:

DeRosa further strengthens the top of the order, gets on base, helps set the table for the 3-4-5 hitters, flashes an above average gloves, and helps lead the Wigwamers to another division title.

Worst Case Scenario:

Struggles in April and May with his league transition, forgets how to play third, becomes Casey Blake lite or worse, an overpaid utility infielder and we see Wes Hodges sooner than we would like up in Cleveland.

Prediction:

DeRosa delivers, provides leadership and above average production, and helps the Indians battle deep into September for a very winnable AL Central Division crown.

There are obviously a lot more questions then answers floating around the 2009 Indians. More on those in the coming days, including a Central Division preview that spell out the road for baseball possibly (hopefully) being played in Cleveland in October.

Down on the Farm Report: Michael Brantley

Don't be surprised to see the first player paying dividends received in the CC Sabathia trade for the Indians in 2009 isn't USA Baseball Olympian Matt Laporta. With Pitchers and Catchers reporting to spring training in less than three weeks and WTAM replaying the Carmona/Sheffield brawl game today, my anticipation for another Indian summer is growing by the day. It lead me to ponder one name that seemed to keep popping up during the past weeks' Winter Press tour and if we could see that man roaming the area preceding the Toyota Home Run porch at Progressive Field; Tribe farmhand Outfielder Michael Brantley. Here are some thoughts around the web about this intriguing 21 year old prospect...

from CastroTurf...

There is a chance -- albeit a slim one -- that Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley or Trevor Crowe could win a big-league job out of camp. Again, though, it's slim, given that the Indians prefer to have those guys getting everyday at-bats in Triple-A. But it's become quite clear that David Dellucci is on a short leash this season. It also doesn't appear likely the Indians will carry five outfielders at the outset of the season.

Brantley is as mature a 21-year-old as you'll ever meet.

from the DiaTribe...

... I don’t know about you, but the 21-year-old version of myself was not the most impressive or mature person that you would meet and Brantley’s poise at a young age, not to mention the fact that he doesn’t turn 22 until May and figures to start the season in AAA, speaks to a self-confidence (not a cockiness) that the special players often exhibit.

... His stature and the fact that he’s still a 21-year-old growing into his body give some validity to Brantley’s comments during our interview a few months ago that scouts had told him that a comp for him was Garrett Anderson…which, at the time, I scoffed at. Certainly appearances are just that, but the on-base skills have always been there for Brantley (.399 career minor-league OBP) and he walked twice as much as he struck out last year in AA Huntsville, so it will be interesting to see if his power grows as his body matures and he moves himself further up the ladder.

Obviously, Brantley’s ability to hit for extra-base hits in AAA will go a long way to determining where he projects to be as a hitter, but know that Garrett Anderson had 42 extra-base hits as a 21-year-old in AAA in 1993 before becoming a fixture in the Angels’ lineup for the next 13 years, so if Brantley shows an ability to drive the ball in Columbus (now that he’s completely healthy and not hampered by the ankle injury that robbed him of some power in the 2nd half of 2008), it could portend good things for the PTBNL in the CC deal.

from Indians Prospect Insider...

I had a chance to talk to a lot of the guys I had talked to over the course of the season, and was able to finally for the first time talk to Brantley in person. He is only 21 and will be the first month or two of the Triple-A season this year, and is already 6'2" 200 pounds and strong. Good kid, and extremely mature. He often gets knocked because of a lack of power, but I believe it will start to show some this year with more doubles and triples. He's going to be special.

Brantley is the son of former Seattle Mariner Outfielder Mickey Brantley and possesses the potential skills the Tribe has been lacking since the departure of the first and second tour of duties of one Kenny Lofton; speed and on base ability. Although Manager Eric Wedge will continually harp on the idea of Grady Sizemore's love for the top spot in the order, the organization has to realize how much stronger the big league club's lineup would be offensively with Grady batting third. Let's illustrate this idea as if Brantley was ready to step into left field in 2009, a position he may be patrolling up in Cleveland by mid season.

1. Brantley LF

2. DeRosa 3B

3. Sizemore CF

4. Martinez C

5. Hafmer DH

6. Peralta SS

7. Choo RF

8. Garko 1B

9. Cabrera 2B

Let's say Cliff Lee is pitching, or a tough lefty is on the mound, or Hafner needs a day off. The lineup could look like this...

1. Brantley LF

2. DeRosa 3B

3. Sizemore CF

4. Martinez 1B

5. Peralta SS

6. Garko DH

7. Shoppach C

8. Francisco RF

9. Cabrera 2B

The first lineup features Garko batting 8th, which would immediately rank among the American League's best. And the second group is not too shaby either, taking into account that Pronk is going to need more days off this year than in years past. Sizemore in the 3 hole would increase the explosiveness of the daily 1-9 and allow Grady more opportunities to drive in runs. With David Dellucci apparently on a short leash according to Castrovince, the Indians won't hesitate to shake up the outfield in 2009. Also, Shin Soo Choo destroyed right handed pitching last year and may need a platoon mate, and who better than Ben Francisco to be that guy. Ben has demonstrated his ability to hit at the major league level somewhat, but he probably is more suited to be a 4th outfielder rather than an everyday guy. Obviously these scenarios are contingent on Brantley making an adjustment to Triple A Columbus, but his track record seems to point towards a smooth transition. Here is some more analysis from Tony Lastoria over at Indians Prospects Insider...

At only 21 years of age, Brantley has raced up the prospect rankings and climbed the minor league ladder quickly to where he just finished his second season - his first full season - at Double-A Huntsville where he hit .319 with 4 HR, 40 RBI, 28 stolen bases, and a .793 OPS in 106 games. When he opens next season in Triple-A Columbus, he won't turn 22 until mid-May, almost two months into the season. Brantley was in line to be a sure-fire Brewers top ten rated prospect going into next year, and in a much stronger and deeper Indians system is a borderline top ten guy.

...At 21 years of age, Brantley has displayed an elite level approach at the plate striking out just 27 times in 420 at bats this past season, and ranked second in the entire minor leagues with a strikeout per plate appearance ratio of 17.7 (27 K in 479 PA). In his four year minor league career, Brantley has struck out just 142 times in 1633 total plate appearances (11.5 AB/K). While he has only drawn 199 walks in his career, he has an extraordinary ability to consistently put the bat on the ball

His power numbers don't jump off the page, but reports say that he has bulked up to around 200 pounds. Supported by his 6'3 frame, one would deduce that his OPS will rise as he gets older. I remember another prospect the Tribe got from the Expos who didn't have much power in the minors either (Grady Sizemore anyone?). With the luxury of having Sizemore and his 33 homeruns patrolling center, Brantley would not be heavily relied upon for power anyways, just setting the table.

With Brantley being invited to Spring Training with the big club this spring, Wedge and Co. will be keeping a close eye on his development and production in Cactus League action. I imagine they will closely evaluate his defensive progression as well as his eye at the plate. He will be probably be compared and contrasted with fellow Columbus Clipper Trevor Crowe, but if Chris Antonetti is comparing Crowe to Coco Crisp (low OBP guy), I imagine Brantley is currently the more thought of prospect. If Mike can get on base, cover some ground, and rip it up early in Clipperville, the Sabathia trade may have garnered the Indians a much needed leadoff hitter of the Present.

Winter Press tour Sandusky Style

I was able to attend the Indians Winter Caravan on Monday at the Kalahari Convention Center in Sandusky, Ohio where David Huff, Ryan Garko, Derek Shelton, and Matt Underwood answered the fans questions, signed some autographs, and met the fans. Not much of any substance came from the 1 hour session, other than David Huff seems shy, Garko seemed a bit surprised by Wedge's thoughts of him in the outfield, and Derek Shelton speaking the company line. Garko further talked about the possible transition...

Garko expressed surprise that he may be asked to play the outfield.

‘‘One of my friends sent me a text message saying that he read in the paper I was going out there,’’ Garko explained. ‘‘That’s fine with me, though nobody has said anything to me. If Eric Wedge thinks it helps the team, then I’ll do everything I can to help.’’ from the Sandusky Register

The event was quite large and had games, ball park food and beer. I went to one similar to this last year at Stampers bar in Fairview Park that was much more interactive and interesting. The three following videos will give you the gist of the whole event.

Part 1 with David Huff



Part 2 with Ryan Garko

Part 3


Only 3 weeks until Pitchers and Catchers report!

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!!!