Saturday, March 29, 2008

Free Andy Marte! and Other Spring Training Thoughts

Some Pre-Opening Day Thoughts

Free Andy Marte!

Andy Marte is on the 25-man roster to open the season. He's out of options. If Eric Wedge's past trends are any indication, Andy Marte won't play much - maybe once or twice a week. Wedge has proven himself smitten with the league average production of Casey Blake, Super Utility Mountain Man. The problem with this is two-fold:
  1. Andy Marte has been a notoriously slow starter at every level.
  2. If he doesn't produce right away, fans who don't know any better will be screaming for his release or trade.

Therefore, I declare that it is time to Free Andy Marte! Play him every day or trade him. We've never seen what he can do at the major league level because he's never had enough at bats to make the adjustment propertly. Let's find out what we have. He's not going to adjust to the majors playing a couple times a week, because when he does get in, most likely he will be pressing.

Left Field

One of my co-workers, a lifelong Indians fan, had a discussion with me this week about how he was upset that the Indians optioned Ben Francisco and kept Dellucci and Michaels to platoon in left field. I can't really say I blame him too much. Francisco lit up spring training like a Christmas tree. However, given the Indians' proclivity to stick with veterans (see Blake, Casey), as well as Francisco's status (with options), it is not surprising that the Indians would send him down. Also complicating things - Shin Soo (Big League) Choo, who is out of options, and will likely be ready for the bigs after a month or two on rehab at Buffalo.

So, the bottom line here is that something will happen in the next couple months to straighten this mess out. When Big League Choo is ready, someone will go. So, relax and enjoy the fun, because there will be some dealing coming down the line.

Spring Training Mojo Watch:

Ben Francisco: Ben's ben en fuego.

Andy Marte: Marte has looked tentative in the field, and has shown flashes of power, but his spring average has been hovering near the Mendoza line.

Starting Pitching: Sabathia, Carmona, and Westbrook have all looked dominant at times. Byrd looks like Byrd. Cliff Lee has pitched just well enough to win the 5th spot, but that is as much a testament of how poorly Laffey and Sowers have pitched.

Pronk: He had occasionally looked Pronk-like this spring.

Grady Sizemore: Grady is ready. Hide the women and children, because Grady is going to set fire to the American League.

Aaron Fultz:

Pronk's Mojo

Pronk's Mojo appears right now to be busy with the Davidson Wildcats, after helping the New York Giants pull off an amazing Super Bowl upset. With any luck, Pronk's Mojo will come home in time for Opening Day. Remember, as always, if you see Pronk's Mojo, please nudge it in the general direction of Cleveland.

Monday, March 24, 2008

Meet the New LOOGY

Aaron Fultz, the Tribe's LOOGY who could not get enough batters out regardless of which side of the plate they were hitting from since returning from an oblique injury last year, will be DFAd by the Tribe according to a variety of sources.

The new LOOGY: Craig Breslow. The Red Sox tried to sneak him through waivers, but the Indians were not fooled.

What we know about Craig Breslow:
  • He had great statistics in Pawtucket in 2006, but has not yet put it together at the major league level.
  • He is in the middle of starting the Strike 3 Foundation to fight childhood cancer.
  • He's not Aaron Fultz
Spring training is almost over and most of the major decisions have already been made. Cliff Lee has been named the fifth starter, with Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers sent down to Buffalo. The only drama left - who gets the last bullpen spot. Jorge Julio and Scott Elarton appear to be the frontrunners, with Julio most likely based on his ability to throw hard and previous closer experience.