This long period of "suckish" play and "droughtish" seasons have finally come to an end, with today's firing of Eric Wedge. He had endured seven long (painful) excuse the pun, years. We toughed it out though and finally the front office did what was right. And my steps to progression start now as we speak. The firing of Eric Wedge definetely starts it off with a bang. Time to just kick back and relax.

Over his 7 year tenure in the major leagues, Wedge compiled a 560 - 568 record as the Indians manager. Hmmm... I wonder if Wedge could've been part of the chimps? His mustache sure gave away his cover.

It was his time to go - and he finally is gone. He has had 2 winning seasons out of the 7 and has had 1 winning record after the all star break. What a shame it is that the Indians have dealt with this for seven years. I am sure 08 could of sealed the deal. But it didn't? So why now? Was this for the fans?

We wanna know - and wanna know now. For finally we will make "top stories" on ESPN, (like we could've anyway else?) The Indians need to continue to the process of "reloading" as Shapiro calls it, and need to keep moving forward.

• Hire a new coach
• Pick up a few veterans
• Bring Santana up
• Get Fausto back on track
• Rehab Westbrook

And if we do follow those steps then we "will" be on the comeback trail. So we just need to kick back the seats and watch a movie - or two and just forget about the whole thing. Or we could we could do the river dance as Papelbon did in 04?

I am sure there will be parties in the streets of Cleveland, for the fans were unleashed from there coma of 7 years of helpless baseball (minus 07.) Be ready for a few fireworks here and there, and don't leave out the confetti.

Now the fans are talking about "who to hire" for the rest of the season - but we just need to wait it out. We don't wanna move to fast into anything, this isn't "speed racer!"

The good news is Wedge is out, and that's all that matters.

• the face of the organization will be cleared
• we can take the first step forward
• and we can finally party like no tomorrow

There are always good things and bad things in the whole scheme of things. And in this Eric Wedge firing the same thing stands. The good news is that the man that noone likes here in Cleveland is finally gone and the fans are going to party like no tomorrow!! It is great that we finally get to take the next step forward, and get to do it with another coach. For Wedge endured 7 seasons of agony. The bad news in the big picture is that there is no head coach now, just an "interim" coach. That doesn't make sense to me. Why are they firing Wedge right now? Beats me. Looks like he stole the show.

So today when Eric Wedge got fired - all of Cleveland stood to their feet and applauded. For this gesture was one of pleasure and gratitude.

Maybe we should just hire Carl Willis and his mustache power to send us into the postseason next year? He seems to know his pitcher's right from wrong? Its a try and right now I will take anything. Let's go Mustache Power!

So now we stand with a question mark, wondering where we will go. But in the whole scheme of things, no one cares. We all wanted this hated man booted and banned from this town that needs baseball to be a constant winning tradition. Lets go Crazy!

There are times in baseball like last night for instance, where life just sucks! You don't wanna turn on the tv to watch the game or you don't wanna do anything. And the feeling that I get after last night, sucks! Many people say the word "sucks" but how many of that percentage say "life sucks?" Looks like the Indians were put in the timeout corner.

For some reason the offense never wants to perform well when Laffey is on the hill. As Laffey went 8 strong giving up 3 earned runs the Indians

• had three hits
• scored 1 run to help
• had only two guys themselves with hits

And to top that off the bullpen gave up 3 runs in the ninth just so we could put the game in the books without a possible "comeback" ready to take place. They are just making it hard on themselves!

Shin-Soo Choo was one of two people to have a hit, as he had a double and a homer to continue to add on to a wonderful season as is. If he really heats up, he could reach the 95 RBI mark. But why do we care, we are in last place? It would be cool to see him reach the feat seeing as how he is one guy that we are based on "building around" for next season. I am ready for him to keep on stepping forward and progressing.

Even though we completed a sweep of the O's, it doesn't mean we are gonna start "rolling" again. Ha like we ever will again. We suck this year, and I couldn't see us beating the Royals in a "Poopy Bowl" series.

Our pitching has to get better. As I have said before - if we have guys like Laffey for instance who go out and throw a good eight innings getting the job done, you gotta get the "W" for them. And that has been the story all year long. Not getting the offense going while the pitching is on top of their game. It is a hard thing to do I understand - but it isn't like we can't. Yes we can!

Like last night's game and the season - the Indians make life suck. But you can always get over it. You just gotta cross the line and take another step towards victory. 

So laugh all you want at the "laughing stock" of the majors, because in two years, you will be at your lowest of all time and guess what? We will be the best among the league. It is a dog eat dog world out there, and if you aren't careful you can get hurt!

The whole picture is simple. A few tweaks here and there, and a few adjustments there and here. We just have to:

1. Keep it in four-wheel drive
2. Pick up a few crafty veterans along the way
3. Hire a new coach
4. Get a new philosophy here in Cleveland

That sounds like the right idea. So smile! We can do it.

Just remembering the good old days of 2007. We will be to that point of winning again sooner or later... hopefully sooner. Let's just hope we don't get this fella along the way.

There are some times in Cleveland where you are off drifting off, into a world that makes the Cleveland Indians the Yankees of today. Dreams, oh how fun!

When you pull off a win - its great! Because this year we haven't seen many of them. Huh? Its kinda like a tidal wave just hit us.

With yesterday's 9-0 win - a ton of things happened. But to come right down to the point - we just hit the snot out of Baltimore's rookie Chris Tillman. Maybe it was easier in the minors bud? Should've stayed down there huh? There's a shocker!

Now it seems that Cleveland has a recipe for success - and it looks like they followed it for their crushing blow to a team that stands so far out of first its ridiculous.

#1 - A rookie is on the mound that hasn't seen the majors.

Chris Tillman gave up 6 runs in the first inning - as the Indians jumped all over his "over the top" pitching motion and just racked on run after run. Its kind of fun when your hitting the ball huh?

#2 - We hit the ball all over the place.

Cleveland had 11 hits in the game: including 6 runs in the first inning, and really stood behind Kelly Shoppach's three run bomb, and Matt Laporta's solo shot. It looks like this was the offense that we saw in July? This is very nice!

#3 - We pitched well and gave us a chance to win.

Check this category off! David Huff went 8 innings on his 5 hit gem in which he struck out 5 weak Orioles hitters. He really showed why he has won a team leading 11 wins on the season. He got the lefties out, and proved a point saying that "he was the #1 starter." And right now - I don't doubt it.

Its fun when your winning huh - and for now... let's keep it up. Let's just hope we can win another game this season keep your fingers crossed!

The way Clay Buchholz has been pitching the past 6 outings - he has really brought a thought into my head. Is he good enough to be our number 2 in the playoffs? He is young, and doesn't have enough experience at the playoff level, but then again - he gives a quality start in every outing. Could that be enough to have him proceed on to the 2 spot? I am not sure. If I were Tito, I would give him another outing to base my decision on whether he should be manning the 2 spot in the playoffs. But we have Jon Lester - who has been lightning. Yesterday he went down with a line drive off his quad. Not a good sign!! In all means - let's put Clay in the 2 spot.

He has been amazing his past 6 starts where he has had 6 quality starts. Clay has really been locating well - and has been striking out a bunch of hitters. Maybe his time has come sooner than thought? In his past three starts he has given up 2 runs combined. Now is that dominant or what? A guy like him in the playoffs could really endure an outing and give us a chance to win. Why not put him in the 2 spot?

He gave up 1 against them.

3 against them

0 runs against them

and 1 against both of them

Topping it off with 0 against them in his last start

Effect:

The Good: With a young guy like Clay on the mound against some teams that have never seen him - he will most likely "dominate." Most teams that haven't faced him don't know that he uses his slider alot, and gets ahead of hitters. If he continues to pound the strike zone like he is and give quality starts - look out. He has been top notch striking out 8 in his last start, he is starting to look like a young Mike Mussina - or Curt Schilling. I am really investing in this kid.

He has great composure out there, as he pitches with confidence and never doubts himself. He consistantly gets over a hit given up by striking out the next hitter. I love how he can control himself out on the mound - normally young guys lose it and don't know what to do. Clay works on mechanics and just lets the ball fly resulting in strikeouts and a ton of positive results. He hits his spots and never misses a two strike pitch.

The Bad: Although Clay is dominant this year - he still hasn't had enough starts to put him over that edge where you can say "this kid has experience." It seems to me that he sometimes gives up hits later in counts that he shouldn't be giving up. He is fantastic this season don't get me wrong - but when playoff time comes, its a whole nother' level of desire and he has to step up his game. I just don't know right now if he is capable of the change.

Clay also hasn't gotten alot of cracks at teams with playoff caliber - leading to the fact that he will have to learn how to pitch differently to different teams which could result in a merry go round. Am I saying Clay will fail? No. But I am not saying it is going to be an easy time to succeed. Clay must do his best and must change speeds often.

Final Thoughts:

The Red Sox need to win this series against the Yankees. It will put them in a clean and happy mind set - leading to a free and easy finish. If not - they could lose a few towards the end. ----- the magic number is now at 3 which means after tonight - you could be looking at a magic number of 1. ----- David Ortiz homered for the 3rd straight game last night and has looked as the "powerhouse" he used to be. Look for him to have an excellent postseason!!

Thumbs up

**The Red Sox have been hitting the ball well. Although they haven't been scoring very early - they have had the big innings. It seems to me that they have the pitcher's number about the second or third time through the order, and really exploit his weakness's.

**The pitching has been "there." Beckett has been dominating and has added to his total with 7 strikeouts yesterday night - showing the Royals why he is well "a Cy Young candidate." He has really been pitching well and is showing me he is ready to pitch in the playoffs.

**Victor Martinez is on a 21 game hitting streak. Looks like he has been bulking up on some of those wheaties? He has been hitting the ball like a monster - and now has over 100 RBI on the season with 101. He has been very patient at the plate - and has been really great at going with the pitch.

Thumbs down

**The offense didn't score last night until the fifth wear they scored 6 runs!! But if you can't do that against a team like the Yankees who don't have horrid pitching like the Royals do. If we don't score early and put it on em' we might not ever score in the playoffs.

**Although our pitching has been there - parts have not been there. Wake hasn't been 100 % therefore he has been pitching half as good as he was earlier in the season. If we don't get him rehabilitated, we might have to put someone in his playoff spot.

**Although Beckett kept the Royals to only 2 runs over 6 innings - he did give up 12 hits. And when you are facing a team like none other than the Yankees, they take advantage of that and pile runs upon the board. So if we wanna compete with them, we need to start keeping the hit to a minimum. I will say this though - there were at least four or five hits that were considered "bloopers" in my book.

Thoughts

Can we keep the pace with the Yankees? ** As David Ortiz said when asked "Are the Red Sox going to keep pace with the Yankees?" He said "Why not?" - (Info copyright Julia's Rants) As I say the same. The Yankees have everything to lose and then the Red Sox have nothing at all to lose. With the Sox playing phenomenal baseball and the Yanks struggling along, it looks as though Boston might actually catch the Yankees. They care coming close and are within 6 games now and with two more games to play than the Yankees - the Red Sox actually "might" have the better odds.

Final Decision:

Will Victor continue his "hot streak" into the playoffs? This is a question we all are wondering. For Victor has been amazingly hot still currently owning a 21 game hitting streak. He is really being patient and is working the pitcher's. What I see now - is what I saw in Ells when he got hot. I saw patience, and ability to hit the ball the other way. I think that Victor "will" continue his hot streak and will cause a migrain for all opposing playoff pitchers. He looked pretty good in the 2007 postseason so why not now? He has all the chances to succeed. Let's go Victor clap clap, clap clap clap...

Final Decision:

 How many wins will the Red Sox have by the end of the season? In my opinion it doesn't matter - but for the fans, why not? I am thinking the Red Sox will have around 97-100 wins if they can really start steppig on the "gas" peddle. It looks like the offense is back to where it was when they were streaking and now it seems as though Pedey, Victor, Ells, and Papi are all catching the fire as well. If the pitching holds, and Buchholz and Lester finish out strong I would say 100 wins. Its too hard to predict now. Ask me in a good five days!! If the Yankees aren't careful, the Sox could pass them up. Why not? So here is my answer - "If Boston plays great baseball from here on out, expect 100 wins."

Final Decision:

Playoff Predictions

AL East winner: New York Yankees

AL Central winner: Minnesota Twins

AL West winner: Los Angeles Angels

NL East winner: Philadelphia Phillies

NL Central winner: St. Louis Cardinals

NL West winner: Los Angeles Dodgers

 Wild Card

The AL Boys - Boston Red Sox: the Red Sox have been playing some great baseball lately and it seems as though the Wild Card isn't competitive anymore. They have it locked up and will take the spot all the way to the playoffs. The Red Sox are getting hot and are really catching some "early playoff fever."

The NL Boys - Colorado Rockies: the Rockies had a huge month of August as they started getting very hot and they pulled away from all other "wild card" contenders. They look as though they are ready to compete and will aim for another WS birth like 2007, (where the Boston Red Sox swept them.) Look for them to gain an edge on most opponents, as they are young and fast and talented.

In a game that featured 23 hits, and a monsoon in KC, the Red Sox managed to come up with the short end of things.

It wasn't like they were "outplayed" in any aspect. I think the Royal Blue could've blinded them?

The knuckleball somehow fluttered its way into the 5th inning without "too much" damage done while giving up 5 runs. We had a 9-5 lead when this happened: 

MDC gave up 4 earned on 3 hits all in a matter of 0.2 innings. Does he think this is funny or something?

Bard and Wagner both also donated to the fund by giving up 2 and 1 runs to hand over the game to the Royals.

Manny Delcarmen has been bad. So bad, he needs a rest - for the rest of the season!!

We can't afford to lose games like this. With the playoffs coming up - losing games like this is not an option. If we get the chance to play against the Yanks, I want to take advantage of it and sweep the series, not give it away. This is baseball not a drive thru.

The good news is our offense has been hitting the ball pretty well. We have Pedey on a tear - and we got Victor at a career high 20 game hitting streak. It just makes me dizzy!!

Cmon Red Sox - we need a strong finish, and let the force be with you.

I am a die hard Indians fan yes, but no one knows this about me. I am also I Boston Red Sox fan. Yes I have been all of my life. I have been there in the Nation since day 1 and also have been an Indian all of my life.

 Funny thing is, that I am named Ted Williams, after the great Splendid Splinter himself. I wear number 9 all the time, and I have also visited Fenway. So yes, I am a fan, and don't doubt that I haven't been.

 Now that the Indians aren't fairing so well, I am dedicating the rest of the season to the team that I love, and the team that I hope will go all the way - the Boston Red Sox.

Jacoby was on a tear, and did it all yesterday going 3-4 with a stolen base - his 63rd, and had three RBI. Not to mention he hit a homer in the 7th inning. He was the ignitor yesterday, and really lit the offense en fuego.

 Bay was the other one to go yard, his 35th of the year. Man is he starting to look hot. Are you sure we don't need to hose him down?

And Dice-K didn't look bad at all going 5.1 giving up 3 earned. What on earth is going on here?

The fact is, I like the Red Sox and the Indians, and I have decided to do a blog on both of them. The Red Sox are just so good right now that I am just going to do a blog on them and their playoff run. That is what I have decided to do.

The Nation - and I are backing our Red Sox to go all the way. Let's beat the Yanks!!

Yesterday's game was just another game, with Jeremy Sowers going 1 inning giving up 6 runs. He seemed a bit tired, as he got pounded and then had to be taken out early. Just another game and another loss in Cleveland. What a shocker!!

 We have lost 7 games in a row, and have given fans every reason possible to scream and shout at us. We haven't been pitching good at all, and the offense can't score to save their lives. What the heck?

 The game started out slowly as the A's just kept piling runs onto the horrible pitching job by Jeremy Sowers. The had 9 hits off of him just in the first inning alone!! Are you kidding me?

 Luckily our bullpen saved our butts by only giving up 2 more runs in the 8 innings they pitched combined. Time to panic in Cleveland!

 We scored on a ball that Kelly Shoppach hit right at the third baseman Bobby Crosby, who let it go through his legs. It was two cheap runs, but right now we will take anything that you put on the table!!

That loss was another big punch to the stomach.

It looks as if we have no life left in us as we have lost our last seven games. How do you do that? A team that was very hot and showed life in June and July suddenly is showing no life. Maybe its because we have the younger guys up? We still shouldn't be performing at such a low rate though. It is really making me bite my nails.

Maybe we should just let Shin-Soo Choo do all the hitting, and maybe his Choo power will rub off on the others?

Its worth a shot. We don't have anything to lose right now.

 It is very painful to wake up every day and know that your Indians are bad. We need to start winning to make the organization look better, and to make the players look better themselves. I am starting to lose hope in Cleveland myself.

Opening thoughts: How does this look for 7 seasons? 2 winning seasons while only having one winning season at the end of the all star break. Does that mean anything to you? Does it call out and say "we aren't going to always dig ourselves out of the trenches that we build!" Well it is time to say "Good bye" to the man that was a part of this, Eric Wedge.

Sometimes I really don't get the man. He is quiet, and a self conscious little guy. But why does he make such stupidity become reality? Why does he turn a "phenomenal team" into a "slumping team?" I just don't get it sometimes. And well, neither do the Indians! Its tough to fire someone, but the deed has to be done, rid of him and move on.

What was he thinking by sitting Michael Brantley while he "was on his 8 game hitting streak?" What was he thinking? Sometimes, when a guy is hot, and when a guy especially like Brantley likes to play every day possible, why do you sit him? What pops into your mind telling you "to take the chance, that nothing will go wrong." What do you know? Brantley ends the streak at 8 games in his "next" game and starts over again.

Another Eric Wedge, boneheaded move right there. Get used to it! I don't get the process of thinking sometimes. Why don't we bring in our "best" guys in the bullpen instead of our "worst" of the line? Its always the question "why" with Eric. Why is Marte at third today? You know his number's are bad.

The success level of 2 out of 7 winning seasons just isn't exceptable, and in the 08 season, I know we finished 81-81 but that falls under "not winning." But I like to go back and think, "what would we have been like if Manuel would have stayed here in Cleveland? What would have happened if we could've kept our 'stars'?" You never will know...

For all we know, we could have had 5 out of 7 winning seasons, and a World Series title under our belts. And you know what, Eric can't take all of the blame. Look at all of the guys we have traded over the years! Look at how we have all the young guys we have received and have taken their chance to show us what the have!

You know they all came in those trades too right? Bartolo Colon for Grady, Victor, Brandon Phillips, and Cliff Lee catches my eye. We still hold Grady, our key player that we are quote "building around." If it wasn't for Shapiro, we wouldn't be "here" teetering at the good - bad line flirting with becoming great again.

Maybe we shouldn't be "blaming" anyone at all. I mean Shapiro has gone in and traded most of our "key guys" but has also brought in 'all' of our key guys. Name one guy in our starting lineup that we have "brought up through the minors." Oh you can't? That means Mark Shapiro has done his job. He has lived up to his ever lasting "rebuilding stages." He has showed me that he carries it out.

Maybe Wedge isn't the one to falter, for he was the one to have to "deal with the young guys." He has assembled a little army of fighting knights, and we aren't going to stop til we reach the top. Wedge might not be here, but when we achieve greatness, he will be the one to blame, excuse me, thank.

The Indians were showing a strong uphold against the Royals "dominating" pitching yesterday (*wink *wink). Looks like we are just digging ourselves a deeper hole. Today, at Ted's Take, we are viewing the number 0, and what it represents.

September 13th, 2009

Indians vs. Royals

The Indians didn't show me much today, as they were held hitless into the sixth inning. Luckily, the Soo-Choo Train broke it up with a hard single back up the box. He had half of the hit supply yesterday afternoon, as Matt Laporta supplied us the other half. One word - pathetic. How can your offense suck this bad against a team like the Royals? And did I mention that Kyle Davies was on the mound?

Carlos Carrasco again struggled but amazingly lowered his ERA from 12.38 to 9.64, which still isn't "anywhere" near where we wanted it to be. Right now, he just can't find the strike zone to save his life. He can't thrown any off speed pitches in for strikes, and he can't get ahead of hitter's. I stress that, because then he can throw whatever he wants. Just right now isn't his time. He needs to progress a bit, *cough cough* alot more.

I guess we are just a shaky team right now, as we scored 13 runs on 17 hits the night before. How can you go from dominating, to well... being dominated? Lack of effort? That might do it. Or maybe we just aren't good enough? Probably. 17 hits down to 2 hits, a difference of 15 hits between games. Horrible. And not to mention on the homestand we went 3-6 barely making our way out of a "life and death" situation. We saved ourselves from a record like the Pirates, and saved ourselves from being the laughing stock of all the league.

It wasn't like they hit Carrasco "extremely hard." In the fifth, Josh Anderson's bunt single and David DeJesus' broken-bat double set up Bloomquist's RBI groundout. So that shows "right there" that the Royals didn't hit Carrasco "hard" in that inning.  

Ted's Take: The Indians sure put up a big fat goose-egg on the board today. The Indians are hot and cold right now kind of like,

The Indians are just blue...

Which brings us back to this:

Its just pathetic that the Indians are shaky. They have been like this all year, never showing the want to come back and win the game from behind.

Should they start to hit the panic button now?

The mediocre crowd stood to their feet to help Kerry Wood complete the final out of tonights game. The roar's of the wahoo brother's in the house meshed with the claps of the crowd and John Adams' drum. It was a sight to be seen - and the fireworks, what fun!

The fireworks tell the story of the game - long, exciting, and fire packed. Whatever Michael Brantley is eating before games - keep doing it. He went 2-5 tonight: and is really starting to scare me. The chills are sent down my spine every time he steps into the batter's box, reminding me of a young Kenny - squaring every pitch up and hitting it back where it came from. It just sends me out of proportion to think of what Brantley's talent level is.

The drum had the fans going as you could here the claps going on, and here and there a wave thrown in. It was a fun atmosphere, another Indians-esque game. The excitement even though they are out of it: the happiness even though they should be sad.

The song 'Cleveland Rocks' played and it sure does. The regularity of this wonderful crowd is fatal at Indians' games. It keeps the promotions going: and the organization alive. It's not too bad to throw in a couple bucks here and there either.

Question: "Why do fans always have to get up and move during the middle of the game? Especially at Progressive Field? It should go down in baseball rules: wait til the half inning is over before you romp around like maniacs trying to be the first one to get nachos at the Market Grille."

And then there are the non - watchers. Fans that come and just talk the whole time instead of watching the game. Well what other way is there to spend a good 30 bucks and get nothing out of it on a Saturday night. Maybe they were in it for the fireworks? I think so...

Speaking of the fireworks - they were awesome. Just when you thought the booming and banging of the sulfur loaded gas giants was over: boom! It happened again. It almost made your heart stop hearing the never ending booms and snaps of the loud packed works.

It amazes me at whole how they put it together. At one point the fireworks played to the beat of music: and at another - ended to the song. I gotta hand it to the organization - even though this isn't a dramatic playoff run year, you really have out done yourself this time.

What a night in all - an Indians win - and fireworks. Beautiful sight. The finale of fireworks featured a ton of colors shot at the same time into the air: making your heart stop - seriously. It made you love the Indians and the day even more. It enlightened my day at the park - and enlightened my Indians passion.

For all you face - painting, mohawk wearing, wahoo brother's out there would you not agree that the Indians are one of the grooviest teams in baseball? Isn't it cool that we do our 'own' thing and are unique from everyone and everything else?

So every brother out there - make sure you come to a fireworks night at Progressive Field: It brings out the inner self - in a way that I can not describe. You have to be there in order to feel the vibe and passion that is brought to the big picture. So come next Saturday and enjoy!

PS: Sorry to tell you but I am at a hotel for a baseball tournament thus, I can't add pictures. It won't let me. :) Please try your hardest to except this. Look forward to all your comments - yours truly, 

--Ted 

I have cried for them; died for them; but now I just sigh for them. The Indians have been the team that has taken me from happiness to sadness - from being joyful : to angry. They are the team that makes me scream at the television every now and then because of a stupid error. They make me feel every emotion. And this is to them.

In 1997: "Saddened within"

The year of the world series with the Marlins; is when I truly became an Indians fan. I was 1 year old; and rooting the Indians on to take the World Series. They were down to the final out; and the Indians were taking this one - but then the Marlins came back. They tied it; and then won it. Are you kidding me?

With my dad in attendance: he miserably got back into the car; and had a long drive back to Orlando, FLA (where we used to live). It broke his heart; to see that the team he loved lossed it all; even when they were so close to winning the world series. That's what being a Cleveland fan is like; you almost have it - yet you never get it.

1998: "Ride of my life" 

Two years old by then. Met Jim Thome - and Sandy Alomar carried me on his shoulders. My dad worked with the grounds crew one year for spring training with the Indians. If I would be able to remember - oh what happiness I would have.

1999: "Stole my heart" 

The Indians took the Central by storm; and took my heart with it. I became a die hard from that day on. Although the Indians lost in the ALDS to a team I am not naming - we won the Central with a 97-65 record. It was just another year in Cleveland.

2000: "The Streak is Alive!"

 I started attending games. My streak started there: the Indians won 15 games in a row while I was in attendance. It was a long streak; and was amazing at that! I loved Indians to go to games from then on. The crowd, the scoreboard, the city itself - gave me Indian fever all through my veins.

2001: "That is too loud!"

I started to hate fireworks. The bad thing was though; with Jim Thome on the team - you were gonna see a couple. I plugged my ears for three years after that - and still get a shock when they go off when I am not ready. I guess I am not a fireworks guy?

2002: "Bye bye Jim"

Jim Thome was traded. It was one of the saddest days of my life. But I still rooted him on. I got a Jim Thome Phillies bobblehead when they came out. I was still a fan; and I loved Jim for who he was - a classy, nice, home run hitting machine! And from this day on still love em.

2003: "What happened?"

We finished 68-94 which was fourth in the central. It was a downfall to the fans; and the organization. It just wasn't right from there. We started to rebuild - and we were doing it as quick as we could. It was one of the worst years of the franchise - ever.

2004: "Making Progress"

We started climbing our way back to the top. Finished 80-82; which was good for 3rd in the Central. And showed other teams: that we weren't out of it just yet. They couldn't count us out. They never have - and never will. Because from that day on - I realized that the Indians' are fighters. We never back down - or give way. And we always want the win no matter what it takes.

2005: "Are you kidding?"

The Indians got beat in the footrace by the Chicago White Sox: after the Indians had been in control of the division. It was a tough season to take - because we worked so hard - and made some big improvements. We had a great group of guys who were supposed to win it all. Are you kidding?!

2006: "Big expectations"

The Indians were expected to take the Central by storm and trot their way into the playoffs. But they finished fourth in the Central; and just broke the fans hearts. It wasn't their fault - after a year like 05' how couldn't you be expected to win the division. A story book year for the Indians which would end up being another rebuilding process and another long season ahead of them.

2007: "Expect that - we won the Central!"

The Indians won the Central: and Cleveland believed again! The playoffs were crazy. The bug game went on at Progressive Field; the Indians beat the Yankees on Pronk's game winning single - and the Indians were going to the ALCS! Man : did we have Indian fever!

The rally towels were out in the open - and every Red Sox fan wanted this win so bad. But were devistated when the Indians took the 3-1 series lead. That is where I have cried for them. They lost the last three games to the Sox and lost the series.

It was an epic loss that will surely have found it's way into the history books. Those Red Sox just have too much fight in them!

2008: "Didn't win or lose"

Went 81-81 after the season they lost the pennant. It was a tough year: in which the bullpen struggled - and the offense didn't wanna contribute. Cliff Lee won the Cy Young; and was the reason the Indians were what they were - without Cliff: they would've been a mere 75-87. Sigh.

2009: "We have hope!"

The Indians and their season are both over. And now its a matter of what they can bring to the table next year. The bullpen is looking better already: and they are really starting to hit. With Carrasco and Brantley up; we have hope - and the Indians could contend next year. It's gonna be a tough road - but we know the route!

Later:

--Ted

http://tribewithted.mlblogs.com/

You know your not fooling them when the first three batters you face go: double -- thrown out at third; homer; homer. It was hard for Carlos to keep his composure as he really tried to battle in there. The Tigers offense just had his number though as he was tagged for 6 runs in 3 innings of work. It's not going to be an easy road from here.

It's bad enough that Carlos threw 75 pitches: all in three innings. He was trying to overthrow at times; and left the ball up. It was like a merry - go - round watching all of the players circle the bases. It wasn't really a fun game to watch: or be around. Just another bad performance.

But many stud minor league pitcher's haven't done so well in their first big league start: so what? Carlos could come out and dazzle us in his next start. What I have been saying the whole time is right - minor league number's don't matter when it comes to the majors.

Carlos was dominant against the minor league hitters as he led the league in innings pitched; and strikeouts. But in the majors - he got shelled: due to the fact the hitter's are just so much better at the level. He's gonna shake it off and come back and get em the next outing.

It's not like the Rangers are going to be an easy team to face; with Kinsler able to hit the ball anywhere he wants to. It's going to be another tough outing; and I think Carlos will have figured it out by then. He needs to pound the strike zone - but keep it low. And needs to mix his pitches often and well.

Two hits in your first game at the major league level; priceless! Michael Brantley went 2-4 last night as he ripped a single to center: and beat out an infield hit. This kid brings alot of speed to the team - and I really enjoy watching him. He makes it harder to pitch when he's on base: and opened some eyes yesterday.

He stays back and hits the ball to left; which personally I like. He jumps on the inside fastball - which leads to never getting jammed, and he has the ability to beat out an infield hit. He is going to be a great player; you watch Cleveland. It's not going to happen this year - but in the next two: watch out for 40 stolen bases and a .300 avg.

When anyone brings speed to the team that's great. But Brantley brings something else; some kind of swagger. Some kind of unknown swagger that really makes this kid great. He is confident at the plate - fast as all get out; and a great team player. 

It's great that Brantley shined in his debut; I really believed in this kid's swing - and was one of the only one's who thought this kid was ready. He showed us that he can hit -- with his to - die - for line drive swing: and his crazy speed on the base paths.

Brantley really gets along with his teammates. On STO you could see Brantley and the guys cracking jokes; and talking about their last at bat's. It's always fun to have a guy like Brantley around. A young leader - who has all of the confidence in the world. 

Like Barry Bonds when he was on the Pirates: except the steroids were left at home. Bonds had something weird about him - he could hit for power and had speed. You don't see that much often. In his rookie year: Bonds only hit .223 but had 16 homers and 46 runs batted in. To go along with that; he had 36 stolen bases - which meant pitcher's didn't want him on base.

That just shows that sometimes; your rookie year doesn't matter. Sometimes players come out and get the rookie of the year award - and then never see daylight again. And most times like this case: they come out - and it takes them a few seasons to get used to hitting before they explode.

With Barry: I am not sure when he first used steroids. Could have been when he was with the Pirates - could have been with the Giants. But I do know this - he hit like a regular guy: and played like a regular guy for 4 years in Pittsburgh.

I think Brantley will have a year in the next few: that he will explode like Bonds did. Not home run wise - but he will steal a good 35 bases and will hit .300. He has been compared to a young Kenny Lofton; and that is spot on correct. He has the speed - hits line drives: all like Kenny did. And I would like that back in Cleveland - it has just been missing for so long.

It's like that special song that you heard one day and you didn't know the name of it. Five years later you heard the song and heard the name of it: and finally realized - I have been missing this for so long! Then you jam to it for a minute or two; and then gone.

Cleveland has been missing true base stealers like that song. We haven't had a true base stealer since Lofton was here: and was a catcher's nightmare. The whole team in the 90's and early 2000's was pretty darn good all together. Kenny made the team whole. Kind of like Michael Brantley makes this team whole.

Its kind of like a puzzle: the Indians are all scattered around in pieces until someone starts building - (rebuilding.) They are almost finished except they have one piece left. They have been fitting every other piece in: but none fit. Michael Brantley was that last piece. He holds everything together. Think about it... 

Happy September!!

--Ted

http://tribewithted.mlblogs.com/

Young guys are proving they can play - the bullpen is showing it can shut opponents down. I think this team is ready. I give us a good two years to contend. The Indians will be AL Central Champs again, and playoff baseball will be brought back to Cleveland. The thought of it sends chills down my spine - remembering the 07 playoff run.

Every team in their brother in this offseason will be looking for ways to get Matt Laporta and Andy Marte out this next year. They will exploit their weaknesses and go after them. Next year should be a tough year for both and Valbuena so don't be so sure of powerhouse number's. Let me show you an example.

In 2007 Asdrubal Cabrera hit .283 with 30 runs in 159 at bats. He wasn't quite figured out until the next year when he went .259 with 48 runs in 352 at bats. When getting almost double the at bats he did in the first season: his number's slipped because opposing pitcher's figured out how to pitch to him over the course of the season. They exploited his weakness's and made him ground out again and again. Once they figure you out - its awful hard to come back strong.

This year: although Asdrubal is hitting .315 with 16 stolen bases and 67 runs. He has been one of the leader's on the team and has really shown he can fight at the plate. He learned how to hit the away pitch - and every pitch for that matter, and just lines every thing back where it came from. He has come a long way, and it has finally payed off.

The pitching just isn't deep enough to contend next year: even if Carrasco dazzles. The fact is - that Laffey should be your one starter, with Masterson at two, Huff at three, Carmona four, and Carrasco five.  That means Sowers is out - or could fight Fausto for his job. Carmona hasn't been controlling his pitches at all: and like Masterson, has really gotten behind hitters. Fausto walks alot of people which is what leads to many runs scoring. In his past ten starts: Carmona has walked more than one batter all but once.

That just shows me the batter's are starting to work him - and he isn't able to keep pounding the strike zone consistantly. He hasn't shown he can keep the Indians in ball games giving up 4 or more runs in 5 of his last 10 games pitched. Where did the dominant Fausto go: where he won 19 games? That Fausto controlled his sinker and was one of the most dominant pitcher's in the game. Until he finds his mojo - the Indians won't have the pitching.

In 2011 - I figure that we will have Carlos Santana behind the dish: and nor Wyatt Toregas or Lou Marson will have the job. Santana has an absolute gun behind the plate and is a true hitter. Carlos is hitting .290 with 21 homers and 93 RBI at the AA level. Those are some very good numbers: especially for a young guy like Carlos. I expect next year he will get a promotion: and if he can hit at the AAA level, I think he will be a for sure midseason call-up. What have we got to lose?

Playoff fever back in Cleveland would feel amazing. The 07 ALDS was a memory I will always have. The crowd was going crazy: waving their "Its Tribe Time Now" towels all crazily in the air. You couldn't hear anything - and no one was going to miss any part of the game for oh: a bathroom break, food, or an Indians team shop.

People in the street were happily playing guitars: and playing hermonica's all for the joy of playoff baseball. I tell you - we have some of the most true fans over here in Cleveland: we aren't band wagon at all. We love the Indians and have from day one. Some of Red Sox nation and probably a third of the Yankee's fans: don't know anything about them. They just like them cuz they are good. That isn't what being a fan is like though. Winning all the time: just isn't fun.

When you are on the brink of elimination - and everyone in the stadium is biting their nails: that is fun. Like when Travis Hafner hits a walk off to win the game in the ALDS - that is fun. But what fun is winning 100 games year after year and winning the division? Then you take the playoffs by storm and win the world series: is it that fun to repeatedly say "We win, we win!" And do you cheer? Or do you try to cheer? Like you don't have the inner fan: to start shouting and screaming and romp around the house.

The Rays made alot of die hards happy when they made it to the world series: something that no one expected them to do. Now that is baseball - the celebration: fans not giving up on one of the worst teams in baseball, and then celebrating the huge win and the world series birth. In fact: I would be happy just to be a part in the world series.

The last time we were in it, 1997: the dang Marlins got us. They came back on us in game 7 and beat us. My dad was there - he experienced it all. The heart break: the long trip back home: the angst of losing. It sucked, but that is what a true fan is being like: always there rooting your team on.

When playoff baseball comes back - I will treat it like church. I will be attending almost every game: ready to cheer on the Tribe. In 2011 the year I picked: I will be there, ready for the Indians to go to the world series. Jon Adams will be there banging his drum of course.

But we need pitching in order to get there: In my eyes - with the talent coming up we have a potent lineup that I would compare to the Red Sox. We have to make our starting pitching better though - we can't get to the playoffs without pitcher's who can go 6 to 7 innings giving us a chance to win every night. Hopefully all the young guys will have it figured out by then and will perform well: but you can't guaruntee anything. That is why I am not so sure about 2011: "Is the pitching going to be there?"

I can't answer yes. The pitching was there in 07. Although Sabathia sucked in the postseason: he still won the Cy Young, and really led the Indians to the playoffs. Fausto Carmona was a stud: having won 19 games and really showing he could pitch. Paul Byrd had a good 15 wins adding on to the Indians 96-66 record. They have to be complete: and I believe this team can do it.

So reserve your playoff tickets for 2011 Cleveland, make sure you grab them quick: they are selling fast. Make sure we come out with new towels and signs too - we can't have the old "Its Tribe Time Now" rally towels anymore. Jon Adams: bang away as loud as we can - and we will be yelling with you. Let's go Tribe - its our turn to win!

--Ted