2007 Cleveland Indians thread

[longtimefirsttime]

How do you think they will do? Do they have enough pitching? Enough power?

[austinsm11]

I think they will have a decent year. It stinks that they are in such a tough division, with Detroit, Chicago, and Minnesota.

[TigerNick]

they will go 75-87. Hope I'm wrong, I'd love to see them back in the World Series someday.

[austinsm11]

I think they will be above .500 and finish 2nd in the division. My uncle seems to think they will really bounce back from last year and get back on track by winning the division. I don't see that happening, but who knows.

[TigerDL71]

i really think this year is do or die for the indians thiis year in a lot of different ways, for one its Eric Wedge's and Mark Shapiro's contract so if they do bad then i suspect they will both me gone, its always due or die because everyone knows they aren't going to have enough money to start signing some of their players once their contracts are up so this might have to be the year for them, if they dont start winning and making more money I don't see the Indians being able to sign some of their up and coming talent and some of their other higher profile players


I think that the Indians will have a pretty good season, i think that their starting rotation with the exception of Byrd will be pretty solid this season and I think the bullpen will be pretty darn good, the lineup isn't looking too bad either hopefully we can mold barfield into a true leadoff hitter and move sizemore down in the lineup where he should really be, the only thing that really concerns me this season is how well Johnny Perlata will be this season, he batter horrible last year and his defense was below par, i think if he has a good season the Indians could be pretty good, I am kind of curious to see how Delluci will pan out in left field but who knows


I already have my tickets for opening day and I can't wait for the season to start, all I am waiting for now is their promotional schedule to come out

[longtimefirsttime]

There are a few publications that are predicting the Indians to win their division.
I think this is a realistic preview:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/specials/spring_training/2007/athlon/indians.html
"Shapiro's window to complete his rebuilding plan and reach the postseason for the first time since 2001 is closing fast."

[austinsm11]

Indians lose a potential closer already. Good start to the season.

[OTC TIGER]

Indians lose a potential closer already. Good start to the season.

Better now than when the guy blows 3 or 4 saves at the beginning of the year

[CarlE]

They'll do about five games less in the win column than the mighty Devil Rays will this year.

[longtimefirsttime]

This is posted on the Indians website.
"Return to contention expected of Tribe"
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article_perspectives.jsp?ymd=20070219&content_id=1807487&vkey=perspectives&fext=.jsp

[DAWGH8R]

Tribe will check in at about 78-84 !! The more I think, the worse I think they'll do. Hopefully they'll be able to win 75 games !!

[longtimefirsttime]

CarlE-Do you think yoga is going to help your Rays?
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10017866

[longtimefirsttime]

Believe it or not Fox Sports has the Tribe #2 in its power rankings.
http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/powerRankings

[DAWGH8R]

Shows how much they know ! However, the tribe had almost the same roster the last 2 years , with vastly different results. Sometimes a little luck helps too !!

[longtimefirsttime]

Think spring.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/multimedia/photo_gallery/0703/gallery.mlb.postcards.camp.indians/content.1.html

[Al.]

I'll go with my same 2006 prediction: No better than 81-81, but that may be enough to qualify for post season play.

[CarlE]

CarlE-Do you think yoga is going to help your Rays?
http://www.sportsline.com/mlb/story/10017866

If you saw this yoga instructor my friend BELIEVE me you would be there at 5:30 every morning. She is HOT, HOT, HOT!!! And yes, it will make them finish WAY above the Tribe this year. At least two games.

[tiger4life2304]

Johnny Damon says Grady Sizemore is his favorite player to watch, and Peter Gammons of ESPN predicts that Grady will win the AL MVP!! any thoughts?

[CarlE]

Johnny Damon says Grady Sizemore is his favorite player to watch, and Peter Gammons of ESPN predicts that Grady will win the AL MVP!! any thoughts?

Yeah. Peter Gammons is an idiot.

[tiger4life2304]

If you saw this yoga instructor my friend BELIEVE me you would be there at 5:30 every morning. She is HOT, HOT, HOT!!! And yes, it will make them finish WAY above the Tribe this year. At least two games.

WOW carlE, 2 games really?? WOW thats a bold statement since 2 games ahead is WAYYYY ahead

[CarlE]

WOW carlE, 2 games really?? WOW thats a bold statement since 2 games ahead is WAYYYY ahead

Oh boy here we go.
Son, this post was made in jest.
Son, the Devil Rays SUCK.
Son, if the Devil Rays DO finish two games ahead of the Indians you will NEVER hear the end of it from me.

[tiger4life2304]

Oh boy here we go.
Son, this post was made in jest.
Son, the Devil Rays SUCK.
Son, if the Devil Rays DO finish two games ahead of the Indians you will NEVER hear the end of it from me.

ok thank god i really thought you were serious. Cant be mad at me though, because I would be an idiot to NOT make fun of a devil rays fan that was actually serious about finishing 2 games ahead of the tribe. Thanks for clearing that up though.

[OTC TIGER]

Oh boy here we go.
Son, this post was made in jest.
Son, the Devil Rays SUCK.
Son, if the Devil Rays DO finish two games ahead of the Indians you will NEVER hear the end of it from me.

I hope you're using SPF 30 with all that :sunny:

[longtimefirsttime]

From Todd Porters latest column:
"Baseball America came out with its annual list of the top 100 prospects, and the Indians have four players. Right-hander Adam Miller is 23rd. Miller had elbow surgery two years ago and could crack the big-league roster this season. Lefty Chuck Lofgren is 54th and projected to be a year away. Outfielder Trevor Crowe is a 23-year-old center fielder at 64, and outfielder Brian Barton comes in 86th. The Yankees, Red Sox, Diamondbacks, Devil Rays and Rockies are the only teams with more players in the top 100 than Cleveland. "
The entire column can be read here (the usual TP disclaimer applies).
http://cantonrep.com/index.php?ID=341230&Category=17&fromSearch=yes&subCategoryID=0

[obie7661]

...After several weeks of negotiations with team president Paul Dolan, Shapiro and the Indians have agreed to a five-year contract extension through the 2012 season...

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070315&content_id=1843950&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

[TigerDL71]

i honestly wish that the team would be sold to Dan Gilbert, that way he would own all of Gateway and would be able to do with it what he wants, to me he is a very fan friendly guy and will do a lot to improve the team and upgrade everything as much as he cans, plus i think that he is not scared to go out and spend the money

[Smitty]

The rise & fall of the tide in Tampa Bay is because...

... Son, the Devil Rays SUCK.

[longtimefirsttime]

In the Plain Dealer:
"Jake Westbrook said his agent, Michael Maas, has started talking with the Indians about a multiyear deal."

[OTC TIGER]

The Indians WILL WIN the Central in 2007 :deal:

[CarlE]

The Indians WILL WIN the Central in 2007 :deal:

You're drunk. Or just stupid.

[obie7661]

Indians' Backup catcher Kelly Shoppach excels in throwing out runners

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/16974361.htm

[obie7661]

Terry Pluto | Early signs of progress for Indians

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/16980509.htm

[obie7661]

Tribe's Miller to open season on disabled list

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=17&ID=344679&subCategoryID=0

[longtimefirsttime]

I can top that baby. I've got an Indians preview posted on a Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo, California TV station website!
http://www.kcoy.com/sports/mlb/story.aspx?content_id=7a363612-f55b-4a4f-a6b0-4f47a258e87e

[longtimefirsttime]

Or how about Grady Sizemore hiring an acclaimed nutritionist?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/03/27/business/27food.html?ex=1175659200&en=aba847e49cf3a6e9&ei=5099&partner=TOPIXNEWS

[longtimefirsttime]

An article on the Tribe's Buck Showalter:
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070326&content_id=1860453&vkey=spt2007news&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

[longtimefirsttime]

Pronk to wear protection:
http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1174984776116020.xml&coll=2

[DPdad]

Wish I could be more optimistic, but 88 wins is the best I see for this team. Reasons: I'm still not sold on Borowski as an American League closer, an unproven rookie at 3B (although Marte has to be better than Boone was), still shaky defense at C and SS (though I expect improvement), and Eric Wedge is still calling the shots in the dugout. I'm also skeptical of platooning at three positions, and would like to see more power production from the corner OF positions.

On the good side, starting pitching is solid, two legitimate stars in Sizemore and Hafner, and middle relief and 2B should be improved. A better than average team, but it's hard to see the Tribe overtaking the Tigers and ChiSox. Anyway, that's the way I see it, FWIW.

[TigerDL71]

there was an article on the ESPN website today about how much better the Tribe will be this year then last year. I see them getting close to 90 wins and making the playoffs this season

[longtimefirsttime]

"Basic logic points to Indians being better"
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/preview07/columns/story?columnist=stark_jayson&id=2817890

[Al.]

"Basic logic points to Indians being better"


But remember, we're talking about the Cleveland Indians :jestera:

[fyrewood]

I've got tickets for opening day, well not opening day, but the first game of the season at the Jake. I was excited about it until I just heard on the news that the temps would probably be in the 30's....Brrrrr!

[TigerDL71]

I've got tickets for opening day, well not opening day, but the first game of the season at the Jake. I was excited about it until I just heard on the news that the temps would probably be in the 30's....Brrrrr!

i also have two tickets for opening day, i was planning on taking my dad but he can't make it, where are your seats at? I am also angered by the forecast, might have to find a watering hole to keep warm

[Kamd50]

That does stink about the weather.Just bundle up and pretend you are at a football game!

GO TRIBE !

[GrowlingTiger87]

Great start, Tribe! 12-5

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/gameday_recap.jsp?ymd=20070402&content_id=1874674&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

[Kamd50]

:iagree: That was awesome!

[xtiger]

FANTABULOUS! Lets go Tribe!

[CarlE]

Dang, they already have a one game lead on my Devil Rays. It must be nice to start with the White Sox in that weak AL Central and not the Yankees, which is what we had to begin the year with. We'll get there though as soon as we get some relievers teed up.

[GrowlingTiger87]

Central? Weak? The last two seasons, the Central has produced the AL World Series Rep. And, this season, most are predicting any one of 4 of the 5 teams in the Central to win it or get the wild card. Not bad for a "weak" division.

[obie0130]

i gotta believe he was kidding about the AL central being weak.:wtf:

[CarlE]

i gotta believe he was kidding about the AL central being weak.:wtf:

I was being facetious guys. I'm doing ANYTHING I can to make excuses for my Rays. Even after game one today!!

[obie0130]

did they win?

[TigerDL71]

Dang, they already have a one game lead on my Devil Rays. It must be nice to start with the White Sox in that weak AL Central and not the Yankees, which is what we had to begin the year with. We'll get there though as soon as we get some relievers teed up.


i look for the devil rays to be really good in a few years, i was watching the pregame show and i saw that they only had something like 4 players over the age of 29 or something like that and none of the 4 were starters, i think they are a very young team who in the future could do some damage if they can keep the players around, scott kazmier just had a rough first inning which really hurt the d rays

[fyrewood]

i also have two tickets for opening day, i was planning on taking my dad but he can't make it, where are your seats at? I am also angered by the forecast, might have to find a watering hole to keep warm

Actually my buddy is holding the tickets. There is a group of us going. Last year all the times we went, we were in Section 101, next to the Indians Bullpen. We're usually up at the "Batter's Eye Bar" or whatever it's called, behind us on the Picnic Porch.

[CarlE]

did they win?

Nope. They came back to get it to 5-5 and then had to go to the bullpen. Oh Lord, here we go again!!!

[TigerDL71]

Actually my buddy is holding the tickets. There is a group of us going. Last year all the times we went, we were in Section 101, next to the Indians Bullpen. We're usually up at the "Batter's Eye Bar" or whatever it's called, behind us on the Picnic Porch.


oh my tickets are behind home plate in the upper deck, i know where your tickets are, i like to sit there, great view of the whole field plus you can see balls and strikes pretty well, my buddies and I are thinking about going to cooperstown to have a beer or two before the game, i might have to make my way over to the batters eye bar and have a drink or two, maybe i will see you over there

[TigerDL71]

what a long day at the Jake today was, overall it was fun just dissappointing that the game doesn't even count and im deff. not driving up tomorrow, its suppoed to be worse then today out

[longtimefirsttime]

what a long day at the Jake today was, overall it was fun just dissappointing that the game doesn't even count and im deff. not driving up tomorrow, its suppoed to be worse then today out

Mike Hargrove was known in his playing days as the "Human Rain Delay." Now he's the "Human Snow Delay." I'm amazed the umps didn't tell him to go back to the dugout so they could finish the inning. The grounds crew sure earned their pay today.

[DAWGH8R]

.................and Martinez might end upon the DL !!:cry:

[TigerDL71]

Mike Hargrove was known in his playing days as the "Human Rain Delay." Now he's the "Human Snow Delay." I'm amazed the umps didn't tell him to go back to the dugout so they could finish the inning. The grounds crew sure earned their pay today.

i was waiting for them to tell Grover to get back in the dugout, the grounds grew had to do a lot before the game and during as well,I will deff not be going back tomorrow thats for sure. I was also told that i was on 19 action news at 6 wearing a massillon hat answering a question from chuck gilette

[longtimefirsttime]

i was waiting for them to tell Grover to get back in the dugout, the grounds grew had to do a lot before the game and during as well,I will deff not be going back tomorrow thats for sure. I was also told that i was on 19 action news at 6 wearing a massillon hat answering a question from chuck gilette

Sorry I missed that but way to represent in your Massillon gear.

[longtimefirsttime]

.................and Martinez might end upon the DL !!:cry:


"'We'll see how he feels,' manager Eric Wedge said. 'We'll get an MRI on it, but it is a potential DL situation.' If Martinez does land on the 15-day disabled list, he'd likely be replaced on the active roster by Triple-A Buffalo catcher Mike Rose, who would back up Kelly Shoppach. "

Umpire Reed explains postponement:
http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070406&content_id=1883701&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

[npaflas]

The Indians needed one more strike they would have won the game tonight. Now they got to play two games saturday.

[TigerDL71]

i was waiting for them to tell Grover to get back in the dugout, the grounds grew had to do a lot before the game and during as well,I will deff not be going back tomorrow thats for sure. I was also told that i was on 19 action news at 6 wearing a massillon hat answering a question from chuck gilette


the weather is supposed to be worse today then it was yesterday, i am hoping the game gets snowed out in the afternoon so i will have a chance to use my ticket for another game lol

[longtimefirsttime]

the weather is supposed to be worse today then it was yesterday, i am hoping the game gets snowed out in the afternoon so i will have a chance to use my ticket for another game lol

You got your wish.

"Fans holding tickets dated Sunday, April 8, will receive two games for the price of one. Those who have tickets from the April 6 and 7 games may exchange their tickets for any of the 81 remaining home games this season, beginning with the Sunday doubleheader. Even if Sunday's doubleheader goes off as planned, the Indians and Mariners will still have to squeeze in another makeup game sometime this season. This is Seattle's only scheduled visit to Cleveland this year, so the teams will likely have to eat up an off day to get the game in."

[obie7661]

MLB might switch Angels-Indians series to California

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/state/17048804.htm

[TigerDL71]

the whole series against the mariners has been snowed out, todays game has already been called due to the snow, im sure this will create a huge mess for the indians

[TigerDL71]

The Indians Series has not been moved to Anahiem as originally thought, instead the series has been move to Milwaukee.

http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070409&content_id=1888109&vkey=news_cle&fext=.jsp&c_id=cle

[MTown]

Why Milwaukee?

[The Butler]

Why Milwaukee?

Bud Selig Production.

[MTown]

Who's gonna go? Why would anyone from Milwaukee have an interest in going to a Cleveland vs. Anaheim game? Especially for the 1:05 game on Thursday...who's gonna take off work to watch that?

They would have been way better off trying to do it in Anaheim where at least Angels fans could go.

[CarlE]

Another great move by Bud the Buffoon Selig. This guy needs to just go away and ride off into the sunset.

[Kamd50]

Who's gonna go? Why would anyone from Milwaukee have an interest in going to a Cleveland vs. Anaheim game? Especially for the 1:05 game on Thursday...who's gonna take off work to watch that?

They would have been way better off trying to do it in Anaheim where at least Angels fans could go.

:iagree: This is just plain idiotic!

[TigerDL71]

Who's gonna go? Why would anyone from Milwaukee have an interest in going to a Cleveland vs. Anaheim game? Especially for the 1:05 game on Thursday...who's gonna take off work to watch that?

They would have been way better off trying to do it in Anaheim where at least Angels fans could go.

i think there will be more people there then a lot of people think. I just seen where tickets were only 10 bucks for anywhere in the ballpark. That is a steal and if I lived closed to Milwaukee then I would for sure be going every game.

[werperry]

i'm only 40 minutes from miller park. i'm dragging the wife there whether she likes it or not...! :hyper:

[Kamd50]

See, there's two already!:wink:

[longtimefirsttime]

I almost made the trip but something came up at the last minute. I have friends not far from Milwaukee and know I would've had fun. You would've seen a sign saying,
"I'll travel ANYWHERE to see my Indians. Go Tribe from Massillon, Ohio!"

[TigerDL71]

A couple of my classmates are making the trip up for the final two games of the series. I would go up with them but I can't miss my classes over the next two days.

[Spize]

19,031 show up for the first game... not a bad crowd at all!

[austinsm11]

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=17&ID=347416&r=5&subCategoryID=28

Moving the games will cause Cleveland to lose alot of money.

I still don't get why they didn't just flip-flop home field with the Angels with a later series. They said it put the Angels at a disadvantaged to have to fly all the way to Boston after the Cleveland series. Who cares? What is a couple extra hours?

Good to see such a high attendance at the first game though. You can't beat $10 tickets to sit anywhere.

[MTown]

Who's gonna go? Why would anyone from Milwaukee have an interest in going to a Cleveland vs. Anaheim game? Especially for the 1:05 game on Thursday...who's gonna take off work to watch that?

They would have been way better off trying to do it in Anaheim where at least Angels fans could go.

I stand corrected. 19K is unreal.

[The Butler]

I stand corrected. 19K is unreal.


As a 20 year old college student said in the USA Today, "This is great. Ten dollar tickets and I get to see two teams play that are better than the Brewers".

Nice.

[longtimefirsttime]

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=17&ID=347416&r=5&subCategoryID=28

Moving the games will cause Cleveland to lose alot of money.

I still don't get why they didn't just flip-flop home field with the Angels with a later series. They said it put the Angels at a disadvantaged to have to fly all the way to Boston after the Cleveland series. Who cares? What is a couple extra hours?

Good to see such a high attendance at the first game though. You can't beat $10 tickets to sit anywhere.

While the bar and restaurant owners will obviously take a hit, the Indians will not be suffering. Major League Baseball has a fund (containing millions of dollars) in which they will compensate the teams for their added costs and losses.

[longtimefirsttime]

http://www.cantonrep.com/index.php?Category=17&ID=347416&r=5&subCategoryID=28

Moving the games will cause Cleveland to lose alot of money.

I still don't get why they didn't just flip-flop home field with the Angels with a later series. They said it put the Angels at a disadvantaged to have to fly all the way to Boston after the Cleveland series. Who cares? What is a couple extra hours?

Good to see such a high attendance at the first game though. You can't beat $10 tickets to sit anywhere.

While the bar and restaurant owners will obviously take a hit, the Indians will not be suffering. Major League Baseball has a fund (containing millions of dollars) in which they will compensate the teams for their added costs and losses. They have even discussed providing some compensation to the city.

[austinsm11]

Thanks LTFT. I was unaware of that.

I love that quote Butler. Absolutely hilarious.

[austinsm11]

Find this quote on ESPN.Com

Quotable: "Caracas, they need some fan support. Let's go play in Caracas." -- White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen, on moving Chicago's upcoming series in Cleveland to his native Venezuela.

[werperry]

the wife and i made the 45 minute trek to milwaukee wednesday night... and had a great time. the snow sucked...but, the crowd of 18,000...was loud, roudy and FUN!! the stadium was wonderful!

if i'm back in cleveland... i'm pissed about missing the game. but...i got to say it was nice for the LARGE AMOUNT of transplants at the game. EVERYONE seemed to be either originally from ohio... or visiting from ohio...

it was unreal.... it was great!!

[TigerDL71]

as promised some pictures from opening day

[longtimefirsttime]

The good news is Westbrook got a three year, $33-million extension. The bad news is CC will command more and the Indians likely won't pay it. Now serious efforts must be made to resign Martinez and Hafner.

[TigerDL71]

The good news is Westbrook got a three year, $33-million extension. The bad news is CC will command more and the Indians likely won't pay it. Now serious efforts must be made to resign Martinez and Hafner.

There is no way that C.C. should demand more money. He is no better then Jake Westbrook in my opinion. If anything the Indians should be more concerned about signing Hafner to an extension. I really think that C.C. should not be the ace of the staff, I think that he is really inconsistent. Like I previously stated I think that Westbrook is better then C.C. but I would really like to see the indians name Cliff Lee as the ace. I think that over the past couple of years Lee has been very consistent and he almost always has quality starts. After Lee I would have Westbrook be their number 2 then C.C. be the number 3 starter.

[Kamd50]

I'd say that delivering 11 strike outs is deserving of the title "ace".

[TigerDL71]

I'd say that delivering 11 strike outs is deserving of the title "ace".

that is just one game, an ace has to be consistent

[Tiger2001]

My gf calls me "Ace" and I am very consitent, if you know what i mean :ohno:

p.s. i love the tribe

[ChronicTiger]

Tribe gave free ticket vouchers to everyone leaving the stadium today as a thanks for sitting in the cold...............

[Kamd50]

That's pretty cool:rockon: I can't wait for a sunny day to head up to the Jake!

[obie7661]

GARKO DESERVES IT
First baseman should be kept in lineup, because he can hit

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/17089892.htm

[obie7661]

Indians' one-hit win one for record books

The Indians are the first team in nearly 55 years to win a game with their only hit coming in their first at-bat...

http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/news/state/17088771.htm

[longtimefirsttime]

Reasons to keep CC:

1. He's 14-3 lifetime against division rival White Sox.
2. He's an innings eater.
3. He's a leftie.
4. He's consistently among the league leaders in walks per nine innings.
5. He always has a decent ERA.

That being said, with Westbrook's recent signing, several strong prospects in the minors and the contracts of Hafner and Martinez looming, I don't see the Indians being able to compete in the open market to keep him.

[TigerDL71]

Reasons to keep CC:

1. He's 14-3 lifetime against division rival White Sox.
2. He's an innings eater.
3. He's a leftie.
4. He's consistently among the league leaders in walks per nine innings.
5. He always has a decent ERA.

That being said, with Westbrook's recent signing, several strong prospects in the minors and the contracts of Hafner and Martinez looming, I don't see the Indians being able to compete in the open market to keep him.


Cliff Lee meets 4 of the 5 above, I really don't know what his record is against the White Soxs but I do know that over the past three seasons Lee has had more wins then C.C. and has also pitched more innings.Their ERAs have been very similiar as well.I agree that with Westbrook'a signing and Lee being locked up for a while with Sowers as well C.C. might be gone.

[Al.]

Westbrook takes team south
Tribe's loss to Yankees is direct result of pitcher's poor performance
By Sheldon Ocker
Beacon Journal sportswriter

As reported by Akron Beacon Journal 4/18/07
http://www.ohio.com/mld/ohio/sports/baseball/mlb/cleveland_indians/17095660.htm