April 3, 200817 yr I don't know about anyone else, but I'm still fuming about 'Progressive Field'! :x (That is the last time I will refer to Jacob's Field by that name!!) IT'S STILL THE JAKE! If you agree, visit www.stillthejake.com and order your t-shirt. This isn't some business, it's the initiative of a family friend who is a long time Indians fan and is as disgusted by 'The Prog' as we are. EWWW! 'The Prog'? I mean, come on.
April 4, 200817 yr I don't know about anyone else, but I'm still fuming about 'P********* F****'! :x (That is the last time I will refer to Jacob's Field by that name!!) IT'S STILL THE JAKE! If you agree, visit www.stillthejake.com and order your t-shirt. This isn't some business, it's the initiative of a family friend who is a long time Indians fan and is as disgusted by 'The P***' as we are. EWWW! 'The P***'? I mean, come on. Channel 5 did an online survey (I know, self selecting....) and 2/3 of the respondents said they will still call it "Jacobs Field" or "The Jake". Hell, I still call Gund Arena by its proper name.
April 4, 200817 yr It makes a lot more sense to me to use naming rights to promote a consumer product, Progressive Insurance, than to promote a developer. This is a way for Progressive Insurance to get a few more eyes and a bit more familiarity for their brand. On the other hand, what is the advantage of naming it after the previous owner of the team? Is somebody going to see "Jacob's Field" and say to himself: "Hey, I think I am going to look them up next time I need a commercial developer with a broad experience in financing, real estate law, and bond issuance! "? Progressive Insurance edit:case
April 4, 200817 yr It was never "JVJ Field", it's "Jacobs Field". Sort of like "Ebbets Field" was, IIRC, named after an early owner of the Dodgers....and Wrigley Field was named after the Cubs owner, not the gum. Since Jacobs was the owner that instilled a commitment to excellence and oversaw the revitalization of the team, it makes sense to continue to honor him. Besides, I bet you'd hate it if it was called "Conservative Field". :evil:
April 10, 200817 yr AWESOME. http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3339427 I don't know what's up with CC and Byrd so far this year, but so far Fausto and Westbrook have looked fantastic in their two starts. Who knows, maybe CLee will keep it going too.
April 10, 200817 yr Gotta like the contract makeup of the "core". Payroll flexibility, while also sustaining a certain level of security. Carmona controlled thru 2014 (terms undisclosed; $7 million average yearly payout) Hafner controlled thru 2013 ($13million final year) Sizemore controlled thru 2012 ($10.5 million final year) Peralta controlled thru 2011 ($7 million final year) Betancourt-closer controlled thru 2010 ($5 million final year) Lee controlled thru 2010 ($8 million final year) Martinez controlled thru 2010 ($7 million final year) Westbrook controlled thru 2010 ($11 million final year)
April 10, 200817 yr I love the new Carmona deal. Tip of the hat to Shapiro and Carmona for getting this done. This kid is the deal.
April 11, 200817 yr I am still a little concerned with the Tribe's ever-changing line up of outfielders. i think we need to establish a full time outfield that plays 5 out of 6 games together. Alot of experimentation seems to be taking place, which I guess, now is a better time than any. My hapiness revolves around Westbrook coming off af a injury shortened season and realling stepping up as the potential ace that we signed for big bucks last year. If we can get CC back to normal (He has been rough since the start of the Boston post season series) then we will have a heck of a rotation, if not best in the majors. Also, what's up with the lineup not supporting Jake at all when he's on the mound. He right up there with least run supported pither in the majors. Lets try to score five or six runs for the guy. I really think it has become a psychlogical thing for the team. Well, here's to Martinez day to day. Hopefully we can see him back soon. I think this injury will have a big effect on Shopach's career as a starting catcher for the Tribe and a move to first for Martinez. Once the catcher starts getting any lowe leg problems, and he is your biggest hitter on the team, time to get him off his knee's. Lets give the best back up cather in the majors a starting job.
April 11, 200817 yr I am still a little concerned with the Tribe's ever-changing line up of outfielders. i think we need to establish a full time outfield that plays 5 out of 6 games together. Alot of experimentation seems to be taking place, which I guess, now is a better time than any. My hapiness revolves around Westbrook coming off af a injury shortened season and realling stepping up as the potential ace that we signed for big bucks last year. If we can get CC back to normal (He has been rough since the start of the Boston post season series) then we will have a heck of a rotation, if not best in the majors. Also, what's up with the lineup not supporting Jake at all when he's on the mound. He right up there with least run supported pither in the majors. Lets try to score five or six runs for the guy. I really think it has become a psychlogical thing for the team. Well, here's to Martinez day to day. Hopefully we can see him back soon. I think this injury will have a big effect on Shopach's career as a starting catcher for the Tribe and a move to first for Martinez. Once the catcher starts getting any lowe leg problems, and he is your biggest hitter on the team, time to get him off his knee's. Lets give the best back up cather in the majors a starting job. The problem is that we have Garko cemented at first and at least one nice 1b prospect in the minors. maybe we ought to look at trading garko and try to get a solid third baseman during the offseason. I like Garko, but we need a good power 3b. Marte is not the solution (and unless Blake gets hurt, we'll never find out if he can live up to his prior hype).
April 11, 200817 yr ^Absolutely. Agree with a Garko trade reagardless. The Tribe in my mind will old on to Marte for this year and possibly even next based on his age and his minor league career. Some scout and someone else in the front office for some reason thinks that Marte is just going to light it up one of these days and turn into a power hitting third baseman. Sure, I listened to the Spring Training game where he hit two homers and thought wow, maybe this guy is something special. But his fielding....And playing on the hot corner is definately a place that requires good fielding. With him on thisrd, and Peralta on Short, that side of the infield is pronbe to make 30 errrors a season. My ultimate plan would be to make Peralta DH, Cabrera shortstop, get Barfield back as a second baseman, Martinez at first and Blake at Third. Whatevere happens to Hafner happens. Make an ultimate Trade of Hafner and CC for....well, who knows what you could get.
April 14, 200817 yr well the hell is going on down at the jake ....East Ninth street Ball Park...Ontario, Lorain, Carneige crossings Field.....the prog....?? The indians look at hot mess!
April 14, 200817 yr It's early, Lee looks great and they had a solid win today. Offense is starting to come around, once it gets going, watch out.
April 14, 200817 yr ^I can't believe how good Lee looks. Then again, I think he threw a one-hitter last year in his second start after coming off the DL...so who knows.
April 15, 200817 yr Ugh, tonight's game was like watching a slow-mo train wreck... It's early, but I don't think Borowski is going to keep his job this year.
April 15, 200817 yr I think they've said that Betancourt would get the first shot. And I've also heard Perez's name thrown in there as a potential closer.
April 15, 200817 yr Look for Borowski to go on the DL. My guess is that Kobayashi will have first crack at the closers role. He was signed explicitly for this reason. Betancourt/Perez/and even Lewis are much too valuable as set-up/6-7-8th inning men. Shappie/Wedgie both subscribe to the thought process that you use your best, most dominant pitchers early, so that you CAN be in a save situation.
April 15, 200817 yr Wow ... last night's game was definitely a shocker. That's baseball though ... they were pretty much running things until the last inning.
April 15, 200817 yr Wow ... last night's game was definitely a shocker. That's baseball though ... they were pretty much running things until the last inning. Actually, it wasn't the least bit shocking, which is a really sad statement about Borowski. This is Manny describing Borowski's pitch last night (from the PD): "It seemed like a fastball," he said. "It was something like 80 mph. Maybe it was change-up. It was right there." What's really annoying is that Keith Foulke, after opting out last year, is back and (yeah, I know it's early) pitching really well for Oakland. It will be fun to see how Troy Percival does for Tampa Bay too...we seem to sign the most washed up b-grade closers, but certainly not the best.
April 15, 200817 yr I think this year you have to make due with whoever can step up in the bullpen and fill the closer role, and next season I'd like to see them try to convert Adam Miller to the closer of the future, because it's clear he can't stay healthy and be a legit, long-term major league starter. His stuff is still nasty, but healthy will always be an issue with him.
April 15, 200817 yr Indians’ Borowski goes on DL with strained triceps CLEVELAND (AP)—Indians closer Joe Borowski was placed on the 15-day disabled list Tuesday, a day after blowing a save and giving up a two-run homer in the ninth inning to Boston’s Manny Ramirez in a 6-4 loss to the Red Sox... http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-indians-borowski&prov=ap&type=lgns
April 15, 200817 yr No. I mean "ugh". I have to listen to these damn stankee's fans. ugh! Since the Indians didn't beat Boston, I have to listen to crap from Stankee's fans! ' You know the "you guys still can't seal a win" shit!
April 22, 200817 yr Cleveland Indians put pitcher Westbrook on DL; outfielder Francisco recalled Posted by Plain Dealer staff reports April 22, 2008 13:25PM The Indians, struggling along with offensive problems this season, ran into more trouble today when starting righthander Jake Westbrook was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left intercostal strain... http://blog.cleveland.com/sports/2008/04/cleveland_indians_put_pitcher.html
April 23, 200817 yr Delucci & Michael's days are numbered. Let's hope. Although Delucci, when not GIDP, is actually one of the few people getting on base- I think he has the highest OPS on the team. Other than Francisco, it doesn't look like there's much near term hitting help in the minors, no?
April 23, 200817 yr Shin-Soo Choo is the next best option in the minors, followed by super-prospect/super-bust Trevor Crowe.
April 25, 200817 yr Holy crap Cliff Lee. I wonder how much of it is because of the lineups he's faced (Oak, Oak, MN and KC)? I'm already looking forward to his next start.
April 25, 200817 yr ^There is alot to say for Oakland, and Kansas City is no slouch either. Lee really is pitching off the wall right now. We must consider however it was done in the second game of a double header that started at 10 PM. Even though, that will probably be the best start by any Indians pitcher this year, if not any pitcher in the mlb. No walks (WOW!!!) 9 K's 3 hits, 9 IP, and no ER's. Unreal. Really, only a perfect game can beat that.
April 25, 200817 yr ^There is alot to say for Oakland, and Kansas City is no slouch either. Lee really is pitching off the wall right now. We must consider however it was done in the second game of a double header that started at 10 PM. Even though, that will probably be the best start by any Indians pitcher this year, if not any pitcher in the mlb. No walks (WOW!!!) 9 K's 3 hits, 9 IP, and no ER's. Unreal. Really, only a perfect game can beat that. I'm a big fan of ESPN's game scores (methodology at the bottom): http://scores.espn.go.com/mlb/stats/bestgames
April 28, 200817 yr I would like to see attendance by month over history (since gateway opened), I have a hunch that most northern teams in outdoor stadiums rank low in the first month, possibly first two months of the season. Not an excuse, but something to think about. That Indians average about 2.2 million folks, IIRC a year. those few "bad years" and the browns coming back hurt. But now, with three winning teams there is a reason to increast ticket sales.
April 28, 200817 yr ^Even at the end of the year the Tribe's attendance has been pretty lousy in recent years- it was 21st last year. For a really good team. Even if you adjusted for the early snow-outs (which may have actually helped attendance by moving games later in the year), it wouldn't get them up much higher. The stupid anemic offense is really bugging me. Victor is the only guy hitting.
April 28, 200817 yr I would like to see attendance by month over history (since gateway opened), I have a hunch that most northern teams in outdoor stadiums rank low in the first month, possibly first two months of the season. Not an excuse, but something to think about. That Indians average about 2.2 million folks, IIRC a year. those few "bad years" and the browns coming back hurt. But now, with three winning teams there is a reason to increast ticket sales. In the first month so far in 2008: 1. NY Yankees 2. NY Mets 3. Philadelphia 7. Boston 9. Detroit 5 of the top 10 are in cold weather cities.
April 28, 200817 yr ^And Oakland, Tampa Bay and Florida are among the bottom 5. DC and KC are also really low (not exactly warm weather, but not the frozen north).
April 28, 200817 yr Here's a weird stat: with the bases empty this year, the Indians are batting only .208.
April 28, 200817 yr I would like to see attendance by month over history (since gateway opened), I have a hunch that most northern teams in outdoor stadiums rank low in the first month, possibly first two months of the season. Not an excuse, but something to think about. That Indians average about 2.2 million folks, IIRC a year. those few "bad years" and the browns coming back hurt. But now, with three winning teams there is a reason to increast ticket sales. In the first month so far in 2008: 1. NY Yankees 2. NY Mets 3. Philadelphia 7. Boston 9. Detroit 5 of the top 10 are in cold weather cities. All five of those markets listed are at least double the size of the Cleveland market. Teams like Cleveland, Cincy, KC, STL, Minny, Millwaukee, need to have strong teams to bring in good attendence. As for the Tribe, I don't know what the problem is. Probably Cavs in the playoffs, Browns back in Cleveland and maybe even the economy playing a role. As a whole though, Cleveland really has not embraced this team like they did the 90's with Alomar's, Thome, Vizquel, Lofton, Nagy, etc. Clevelanders are not putting Blake, Garko, Peralta, etc in the same class as the above mentioned. Kind of wierd, but the vibe just is not the same.
April 28, 200817 yr All five of those markets listed are at least double the size of the Cleveland market. Teams like Cleveland, Cincy, KC, STL, Minny, Millwaukee, need to have strong teams to bring in good attendence. As for the Tribe, I don't know what the problem is. Probably Cavs in the playoffs, Browns back in Cleveland and maybe even the economy playing a role. As a whole though, Cleveland really has not embraced this team like they did the 90's with Alomar's, Thome, Vizquel, Lofton, Nagy, etc. Clevelanders are not putting Blake, Garko, Peralta, etc in the same class as the above mentioned. Kind of wierd, but the vibe just is not the same. I never include NY or LA in comparision because you can't. In addition, those teams are having so many "marketing tie-ins" since both NY teams will be in new stadiums next year, folks want a piece of history. Philly, Boston and Detroit are NOT twice the size of Cleveland (and if you can provide information that they are, PM me). I think as stated a few times, that the 90s Indians teams are the bench mark and now with three winning teams on the play ground the indians are the "third" team in the Cleveland market. The Browns are number one, The Cavs number two (behind the multi platform marketing of the NBA) and the indians number three. Baseball itself is having a tough time competing. Baseball doesn't have an urban core like basketball and football. Along with the MLB admiting it's lossing black players and having a hard time winning them over AND the recent latin american scandals, but thats really off topic.
April 28, 200817 yr ^^I think that's all true, especially about the team not really being embraced the same way. And I think you point to why: the Indians stars are their starting pitchers who are not out there every day. Blake, Garko and Peralta will be forgotten in 10 years while Alomar, Thome, Vizquel, Lofton, Belle, Manny, etc put up HOF numbers during the mid-late '90s. I sometimes forget just how good some of the lineups were until I look back at the stats. They were unreal. Albert Belle hit 50 HRs in 1995, even though the season was strike-shortened by 18 games. In 2006 it looked like Hafner might be heading in that direction...but not so much now.
April 28, 200817 yr Baseball itself is having a tough time competing. Baseball doesn't have an urban core like basketball and football. Along with the MLB admiting it's lossing black players and having a hard time winning them over AND the recent latin american scandals, but thats really off topic. Outside of Cleveland, I don't think baseball is having any trouble competing- it draws more fans now than it ever did in the past. But I think you're right: unlike some other cities (Boston, Cincy, St, Louis?) Cleveland is just more of a football town than a baseball town.
April 28, 200817 yr Outside of Cleveland, I don't think baseball is having any trouble competing- it draws more fans now than it ever did in the past. But I think you're right: unlike some other cities (Boston, Cincy, St, Louis?) Cleveland is just more of a football town than a baseball town. Ok, but what about those cities other sports teams? I would think there is some fluctuation if their baseball team is doing well or they are not a city with at least three of the four major sports leagues. any way back to the indians only discussion. In the lost I thought CC looked to be turning things around, Kstay2, what do you think?
April 28, 200817 yr Yeah I think even though we lost, CC had his second great game in a row, seems like he's back to Cy Young form and moved past last post-season. Now if Carmona can just get his walks down the starters are pretty squared away. I'd like to see them move Jensen Lewis to closer because he's the closer of the future, why tip-toe around it. Betancourt is best served as the 8th inning guy.
April 28, 200817 yr So what's going to happen to Borowski when he gets of the DL? I wouldn't mine seeing J Lewis step in as closer, but his control is still a little shaky. I like Bettencourt in there now with Masa, J Lewis and Perez setting up...so far so good.
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