It's Tribe Time | A Cleveland Indians Franchise

[Vinsane]

A New Home For P-Mart?

Sides remain quiet, did the Indians sign Pedro Martinez?

AP - Cleveland, OH - The report is not confirmed, but minutes ago the Indians released Marcello Marin from his duties in Cleveland. He was quickly scooped up by the Pittsburgh Pirates off of Waivers. Marcelo Marin was a twenty year old pitcher in the Indians AA club, Akron. The move is believed to be made to make room for one, Pedro Martinez.

The Indians are not confirming the transaction, neither is Pedro Martinez, who has been out of work since he departed the Mets a season ago. Martinez told teams in the off-season during his WBC outings that if he was not contacted this season, he will retire. This move comes as a surprise to Tribe fans as they're deep in talent in the SP position and often work kids up through their farm system rather than getting guys from FA.

This was the case until Anthony Reyes and Carl Pavano, along with Kerry Wood joined the team in the off-season all signing deals with the Indians. Again this is all speculation as neither side is claiming the accusation to be true. Only time will tell if the Indians, Martinez, or Major League Baseball confirm the transaction.

[Gonzo]

I like the move. Possible trade-bait? WE'LL SEEEEE.

[T.Dot]

Tough loss Vinsane.
LOVE the in depth write ups.
I'm interested to see how Willingham fits into your lineup if you get him.

[Vinsane]

A Rare Move, Sign and Trade


Is Indians GM Mark Shapiro involved in "dirty dealings" in Cleveland?

AP - Cleveland, OH - Hours after a story was "leaked" that Pedro Martinez was signed by the Cleveland Indians. Another report from Cleveland has been released, this one that the Nationals and Indians agreed on a trade in the late hours of Wednesday. One that would send newly acquired starting pitcher, Pedro Martinez, first baseman Travis Hafner, and right fielder, Shin-Soo Choo to the Nationals. In return the Indians will receive left fielder, Josh Willingham, left fielder, Wily Mo Pena, and first baseman Nick Johnson.

Both clubs confirm this trade but it's leaving the baseball world in an uproar, why didn't the Indians release the official report that they had signed Martinez? And better yet, why sign him and send him packing within hours of doing so? Why the world is left scratching their heads it's reported that Peter Gammons of ESPN will be meeting with the GM's later tonight to get the scoop on the story. Stay tuned for more on this Wacky Wednesday in Cleveland.

Nationals Get:

1B Travis Hafner
RF Shin-Soo Choo
SP Pedro Martinez

Indians Get:


LF Josh Willingham
1B Nick Johnson
LF Wily Mo Pena

[Yawkey Way]

holy shit, hafner gone? you just got 3 streaky hitters, if they're hot it works out, if they're not.

DOH

[Vinsane]

Peter Gammons Blogs About Trade


Hall of Fame Reporter Peter Gammons.

Thursday, May 28th, 2009 - Where to start? The supposed signing of Pedro Martinez? The "leaked" report out of Cleveland? The trade that has the baseball world in an uproar? To understand all of these things we have to look all the way back to the off-season. In the days of the Babe these kind of moves between GM's were known as "Back Alley Deals". Everything was hush, hush between the Nationals and the Indians. Leaving other GM's out of the loop, keeping the deal quiet. In today's market, with players and agents, this is a slap in the face to the baseball world as a whole.

GM Mike Rizzo had been in contact with Pedro Martinez for a majority of the season. Pedro and Rizzo would have weekly meetings with Pedro's agent Fern Cuza. Cuza and Martinez knew that Pedro was going to be the number one guy on the Nationals rotation. That being said, Pedro and Cuza think that Pedro Deserved upwards of ten million dollars a year, or what translates into "number one money". A term coined by agents to ask for ridiculous amounts of money because their guy would be the number one in the rotation.

While the contract negotiations didn't get anywhere, elsewhere, there was a GM, one Mark Shapiro looking to acquire left fielder Josh Willingham from Washington. While the talks went back and forth no side could agree on a deal and Rizzo found himself in another stale mate. Wanting to move Willingham and Wily Mo Pena, and acquire Pedro Martinez? It was looking dim for the Nationals GM, until Mark Shapiro had a great idea. Sign and trade Pedro.

This is how the deal works for the Nationals. Desperately in need of a starting pitcher they couldn't shop the FA as they didn't want to pay the money. A team like the Indians was loaded at the SP position, however, the Indians didn't want to move any of their own pitchers. So GM Mark Shapiro contacted Cuza to discuss a deal. Washington could only talk Pedro down to eight million, but didn't want the four year length that Pedro was asking. Mark Shapiro was able to talk Cuza and Martinez down to five point five million. Being that Pedro wasn't going to be the number one guy in Cleveland, his agent couldn't ask for the number one money.

Pedro and Cuza discussed a contract offer, and accepted one, five point five million dollars over three years, playing for Cleveland. Once Pedro was inked to a deal Shapiro asked that he stay close to Cleveland for the night. Shapiro picked up the phone and called Mike Rizzo. Rizzo had heard what Shapiro had done, and when Shapiro asked Rizzo if Pedro Martinez was worth his weight in a trade? The two sides discussed, giving up two left fielders Rizzo wanted Ben Francisco in return. Shapiro wouldn't trade Francisco and therefore settled on Shin-Soo Choo the final piece was a "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours" play by Shapiro. Who said he would only ship Pedro and Choo if GM Mike Rizzo would accept to take Travis Hafner off of Cleveland's hands.

Rizzo hung up the phone and went to look at his roster, Adding Hafner would be too much and would have to ship another guy to Cleveland. Rizzo decided on first baseman Nick Johnson. Once the call was returned both sides inked the deal, and literally within hours an irate Pedro Martinez was sent packing to the Washington Nationals under his current five point five million dollar contract. GM Mark Shapiro used Pedro as a pawn in a deal to get what he wanted, thus making the "shady deal".

Both teams fill needs and cut off unwanted players both ways. The odd man out is Martinez who will now have to be a number one guy for a discounted price of five million a year. This was a diss to Pedro Martinez who wanted to play in the MLB for the Nationals but for what he thought he was worth to them, not to the Indians. It will be awhile for both clubs, who will take a huge prestige blow to their organizations, to make deals in the MLB again, GM's will look at this move as "shady". What will come of this trade has yet to be seen, we'll of course follow the story more closely. Reportedly all members involved in the trade begin moving late Wednesday night, and will appear for their clubs on Friday.

[Vinsane]

All right guys, I'm announcing that this is done...








Just kidding, been a slow week, Mother-In-Law being here. Goals for today are to reach June and at least get the series with the Yankees in. Going to be an all day affair but I've got plenty of time and I'm hitting the sticks now.

[T.Dot]

Looking forward to it., nice trade btw for Willingham, he'll provide some power to the 6/7 spot.

[Vinsane]

Wood's 17th, Jake's First


Peralta pictured above got to play his natural position tonight.

AP - Cleveland, OH - It took Jake Westbrook 102 pitches to get his first W on the season. It took Kerry Wood 16 to get his seventeenth save on the year. It took a depleted Indians squad to seal the season series against the Rays of Tampa Bay, 6-2. With a depleted roster due to the trade the Indians had to go without subs on this night to accommodate their new brothers who arrived late Thursday. Eric Wedge would not have them dress with jet lag.

"The guys just got here, we can afford to play a smaller line-up today, and bring them in tomorrow when we play the Yanks. It made sense to me, made sense to the guys, so it should make sense to you." said Wedge. "We're happy to be here, we're ready to go on the field. Nick and I talked for some time on the Jet with Pena, we're all ready to go. Tomorrow we put on a new uniform, but do the same old thing." Josh Willingham commenting on the question, are you happy you're here?

Wily Mo Pena seemed to be the most elated, Pena, Willingham, and Johnson were not dressed in uniform but they got seats behind the dugout to watch the game. Sitting in suits they clapped their hands for every Cleveland at bat, and when the guys came off the field the three new additions could be seen standing and clapping. "These are our new team mates, Skip didn't want us dressing, so we got tickets and came to the game anyways. I like it better in the stands, those hot dogs are awesome." Said Pena.

"It was something else to look up walking in the dug out and seeing the new guys standing and clapping." Beamed one Johnny Peralta. "Travis and Shin will be missed, but, teams move on, we've got to move on, we've got a division to win." With the White Sox out of action today, the Indians picked up a half game on them to pull within 2.5 back of the Sox. They also gained a game on a losing Detroit team. The Indians next series is a four game show down with the Bronx Bombers.

Lineup:

LF Crawford 3-5 |
CF Upton 2-5 | 2K
3B Longoria 3-5 | 1K
DH Burrel 1-4 | 1K
C Navarro 1-4 |
2B Iwamura 1-3 |
RF Gross 1-4 | 1K
1B Aybar 1-4 | 1K
SS Bartlett 1-4 | 1K

Batting:

2B: A. Iwamura (12), E. Longoria (5), P. Burrell (11), G. Gross (4), D. Navarro (9), J. Bartlett (7)
RBI: A. Iwamura (20), E. Longoria (28), P. Burrell (40), G. Gross (10), J. Bartlett (12)
SF: A. Iwamura
GIDP: J. Bartlett

Base Running:

CS: C. Crawford (3)

Pitching:

Sonnanstine (L, 1-4) | 3.0IP | 10H | 7R | 7ER | 1SO | 5.40 ERA |
Balfour | 4.0IP | 6H | 1R | 1ER | 2SO | 2.93 ERA |
Isringhausen | 1.0IP | 2H | 2.86 ERA |



Lineup:

CF Francisco 2-4 | 2K
DH Carroll 3-3 |
RF DeRosa 3-4 |
C Martinez 1-4 |
SS Peralta 1-4 | 1K
3B Barfield 0-3 |
LF Dellucci 3-4 |
1B Garko 4-4 |
2B Cabrera 1-3 |

Batting:

2B: M. DeRosa (19), B. Francisco (9), J. Carroll (4), D. Dellucci (8)
RBI: A. Cabrera (14), J. Peralta (30), M. DeRosa 2 (24), B. francisco (19), J. Carroll 3 (15)
HBP: J. Barfield
SAC: J. Carroll
GIDP: V. Martinez, M. DeRosa

Base Running:

CS: R. Garko (1), D. Dellucci (2)

Pitching:

Westbrook (W, 1-1) | 7.0IP | 12H | 5R | 5ER | 5SO | 4.50 ERA |
Chulk (H, 1) | 1.0IP | 1SO | 3.38 ERA |
Wood (S, 17) | 1.0IP | 2H | 2SO | 2.25 ERA |

Player of the Game:


J. Carroll

3 for 3 - Double, 3 RBI

Next Game:
May 29th, 2009

(29-20) @ (27-22)

[Vinsane]

Series Preview:

(29-20) @ (27-22)

Cleveland leads the series 3-1.

Probable Starters:

Game 1:

A. Pettitte (3-3, 4.64 ERA)|A. Laffey (5-3, 4.01 ERA)

Game 2:
C.C. Sabathia (7-3, 3.86 ERA)|F. Carmona (6-1, 2.37 ERA)

Game 3:

J. Chaamberlain (3-4, 3.59 ERA)|C. Lee (4-2, 4.55 ERA)

Game 4:

A.J. Burnett (3-3, 3.00 ERA)|C. Pavano (2-1, 4.88 ERA)


Key Bank's "Keys to Succes"

1.) Avoid The Long Ball - The only loss to this Yankees squad this year came off a walk-off grand slam. Don't let the Yankees hit the long ball, get the win. It's that simple for the Tribe. They're the best team in the league when it comes to small ball games. Should be a good series all around.

2.) Finish Strong - Going into this series pushes the Indians into June. Now is a time to capitalize on a strong month of May, it seemed the Indians were slipping, then they gained ground, slipped again and starting to pull in towards the top of the AL Central and Wild Card, a series win here propels them into Playoff talks if they can keep the momentum going into the summer months.

3.) Play The Game - The Indians/Yankees is a minor rivalry, but a rivalry none the less. Tempers could flare in this one, New York was embarrassed by this team as the Indians spoiled their home opener winning the series 3-1. Yankees will stop at nothing to get revenge on the Tribe. As long as Cleveland stays focused and plays their game, they should come out on top.

[spidey12293]

yanks better beat your ass lol

[Vinsane]

Yankees Get A Little Revenge!


Perez allowed two runs in the eighth, Indians lose.

AP - Cleveland, OH - Aaron Laffey has been the hottest pitcher in Cleveland, aside from Ace pitcher Fausto Carmona. Since he was threaten with the loss of his job, Laffey has delivered. No more so than last night pitching seven great innings of work. Rafeal Perez came out for what was supposed to be one inning of work, and stayed in for two, just to experience the loss.

"This is almost June ball, this bullpen blowing leads crap needs to end." It's been what's caused a lot of Indians losses this season. As they try to climb a top the Wild Card standings, they start to falter against the Bronx Bombers. The Indians did everything right tonight, everything to seal the victory and a couple of extra base hits and the whole thing collapses, the winning ship sinks before it can get into the dock, and the Indians left empty handed.

One positive note is the new comers fitting into their new roles. Nick Johnson played first base, while Ryan Garko was catching for Victor Martinez who took the day off. Willingham didn't get much work in left field but did well on the base paths and hitting the ball, Wily Mo Pena will patrol right field until Grady Sizemore gets back, after the all-star break. Everything was looking good, then the Yankees took the game from Cleveland in the eighth inning.

"Disappointment, we came here to win, almost got it. Too bad for us, almost only counts in horse shoes." Said Left Fielder Josh Willingham, the Indians wrap up the month of May tomorrow night against these Yankees.

Lineup:

SS Jeter 3-5 | 1K
LF Damon 2-4 |
3B Rodriguez 1-4 | 1K
PR Gardner 0-0 |
3B Ransom 0-0 |
1B Teixeira 2-4 |
C Posada 1-3 |
PR Swisher 0-0 |
C Molina 0-0 |
RF Nady 0-3 | 1K
DH Matsui 1-4 |
2B Cano 0-4 | 1K
CF Cabrera 0-4 |

Batting:

2B: D. Jeter (21), M. Teixeira (12), H. Matsui (10)
RBI: M. Teixeira (41), X. Nady (25), J. Posada (15)
SF: X. Nady
GIDP: M. Teixeira

Fielding:

E: D. Jeter (4)

Pitching:

Pettitte | 5.0IP | 10H | 2R | 2ER | 4.55 ERA |
Veras (W, 2-2) | 2.0IP | 2H | 4SO | 6.65 ERA |
Bruney (H, 3) | 1.0IP | 1H | 3.48 ERA |
Rivera (S, 17) | 1.0IP | 1H | 1.23 ERA |



Lineup:

CF Francisco 2-4 | 1K
DH Barfield 2-4 |
RF Pena 2-4 |
C Garko 2-4 |
LF Willingham 3-4 | 1K
1B Johnson 0-4 | 1K
3B DeRosa 1-4 | 1K
2B Cabrera 1-4 |
SS Peralta 1-3 | 1K

Batting:

2B: J. Willingham (10), A. Cabrera (5), B. Francisco (10)
RBI: N. Johnson (21), J. Barfield (1)
GIDP: M. DeRosa 2, W. Pena

Base Running:

CS: A. Cabrera (2)

Pitching:

Laffey | 7.0IP | 7H | 1R | 1ER | 3SO | 3.72 ERA |
Perez (L, 0-1) | 2.0IP | 3H | 2R | 2ER | 1BB | 1SO | 4.91 ERA |

Player of the Game:


M. Rivera

1.0 Innings 1 Hit 1 Strikeout

Next Game:
May 30th, 2009

(30-20) @ (27-23)

[Vinsane]

Walk Off!


DeRosa's walk off homer, propels the Indians over the Yanks in 13.

AP - Cleveland, OH - Everyone in Cleveland is happy about today's win, except the Skipper Eric Wedge. "We can't keep winning like this, no way, today we played with fire and we didn't get burned. Yesterday we got burned. We've got to stop letting these guys come back like they do. You think this is good baseball? I think we're getting lucky against them." Wedge continued. "I don't care how we get it done, we need to get it done, in nine, not thirteen, not fourteen, we need to stop blowing four, five run leads and win. Today Fausto pitched perfect, and Chulk blows his win. C.C. Sabathia looked like crap and he walks away with a clean slate, I'm (explicit) about that!"

Eric Wedge has every right to be upset. The Indians were slated to win this game 6-2. After six innings from Carmona the Indian ace left the game, only having 11 hits against him with two earned runs. Chulk comes into the game and in 4.2 innings of work gives up four earned and blows the chance of Fausto getting the win, Sabathia getting the loss and a chance for Kerry Wood to get his eighteenth save on the year. Enough about the failures though, where did the Indians succeed?

Mark DeRosa was having a terrible game, he went 0-6 on the day when Johnny Peralta got on base, Jaime Carroll advanced Peralta on a bunt, sending him to second. All DeRosa had to do was get a base hit, instead he gives the Indians fans the second long ball of the day, a two run shot to seal it against the Yankees and win the game 8-6. At least for the season series at worst, the teams will split. The first homer was earned today by new comer Wily Mo Pena who wrapped a ball around the foul pole in left in the fifth inning.

The Indians and Yankees close out the month of May and head into June ball. The Indians look to build a winning streak with Cliff Lee on the mound, Joba Chamberlain will oppose him.

Lineup:

SS Jeter 2-6 | 1K
LF Damon 2-6 | 1K
3B Rodriguez 3-5 | 1K
PR Gardner 0-0 |
3B Ransom 0-1 |
1B Teixeira 3-6 |
C Posada 0-5 | 1K
RF Nady 1-6 | 2K
DH Matsui 2-6 | 1K
2B Cano 4-6 |
CF Cabrera 4-5 |

Batting:

2B: J. Damon 2 (11), H. Matsui (11), R. Cano (12), M. Cabrera (9)
HR: M. Teixeira (9)
RBI: J. Damon (25), D. Jeter (28), M. Teixeira (42), A. Rodriguez (44), J. Posada (16), M. Cabrera (6)
SF: D. Jeter, J. Posada
SAC: M. Cabrera
GIDP: H. Matsui

Fielding:

E: A. Rodriguez (2)

Base Running:

CS: J. Damon (2), D. Jeter (3), R. Cano (1), M. Cabrera (1)

Pitching:

Sabathia | 5.1IP | 10H | 4R | 4ER | 3SO | 3.83 ERA |
Ramirez | 2.2IP | 6H | 2R | 2ER | 9.88 ERA |
Bruney (L, 1-3) | 4.1IP | 5H | 2R | 2ER | 3.60 ERA |



Lineup:

CF DeRosa 1-7 | 1K
RF Pena 4-6 |
1B Garko 2-6 |
C Martinez 2-6 |
LF Willingham 3-6 | 1K
2B Cabrera 0-6 | 1K
3B Barfield 1-6 |
DH Barfield 2-4 |
SS Peralta 4-6 |
1B Carroll 4-5 |

Batting:

2B: R. Garko (9), J. Peralta (6), J. Carroll (5)
HR: M. DeRosa (3), W. Pena (1)
RBI: J. Willingham (38), R. Garko (26), J. Peralta (31), M. DeRosa 2 (26), W. Pena (3), J. Carroll 2 (17).
SAC: J. Carroll
GIDP: R. Garko, M. DeRosa

Fielding:

E: A. Cabrera (4), R. Garko (1)

Pitching:

Carmona | 6.0IP | 11H | 2R | 2ER | 6SO | 2.42 ERA |
Chulk (BS, 1) | 4.2IP | 8H | 4R | 4ER | 1SO | 4.97 ERA |
Perez (W, 1-1) | 2.1IP | 2H | 4.50 ERA |

Player of the Game:


W. Pena

4 for 6 - HR, RBI

Next Game:
May 31st, 2009

(30-21) @ (28-23)

[Vinsane]

Around The League



Standings:

Standings:

[Vinsane]

Monthly Recap:

April Record: 16-14
Longest Win Streak: 4 Games
Longest Losing Streak: 4 Games

Positives:
1. Gaining ground on AL Central Leaders/Wild Card Leaders
2. Won season series with Rays 6-2.
3. Bettered the team with late trade in the month.

Negatives:
1. Bullpen Continues to Struggle
2. Losing Series against White Sox (1-2)
3. Staying Mediocre

Possible June Moves:

- RF Kioshi Endo (AA, Akron) Will possibly be moved up to AAA Columbus.

- LF Hunter Dubose (AA, Akron) Has looked great in the past month for the Aeros and might find himself playing AAA ball if his hot streak continues.

- C Julian Dewitt (AA, Akron) Has been substituting for the injured starter J. Hayashi. He's looked great with a .340 Avg and could possibly be promoted.

- CF M. Burton (AAA, Columbus) Might be playing a little Major Leagues in June. His .347 avg is looking great and if the Indians need another outfielder to step up, he could be a option.

- 2B Luis Valbuena (AAA, Columbus) has been struggling as of late and might be demoted to give other stars a chance.

- 1B Jody Kelsey (AAA, Columbus) has been Struggling and will be gauged on his performance in the early weeks, if there is no improvement he will be moved.

- 3B Broker Neff (AAA, Columbus) is joining the list of infielders that are struggling. The Indians MLB program has plenty of infielders so this isn't a issue for the organization but maybe an issue for players like Neff.

- SP Chris Jahnikow (AAA, Columbus) Made noise in the first month of the season and has been tested at the AAA level, currently he is 1-1 with a 4.05 ERA. He'll need to bring that ERA down if he wants to be considered for an MLB job should the Indians need it.

- SP Anthony Reyes (AAA, Columbus) Could return to the ball club if needed, he's gone 1-1 with an impressive 0.66 ERA in the minors. He's a big league pitcher that struggled early on. If the Indians need him again he's an option.

- MRP Masahide Kobayashi (AAA, Columbus) His trip to the minors has done him some good, Kobayashi is 1-0 with a 2.84 ERA and fanning 10 batters. If the bullpen continues to struggle the Indians might call upon him again.