I don't think there was a single person believing last night was going to go well weather wise.  It was all "lets get to the 5th inning quick" after those first 5 runs.

I am not ready to sit outside in...this. We're 10 degrees below normal, it sucks.

 

The last two nights were well above normal.  Yeah, most of April has sucked, but the average high is still only 59, and it was in the upper 70s the last two days with no rain.

 

And nearly hurricane force winds.  I wouldn't exactly call that a great day at the ball park. 

 

I don't think there was a single person believing last night was going to go well weather wise.  It was all "lets get to the 5th inning quick" after those first 5 runs.

 

I was surprised it stayed as dry as it did.  Seemed like everywhere around us was getting poured on.

21-9!

So, yeah...I think 85-87 wins would be enough to take the AL Central.  This team plays .500 ball from here on out and they're in the ALDS. 

I would have gone to more games, but so far my days off coincide with the tribe being out of town. I generally work evenings :(

The attendance is bad for a few reasons:

 

-It's been a pretty cold April.

-Fans still aren't sure if this team is the real deal and don't want to invest their time and emotions into a team that may inevitably collapse (not my opinion, I think they're going to the World Series, just talking about peoples' perceptions).

-Despite the team's success, fans are still furious with the Dolans and Shapiro and want to demonstrate it by not showing up.

-The awful economy and high gas prices affect spending money on luxuries like Indians games.

-Cleveland sports fans might be a bit burnt out at this point. After the Cavs and Browns disastrous seasons, it's hard for some to get into the Indians.

-The first game was a major downer, even with the comeback. Down 14 runs in the first few innings takes a lot out of the team's sails, even with its 10 run comeback

-The team has been crap the last few years anyway and a lot of these guys are relatively new to the team, so there isn't much player loyalty outside of Grady, Haff, Asdrubal and Carmona

 

Some combo of these reasons is probably why attendance has been so rough.

 

Fans are starting to ramp up though. I've noticed a lot more tribe gear being worn since last weekend.  I think the Santana walk-off last Friday caught the attention of a lot of people. I we will really be able to tell how attendance is going to shakeout for the year by numbers that show up for the mid-may homestand against the Reds and the BoSox, I think those two series will be a good barometer.

 

I wish that I could have watched last nights game. The 12th inning sounded like a thing of beauty. I've bought in already but I still can't believe how "well" or correctly they are playing. Or how frustrating "Wedge" ball was for all those years.

 

And almost all of the players are tied up for the next 2-3 years. That's the really really happy thought....

Fans are definitely taking notice. I saw several people wearing Indians gear here in SFL in the past couple of weeks. The last sighting was probably in the late 1990's.

I think another reason attendance is bad is that fans might be embarrassed to be fair weather. And, by the way, there's nothing wrong with being a fair weather fan - I'm not sure why that phrase is so negative...but it is.

 

Maybe 'embarassed' isn't the right word exactly, but the reluctance may stem from not wanting to be one of those guys who jumps ship back and forth - it's easier to choose one side and stay there.

Exactly, Im not going to invest my time, money, and emotions in a team thats losing like crazy. But the way they are now, Ive watched almost every game, and plan on getting out to some games once the weather improves. When the Indians suck, I dont follow a different team, I just completely ignore baseball in general. No harm in that

I have a close relative who works for the Tribe (no, I won't get free tickets for you) and she tells me that, based on the ticket sales for upcoming games this summer, you will probably see much larger crowds soon.

 

In one of my posts from a few days ago that got lost with the forum switcheroo, I predicted that this West Coast swing was going to be a toughie considering the pitching we were going to be up against. And I figured yesterday's game (Gomez, 0-1 4.99 ERA vs. Anderson, 5-0 1.56 ERA) would produce a loss. But after a shaky first inning, Gomez settled down and matched Anderson.

 

I was expecting/hoping for a 3-3 split at the end of this West Coast swing. But since we won the Oakland series, we are in a position to do better than a split. But I'll still take a split.

I think the Angels is a tough series, and really going to show alot.  HTis is the type of series where the Tribe needs to jump up early versus trying for last inning heroics.

 

Also, we need Sizemore and Brantley playing daily.  I don't feel that Austin Kearns is going to cut it in left field on a contendng team. 

 

My final thought is Orlando at second.  His fielding scares me a bit.  IF there is anyone that can lose a game for us on an error in the infield, I think he may be the one.

 

In any event, Go Tribe!  This has been a fun start to the season, let keep it up.

^The Angels series will be really tough.  We get Chatwood tonight against Masterson which is favorable.  But the next two games will be really tough.  They're going to throw Weaver and Haren at us... both of whom are sick nasty.  I'll be thrilled if we can take 2 of 3 from them and I'll be ok if we only win 1.  Still a West coast split (3-3).

 

Frankly, I think the Angels have the best rotation (maybe besides the Indians at this point) in the American League.

Dear Manny Acta,

 

I apologize for the profanity laced tirade I went on when you were hired.  Go Tribe.

 

Based on the pitching matchups, if we needed to win any of the games in the Angels series, it was last night's. That was not good. But the Angels were able to hold the score down until they could get past Masterson and into our bullpen. While our bullpen has been good, Masterson has been great. And big-league hitters can beat good pitchers.

Good to see perez looking confidant again

I'm shocked we beat Weaver. And the kid Alex White has another solid outing! And there's more good pitchers in the Indians' minor leagues??

 

Now the Indians can do no worse than a split on this road trip. It has already met my expectations. Can they exceed them this afternoon and win both series'?

3-1 Indians. I've got 5 bucks on the game with my nephew, 10 if they win by that score

Ugh that was a painful game to watch.  Acceptable road trip, but still painful to see a game like that slip away. 

 

Only semi-related, but I think I've seen enough of Kearns, Everret and even O Cab for the year.

Hey, they've been riding some pretty great luck in some of these games.  About time that luck flipped.  Also, bench O Cab?  Heart and soul of this team.  Without a doubt.

 

But as for Kearns, call up a kid from the Clippers.  Any AAA outfielder can hit over .150 in the bigs.

Ugh that was a painful game to watch.  Acceptable road trip, but still painful to see a game like that slip away. 

 

Only semi-related, but I think I've seen enough of Kearns, Everret and even O Cab for the year.

 

I agree it was a painful game, but still a decent road trip. And how could you suggest benching or getting rid of O. Cabrera?? Explain please...

I've been spending a bit of time on some of the Indians forums out there and O-Cab's value has been a pretty hot topic of debate, which has opened my eyes in new ways as a fan.  By most accounts he's a pretty serious defensive liability and his offensive is pretty suspect too despite his RBI totals.  He's definitely had some big hits this year, which stick in the mind, but his super low OPS (even lower with runners on) is pretty hard to ignore.  Plus, there are some decent alternatives in Columbus.  I've got nothing against the guy and I doubt he'll go anywhere as long as the team is winning, but I'm just not so convinced his intangibles are worth the low production that we'll probably see from him most nights.

Thanks for the explanation.

GO TRIBE!  Defending the 13-game home winning streak in beautiful weather tonight!

As the temperatures warm (and the Cleveland Indians stay that way), are you into the Tribe?

Published: Monday, May 09, 2011, 6:38 PM

Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer

 

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The sun is out, the temperatures are supposed to be in the 70s and the Indians are in first place.

 

Are you ready to buy into the Tribe as they return to Progressive Field to open a week-long homestand Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Tampa Bay?

 

Let's start with the fact that the Indians have won a few games when they were more lucky than good. But for the most part, their 22-11 record is well-earned. They pitch well. They catch the ball. They hit in the clutch.

 

Name any significant category -- starting pitching, relief pitching, scoring runs, batting average, fielding percentage or unearned runs allowed -- and the Tribe ranks in the top four of the American League.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/pluto/blog/index.ssf/2011/05/as_the_temperatures_warm_and_t.html

Is that considered a walk-off walk?

That was a weird game.  The Indians got 11 walks and 10 hits and still barely squeaked out a win.  But I ain't complainin'!

I believe it is :D

So is chris perez 2-1 or 3-1.

I've been spending a bit of time on some of the Indians forums out there and O-Cab's value has been a pretty hot topic of debate, which has opened my eyes in new ways as a fan.  By most accounts he's a pretty serious defensive liability and his offensive is pretty suspect too despite his RBI totals.  He's definitely had some big hits this year, which stick in the mind, but his super low OPS (even lower with runners on) is pretty hard to ignore.  Plus, there are some decent alternatives in Columbus.  I've got nothing against the guy and I doubt he'll go anywhere as long as the team is winning, but I'm just not so convinced his intangibles are worth the low production that we'll probably see from him most nights.

 

I will slightly disagree.  I think O-Cab is the glue to this whole thing, much like Trot Nixon back in 2007.  He leads by example and his veteran presence is highly visible.  I agree that he is not the most talented, but i think it would be a huge mistake to bench him for this summer run

Longest home winning streak ever. That's unbelievable.

 

I love the businessmen special games, I would go tomorrow if I didn't have to go to Pittsburgh. Looks like I will be taking the kids on Sunday instead. Go Tribe.

I've been spending a bit of time on some of the Indians forums out there and O-Cab's value has been a pretty hot topic of debate, which has opened my eyes in new ways as a fan.  By most accounts he's a pretty serious defensive liability and his offensive is pretty suspect too despite his RBI totals.  He's definitely had some big hits this year, which stick in the mind, but his super low OPS (even lower with runners on) is pretty hard to ignore.  Plus, there are some decent alternatives in Columbus.  I've got nothing against the guy and I doubt he'll go anywhere as long as the team is winning, but I'm just not so convinced his intangibles are worth the low production that we'll probably see from him most nights.

 

I will slightly disagree.  I think O-Cab is the glue to this whole thing, much like Trot Nixon back in 2007.  He leads by example and his veteran presence is highly visible.  I agree that he is not the most talented, but i think it would be a huge mistake to bench him for this summer run

 

You may very well be right and I have to assume the Acta and the front office have him in there for that reason.  As a fan, all I can really assess is his play, and it hasn't been so hot.  I guess the question is, how much of an automatic out does he have to be before he gets benched?  He already has a lousy OBP, but what if it sinks to 270 or 280?  At the very least, he needs to get pushed lower in the batting order.

I guess the question is, how much of an automatic out does he have to be before he gets benched?

 

I'm not a huge O-Cab fan, but come on.  He's batting .273 and is second on the team in RBI with 20.  His OBP does suck because he doesn't draw too many walks, but he does have the second most hits on the team.  Again, I don't think he's a great player or anything, but it's quite a stretch to call him an automatic out at this point.

Reading the cleveland.com comments, you'd think we were winless this year. They're pissed off at the offense? What? Do they not know how to read baseball statistics? We're among the top teams in a ton of offensive areas.

 

Also, at least on cleveland.com, it seems the negative nancies have moved on from berating the owners, manager, and players, as they've done in years past, to now berating the fans for not showing up. It's not "Sell the team, Dolans" anymore; now, it's "No wonder we're small market. 14,000 fans for a first place team?"

 

Man, it's always something with them.

Is that considered a walk-off walk?

 

Nah, just a walk-off.

 

Don't need to add anything after it, like a home run, grand slam etc.

Looks like Grady's knee is bothering him - might go on the DL

Looks like Grady's knee is bothering him - might go on the DL

 

I was worried about that after I saw him slide into second last night. I'm even more worried that the relapse might cause him to lose some speed and his willingness to be as aggressive.

 

EDIT: disregard. Now I see it's his other knee that got hurt, not the one that was surgically repaired.

Worst loss since opening day weekend. Rays pitcher David Price was dominant, the opposite of Indians pitchers tonight.

Worst loss since opening day weekend. Rays pitcher David Price was dominant, the opposite of Indians pitchers tonight.

 

Unfortunately, I kind of expected that Carrasco might be rusty and Price is always tough.  You can't win 'em all, but hopefully we can bounce back tomorrow and take the series.

Tough series loss, but Seattle coming to town should be the cure for what ails this team.  This team could use a sweep right about now!

Another walk-off homer!  This is reminiscent of 1994.

Stupendous!  And 33k there to see it too!

I was there tonight.  What a spectacular win!

Looked like a great crowd. Way to end the game!

Yep, ticket lines for the day game thursday were looooong. It looks like it's going to be a good summer attendence wise.

Gotta love Joe Haden...he's really embracing the city:

 

Cleveland Browns' Joe Haden having a ball with his Tribe masquerades: Indians Insider

Published: Saturday, May 14, 2011, 8:58 PM   

Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer r

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- You never know what you're going to see at the ballpark.

 

Friday night some of the 33,774 fans who turned out to watch the Indians beat Seattle, 5-4, on Travis Hafner's walk-off homer with two out in the ninth inning, may have been surprised to see Tony Sipp, in full uniform, walking in the seats watching the game.

 

That would be unusual, to say the least, because Sipp pitched the final 1 1/3 innings Friday night to earn the victory.

 

So who was the Tony Sipp double that some fans asked for an autograph? None other than Browns cornerback Joe Haden. Tony Amato, the Indians' clubhouse manager, supplied Haden with the uniform.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/05/browns_joe_haden_having_a_ball.html

How's the outlook for baseball today?  I was so pumped to watch some baseball this weekend!

 

I was really bummed yesterday when they called the game.  Someone posted this photo on one of the indians discussion boards: http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/226896_10100114899233020_20924254_45874351_4943005_n.jpg

Joe Haden is awesome.

 

The chances of playing baseball today look slim.  If the outfield had that much water yesterday and we've had several straight hours of rain since then, plus more coming later, I don't know.  I'd love for there to be a game today, but I'd be shocked if it actually happened.

The field can drain 12 inches of rain per hour. The worry is about the infield, with players slipping and getting hurt. As long as it's not raining hard, they can play ball.

They've already postponed today's games in Detroit and Wrigley, but looks like they're gonna try to get our game in today.  Fingers crossed.

 

Most annoying part about yesterday was that we lose an Alex White start.  Wish they had just postponed it before the pitchers warmed up.  I can't imagine canceling a game after less than an inning of play is very common, but I know these things are hard to predict, so can't really fault anyone.