June 8, 201015 yr If there's any silver lining, it's that the scene at Jacob's Field last night is one that is repeated across 8-10 other cities around Major League Baseball on any given weeknight. The league has a serious problem with keeping its smaller markets competitive, and it's killing attendance. Remember when Kansas City won the World Series in 1985? Remember when Pittsburgh went to the playoffs three years in a row in the early 1990s? What the hell has happened since then?!
June 8, 201015 yr It's become a revenue driven sport based on market size. End of story. If it doesn't change, it doesn't matter who your owner is.
June 8, 201015 yr It's become a revenue driven sport based on market size. End of story. If it doesn't change, it doesn't matter who your owner is. Bingo. Dolan is cheap, but he's still spending a similar amount on payroll as competitive teams in larger markets. He simply does not have the revenue. The model has changed quite a bit even in the decade since we were competitive every year.
June 9, 201015 yr More love for Victor....such a great story! Family reunion for Martinez in Cleveland By Gordon Edes CLEVELAND -- He was 20 years old and in the United States for the first time, plunked down in northeast Ohio to play for the short-season Class A Mahoning Valley Scrappers, whose ballpark was located behind a shopping mall. Victor Martinez had never lived outside his native Venezuela and didn't speak English. So he had no idea who Patti Bixler was or what she was saying when she approached four Scrappers after one of their first games, found out that they were walking the two miles back and forth from the ballpark to where they were staying and decided that wouldn't do. Malave chose his friend. Martinez did not know it at the time, that summer of 1999, but he was about to become part of the family. And so it was no accident that Bob and Patti Bixler and their adult son, Ryan, were in the family room in Progressive Field on Monday night, waiting for Martinez to emerge from the visitors clubhouse after the Sox-Indians game. This was Martinez's first trip back to Cleveland since the trade last summer that had left them all in tears. Now, they were taking him home again, back to their home in Howland, Ohio, about 60 miles southeast of Cleveland, where it all began. http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/columns/story?columnist=edes_gordon&id=5264201
June 9, 201015 yr Also, Polish Night at the Prog on June 11: Cleveland and Polish Night Will Rock at Progressive By Michael Reghi WKNR 850 AM ESPN Radio June 9, 2010 CLEVELAND -- Baseball is still celebrating Polish Night. On June 11, the Cleveland Indians will host the Washington Nationals at Progressive Field for Polish Night. It is the eighth annual. Get there early for the pre-game festivities and parade. Wear your red and white. Groups can meet at Key Plaza outside of Gate ‘A’ at 6:00 PM. I will be having an early lunch with sports broadcasters Raymond Rolak of Detroit and Doug Yalacki of Washington D.C., at Sokolowski’s University Inn in Tremont. It will be ‘Rocking’, pre and post-game. We will speculate on some Stephen Strasburg heat. http://www.sportspagemagazine.com/content/baseb/mp-baseb/art-mp-baseb/cleveland-and-polish-night-will-rock-at-progressiv.shtml?40600
June 10, 201015 yr Tickets are selling like hot cakes right now for Strasburg's start again the Tribe this Sunday. I'm sure there will be a story on it soon.
June 10, 201015 yr It's become a revenue driven sport based on market size. End of story. If it doesn't change, it doesn't matter who your owner is. Bingo. Dolan is cheap, but he's still spending a similar amount on payroll as competitive teams in larger markets. He simply does not have the revenue. The model has changed quite a bit even in the decade since we were competitive every year. It's become increasingly clear though that, even within this context, the Indians stink. We're not the only mid-sized market in MLB... but we're the one that can't draft and gets garbage in our trades. That's not Dolan's fault, that's Shapiro's fault.
June 10, 201015 yr Drafting killed this team... it's why we had to do a complete rebuild instead of allowing a couple players to walk and filling in with talent from below. But the fact of the matter is, When the indians and yankees spend the same % of their revenues... The Indians will have an $80-90m payroll. The Yankees will have a $200m+ payroll. And on top of it, the large market teams have no figured out how to completely exploit the draft. they are taking guys in the later rounds that the mid and small market teams can't afford to sign and paying them 1st round money. So they end up with stocked farm systems that they can use to pry teams best players away in trades. They can pay more than anyone else in free agency to get the top talent in each off season. And on top of it, international players aren't even in the draft so they pluck the best international players in the secondary free agent market. It's amazing that small and mid market teams EVER compete. Everything has to go perfect for you to get that small window of a 2-3 year run before starting over. If MLB ever wants to be competetive at the bare minimum they have to have a draft that includes international players as well as domestic, and have a true slotting system in which where you get picked is what you get paid, period. At least that will allow the teams that can't buy free agents and have had bad years, truly an opportunity to get the best talent.
June 10, 201015 yr ^I think you guys are both right. The wealth disparities certainly make it an uphill clime for small market teams even when things go right, but the Indians aren't coming close to doing everything right; drafting under Mirabelli was atrocious. Even KC has been developing better talent than the tribe of late. I'm as far from a scout as it gets, but it seems like things have finally gotten better the last couple years- last year's draft in particular is looking pretty awesome- but we have several bad years to overcome. Tickets are selling like hot cakes right now for Strasburg's start again the Tribe this Sunday. I'm sure there will be a story on it soon. I bought my tickets last night :) Too bad Huff will be pitching for the Tribe :( Polish night sounds awesome. I'm bummed I'm going to miss that.
June 10, 201015 yr Agreed. I wouldn't be surprised if we ran the worst draft in baseball for about 8 years. We have absolutely nothing since the sabathia draft.... but yes, the last couple drafts have a lot of promise. I can't wait to get a look at chisenhall. and I actually think we've done a pretty good job in trades.
June 10, 201015 yr ^True, the trades have generally been a lot better than the drafts. Let's hop the CC, Cliff Lee and Vic trades follow that pattern...to early too tell at this point, I suppose. The most depressing draft factoid was in this Cleveland.com piece: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2010/06/baseball_draft_advance.html To paraphrase, since 1991, among Indians first round picks, Manny Ramirez has the most MLB at bats. Second place... Trevor Crowe. Ouch.
June 10, 201015 yr Drafting killed this team... it's why we had to do a complete rebuild instead of allowing a couple players to walk and filling in with talent from below. But the fact of the matter is, When the indians and yankees spend the same % of their revenues... The Indians will have an $80-90m payroll. The Yankees will have a $200m+ payroll. And on top of it, the large market teams have no figured out how to completely exploit the draft. they are taking guys in the later rounds that the mid and small market teams can't afford to sign and paying them 1st round money. So they end up with stocked farm systems that they can use to pry teams best players away in trades. They can pay more than anyone else in free agency to get the top talent in each off season. And on top of it, international players aren't even in the draft so they pluck the best international players in the secondary free agent market. It's amazing that small and mid market teams EVER compete. Everything has to go perfect for you to get that small window of a 2-3 year run before starting over. If MLB ever wants to be competetive at the bare minimum they have to have a draft that includes international players as well as domestic, and have a true slotting system in which where you get picked is what you get paid, period. At least that will allow the teams that can't buy free agents and have had bad years, truly an opportunity to get the best talent. well said
June 11, 201015 yr LaPorta's nuts. Get's sent down and hits 4 home runs in two games. More production than his entire 2 mos with the Indians. Anyway, I was super excited to see this headline, Report: Indians calling up stud catching prospect Carlos Santana http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/report-indians-calling-up-stud-catching-prospect-carlos-santana.html.php So I switch to the Indians web site and see this headline: Santana will join Tribe before Labor Day http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100610&content_id=11043032&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle Labor Day? Funny. UPDATE: It's official!! http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100611&content_id=11062520&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle
June 11, 201015 yr Looks like the Tribe will be on National TV: “Sunday MLB on TBS” Bumps Phillies/Red Sox to Feature Stephen Strasburg’s Second Career Start Posted on 10 June 2010 by Robert Seidman “Sunday MLB on TBS” continues on June 13 with TBS adding the Washington Nationals at Cleveland Indians game at 1 p.m. (ET). The Nationals probable starter is scheduled to be rookie phenom pitcher Stephen Strasburg when the Nationals visit probable starter David Huff and the Cleveland Indians. TBS will also add two super slo-mo cameras for the telecast; a centerfield camera and a right field line camera. In his MLB pitching debut, Strasburg got the win as he struck out 14 batters in 7 innings in a 5-2 Nationals victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Dick Stockton (play-by-play), Buck Martinez (analyst) and Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley (analyst) will call the action. TBS had previously scheduled and announced the Philadelphia Phillies @ Boston Red Sox game at 1:30 p.m. (ET). http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/06/10/sunday-mlb-on-tbs-bumps-philliesred-sox-to-feature-stephen-strasburgs-second-career-start/53696
July 9, 201014 yr nothing like adding a little insult to injury following "the decision" and "the abandonment" of lebron --- cliff lee to the yankees. geesh.
July 9, 201014 yr What are those of you who are complaining doing about it? That is a serious question although not one for this topic.
July 9, 201014 yr Meh, the not top 10 list is just a blooper reel, who cares. Funny thing about Cliff Lee: what irks me most is not so much that finances forced the indians to trade him, it's that the guy decided to completely forget how to pitch to MLB hitters the one year (2007) that it mattered most.
July 11, 201014 yr What are those of you who are complaining doing about it? That is a serious question although not one for this topic. I went to the batting cages today. Hoping to get a call from the Tribe in the next week or two.
July 21, 201014 yr 6 game win streak. Maybe LeChoke took the curse with him to Miami. Just like any other sport, the regular season don't me shit! Lets see if they can keep this up and make the playoffs?
July 21, 201014 yr 6 game win streak. Maybe LeChoke took the curse with him to Miami. You mean the one that pre-dates his birth by 20 years? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 21, 201014 yr It would be tough, but what is in their favor is they are beating the teams in their division and finish the season with a 3 game series with the ChiSox. I wouldn't hold your breath they but if they do somehow manage to make the playoff it will be a down to the wire exciting stretch of baseball. I am just glad they are playing interesting baseball. The majority of the last two season have been too painful to watch.
July 21, 201014 yr The tribe now has a winning record against the central...too bad this isn't like college football... Either way ....go young Tribe!!
July 21, 201014 yr 6 game win streak. Maybe LeChoke took the curse with him to Miami. You mean the one that pre-dates his birth by 20 years? Our sins pre-dated JC's birth by more than that.
July 21, 201014 yr Just like any other sport, the regular season don't me sh!t! Yes, it does. If you don't have a good record, you don't make the playoffs.
July 21, 201014 yr 'In case you haven't noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven't, the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.' Harry Doyle.
July 21, 201014 yr Just like any other sport, the regular season don't me sh!t! Yes, it does. If you don't have a good record, you don't make the playoffs. HUSH! You know what I mean. :whip: If you make the playoffs it's a whole new season. Your record, in the regular season, doesn't means bupkis!
July 21, 201014 yr Just like any other sport, the regular season don't me sh!t! Yes, it does. If you don't have a good record, you don't make the playoffs. HUSH! You know what I mean. :whip: If you make the playoffs it's a whole new season. Your record, in the regular season, doesn't means bupkis! Believe me, we are Cleveland sports fans. I know this better than most. Best regular season record? It don't mean sh!t. I know. Now will you let me enjoy a little bit of good sports news, the little ray of sunshine on my sports fan mojo. Well I guess besides the winning streak there is a new Browns season coming up. I did hear that Polk High is going to be fielding a winner this fall too. They've got a kid who they think can break the touchdowns in a single game record. he's suppose to be magic when he touches the ball. I hope he sprains an ankle...
July 21, 201014 yr Just like any other sport, the regular season don't me sh!t! Yes, it does. If you don't have a good record, you don't make the playoffs. HUSH! You know what I mean. :whip: If you make the playoffs it's a whole new season. Your record, in the regular season, doesn't means bupkis! Believe me, we are Cleveland sports fans. I know this better than most. Best regular season record? It don't mean sh!t. I know. Now will you let me enjoy a little bit of good sports news, the little ray of sunshine on my sports fan mojo. Well I guess besides the winning streak there is a new Browns season coming up. I know. I just like giving Jam a hard time.
July 21, 201014 yr 'In case you haven't noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven't, the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.' Harry Doyle. BTW, I don't know if anyone picked this up, but James Gammon, who played Lou Brown on Major League died a few days ago "You may run like Mayes, but you hit like sh!t." http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/James-Gammon-played-Lou-Brown-in-Major-League-?urn=mlb,256597
July 21, 201014 yr Playoffs don't mean sh!t, the championship matters. A championship doesn't mean jack, dynasties are what you'll tell your grandkids about ... If you're not the Yankees, Maple Leafs, Lakers, or Celtics, then GTFO all the rest of you are inconsequential. :wink:
July 21, 201014 yr 'In case you haven't noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven't, the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.' Harry Doyle. BTW, I don't know if anyone picked this up, but James Gammon, who played Lou Brown on Major League died a few days ago "You may run like Mayes, but you hit like sh!t." http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/James-Gammon-played-Lou-Brown-in-Major-League-?urn=mlb,256597 I just was about to post it. "uuh I dunno I've got a guy about a set of white walls on the other line. Can I call you back?"
July 21, 201014 yr Playoffs don't mean sh!t, the championship matters. A championship doesn't mean jack, dynasties are what you'll tell your grandkids about ... If you're not the Yankees, Maple Leafs, Lakers, or Celtics, then GTFO all the rest of you are inconsequential. :wink: LOL
July 21, 201014 yr 'In case you haven't noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven't, the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening to climb out of the cellar.' Harry Doyle. BTW, I don't know if anyone picked this up, but James Gammon, who played Lou Brown on Major League died a few days ago "You may run like Mayes, but you hit like sh!t." http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/blog/big_league_stew/post/James-Gammon-played-Lou-Brown-in-Major-League-?urn=mlb,256597 I just was about to post it. "uuh I dunno I've got a guy about a set of white walls on the other line. Can I call you back?" "Throw him the heater, Ricky"
July 31, 201014 yr We lost a class act in Westbook. I wish we didn't trade him. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 31, 201014 yr Another quality player sent packing. This sport needs a salary cap. Smaller to mid-market teams will only occasionally compete without it, and be more of a farm system for places like New Yuck. Without such only compounds the pathetic product of poorly owned/managed teams like ours. Management is an abomination. Where is the fairness and sport in buying your way to a championship? The word "earn" is non-existent and sport, it is not. Welcome back to 70's Indians Baseball.
July 31, 201014 yr We lost a class act in Westbook. I wish we didn't trade him. I'm a fan too, but we lost only 2 months of him, so not really so bad. It's roster scrubbing day in Cleveland, it seems.
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