SBNation.com User Blog: FredOx

Sizemore traded to Athletics

FredOx — Fri, 27 May 2011 20:44:44 -0000

Sizemore traded to Athletics

No word on whether the return included the entire Oakland farm system.

"When I was hurt and afraid I couldn't catch up to some pitches, I lost what I had developed in...

FredOx — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:43:24 -0000

"When I was hurt and afraid I couldn't catch up to some pitches, I lost what I had developed in terms of never being afraid to hit with two strikes," says Hafner. "That allowed me to sit and wait for what I hit. But I couldn't turn on balls, and I became afraid to get to two strikes, so I was waving at the first pitch I saw. I feel just the way I did before I got hurt. With me, the best way to judge how I feel is watch how I take pitches."

From Peter Gammons' piece naming the Indians one of six from the Cactus League likely to be better than you think. In other news, Gammons is still impressed with Acta's sabermetric acumen.

Sarbaugh new AAA Manager, Skinner to Akron

FredOx — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:13:01 -0000

Sarbaugh new AAA Manager, Skinner to Akron

The Tribe has moved Mike Sarbaugh from the Aeros to replace Torey Lovullo in Columbus. Joel Skinner will stay with the organization, returning to Akron, where he was USA Today Baseball Weekly's Minor League Manager of the Year in 1998.

The Indians are looking for a first baseman, preferably someone who hits right-handed, in case Matt...

FredOx — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:01:50 -0000

The Indians are looking for a first baseman, preferably someone who hits right-handed, in case Matt LaPorta (left hip, left toe) isn't ready for opening day and to offset their numerous left-handed hitters.

Paul Hoynes, in the latest installment of Ask A Stupid Question. The context was a discussion of Jordan Brown (duh), but if ShapActa are looking for a right-handed hitter who can play 1B, I think I know a guy.

Tolman, Radinsky, Smith added to Acta's Staff

FredOx — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:15:09 -0000

Tolman, Radinsky, Smith added to Acta's Staff

Castro says:

Tim Tolman will be coming aboard as the bench coach, Scott Radinsky has been promoted from Triple-A pitching coach to big league bullpen coach, and Steve Smith is joining the Indians as Acta's third base and infield coach.

Tolman and Radinsky have ties to the organization. Smith doesn't, though he was a member of Charlie Manual's staff before being dismissed after the 2008 season.

Marte, Brown named AAA All Stars

FredOx — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:17:44 -0000

Marte, Brown named AAA All Stars

Noted without comment: Topps named its 2009 AAA All Star team today, and included third baseman (!) Andy Marte and outfielder (!) Jordan Brown among the ten players honored.

Indians get permission from Angels to speak to Ron Roenicke about managerial job

FredOx — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:56:56 -0000

Indians get permission from Angels to speak to Ron Roenicke about managerial job

The LA Times is reporting that the Tribe has received permission from the Angels to speak to bench coach Ron Roenicke about their managerial job. It is unclear when Roenicke, who has spent 10 seasons with the Angels under Manager Mike Scioscia, six as a third base coach and the last four as the bench coach, would interview for the position, or if he has already been interviewed. If Roenicke were to get the job, he would be the third coach off Scioscia's staff to be hired as a manager, following Joe Maddon (Tampa Bay) and Bud Black (San Diego).

Craig Calcaterra thinks Mariano Rivera has developed a new spit-fingered fastball.

FredOx — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:49:20 -0000

Craig Calcaterra thinks Mariano Rivera has developed a new spit-fingered fastball.

Tribe announces 2010 schedule

FredOx — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:14:21 -0000

Tribe announces 2010 schedule

The Indians open and close 2010 in Chicago against the White Sox, plan a beatdown of the Yankees for Memorial Day, and play an interleague series against the Pirates for the second straight year. Oh, and there's a series against that guy who used to play here and now plays in Philadelphia. Direct link to schedule.

Fun With Game Logs

FredOx — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:03:22 -0000

While looking at some Indians stats earlier today, I came across a few tidbits of information. So I thought I would share.

With Shin-Soo Choo's 7 RBI outburst on July 3rd, Tribe hitters have posted 6 RBI or more in a game six times over the past season and a half. That is the most such games in a two-season span since at least 1954. In 2008, Grady Sizemore had 7 on August 21st, Ryan Garko had 6 on June 4 and Casey Blake did it twice (7 on June 2 and 6 on April 22). 2008 marked the first year Tribe hitters had 6 or more RBI in a game 4 times. All proving how stupid RBI is as a stat.
Fausto Carmona and Anthony Reyes have each pitched a game this year with 6 or more walks. That's a lot of walks, but not historically bad. In 1970, Tribe pitchers walked 6 or more batters 19 times. The next year, they did it 18 times. In 1971, Tribe pitchers walked nine or more batters 6 times.
This marks the third year in a row Fausto has walked 6 or more in a game.
On May 7, Masa Kobayashi allowed 5 runs while not recording an out. That hadn't been done since Danys Baez equalled the feat in the 9th inning of an 8-5 loss on April 22, 2003. But Masa was historically efficient, giving up his 5 runs on only 12 pitches. At 2.4 pitches per run, he was the most efficient bad pitcher. However, Tribe pitchers have allowed 6 runs without recording an out four times (Steve Olin, Vern Ruhle, Dave Freisleben and Mudcat Grant). If Masa makes a repeat appearance, he needs to work on quantity of badness, not just efficiency.
On June 29, Chris Perez gave up 4 ER in two-thirdds of an inning in his Tribe debut. On July 7, Winston Abreu bettered the feat by giving up his 4 ER in one-third of an inning. Since 1954, Tribe relievers have given up 4 or more ER in a game 191 times. But never before have two relievers managed to do it in their first appearance for the team.

While looking at some Indians stats earlier today, I came across a few tidbits of information. So I thought I would share.

With Shin-Soo Choo's 7 RBI outburst on July 3rd, Tribe hitters have posted 6 RBI or more in a game six times over the past season and a half. That is the most such games in a two-season span since at least 1954. In 2008, Grady Sizemore had 7 on August 21st, Ryan Garko had 6 on June 4 and Casey Blake did it twice (7 on June 2 and 6 on April 22). 2008 marked the first year Tribe hitters had 6 or more RBI in a game 4 times. All proving how stupid RBI is as a stat.
Fausto Carmona and Anthony Reyes have each pitched a game this year with 6 or more walks. That's a lot of walks, but not historically bad. In 1970, Tribe pitchers walked 6 or more batters 19 times. The next year, they did it 18 times. In 1971, Tribe pitchers walked nine or more batters 6 times.
This marks the third year in a row Fausto has walked 6 or more in a game.
On May 7, Masa Kobayashi allowed 5 runs while not recording an out. That hadn't been done since Danys Baez equalled the feat in the 9th inning of an 8-5 loss on April 22, 2003. But Masa was historically efficient, giving up his 5 runs on only 12 pitches. At 2.4 pitches per run, he was the most efficient bad pitcher. However, Tribe pitchers have allowed 6 runs without recording an out four times (Steve Olin, Vern Ruhle, Dave Freisleben and Mudcat Grant). If Masa makes a repeat appearance, he needs to work on quantity of badness, not just efficiency.
On June 29, Chris Perez gave up 4 ER in two-thirdds of an inning in his Tribe debut. On July 7, Winston Abreu bettered the feat by giving up his 4 ER in one-third of an inning. Since 1954, Tribe relievers have given up 4 or more ER in a game 191 times. But never before have two relievers managed to do it in their first appearance for the team.

Sizemore to be activated Tuesday; Cabrera to Columbus

FredOx — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:42:49 -0000

Sizemore to be activated Tuesday; Cabrera to Columbus

From the Fixing Things That Aren't Really The Problem Department:

"Center fielder Grady Sizemore says he should be activated Tuesday against Pittsburgh at PNC Park. Cabrera, meanwhile, said he'll report to Class AAA Columbus on Monday to begin a rehab assignment after straining the A/C joint in his left shoulder."

In other news, Ryan Garko's wrist isn't broken. This is good news to Mrs. Garko, who has a framed print of geraniums she'd like hung in the kitchen.

Sizemore says he feels good, hopes he doesn't need surgery

FredOx — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 20:28:55 -0000

Sizemore says he feels good, hopes he doesn't need surgery

Indians center fielder Grady Sizemore said today that his left elbow felt good during a workout today at Progressive Field and he's hopeful that it will not require surgery.

Sizemore, who has been on the disabled list since May 31 because of inflammation in the elbow, had a MRI exam and a physician's exam earlier today.

"I was cleared to go throw and take swings today, so I guess it went well," Sizemore said of the exams.

Westbrook tosses three scoreless innings for Aeros

FredOx — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 13:53:34 -0000

Westbrook tosses three scoreless innings for Aeros

In his first rehab start since undergoing the dreaded TJ surgery, Jake Westbrook started for Akron on Saturday, giving up a single and a walk while striking out one in three innings (39 pitches). Five of the outs were on the ground. He'll pitch four innings next time out.

Also, Joe Smith has done all he can in AAA. In five rehab appearances, he's gone 5 IP, giving up four hits, 0 R, 1 BB and striking out 6.

Settle a Game Thread bet - Browns or Not Browns?

FredOx — Thu, 28 May 2009 19:46:55 -0000

A discussion arose during the rain delay today - are there more Indians fans who are fans of the Browns or fans of some team other than the Browns? It started as many things do as an insult the Steelers moment. One would think that most, but certainly not all, Tribe fans have some connection, physical or emotional, to NE Ohio, but who knows? So vote. Better than listening to WTAM's stupid rain delay coverage.

Poll

Pick your favorite football team.

Browns

125 votes

Someone Else

38 votes

What is this "football" you speak of?

32 votes

195 votes | Poll has closed

Head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said the Indians are in the process of working out the upcoming...

FredOx — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:32:43 -0000

Head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said the Indians are in the process of working out the upcoming schedule for Adam Miller, who threw another bullpen this morning. At some point in the near future, Miller should progress to facing live hitters.

Castrovince, judiciously not attempting to define near future. Do you believe?

Game Thread: Indians vs. Cubs, April 2

FredOx — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:00:54 -0000

Hey, look over there! Is that the light at the end of the tunnel? The Tribe and the Cubs face off in the final game at HoHoKam Park in 2009. Lineups:

INDIANS: CF Grady Sizemore, 3B Jamey Carroll, LF Shin-Soo Choo, SS Jhonny Peralta, 1B Ryan Garko, C Kelly Shoppach, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, RF Trevor Crowe and RHP Anthony Reyes.

CUBS: LF Alfonso Soriano, RF Joey Gathright, CF Kosuke Fukudome, 1B Micah Hoffpauir, 2B Mike Fontenot, 3B Bobby Scales, SS Andres Blanco, C Koyie Hill, P Ryan Dempster.

Audio: WMMS or Gameday Audio

Video: Only in your imagination

Gameday Link

Hey, look over there! Is that the light at the end of the tunnel? The Tribe and the Cubs face off in the final game at HoHoKam Park in 2009. Lineups:

INDIANS: CF Grady Sizemore, 3B Jamey Carroll, LF Shin-Soo Choo, SS Jhonny Peralta, 1B Ryan Garko, C Kelly Shoppach, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, RF Trevor Crowe and RHP Anthony Reyes.

CUBS: LF Alfonso Soriano, RF Joey Gathright, CF Kosuke Fukudome, 1B Micah Hoffpauir, 2B Mike Fontenot, 3B Bobby Scales, SS Andres Blanco, C Koyie Hill, P Ryan Dempster.

Audio: WMMS or Gameday Audio

Video: Only in your imagination

Gameday Link

Game Thread: Indians at Mariners, April 1

FredOx — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 19:59:43 -0000

The Tribe heads to Peoria for Cliff Lee's final start of the spring. Lineups:

INDIANS: LF Ben Francisco, 3B Mark DeRosa, 1B Victor Martinez, DH Travis Hafner, SS Jhonny Peralta, RF Ryan Garko, C Kelly Shoppach, CF Trevor Crowe, 2B Josh Barfield. LHP Cliff Lee.

Also available to pitch: RHPs Kerry Wood, Masa Kobayashi, Matt Herges, LHP Rafael Perez.

Mariners: CF Gutierrez, SS Betancourt, LF Griffey, 3B Beltre, 1B Sweeney, 2b Lopez, DH Balentien, RF Wilson, C Johnson. F Hernandez pitching.

Audio on WTAM and Gameday Audio

Gameday Link.

The Tribe heads to Peoria for Cliff Lee's final start of the spring. Lineups:

INDIANS: LF Ben Francisco, 3B Mark DeRosa, 1B Victor Martinez, DH Travis Hafner, SS Jhonny Peralta, RF Ryan Garko, C Kelly Shoppach, CF Trevor Crowe, 2B Josh Barfield. LHP Cliff Lee.

Also available to pitch: RHPs Kerry Wood, Masa Kobayashi, Matt Herges, LHP Rafael Perez.

Mariners: CF Gutierrez, SS Betancourt, LF Griffey, 3B Beltre, 1B Sweeney, 2b Lopez, DH Balentien, RF Wilson, C Johnson. F Hernandez pitching.

Audio on WTAM and Gameday Audio

Gameday Link.

Game Thread: Mariners vs. Indians, March 31

FredOx — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 20:10:51 -0000

The last home game of the spring finally arrives. Lineups per Castrovince:

INDIANS: DH Grady Sizemore, 1B Mark DeRosa, C Victor Martinez, LF Shin-Soo Choo, RF Ryan Garko, CF Ben Francisco, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, 3B Jamey Carroll, SS Wilson Valdez. LHP Scott Lewis.

Also available to pitch: RHPs Joe Smith, Masa Kobayashi, Jensen Lewis.

MARINERS: LF Endy Chavez, SS Ronny Cedeno, 1B Russell Branyan, 3B Adrian Beltre, DH Mike Sweeney, RF Wladimir Balentien, C Kenji Johjima, CF Franklin Gutierrez, 2B Chris Woodward. RHP Chris Jakaubaskas.

The last home game of the spring finally arrives. Lineups per Castrovince:

INDIANS: DH Grady Sizemore, 1B Mark DeRosa, C Victor Martinez, LF Shin-Soo Choo, RF Ryan Garko, CF Ben Francisco, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, 3B Jamey Carroll, SS Wilson Valdez. LHP Scott Lewis.

Also available to pitch: RHPs Joe Smith, Masa Kobayashi, Jensen Lewis.

MARINERS: LF Endy Chavez, SS Ronny Cedeno, 1B Russell Branyan, 3B Adrian Beltre, DH Mike Sweeney, RF Wladimir Balentien, C Kenji Johjima, CF Franklin Gutierrez, 2B Chris Woodward. RHP Chris Jakaubaskas.

Game Thread: Indians vs. Giants, March 27

FredOx — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:04:02 -0000

The Tribe plays a road game against some guys who may or may not play in San Francisco this year. Lineups per Castrovince:

INDIANS: CF Grady Sizemore, 3B Mark DeRosa, 1B Victor Martinez, SS Jhonny Peralta, C Kelly Shoppach, RF Ben Francisco, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, LF Josh Barfield. LHP Cliff Lee.

Also available to pitch: RHPs Rafael Betancourt, Joe Smith, Jensen Lewis.

GIANTS: CF Andres Torres, LF Eugenio Velez, RF Nate Schierholtz, 3B Pablo Sandoval, 1B Rich Aurilia, SS Juan Uribe, C Buster Posey, 2B Kevin Frandsen. RHP Jonathan Sanchez.

With the exception of Barfield in the outfield, that's pretty much a regular lineup, with actual real-life major league pitchers. No DH, so no Hafner bloop doubles. Discuss.

The Tribe plays a road game against some guys who may or may not play in San Francisco this year. Lineups per Castrovince:

INDIANS: CF Grady Sizemore, 3B Mark DeRosa, 1B Victor Martinez, SS Jhonny Peralta, C Kelly Shoppach, RF Ben Francisco, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, LF Josh Barfield. LHP Cliff Lee.

Also available to pitch: RHPs Rafael Betancourt, Joe Smith, Jensen Lewis.

GIANTS: CF Andres Torres, LF Eugenio Velez, RF Nate Schierholtz, 3B Pablo Sandoval, 1B Rich Aurilia, SS Juan Uribe, C Buster Posey, 2B Kevin Frandsen. RHP Jonathan Sanchez.

With the exception of Barfield in the outfield, that's pretty much a regular lineup, with actual real-life major league pitchers. No DH, so no Hafner bloop doubles. Discuss.

Game Thread: Indians vs. Padres, March 25

FredOx — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 20:15:03 -0000

It's Spring in Arizona, and I hear they're playing more baseball. Lineups per the PD, as Castro is off gallivanting somewhere:

Indians (8-14-2): CF Grady Sizemore, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Travis Hafner, SS Jhonny Peralta, RF Ryan Garko, C Kelly Shoppach, 1B Tony Graffanino, 3B Andy Marte, LF Trevor Crowe and RHP Carl Pavano.

Padres (5-16-3): CF Jody Gerut, 2B David Eckstein, RF Brian Giles, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, DH Cliff Floyd, LF Chase Headley, 3B Edgar Gonzalez, C Henry Blanco, SS Luis Rodriguez and RHP Kevin Correia.

It's Spring in Arizona, and I hear they're playing more baseball. Lineups per the PD, as Castro is off gallivanting somewhere:

Indians (8-14-2): CF Grady Sizemore, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Travis Hafner, SS Jhonny Peralta, RF Ryan Garko, C Kelly Shoppach, 1B Tony Graffanino, 3B Andy Marte, LF Trevor Crowe and RHP Carl Pavano.

Padres (5-16-3): CF Jody Gerut, 2B David Eckstein, RF Brian Giles, 1B Adrian Gonzalez, DH Cliff Floyd, LF Chase Headley, 3B Edgar Gonzalez, C Henry Blanco, SS Luis Rodriguez and RHP Kevin Correia.

Indians/As Game Thread: 3/20

FredOx — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:19:10 -0000

Basketball or March baseball, you make the call. Lineups per Castro:

INDIANS: 3B Jamey Carroll, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Travis Hafner, C Victor Martinez, LF Ryan Garko, CF Josh Barfield, RF Trevor Crowe, 1B Andy Marte, SS Wilson Valdez. RHP Carl Pavano.

Also available to pitch: LHP Scott Lewis, RHPs Matt Herges, Ed Mujica and Greg Aquino. RHPs Joe Smith, Jensen Lewis, Rafael Betancourt and Masa Kobayashi will pitch in a Minor League game.

ATHLETICS: CF Rajai Davis, RF Jack Cust, 3B Nomar Garciaparra, DH Jason Giambi, C Landon Powell, 1B Daric Barton, SS Bobby Crosby, LF Aaron Cunningham, 2B Cliff Pennington. LHP Brett Anderson.

Barfield and Garko in the outfield. Oh, goody.

Basketball or March baseball, you make the call. Lineups per Castro:

INDIANS: 3B Jamey Carroll, 2B Asdrubal Cabrera, DH Travis Hafner, C Victor Martinez, LF Ryan Garko, CF Josh Barfield, RF Trevor Crowe, 1B Andy Marte, SS Wilson Valdez. RHP Carl Pavano.

Also available to pitch: LHP Scott Lewis, RHPs Matt Herges, Ed Mujica and Greg Aquino. RHPs Joe Smith, Jensen Lewis, Rafael Betancourt and Masa Kobayashi will pitch in a Minor League game.

ATHLETICS: CF Rajai Davis, RF Jack Cust, 3B Nomar Garciaparra, DH Jason Giambi, C Landon Powell, 1B Daric Barton, SS Bobby Crosby, LF Aaron Cunningham, 2B Cliff Pennington. LHP Brett Anderson.

Barfield and Garko in the outfield. Oh, goody.

Castro has a preview of the opening of Jackass Stadium, in which Steinbrenner uses his time machine...

FredOx — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 19:25:10 -0000

Castro has a preview of the opening of Jackass Stadium, in which Steinbrenner uses his time machine to forecast the Indians' lineup on April 16.

BBWAA reverses course, admits Neyer and Law

FredOx — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:25:11 -0000

BBWAA reverses course, admits Neyer and Law

In other news from the Bellagio, the BBWAA has voted to approve four new net-centric scribes, including Will Carroll and Christina Kahrl of Baseball Prospectus and Rob Neyer and Keith Law of ESPN.com. Last year, Neyer and Law weren't good enough, but they've been granted the keys to the ~~fluorescent green~~ chartreuse BBWAA washroom.

Vote Victor ... for Oddity of The Year

FredOx — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 14:09:59 -0000

Vote Victor ... for Oddity of The Year

Lets talk about the election!

The election for This Year in Baseball Awards, of course. Tribe contenders this year include Cliff Lee for Starting Pitcher of the Year, Grady Sizemore for Defensive Player of the Year, Kelly Shoppach for Single-Game Performance of the Year, AsCab's triple play for Play of the Year and Victor Martinez for Oddity of the Year (stupid flash, so no direct links).

There's also a Minor League version - the Tribe's sole hope is Carlos Santana for Hitter of the Year.

LaPorta Slugs 2 HRs in Playoff Opener

FredOx — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:02:28 -0000

Matt LaPorta certainly had an auspicious playoff debut for the Aeros, going 4-for-5 with two homers and a walk in Akron's 6-5, 12 inning victory over Bowie. LaPorta tied the game at 2 with a leadoff homer in the fourth, drove in Wes Hodges to give the Aeros a lead with a two-run blast in the sixth, and drove in the winning run with a single in the 12th.

Wyatt Toregas also went deep for the Aeros, and Wes Hodges was 2-for-5. On the pitching side, Scott Lewis performed adequately, giving up three runs in 5.2 IP, Tony Sipp struck out two but uncorked two wild pitches, and Neil Wagner closed out the game with three scoreless innings, working around a single and a walk in the 12th (with the final out coming, fittingly, on a flyout to LaPorta).

LGF(uture)T.