Friday, April 25, 2008
Bob Walcott and the Yankees
I could talk about the scintillating three-hitter that Cliff Lee threw at the Royals last night to complete a series sweep in Kansas City. I could also rant about the fact that the doubleheader started at 6 p.m. EST last night instead of 3 p.m. for no reason. As a result, Indians fans attending tonight's game can expect the starting nine to be comatose against the Yankees. But to be honest with you, Bob Wolcott is on my mind. Perhaps, you don't remember the right-hander who had a career ERA of 5.86.
Shall we revisit October 10, 1995? The scrubby right-hander had loaded the bases on three straight walks to start Game 1 of the ALCS. The next four hitters included a surefire hall of famer, two hitters with hall of fame credentials, and another whose candidacy was ultimately derailed by injuries. The four hitters? Albert Belle, Eddie Murray, Jim Thome, and Manny Ramirez. Walcott escaped the inning unscathed. I find that as amazing today as I did when I was 11 years old, watching it. Wednesday night, it's 2 a.m. and I'm wide awake, not thinking about life-changing decisions, but rather Bob Walcott's 7 inning gem in the fall of 1995. Nobody can debate the insanity of Manny Ramirez but I really think that if you mentioned Bob Walcott's name to him, he'd remember his effort at the Kingdome.
Anyway, big series tonight. It's the Yankees only visit to the Jake (ohh wait, it's called Progressive Field now) in 2008 and something tells me there'll be about ten thousand empty seats for it. I don't see any scenario in which the Indians can take 3 of 4 with Byrd, Sowers, Sabathia and most likely Aaron Laffey pitching in the series. Nice to see the Indians grind out a win last night in the second game. David Delucci is starting to string together some good games. I'll take a .275 batting average with fifteen to twenty homers.
Just a reminder that Grady Sizemore is good.
Shall we revisit October 10, 1995? The scrubby right-hander had loaded the bases on three straight walks to start Game 1 of the ALCS. The next four hitters included a surefire hall of famer, two hitters with hall of fame credentials, and another whose candidacy was ultimately derailed by injuries. The four hitters? Albert Belle, Eddie Murray, Jim Thome, and Manny Ramirez. Walcott escaped the inning unscathed. I find that as amazing today as I did when I was 11 years old, watching it. Wednesday night, it's 2 a.m. and I'm wide awake, not thinking about life-changing decisions, but rather Bob Walcott's 7 inning gem in the fall of 1995. Nobody can debate the insanity of Manny Ramirez but I really think that if you mentioned Bob Walcott's name to him, he'd remember his effort at the Kingdome.
Anyway, big series tonight. It's the Yankees only visit to the Jake (ohh wait, it's called Progressive Field now) in 2008 and something tells me there'll be about ten thousand empty seats for it. I don't see any scenario in which the Indians can take 3 of 4 with Byrd, Sowers, Sabathia and most likely Aaron Laffey pitching in the series. Nice to see the Indians grind out a win last night in the second game. David Delucci is starting to string together some good games. I'll take a .275 batting average with fifteen to twenty homers.
Just a reminder that Grady Sizemore is good.
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Labels: Cleveland Indians, cliff lee, Grady Sizemore, Kansas City Royals, New York Yankees
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Happy For an Off-Day?
That's an unequivocal yes! Monday was a welcome respite from the Tribe. Sure, arguably our best pitcher in the young season in Jake Westbrook went on the DL but at least, we didn't have to watch the team bat. Five runs over the weekend in Minnesota equaled another lost series to the mediocre Twins. Coming into Tuesday night's game against the Royals, the team was hitting a paltry .235. Slumps like 2 for his last 21 (Travis Hafner) and 3 for his last 30 (Jhonny Peralta) were sprinkled throughout the lineup. The corner outfield spots were hitting a squalid .210, with three home runs. Westbrook's injury proved bittersweet for Indians fans as many were pleased to see OF prospect Ben Francisco called up to replace Westbrook.
Tuesday night proved therapeutic for Cleveland fans. How good was Tuesday game against Kansas City for the Indians offense? Three hitters raised their averages above the Mendoza line. Casey Blake of all people went 4-4, knocking in six runs. And best of all, C.C. Sabathia, who had been hammered in his four starts in 2008, struck out 11 Royals in six shutout innings. Sure, it wasn't perfect. The big lefty threw too many pitches and Jorge Julio is still a disaster waiting to happen in the bullpen. But for one night, things seemed alright for the Tribe.
It only takes a night like Tuesday before my head is running through scenarios. Suddenly, Carmona and Cliff Lee pitching the next two games means a possible sweep, with the Yankees coming to Cleveland Friday for their only visit in 2008. So we should be back to .500 by ohh I don't know, Saturday. Or this game could just be a tease and the bats will disappear Wednesday against Brian Bannister who sports a 2.42 ERA in the young season.
Labels: Cleveland Indians, Kansas City Royals
