Do You Smell What the Shapiro is Cookin' ?

The Indians are apparently interested in Freddy Garcia. GM Mark Shapiro is always looking for depth and this inquiry is similar to when the Tribe were interested in Mark Mulder half way through the season. Pitching is always the key to a championship team, but this seems to be more of an Aaron Boone-type situation where they would sign Garcia to basically a 1 1/2 year deal. Maybe Shapiro is looking at every alternative just in case CC Sabathia decides to pitch elsewhere in 2009, and Paul Byrd is a free agent and getting up there in age. Probably management is just looking for an acquisition to help stimulate DH Travis Hafners' bat, since he loves the WWE and Freddy has an uncanny resemblance to "The Game Plan" star Dwayne Johnson.

Ben Francisco to Start Season in Minors

The Plain Dealer has reported that Ben Francisco was optioned to Buffalo this morning. The roster is all but set. Andy Marte will probably be the 25th player unless a trade happens. Francisco had an outstanding spring, batting .362 and belting 3 home runs with 9 rbi. Ben will be the first player recalled if the Left field Michaelucci platoon does not work. His path to stick with the Cleveland Indians will be similar to Franklin Gutierrezs' from last year. You definitely have not seen the last of Ben Francisco.

Tales from the Teepee Volume 2: Candy Maldonado

One of the few free agent acquisitions that actually worked in the early 90's was the signing of Candy Maldonado in 1990. He added veteran leadership and a power stick, clubbing 22 home runs and driving in 95 runs while batting .273. Sadly, "The Candyman" sought greener pastures as he signed a free agent deal with the Milwaukee Brewers the following season.

Maldonado made his triumphant return to Cleveland in 1993, being traded from the Chicago Cubs for the immortal GlenAllen Hill. This legend helped bring an end to the Cleveland Municipal Stadium era, while ushering in a new legacy that was Jacobs Field. The Candyman proved vital to the Wahoos by scoring the first run by an Indian in the new ballpark, leading them to a victory over the Seattle Mariners. He finished his big league career with the Texas Rangers in 1995, but was instrumental in the development of the young core tribesmen who went on to the World Series that same year. Maldonado now works for ESPN Deportes, but number 22 will live on in Indians lore forever.

Mastny Moved Down, Breslow Makes 25 man Roster

Paul Hoynes has reported that Tom Mastny will be starting the season at Buffalo. The tribe seems to prefer having two lefties in the bullpen, which left Mastny out. He pitched well in the ALCS and I am sure he will be the first call up when someone in the pen implodes or is injured.

Julio Promoted, Elarton, Barfield to Buffalo

Paul Hoynes has just reported that Jorge Julio will be the sixth member of the Tribe bullpen for 2008 and Josh Barfield and Scott Elarton will start the year in Triple-A Buffalo. This isn't any big news, but this means the last spot in the pen is down to Tom Mastny and Craig Breslow. As speculated earlier, you would assume Mastny will be sent down as Breslow pitched a shutout inning today to earn a save. Also, with Barfield being sent down, the last utility spot is probably down to Andy Gonzalez and Andy Marte. Buster Onley of espn.com said on the Mike and Mike show this morning that the Cleveland Indians were the deepest team in the majors. These demotions help illustrate the fact the Indians will have many viable options if and when injuries occur to the big league ball club. Shapiro has said that he would like to get the 25 man roster set by Friday, so we shall see.

Marte Meanderings

The picture you see here is of Andy Marte probably booting another ball. That is pretty much been the norm for Marte, since as I am typing this article he has made 2 errors against the Yankees. Once voted the top fielding third basemen in triple A, he is now a mess. I watched him play first on Saturday and he looked uncomfortable and immobile. He is hovering around the mendoza line and besides for one weekend, his power numbers are nothing to shake a glove at. The Indians stuck him in the outfield earlier this grapefruit season to shag balls during practice. That experiment must not have worked out too well since he hasn't played out there yet this spring.

Marte is a complete liability in the field and at bat, so I cannot conceivably see him playing much, if at all during the season. The Indians beat reporters all seem to feel he will break camp with the club. I hope this is not because of Brandon Phillips because at least Phillips showed some signs of promise at bat and played quite well in the field. Wedge has really said nothing positive about him, so Marte making the team seems to be a front office request. He has no trade value, so the Tribe will be starting the season with a 24 man roster if he is retained. The Indians position issues luckily have figured themselves out on the field in the past, so that is what to expect in respect to our 3rd base phenom. As for now, all we can tell him, in the immortal words of Manager Lou Brown is, "Come on Marte, get in front of the damn ball! Don't give me this "olé" bullshit."

Fultz Finally Finished

Well the Aaron Fultz era has finally coming to an end, as Fultz is expected to be released or traded sometime today. The bullpen this offseason and spring training has been a major area of concern for the Cleveland Indians. Between the implosion of Fultz and the three-headed battle amongst veterans Scott Elarton and Jorge Julio and Tom Mastny, it seems Shapiro and Wedge feel that relief pitching may be the key to this season. When the tribe claimed Boston lefty Craig Breslow off of waivers, this signaled the end of Fultz as an Indian.

This is a mild suprise because the tribe will be on the hook for his $1.5 million dollar salary for 2008 if he cannot be traded. This move shows that the front office will keep substandard play on the field on a short leash, because this season seems to be their best shot a world title. Having a below average lefty buried in the bullpen because he has a guaranteed contract should not happen anymore. Aaron Fultz had some success against leftys, but his inherited runners scoring stats were terrible as was his opponents batting average. This move represents the Cleveland Indians pursuit for the playoffs again in 2008.

Cardboard Flashback: Andy Allanson

We welcome you to our first installment of Cardboard Flashback. What says Topps All-Star rookie more than a .225 batting average, stealing a whopping 10 bases, while knocking out 1 homerun and knocking in 29 rbi's? Andy Allanson, that's who! Double A had a magical season in 1986, battling Chris Bando for the everyday dish duty and leading the Sons of Geronimo to a 84-78 record.

Allanson only hit 12 homeruns as an Indian, never fully realizing the potential Topps had envisioned. But for one unforgettable season, he was forever immortalized as an all-star, with a small picture of a gold cup imprinted on his trading card. Greatness personified.

On Bended Lee

Many of the Indians news outlets reported today that Cliff Lee seemed pretty happy with his performance yesterday versus the Phillies. Now I know Marte played el matador with the baseball at third as usual and the outfielders decided to run to each other, but 6 runs on 11 hits is not what I would call impressive even in a spring training game. It seems that old Clifford is not too enamored with his roll as fifth starter on the team and it comes through in the various interviews I have heard. Cliff has pitched well in the past, earning 18 victories in 2005 and having a stellar ERA in 2006 of 3.79. He also has chucked his glove into the stands in Toronto in 2004 and waved to the Jacobs Field fans while being booed against Boston in 2007.

The depth within the Cleveland organization when it comes to starting pitching seems strong, so the Tribe may be weighing their options with Lee. He seems to have solidified the 5th starters' spot for the beginning of the season, but will probably be on a short leash a la Jeremy Sowers from last year. The Indians also may trade Cliff sometime during the season if they feel Aaron Laffey is a better alternative. I cannot see Lee going back down to Buffalo for any extended amount of time, even though he has an option. Left-handed starters who have won 18 games do not grow on trees, but if Lee is discontent with whatever roll he earns, the Indians are not the type of organization to let him stay around and sulk. Hopefully he will keep his pitches down, his glove on his right hand, and hear cheers while leaving the mound.

Tales from the Teepee Volume 1: Cory Snyder

Each and every week we will be jumping in the DeLorean and revisiting some of our favorite Tribesmen of the past. Today's topic is number 28, Right fielder Cory Snyder. The year is 1987, and Cory had it all. A rifle arm, Hulk Hogan-Esq facial hair, and a long power stroke were just some of his stunning characteristics. Mr. Snyder was also featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, (along with the average Joe Carter.) That year he batted a solid .236 with 33 home runs, 82 rbi, striking out 166 times while amassing 31 walks.

The stage was set for a hall of fame career when injuries popped, so he was unceremoniously traded to the Chicago White Sox for Eric King and Shawn Hillegas. The fourth overall pick in 1984 was now away from the franchise he learned to grow and love forever, but tribe fans will never soon forget his flowing blond locks. Cory is now the manager of the newly formed St. George (Utah) Roadrunners of the independent Golden Baseball League. I am certain their players will be mentored efficiently.

Left (out) field

Today, Paul Hoynes reported that teams have been asking about certain Indians outfielders. With the way Ben Francisco has hit pretty much throughout spring training and his minor league career, one would assume he would be on the 25 man roster. Indians Manager Eric Wedge has had encouraging things to say about Francisco, but the conversations usually end with Wedge saying he needs to work on his defense. What Wedge really means is Ben has an option and the Indians have two veterans and a 3rd base project blocking his way to the majors. The intrigue will be if Shapiro pulls the trigger on trading Jason Michaels to create room for a David Dellucci/Ben Francisco platoon. Wedge loves his veterans, so there may be some confrontation on this issue. Dellucci is virtually untradeable having 2 years and $7 + million left on his deal. Also entering the crowded ring in May will be Shin-Soo Choo coming off of Tommy John surgery. He is out of options so a decision will have to be made rather quickly, similar to the Marte situation now.

Exiting Michaels may be the best alternative instead of waiting around for an injury or experiencing substandard corner outfield production. These sort of issues have conveniently sorted them selves out for the tribe, though, over the past year. The bullpen last year started off with hillbilly Jason Davis and El guapo Roberto Hernandez. Davis was out of options and successfully pitched himself off the team. Hernandez was flat out terrible, so in came Rafael Perez and Jensen Lewis. Dellucci got hurt and Nixon was garbage, so the Tribe inserted Franklin Guitierrez and traded for the ageless Kenny Lofton. The play on the field sorted out the lineup for Wedge, eventually placing Michaels on the bench in the playoffs next to him. Michaels is a useful player, but so much as to block potential offense firepower the Indians may need in a beefed up AL Central.

Fausto Feelings

I just got back from spring training monday and had the opportunity to watch fausto pitch a solid three innings. The Tribe was playing the Phillies and luckily they played some of their starters (Howard, Utley, Victorino, etc.) His fastball was cracking the mitt, and his slider seemed to be moving well. Obviously an exhibition game in early March probably means very little in predicting his season numbers, but it was a positive sign. The last time we saw Carmona in action, his Fenway woes were continuing, as he was giving up a grand slam to the overpaid, oft-injured underachiever JD Drew. Ending your season with a dredful 16.50 era in the ALCS would be tough for any pitcher, let alone a 23 year-old. Fausto seems to be quite the resilient pitcher, though, surviving a horrendous stretch in 2006 where he blew 3 games in a week, but rebounded later in the season and strung together a few solid starts. Will Fausto win 19 games again this year? Probably not, but if his brief career has shown, he should bounce back and be one of the top number 2 pitchers in all of baseball.

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