The off-season is still moving slow in Cleveland...which may not be a bad thing. As each day passes the itch to get a power bat in LF gets more persistent. The contract dialogue that has been leaked out between the Twins and Johan Santana seem to send a message to Cleveland that CC may be best to wait it out a year to see what his true value is.
The next 7-10 days should provide some clarity on a few issues. We expect trade talks involving David Delluci and Jason Micheals to surface. We expect the Indians to target a LF....and in the Forum the names most thrown about are Raul Ibanez and Jason Bay. We expect to hear an initial proposal to CC leak out into the press.
What is expected is to have a clear picture of the Spring Training Roster at the conclusion of the winter meetings. Hopefully, if CC is going to play hardball, the Tribe shifts gears and locks V-Mart up to an additional 3-4 years....why put of til tomorrow what you could do today?
Peace
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Friday, November 16, 2007
Kobi Prediction (Bookster)
Well, we've had a prediction followed up by an actual signing.....I don't know if the poster guessed on this one and threw a dart, but Bookster was about a day ahead of this signing....
604717. Rumblings in the FO, by bookster, 11/19/07 21:55 ET
FA bullpen guy on the way. Book it.
The mood in the forum is already taking shape on this signing. Half the posters seem to view this as another Shapiro bottom barrell hope to pull a rabbit out of the hat signing and some think this is a strong move that potentially could result in a future closer for the Tribe.
We shall See.
Peace
604717. Rumblings in the FO, by bookster, 11/19/07 21:55 ET
FA bullpen guy on the way. Book it.
The mood in the forum is already taking shape on this signing. Half the posters seem to view this as another Shapiro bottom barrell hope to pull a rabbit out of the hat signing and some think this is a strong move that potentially could result in a future closer for the Tribe.
We shall See.
Peace
Forum Delay HELP???
Some of us experiencing the dreaded Forum Delay and this is driving many of us away or at least limiting the amount of dialogue. I get occassional post updated, about every hour. I can use the Search feature, and type in my screename and retrieve my posts and see responses to them....and this helps me keep up in some of the dialogue, but I haven't been able to figure out a way to avoid the delay.
I have tried my work computer, same thing. I have tried clearing my internet temporary files and deleting cookies and that hasn't helped. I've tried contacting interactive forum management and that hasn't resulted in a response.
I wonder if all the interactivity forums are having the same problem?
At any rate, if you have any suggestions, let me know.
Peace
I have tried my work computer, same thing. I have tried clearing my internet temporary files and deleting cookies and that hasn't helped. I've tried contacting interactive forum management and that hasn't resulted in a response.
I wonder if all the interactivity forums are having the same problem?
At any rate, if you have any suggestions, let me know.
Peace
Shoppach Dialogue (Duckee)
Yesterday, Duckee gave a rant that was too good to pass up. Today, he strikes back with an arguement to keep Shoppach in Cleveland that deserves to be saved.
This is probalby one of the best argument posts since the season ended. It lays out several reasons why Shoppach shouldn't/won't be traded. I don't know if Shoppach will be dealt, but winning championships starts and finishes with strength up the middle. Vmart and Kelly give the Tribe two very good catchers. One is a notch above defensivley, but does provide great rest for Victor....over 162 games I think that is huge.
604485.3.1.1.1.1. ShopVac not likely by DrDuckee, 11/17/07 10:53 ET Re: Kelly Shoppach to Atlanta? by sockalexis48, 11/17/07
to move
First Shapiro really likes him
Second Wedge really likes him
Third we dont have another catcher who could step up and take his spot
Fourth he has not reached his potential, is young and improving
Fifth he is a proven top flight defensive catcher
Sixth Victor should not be catching much more than 100 games and will be catching less as he gets older meaning we need a very good backup
Seventh why would a team overpay for ShopVac, Shapiro makes trades based on getting more value than he trades away. ShopVac's value here is likely as high or higher than it is on another team.
ShopVac will not be traded. Smart to look at someone else to thing about moving.
This is probalby one of the best argument posts since the season ended. It lays out several reasons why Shoppach shouldn't/won't be traded. I don't know if Shoppach will be dealt, but winning championships starts and finishes with strength up the middle. Vmart and Kelly give the Tribe two very good catchers. One is a notch above defensivley, but does provide great rest for Victor....over 162 games I think that is huge.
604485.3.1.1.1.1. ShopVac not likely by DrDuckee, 11/17/07 10:53 ET Re: Kelly Shoppach to Atlanta? by sockalexis48, 11/17/07
to move
First Shapiro really likes him
Second Wedge really likes him
Third we dont have another catcher who could step up and take his spot
Fourth he has not reached his potential, is young and improving
Fifth he is a proven top flight defensive catcher
Sixth Victor should not be catching much more than 100 games and will be catching less as he gets older meaning we need a very good backup
Seventh why would a team overpay for ShopVac, Shapiro makes trades based on getting more value than he trades away. ShopVac's value here is likely as high or higher than it is on another team.
ShopVac will not be traded. Smart to look at someone else to thing about moving.
Hafner Debate (Duckee Rant)
This is a classic DrDuckee moment.....but the guy brings up some solid points to refute statements such as a declining Hafner, just not in the friendliest of ways.....
It starts off as an innocent post, maybe looking for some reaction:
604445. Does it sicken anyone that the rumored by drankfluffy, 11/16/07 16:19 ET
packages offered by Angels and Dodgers for Cabrera are packages we could have gotten for Hafner after 2006?
Duckee enters the conversation in classic style with:
604445.2. Why would we want by DrDuckee, 11/16/07 16:38 ET Re: Does it sicken anyone that the rumored by drankfluffy, 11/16/07
to trade Hafner?
Only if Shapiro lost his mind suddenly would he consider trading Pronk.
So not to lose context, the next post was offered up:
604445.2.1. maybe because he is showing signs of decline by
and the team is on the hook for a lot of money to him?
This must of put the Dr off his rocker, he responds with this classic blast:
604445.2.1.1. Decline? by DrDuckee, 11/16/07 17:38 ET Re: Does it sicken anyone that the rumored by drankfluffy, 11/16/07
haha
amazing how many stupid people post here.
He has one average year that most guys in this league would have been happy with you and some of you morons assume he is done.
Get a clue retard, players dont have great years every year.
Shapiro isnt retarded like fans that want to trade Hafner.
And even if you were right, the other GMs are going to give us what in return for the "overpaid" and "declining" Hafner? And would it be worth more than riding it out and maybe getting back one of the top hitters in MLB?
Yea if Hafner were on another team, lets say someone like Bay, and just had a year of "decline" everyone here would be screaming to trade for that player that just "declined"
But all of that is far to rational and intelligent for a clueless clown like you to understand.
Thang god Shapiro pays no attention to your ridiculous notions and that is why we won 96.
Wow, now that is a blast that is worth holding on to:
1. Posters are told how many stupid people post here.
2. Referred to poster as Morons.
3. Referred to poster as Retard.
4. Referred to poster as a clueless clown.
Wow, and to think, the idea of sparking dialogue about trading Travis Hafner caused so much spit and venom from the Dr. I actually agree with Duck if you remove the Negative Comments from his post and read the content...but wow.....talk about a verbal attack...
This is what makes the forum so much fun....you never know who is going to get into a pissing match with who.
Peace Duckee.
It starts off as an innocent post, maybe looking for some reaction:
604445. Does it sicken anyone that the rumored by drankfluffy, 11/16/07 16:19 ET
packages offered by Angels and Dodgers for Cabrera are packages we could have gotten for Hafner after 2006?
Duckee enters the conversation in classic style with:
604445.2. Why would we want by DrDuckee, 11/16/07 16:38 ET Re: Does it sicken anyone that the rumored by drankfluffy, 11/16/07
to trade Hafner?
Only if Shapiro lost his mind suddenly would he consider trading Pronk.
So not to lose context, the next post was offered up:
604445.2.1. maybe because he is showing signs of decline by
and the team is on the hook for a lot of money to him?
This must of put the Dr off his rocker, he responds with this classic blast:
604445.2.1.1. Decline? by DrDuckee, 11/16/07 17:38 ET Re: Does it sicken anyone that the rumored by drankfluffy, 11/16/07
haha
amazing how many stupid people post here.
He has one average year that most guys in this league would have been happy with you and some of you morons assume he is done.
Get a clue retard, players dont have great years every year.
Shapiro isnt retarded like fans that want to trade Hafner.
And even if you were right, the other GMs are going to give us what in return for the "overpaid" and "declining" Hafner? And would it be worth more than riding it out and maybe getting back one of the top hitters in MLB?
Yea if Hafner were on another team, lets say someone like Bay, and just had a year of "decline" everyone here would be screaming to trade for that player that just "declined"
But all of that is far to rational and intelligent for a clueless clown like you to understand.
Thang god Shapiro pays no attention to your ridiculous notions and that is why we won 96.
Wow, now that is a blast that is worth holding on to:
1. Posters are told how many stupid people post here.
2. Referred to poster as Morons.
3. Referred to poster as Retard.
4. Referred to poster as a clueless clown.
Wow, and to think, the idea of sparking dialogue about trading Travis Hafner caused so much spit and venom from the Dr. I actually agree with Duck if you remove the Negative Comments from his post and read the content...but wow.....talk about a verbal attack...
This is what makes the forum so much fun....you never know who is going to get into a pissing match with who.
Peace Duckee.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Sabathia Prediction (Dgen)
Well,
Here it is November 14, 2007 and we are still awaiting the new fresh topic to debate...a signing, a trade, a manuever. We are still mired in CC, Bay, Peralta, Wedge, Shapiro, Dolan, Blake talk. Well, Dgen has scripted out a scenario for the Tribe and CC and has said Mark It...so consider it Marked.....
604051.1. CC will not sign by DGeneral, 11/14/07 6:54 ET Re: So is there really by captainwahoo, 11/14/07
over the off season. He'll stay with the Indians all year and have a year slightly less than he had this past season.
The Indians will make the playoffs again and CC will pitch like he did this past post season and the tribe gets knocked out the first round.
CC walks to NY, Boston or Angels for a 6 year $125m+ contract and goes onto to win a WS title with one of the 3 while pitching much better in the post season.
Mark it.
Here it is November 14, 2007 and we are still awaiting the new fresh topic to debate...a signing, a trade, a manuever. We are still mired in CC, Bay, Peralta, Wedge, Shapiro, Dolan, Blake talk. Well, Dgen has scripted out a scenario for the Tribe and CC and has said Mark It...so consider it Marked.....
604051.1. CC will not sign by DGeneral, 11/14/07 6:54 ET Re: So is there really by captainwahoo, 11/14/07
over the off season. He'll stay with the Indians all year and have a year slightly less than he had this past season.
The Indians will make the playoffs again and CC will pitch like he did this past post season and the tribe gets knocked out the first round.
CC walks to NY, Boston or Angels for a 6 year $125m+ contract and goes onto to win a WS title with one of the 3 while pitching much better in the post season.
Mark it.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Sabathia Prediction (MrNegative1)
Well, its time for me to post one of my own predictions.....as much as I disdain predictions, I think I'll post this one in order to look back on it as me being over naive or maybe my suspicions of "postive collusion" is correct. At any rate, enjoy the blog and feel free to post whatever you want under comments.....it should provide fun as the 2008 season unfolds.
603824. Sabathia Logic by MrNegative1, 11/12/07 20:18 ET
I posted this last week and sparked some conversation. I firmly believe that the owners are presurring each other to sign their own players rather then getting them on the open market.
Last off-season, Zito and Meche turned the entire pitching market on its ear.
Dolan will probably discuss the contract terms with other owners, yes collusion, in an attempt to harness an offer that will keep him off the market.
The Twins are the unfortunate who have to keep Hunter, Nathan, and Santana off the market. Hunter is in a saturated CF market, so that isn't an issue. The Relief pitcher market will have reached a threshold probably this off-season...Nathan will not raise it much higher next year.
Santana, CC, and Zambrano were the three arms that need to be kept off the open market.
GMs and Agents may want them there but owners do not. Look for Dolan to fork over a decent offer for Sabathia and for CC to accept.
Maybe I'll post this post on my Blog for future ridicule?
http://tribeforumtalk.blogspot.com/
Peace
603824. Sabathia Logic by MrNegative1, 11/12/07 20:18 ET
I posted this last week and sparked some conversation. I firmly believe that the owners are presurring each other to sign their own players rather then getting them on the open market.
Last off-season, Zito and Meche turned the entire pitching market on its ear.
Dolan will probably discuss the contract terms with other owners, yes collusion, in an attempt to harness an offer that will keep him off the market.
The Twins are the unfortunate who have to keep Hunter, Nathan, and Santana off the market. Hunter is in a saturated CF market, so that isn't an issue. The Relief pitcher market will have reached a threshold probably this off-season...Nathan will not raise it much higher next year.
Santana, CC, and Zambrano were the three arms that need to be kept off the open market.
GMs and Agents may want them there but owners do not. Look for Dolan to fork over a decent offer for Sabathia and for CC to accept.
Maybe I'll post this post on my Blog for future ridicule?
http://tribeforumtalk.blogspot.com/
Peace
Sunday, November 11, 2007
November Grumblings
Tribe off-season has begun but we haven't been able to shake the Cavs, Ohio State, and Browns talk as of yet. I guess Gilbert isn't all about winning at all cost since he won't sign Anderson----? (Barb at a certain poster on Tribe Forum). I guess Ohio State really was the beneficiary of a soft easy Big Ten Schedule or they were overlooking Illinois in preparation for Michigan, and the Browns lose yet another heartbreaker, this time to the dreaded Steelers (even this near-loss won't stand up as a moral victory, though it should.
This morning we had some really good dialogue on the Tribe Forum, even with the dreaded delay causing problems.
The early issues are Andy Marte, David Delluci, and possibly Coco Crisp. The discussion centers around an idea that the Tribe should bring Coco back to C-town, a place where he is confortable and may be energized and regain his old form. Could a simple change of scenery have that much of an impact on a player? If so, I guess Brandon Phillips would still be struggling in Cleveland and that the change of scenery served him equally as well as a change would serve Coco? Hard to blame a GM when a player doesn't fit a team for whatever reason (ownership, management, GM?, or fans as in the case with Coco.
One topic that came up was the fact that David Delluci may rebound and put up similar numbers to Coco so why give up a prospect for a guy coming off back to back sub-par years. If both guys played everyday I would guess the numbers would look eerily similar.
Below is the dialogue between myself and Dgen on the topic: both posts are included for clarity.
Go to the » Indians forum
603679.2.1.2. Clarity by MrNegative1, 11/11/07 9:55 ET Re: Crisp could by DGeneral, 11/11/07
Dgen, let me make it clear, I don't want Delluci in LF for the Tribe either....my intent was to say that based on 06/07 numbers that Coco may not be a significant upgrade over Delluci (at the cost of another player in a trade).
Peace
Here is Dgens position on Coco:
603679.2.1.2.1. My point with by DGeneral, 11/11/07 12:22 ET Re: Crisp could by DGeneral, 11/11/07
Crips is that he is in an environment that will not bring out the best in him. He's an African American in a city known to be brutal to players that don't perform. He probably does not feel the love from the Arrogant chowd fans who I consider a lot of pigs.
He comes back home to Cleveland and he relaxes and performs like he did when he felt the love in 04 and 05
The next topic was a little more spirited with discussion of Andy Marte...the newest enigma on the Tribe...first BP, then Jeremy Guthrie, then Jason Davis, and finally Fernando Cabrera. Marte and Barfield get a lot of talk, it has supplanted the Garko talk of last winter.
I posted my thoughts on Marte being our third baseman next year. If not, I posted that Baltimore and San Francisco are both looking for 3b and may end up choosing youth over experience (no Lowell, A-Rod, Cabrera, etc). Dgen was succinct in his response and Duckee countered Dgen with his response. The dialogue is included below. Again, if you are reading this post don't think that these are "told you so" posts. Just showing a good topic that was argued both ways by two of the posters that are often on the Tribe Forum. There is no intent other then to look back on these posts as the season draws nearer and again as it plays itself out.
603682. Marte by MrNegative1, 11/11/07 9:05 ET
Andy will be the opening day 3b, Blake will be dealt or be one of the OF (Franky in LF, Blake in RF). Andy will have to do two things...put together good at-bats and take care of the fielding aspect. He will be given to at least the AS break to perform with only a few days off (mostly against tough right handed pitchers).
Tribe fans don't see this coming and think it will be based on "spring training performance" but I do not.
An interesting side bar: two teams are looking for 3b, preferably young. They are the Giants and the Orioles. Baltimore may be willing to move Melvin Mora. SF is looking for a top level 3b like Cabrera and are dangling Lincecomb. More then likely they will shift from top-level desire to mid-level during organizational meetings. Blake may be an option or possibly Marte...I have no idea what would come back the other way.
Peace
603682.2. Disagree, after watching by DGeneral, 11/11/07 9:38 ET Re: Marte by MrNegative1, 11/11/07
multiple ST's from the Shapiro-Wedge braintrust, it is clear that it doesn't matter what a player does in ST, his fate is pre determined going into the session.
The Marte will never displace the beloved Casey Blake. Wedge and Shapiro are devoted to this player and view him as a core asset.
The Marte never got started in AAA. Did not demonstrate competence at the plate other than power.
Shapiro will cut his losses and send Marte packing for a bag of nuts.
603682.2.1. Wrong and Wrong by DrDuckee, 11/11/07 10:30 ET Re: Marte by MrNegative1, 11/11/07
and why am I not shocked that you are wrong yet again?
Marte started at third last year proving your first opinion wrong.
Marte destroyed the ball the last two months of AAA last year showing he is more ready than ever to start in the bigs. The kid has more talent than all but a few hitters we have, just a matter of making that final transition.
Marte will be traded or given another shot here.
Blake should not be starting at third next year if there is a good alternative.
Hope we have a fun off-season and some interesting topics pop up for debate. I invite anyone to present posts from the forum here and remember to keep it nice, keep it fun, and partake in arguing at an adult level....the Tribe Forum can be a lot of fun and can make the off-season seem to fly by.
Peace to All.
This morning we had some really good dialogue on the Tribe Forum, even with the dreaded delay causing problems.
The early issues are Andy Marte, David Delluci, and possibly Coco Crisp. The discussion centers around an idea that the Tribe should bring Coco back to C-town, a place where he is confortable and may be energized and regain his old form. Could a simple change of scenery have that much of an impact on a player? If so, I guess Brandon Phillips would still be struggling in Cleveland and that the change of scenery served him equally as well as a change would serve Coco? Hard to blame a GM when a player doesn't fit a team for whatever reason (ownership, management, GM?, or fans as in the case with Coco.
One topic that came up was the fact that David Delluci may rebound and put up similar numbers to Coco so why give up a prospect for a guy coming off back to back sub-par years. If both guys played everyday I would guess the numbers would look eerily similar.
Below is the dialogue between myself and Dgen on the topic: both posts are included for clarity.
Go to the » Indians forum
603679.2.1.2. Clarity by MrNegative1, 11/11/07 9:55 ET Re: Crisp could by DGeneral, 11/11/07
Dgen, let me make it clear, I don't want Delluci in LF for the Tribe either....my intent was to say that based on 06/07 numbers that Coco may not be a significant upgrade over Delluci (at the cost of another player in a trade).
Peace
Here is Dgens position on Coco:
603679.2.1.2.1. My point with by DGeneral, 11/11/07 12:22 ET Re: Crisp could by DGeneral, 11/11/07
Crips is that he is in an environment that will not bring out the best in him. He's an African American in a city known to be brutal to players that don't perform. He probably does not feel the love from the Arrogant chowd fans who I consider a lot of pigs.
He comes back home to Cleveland and he relaxes and performs like he did when he felt the love in 04 and 05
The next topic was a little more spirited with discussion of Andy Marte...the newest enigma on the Tribe...first BP, then Jeremy Guthrie, then Jason Davis, and finally Fernando Cabrera. Marte and Barfield get a lot of talk, it has supplanted the Garko talk of last winter.
I posted my thoughts on Marte being our third baseman next year. If not, I posted that Baltimore and San Francisco are both looking for 3b and may end up choosing youth over experience (no Lowell, A-Rod, Cabrera, etc). Dgen was succinct in his response and Duckee countered Dgen with his response. The dialogue is included below. Again, if you are reading this post don't think that these are "told you so" posts. Just showing a good topic that was argued both ways by two of the posters that are often on the Tribe Forum. There is no intent other then to look back on these posts as the season draws nearer and again as it plays itself out.
603682. Marte by MrNegative1, 11/11/07 9:05 ET
Andy will be the opening day 3b, Blake will be dealt or be one of the OF (Franky in LF, Blake in RF). Andy will have to do two things...put together good at-bats and take care of the fielding aspect. He will be given to at least the AS break to perform with only a few days off (mostly against tough right handed pitchers).
Tribe fans don't see this coming and think it will be based on "spring training performance" but I do not.
An interesting side bar: two teams are looking for 3b, preferably young. They are the Giants and the Orioles. Baltimore may be willing to move Melvin Mora. SF is looking for a top level 3b like Cabrera and are dangling Lincecomb. More then likely they will shift from top-level desire to mid-level during organizational meetings. Blake may be an option or possibly Marte...I have no idea what would come back the other way.
Peace
603682.2. Disagree, after watching by DGeneral, 11/11/07 9:38 ET Re: Marte by MrNegative1, 11/11/07
multiple ST's from the Shapiro-Wedge braintrust, it is clear that it doesn't matter what a player does in ST, his fate is pre determined going into the session.
The Marte will never displace the beloved Casey Blake. Wedge and Shapiro are devoted to this player and view him as a core asset.
The Marte never got started in AAA. Did not demonstrate competence at the plate other than power.
Shapiro will cut his losses and send Marte packing for a bag of nuts.
603682.2.1. Wrong and Wrong by DrDuckee, 11/11/07 10:30 ET Re: Marte by MrNegative1, 11/11/07
and why am I not shocked that you are wrong yet again?
Marte started at third last year proving your first opinion wrong.
Marte destroyed the ball the last two months of AAA last year showing he is more ready than ever to start in the bigs. The kid has more talent than all but a few hitters we have, just a matter of making that final transition.
Marte will be traded or given another shot here.
Blake should not be starting at third next year if there is a good alternative.
Hope we have a fun off-season and some interesting topics pop up for debate. I invite anyone to present posts from the forum here and remember to keep it nice, keep it fun, and partake in arguing at an adult level....the Tribe Forum can be a lot of fun and can make the off-season seem to fly by.
Peace to All.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Sterns Farewell (premature) Post!
Stern can't escape this post which is truly a classic.....it will probably be posted on the Tribe Forum about as often as w8 posted Dolan's Article from the Sun Press.....don't see that one posted too often now......come to think of it, I don't see the Gibert>Dolan post as frequently as I used to?!
Peace and Enjoy!
574262. Some final thoughtsby sternfanone, 10/9/07 7:03 ET
1--Congrats Tribe
2- DGen--you're right, pitching let Yanks down, but i didn't think it would be Wang
3- On the 3 days rest--had nothing to do with him faltering-- a sinkerballer, who can't keep the ball down, his nemesis, last night, and Game 1
4- Have fun with the Red Sox--see you all around some day
5- My time on here is over
Peace and Enjoy!
574262. Some final thoughtsby sternfanone, 10/9/07 7:03 ET
1--Congrats Tribe
2- DGen--you're right, pitching let Yanks down, but i didn't think it would be Wang
3- On the 3 days rest--had nothing to do with him faltering-- a sinkerballer, who can't keep the ball down, his nemesis, last night, and Game 1
4- Have fun with the Red Sox--see you all around some day
5- My time on here is over
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Barfield Talk/Dgen Predicts
Well,
Its only November but the talk in the forum seems to be circling around Josh Barfield and his role in Cleveland or Buffalo next year. I guess my opinion contradicts many because I don't believe a utility guy in Cleveland needs to play all 3 positions (3b, ss, and 2b). Based on the players I feel the team is going to give a shot to in 08 I feel Marte/Blake will be over at 1b, Asdrubal and Peralta will man shortstop, and Barfield and Asdrubal will cover 2b. We will no more after the GMs meetings and as spring traning approaches, but to me the most fiscally responsible thing to do this off-season is to use Barfield/Marte rather than spend on a Chris Gomez. Below is just one post from Dgeneral on Barfield, the post is only here to reflect on over the winter and into spring training.
602883.3. Totally disagree by DGeneral, 11/4/07 12:47 ET Re: Barfield by MrNegative1, 11/4/07
Josh Barfield is not a utility player. He cannot play Ss or 3B. Never saw him in LF. He will come to training camp as nervous as a whore in church, knowing he doesn't have a slot on this team.
The writing is on the wall for Barfield because he failed miserably at the plate. Cabrera practically came up from AA and took his job. I don't see Josh and his weakstick winning back the 2B job any time soon. He starts the season at Buffalo with instructions to acquire plate discipline.
No utility role for Barf, he's not good enough to displace a guy like Gomez.
Peace
Its only November but the talk in the forum seems to be circling around Josh Barfield and his role in Cleveland or Buffalo next year. I guess my opinion contradicts many because I don't believe a utility guy in Cleveland needs to play all 3 positions (3b, ss, and 2b). Based on the players I feel the team is going to give a shot to in 08 I feel Marte/Blake will be over at 1b, Asdrubal and Peralta will man shortstop, and Barfield and Asdrubal will cover 2b. We will no more after the GMs meetings and as spring traning approaches, but to me the most fiscally responsible thing to do this off-season is to use Barfield/Marte rather than spend on a Chris Gomez. Below is just one post from Dgeneral on Barfield, the post is only here to reflect on over the winter and into spring training.
602883.3. Totally disagree by DGeneral, 11/4/07 12:47 ET Re: Barfield by MrNegative1, 11/4/07
Josh Barfield is not a utility player. He cannot play Ss or 3B. Never saw him in LF. He will come to training camp as nervous as a whore in church, knowing he doesn't have a slot on this team.
The writing is on the wall for Barfield because he failed miserably at the plate. Cabrera practically came up from AA and took his job. I don't see Josh and his weakstick winning back the 2B job any time soon. He starts the season at Buffalo with instructions to acquire plate discipline.
No utility role for Barf, he's not good enough to displace a guy like Gomez.
Peace
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Didn't Take Long
So, you want to know what happens in the forum during the off-season? Some people will make a proposed trade, just to get differing opinions on the deal. The original post will contain reasons that the deal could be made. Well, here it is November 1st and the forum has already gone through its first round of "Get Bay" dialogue.
Today, I proposed to trade Cliff Lee for Rocco Baldelli. A deal that I think takes a risky player off each roster. If Baldelli can't stay healthy, the Tribe can option out of the contract after one season. If Lee stinks the Rays have his salary for a couple of more seasons. If Baldelli can stay healthy, which he has been unable to for over three years, he could really be the perfect fit in the Tribes offense and salary structure. Would I make the deal? Probably not, I'd want Ben Zobrist or another prospect in the deal.
So, we had a few good comments back and forth and then I got the obligatory insulting...you're crazy post. A post that would vanish in prior years, but here's hoping that we can keep this one right here and track the two players during the season. I think it will be fun to watch Lee either return to form or continue on the road to being an enigma....or if Baldelli can finally stay healthy for an entire season and reach his earlier potential.
Many dumb ideas blossom in the Tribe Forum, I just hope it wasn't me that added to them!
602545.4. An extraordinarily dumb idea....
by CtownInFl, 11/1/07 15:28 ET Re: Cliff Lee/Rocco Baldelli? by MrNegative1, 11/1/07
Do you even follow baseball? Rocco is one step away from being out of baseball...heck, the D-Rays have even attempted (this past season) to try to RE-TEACH HIM HOW TO RUN!!!!! His hammy is so susceptible to tearing time and again, they were hoping that by teaching him another way to run, they could mitigate the injuries he suffers...laughable!
He has hardly played the last three years and is as brittle as glass...besides, even IF he was more or less healthy, it would be a bad trade. 1) TB is not so overstocked at the OF positions as they thought with Dukes basically out of the picture, Rocco damaged goods, Upton had to be converted from an infielder to a CF in order to fill the outfield last year. They also have to be concerned with Crawford's on=going wrist injury problems and Young is one mercurial outburst from a suspension.
Add to this is the fact that despite popular opinion, Cliff Lee has a lot more trade value than a 1 for 1 deal...he has a 60%+ win percentage as a ML pitcher and most of his problems can probably be attributed to his oblique strain, family problems and the fact that, well, like a lot of lefties, he is a spaceman...he seems to be popular with many of the players from the looks of the dugout shots in the post season.
Today, I proposed to trade Cliff Lee for Rocco Baldelli. A deal that I think takes a risky player off each roster. If Baldelli can't stay healthy, the Tribe can option out of the contract after one season. If Lee stinks the Rays have his salary for a couple of more seasons. If Baldelli can stay healthy, which he has been unable to for over three years, he could really be the perfect fit in the Tribes offense and salary structure. Would I make the deal? Probably not, I'd want Ben Zobrist or another prospect in the deal.
So, we had a few good comments back and forth and then I got the obligatory insulting...you're crazy post. A post that would vanish in prior years, but here's hoping that we can keep this one right here and track the two players during the season. I think it will be fun to watch Lee either return to form or continue on the road to being an enigma....or if Baldelli can finally stay healthy for an entire season and reach his earlier potential.
Many dumb ideas blossom in the Tribe Forum, I just hope it wasn't me that added to them!
602545.4. An extraordinarily dumb idea....
by CtownInFl, 11/1/07 15:28 ET Re: Cliff Lee/Rocco Baldelli? by MrNegative1, 11/1/07
Do you even follow baseball? Rocco is one step away from being out of baseball...heck, the D-Rays have even attempted (this past season) to try to RE-TEACH HIM HOW TO RUN!!!!! His hammy is so susceptible to tearing time and again, they were hoping that by teaching him another way to run, they could mitigate the injuries he suffers...laughable!
He has hardly played the last three years and is as brittle as glass...besides, even IF he was more or less healthy, it would be a bad trade. 1) TB is not so overstocked at the OF positions as they thought with Dukes basically out of the picture, Rocco damaged goods, Upton had to be converted from an infielder to a CF in order to fill the outfield last year. They also have to be concerned with Crawford's on=going wrist injury problems and Young is one mercurial outburst from a suspension.
Add to this is the fact that despite popular opinion, Cliff Lee has a lot more trade value than a 1 for 1 deal...he has a 60%+ win percentage as a ML pitcher and most of his problems can probably be attributed to his oblique strain, family problems and the fact that, well, like a lot of lefties, he is a spaceman...he seems to be popular with many of the players from the looks of the dugout shots in the post season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)