Soo how about those tribe? Go out spend big money to get big time FAs, lower food and drink prices, and sell out of single seat tickets in 6 minutes for the home opener! should be an exciting year for the Tribe if the Starting Pitching is just average (top 20)
Side Note: Cant wait for MLB the Show to come out tuesday, gonna be fun to reck some people with the Indians line up
Let's go tribe!!
I'm having this fantasy where Jimenez pitches in some resemblence to the first half of 2010, and I'm liking what I see.
Gotta love the increased emphasis on scoring runs
It's 5 o'clock somewhere, & Michigan still sucks
They're still shitty.
(Sorry, couldn't resist the obvious reference. I too am optimistic this year. September and October baseball just has no appeal for me if the Tribe aren't at least contenders.)
Honestly I'd rather be an Indians fan right now than a Red Sox fan. I'd rather watch my team lose because of a lack of talent than watch a bunch of overpaid, lazy jackasses throw away another season.
We already saw that guy who used to play basketball for us do that- against Boston, no less.
The postgame show is brought to you by... Christ, I can't find it. The hell with it...
I'd argue that those years were a mix of the two. Lebron gets criticism for his effort at times, but the front office deserves as much criticism for building a piss poor supporting cast.
well put jhesse
I can't believe they lowered concessions prices. But yeah... Tito, Bourn... it's off to a good start!
Lets hope the starting pitching is ok or its going to be a long summer
Red legs baby! I think that trade will work out great for both sides... Except Arizona of course.
This is either Nick Swisher dragging up some excitement for the Tribe, to which I reply, good luck in this coming season sir, As a Red Sox fan it was really hard to hate you as a Yankee, OR this is a stoner tribe fan trying to drag up some excitement for the Tribe this season, to which I reply, Tito is a great manager, just have patience with him, and there is no way in hell that a healthy Tigers don't take the central.
-The Aristocrats!
There are a lot of commas there.
You're welcome. I pride myself in my run-on sentences.
-The Aristocrats!
Haha, I like that response.
You're not fully getting it, and that's ok (that's not meant to be condescending). The hiring of Tito and the signing of Swisher and Bourn signifies that the ownership just might be serious about building a team. Since '07, we've watched too many good players leave without a fight while signing players like Jason Michaels, Shelley Duncan, Jack Hanahan (I liked Jack, but he's no one to build around) etc to fill the gaps at the cheapest rate possible. The ownership basically just hoped they'd catch lightning in a bottle with some of the younger guys. I'm not saying they never had any good players, but they never took that all important next step. And no, I don't count signing Kosuke Fukudome at the trade deadline a great move. They signed a few FA that panned out pretty well, but they just ended up as trade bait, like Carl Pavano, Mark DeRosa, and Austin Kearns.
I don't think any reasonable Cleveland fan thinks the Tribe will take the division, but it's a HUGE step. If it continues of course.
Oh no, I completely get it. I think the moves they made will help in the standing, and also help put butts in the seats. Personally I think it's bad when I can go to an Indians game wearing a Red Sox jersey, and everyone else around me behind home plate is wearing a Red Sox jersey. They needed to do something to put butts in the seats, and maybe finally do something with the team other than be a farm team for the rest of the MLB. I root for the Indians for most of the season, just not when they're playing the Sox.
-The Aristocrats!
I think it's even worse for the Yankees series in Cleveland...
There aren't many places on the lower end of the standings that don't have a home game feel for the Yankees.
-The Aristocrats!
Fukudome...sorry, just love that name! (giggling like a 10 year old)
Clevelands going to give Detroit a run for their money, last year a very bad cleveland team lead the ALC for about 3 months and i believe even took the season series vs detroit, now they are vastley improved and hopefully wont stop playing after june
The tigers have improved as well. They actually have an outfield now. And with a full season of sanchez and fister in the rotation they will be even better during the season. The AL central should be a lot tougher in the coming years.
Tigers didnt improve much. 40 Year old Tori Hunter isn't what i call an improvement and they just gave #2 Money to their #3 or 4 pitcher who is just average. the Tigers season all depends on how good the 1-2 pitchers are going to be
I think the odds are that Verlander is going to be pretty damn good. Fister and Scherzer are nice starters too. Anibal Sanchez is a good 4 man, and then you have a couple solid options for the number 5 starter. I think Detroit is going to be just fine pitching wise.
Indians had no trouble roughing up Verlander last year with a weaker line-up, in fact the teams he faced 3 or more times all roughed him up last year. nobodys worried about almost 4 ERA Sanchez or Scherzer, those guys can be lit up pretty easy.
Hunter is still an upgrade over Boesch. But thats true, the Indians were built perfectly to beat Detroit last year. They hit so much better against right handed pitchers and that's almost all of the Tigers' starters.
Hunter is much better than Boesch offensively and defensively. The Tigers will have Infante and Sanchez for an entire year as opposed to the last 3 months and the biggest improvement will be the return of Victor at DH and 5th hitter. Detroit is by far the best team in the AL Central.
I wouldn't say that Hunter is much better overall. Offensively Hunter does seem to be better but you have to remember his age. Than again he will be playing in the central so his numbers might even go up. As far as defense goes Boesch probably has more range at this point he also had a better fielding percentage. The tigers underachieved in a big way last season but they are built to go far in the playoffs, not to mention Detroit's god awful defense. Expect the White Sox to challenge the Tigers once again in the central.
LOL by far is a huge stretch, You're counting on a 40 year old to contribue something and a player who just missed over a full season of baseball to contribute something. plus you're pitchers 3-5 are just average
Chicago is going to give Detroit a run for its money. Best starting staff top to bottom, a budding lights out closer, and the most consistent bullpen in the division. They play some pretty solid defense as well to back up their starters.
In what year did Cleveland lead the AL for 3 months? They took sole possession of the ALC on April 27th and lost it May 29th and lost it to the Sox until June 19th-June 25th and never held it again. So they lead the division for a month from April to May, then 1 week in June and never had it again. 3 months is 12 weeks (or there abouts) the Tribe held the lead for roughly Don't lets facts get in your way though, bro.
They spent 37 days in first to be exact.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Chicagos going to battle the Twins for the Basement. Starting pitching sucks, BP is average, and lost their best hitters
Hey, as long as they can lead the ALC for three months on your calendar, I'll be happy.
They have the best young lefty in baseball in Sale, a former Cy Young winner who's finally healthy in Peavy, an on again off again Floyd who when on is unhittable and a solid #4 in Quintana. If Denks comes back healthy, they can roll 5 starters out without worry-something no one in the ALC can say.
They have Dunn, Konerko, Rios, and Viciedo-4 of their 5 best hitters from last year. They lost AJ, that's all. But why let something like a fact get in your way when you can say things like "They lost their best hitters".
You are pushing hard for worst poster on 11w.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
LOL @ Sale the best lefy in baseball, you're the only one with that opinon. If Chicagos rotation is so outstanding why did they have a collective ERA over 4? He's not even better then Kazmir
Nah trolls like you just hate to hear facts, and thats ok, its a good thing i came here because alot of you dont know a damn thing about sports, just like to pretend that you do.
I see the White Sox around 60 Wins this year, Bad rotation, Very bad line-up losing their best hitters, and a below average BP
Ahhh got it. Trolling now. Cool man. I'm done here.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
hey Swisher...you have like 60 some helmet stickers and been here for what? 20 days? Brewsters has been here for years and has almost 3,000 stickers...id say if he was trolling, he is the best, most well respected troll i have ever seen.
Hey man, I try. Sometimes its hard to be a troll but I make it work.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
David Price is the best lefty in baseball don't kid yourself. Sale has had one year of success and after throwing around 200 innings for the first time, not to mention the fact that he imploded along with the sox in the second half. I like Sale but don't say such ridiculous things.
Sale is 4 years younger. I said best YOUNG lefty in baseball. I'm really shocked multiple people missed that word.
David Price is an established Ace, and one of the 5 best pitchers in baseball. Chris Sale is one of the 5 best pitching prospects in baseball and has the makings, stuff, and above all mechanics to be a long term successful left handed stud.
I will concede I should have elaborated but I'm not saying Sale is the best lefty in baseball. You guys are arguing against something I didn't actually say.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Clayton Kershaw is a better YOUNG lefty than Sale.
I can meet you halfway on that one. If its semantics we are hung up on I'll amend my previous statement.
Chris Sale is one of the best 3 young lefties in baseball. Better?
Of course, now me and Holy are both in bind because we'll be accused of saying Sale and Kershaw are the best lefties in the history of baseball....
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
Price is 27 doesn't that make him still fairly young, I also didn't realize Sale was just 23 my bad.
Kershaw is only 24, has pitched full time for 4 years, has a Cy Young, Cy Young runner-up, and has led the NL in ERA and WHIP twice. That is quite the resume! Right now I would say JV, Kershaw, and Price are the three best pitchers in baseball.
Most definitely, Kershaw is probably the most jaw dropping pitcher of those three to watch. His curveball alone is worth the price of admission. All three I would think will dominate for years to come.
One thing I absolutely love about the Indians, is they took Drew Stubbs off the Red's hands. I can't tell you how excited I am to have that guy out of the lineup. He's a really nice dude, but man he is completely inept on offense.
At least we got something for a player that was leaving anyways. That's the way I look at it.
Yeah, he's good on D. People around here think he's much better on D than he really is, but he's above average CF. He'll have little mini streaks where he belts a few homeruns and you get your hopes up thinking he's finally figured it out. Then 30 games go by and he's had about 3 hits in that stretch. Maybe a change of scenery will do him some good. I'm happy the Reds got Choo for this year, and hopefully Billy Hamilton will be ready to go come 2014.
I think Cleveland has made some good moves though. They got Bourne pretty cheap. I do think his best days are past him, but he'll be a nice addition. I really like Francona. I was hoping he'd still be available for the day that Dusty steps down.
I think Stubbs will play better under a good manager, he's had the talent just bad coaching around him. Cleveland ended up getting the best part of the deal by getting Bauer and having the money to get Swisher and Bourn
I seriously doubt Stubbs will improve. His numbers have regressed every year he's been in the majors. Meanwhile, guys like Bruce, Phillips, and Votto have improved or maintained each year they've been in the majors. I have a hard time believing Dusty is to blame for Stubbs being awful. He's just one of those guys who on the surface looks like he has the tools, but just never pans out. One bad season can be a fluke. Several of them are an indication of what kind of player you are.
Every year we hear about how Stubbs was working hard in the offseason, or Joe Morgan was taking him under his wing in spring training, or this coach worked a lot with him and things are looking better. The list goes on and on. I doubt in 5 years Stubbs will even be in the MLB anymore. He's 28 or 29 now, once his speed starts to decline, he's really useless in the MLB.
The Reds had him all over the lineup. There's no hiding that guy!
I agree. If Stubbs wasn't playing well under Baker, it's not like Francona is a better manager that will turn him around. Dusty knows baseball, and he's proven it for a long time.
People knock Dusty a lot, and some of it is warranted, but Stubbs not panning out is not something he is responsible for. He gets a lot out of his players. Guys love playing for him. Stubb's problems can't be solved by a baseball coach, they are between the ears. He needs a shrink not a different manager. You can see it in his face when he's at the plate. He's just lost up there.
In what universe isn't Francona better then Baker? Delusional Reds fans crack me up
I am a reds fan through and through...watch/listen to probably 100 games a year. And i can't stand Baker. If you watch the games...you see managing mistakes over and over. He started Rolen over Frasier in the playoffs...and when asked why? "Because Scott Rolen is old and Frasier will have plenty of shots like this in the future." I'm paraphrasing, but you get the point.
"Anything less than flagrant is just playing grab ass!"
Show me where I said Baker was better than Francona? I'll admit he's flawed. I don't think he's terrible, but I don't think he's great. He is what he is. I love Francona. I'm just saying Francona won't make a difference with Stubbs.
The kid just plain cant hit. And why in the world would anyone believe hes gonna do any better against AL pitching? This is a laugher, horrible trade for Cleveland.
“There’s one thing I have learned through all my adventures and conquests - it’s that some people are just wired for success. I had no choice when it came to being great - I just am great.” – Kenny Powers
I don't think it was a bad trade for them. It was bad for Arizona though. It was great for the Reds, and good for Cleveland. Stubbs was just a throw in on the deal. Cleveland got a good deal from Arizona. They essentially got 2 players for a guy who wasn't going to be around after 2013. The Reds gave up a guy they didn't want and a short stop prospect that was never going to see the field because of Cozart, and got what they needed, a leadoff hitter.
I dont have a hard time blaming Dusy baker for Stubbs down fall, name one player he's helped change his career around. Votto and Phillips and Bruce were already good.
Ludwick had the best season he's had in 4 or 5 years last season. Todd Frazier came out of no where to be really good last year. Ryan Hannigan is one of the best catchers in baseball and no one even knows who he is outside of Cincinnati. Stubbs was a highly rated prospect in the minors just like Bruce, because he had all the tools. He just hasn't panned out.
Also there are guys like Cueto and Homer Bailey. They have come so far the last 3 years maturity wise. For all the knocks people gave Dusty for how he handle's pitchers he gets absolutely no credit for the way this staff has shaped up.
Dusty's not perfect, but he's a hell of lot better than what the Reds have had in the time since since McKeon in 99. I'll take him all day long. The Reds have won the division 2 out of 3 years and likely will again this season. In my lifetime, that's never happened.
@swisherbuck....your name is all the indication I need of who Im even attempting to debate with here.
“There’s one thing I have learned through all my adventures and conquests - it’s that some people are just wired for success. I had no choice when it came to being great - I just am great.” – Kenny Powers
You do realize Swisher played at Ohio State, right?
/Duff'd It
Frazier isn't really good, Hannigan is no where near one of the best catchers in baseball, i wouldn't even have him top 10.
Frazier had a great year last year as a Rookie. Hannigan absolutely is one of the best catchers in the game. He is amazing at handling a pitching staff and he is very good defensively. He's not Molina, but there aren't many better than him. If you actually watch the Reds you may have a more informed opinion. Do some homework, look what other coaches and what writers who cover the game say about Hanigan. Just because he doesn't get talked about on ESPN doesn't mean he isn't great.
Frazier isn't really good?
What in the world would make you make a statement like that?
I mean I can do that too...Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana aren't really good.
"Anything less than flagrant is just playing grab ass!"
Yeah, he seriously contended for ROY last season. He's an awesome clubhouse guy. He knows the Heimlich! He's awesome.
the diffrence is yours is opinion mine is fact. What about a career .260 average and just over .300 OBP is good?
He was a rookie and Those are good numbers for a rookie...Fact.
He was 3rd in NL Rookie of the year voting...Fact.
And if your are going to argue career numbers...
Frazier .264 BA
Santana .247 BA
Cabrera .279 BA
Rookie Seasons
Frazier .273 BA 19HRs 67RBI
Santana .260 BA 6HRs 22RBI
Cabrera .283 BA 3HRs 22RBI
FACTS
"Anything less than flagrant is just playing grab ass!"
YAWN .260 and .320 are pretty awful, fact.
Why did you leave out Acab and Santanas career OBP? oh right because they blow frazier out of the water. Fact. Frazier was also 3 years older then Cabrera so he had more time to get better. FACT.
Ok...fine. All 3 players are currently 26-27 years old
so last years stats.
Frazier: 422ABs .273BA 19HRs 67RBI .331OBP
Cabrera: 555ABs .270BA 16HRs 68RBI .338OBP
Santana: 507ABs .252BA 18HRs 76RBI .365OBP
point is...u said Frazier wasn't actually good. Not me...and his stats are very comparable if not arguably better than that of 2 of 3 best hitters on the indians team last year. The 3rd being Choo and now he's a Red. So for you to say he isn't good completely tells me that the indians don't have a good player on the team from last years roster. I didn't vote Frazier 3rd in the ROY voting. So that's not my opinion, it's the leagues.
"Anything less than flagrant is just playing grab ass!"
Frazier is in a perfect situation in Cincy. One thing fans discount a lot in baseball is GMs and managers putting players in the best position to succeed. Because of park factor, platoon splits, etc some players work in one context and not in another. Frazier is going to strike out a ton, play below adequate defense, but hit many HR in a tiny park.
I wouldn't say he isn't good. I would say the park in Cincy fits his skill set, along with a high K pitching staff.
Then again Dusty Baker is his manager, so I'm sure he'll sit against LHP when the wind's blowing out to left every now and again.
I think the biggest issue you may have with Choo is his health. He missed a lot of time the last couple years. His defense is pretty average.
I don't worry about his defense that much. Stubbs wasn't exactly Willie Mays out there. I agree the injury bug worries me some, but that life time 380 OBP is really nice. That's what the Reds need, guys who can get on infront of Votto. Votto, missing 50 games last year still had a terrific season and that was with guys who had OBP's in the upper 200's batting ahead of him. With Choo and his 380 OBP and Phillips getting on around 330 ahead of Votto, wow things could work out really well. That boost in run production would far exceed the difference in defense between Stubbs and Choo.
His .380 OBP may look nice, but Choo is one inconsistent player. He can dazzle you, or flame out. Solid player, but he still lacks consistency. I think he was a good pick up, and I'm happy with the deal the Tribe got, because they were able to get Bauer. Cleveland finally has added some offense to their outfield with Bourn, and they have a guy that can actually hit at 1B in Swisher. I really like the potential of a Swisher-Kipnis-Cabrera-Chisenhall infield, along with Santana at C. The Indians will have an offense, and it's time for Masterson and Jimenez to return to their good form of a few years ago.
I love Choo though, His numbers in limited games of course at GABP are through the roof. If inconsistency results in a 380 lifetime OBP, I'll take it. Even in 2011 with a 259 batting average his OBP was 15 points higher than Stubb's best MLB season. Basically his worst year was substantially better than Stubb's best. I also think Choo is sitting on a big season because he is in a contract year.
Bottom line, with Choo in the lineup, the Reds are significantly better than having Stubbs and Cozart batting in the 1 hole. They are significantly better than when they had Phillips in the 1 hole.
I'm not looking at things from a Reds vs Indians perspective either. I think both teams did the neccessary things to be better than last year. The Reds have a leadoff hitter and strengthened their bench. They are a better team today than they were last year. The Indians have made a lot of great moves and are on the right track to being a very nice ball club too. Baseball in Ohio is going to be fun to watch for the next several years.
He also wants WAY more money than he's worth when his deal expires. Can't see him going anywhere else but the Bankees next year.
/Duff'd It
I really think Swish is going to do well in Cleveland. Tito loves a dude like that. Willing to do whatever for the team, and a great clubhouse guy. I think the Indians needed a guy like him.
-The Aristocrats!
Stubbs and Bauer was a very good haul for Choo. Stubbs most likely bats 9th, so we can hide his K's down there.
Stubbs is a joke. Cleveland screwed the pooch with this deal. Thank you very much. You guys can have that clown.
“There’s one thing I have learned through all my adventures and conquests - it’s that some people are just wired for success. I had no choice when it came to being great - I just am great.” – Kenny Powers
Of course it was a 3 team trade, and we also got Trevor Bauer from the D-Backs, their #1 pitching prospect who will likely pitch this year. It wasn't Choo for Stubbs. Sheesh.
Again, If it was Choo fro Stubbs then bad trade. But when you leave the biggest piece of the trade out then you can make ignorant statements like this. (Bauer)
I think it was a great trade for the Reds, Choo solidifies them as a WS contender. It was also a great trade for the Indians, to get back a startable player and a top of the line prospect (top 15 on most lists) for a Boras client that is jetting at the end of the year is a great haul. The tribe also received a couple of very solid relievers in the deal.
And you can have Hannahan who never plays and Choo who will sign elsewhere next year. If anything, Cincy screwed the pooch for any hopes of more than 1 year's worth.
/Duff'd It
Hannahan is going to to be a bench player or for AAA depth, nothing more. Choo is only needed for one year. I don't know if you heard, but there's this guy who is going to be in AAA this year named Billy Hamilton. He's one of baseball's top prospects. He's on track to be here in 2014.
Bottom line is, the Reds got a good lead off hitter, something they desperately needed in 2013. It's irrelevant if he's gone after this year. They got rid of the worst player in their line up (Stubbs) and a guy who was never going to play at the MLB level in this organization. The Reds had a nice offseason. Choo only being here for 1 year is all they needed. That's why they didn't go out and trade for Revere or Span. They didn't go out and sign a free agent in decline like Bourne. They needed a one year stop gap at leadoff and that's exactly what they got.
And in what universe is Bourn in decline? his stats say otherwise setting a career high for HRs, his second consecutive double digit season in triples, career high in RBIs and his OBP was again at .350. Dont worry, maybe this will be the year the Reds dont blow a lead in the 1st round of the playoffs
LOL at least they'll be there. I shoudln't of said decline, I guess he's just overrated for the money he was looking for. There were much lower cost options available who were about the same as Bourne like Denard Span.
He's making 7 Mil this year, Span doesn't come anywhere close to stolen bases, Triples, RBI, HR last year and Bourns WAR is 1.2 Higher. so no they really arent the same.
Span has more career homeruns in fewer MLB seasons than Bourne and more career RBI's in fewer seasons he has 9 fewer triples for his career, again in 2 fewer MLB seasons than Bourne. His lifetime BA, OBP, SLG, and OPS are higher than Bourn's. He also strikes out far less than Bourn. Bourn had 1 better season last year, a contract year, his last BIG countract year. He's 30 now, leadoff center fielders who depend on speed decline fast. I'll be shocked if he's producing at the level of 2012 by 2015 or the 3rd year of his contract with Cleveland.
What about last year? or the year before? Oh right because you only have career numbers to go off of LOL baseball is a what have you done latley buisness otherwise Jim Thome wouldn't have so much trouble finding a place to play. Im still waiting for this decline you said Bourn has, his stats say you're FOS but hey whatever makes you feel better.
I acknowledged that Span didn't have as good of a 2012 as Bourn. You said Bourn is better in all the stats than Span. You didn't specify years. For his career, you were absolutely wrong, that's what I was pointing out. Even in his best season ever, Bourn was only 1.2 WAR better than Span. That's not significant especially when you consider Span was about a 5 WAR player last year.
You'll see when Bourn fails to ever hit the 2012 stats again.
I guarentee he not only see's 2012 numbers again but does better with the hitters in Clevelands line up but keep trolling if you must, must still be butthurt from setting an MLB record for thie biggest failure in playoff history
We got him cheaper than we got Swisher, and he's a better defender than Stubbs. If anything, Bourn got robbed.
/Duff'd It
Like my reply above about Frazier, I think Stubbs was infrequently put in a position to succeed in Cincy.
His OB % is nowhere close to what a #1 hitter should have--but it's .344 against LHP. He's awful against RHP (.301 OB%). Dusty overvalued his speed and power--but needed his defense. I get why he played so much.
He should play mainly against LHP (is 20% better than average per Fangraphs wRC+) and against half RH starters, as a defensive sub, and a pinch runner.
I hope Tito's smart enough to make it happen.
Stubbs hasn't been bad at all to this point in the year..
Still better than Casey Kotchman
/Duff'd It
Silly optimistic Cleveland fans...
“There’s one thing I have learned through all my adventures and conquests - it’s that some people are just wired for success. I had no choice when it came to being great - I just am great.” – Kenny Powers
Hey man, the two teams I grew up with were the Buckeyes and the Indians. Let us Tribe fans have our moment.
/Duff'd It
I realize the Indians haven't done anything since '07, but making the playoffs once in the last 18 years in a traditionally weak NL Central and getting swept in said series is nothing to brag about either. The Tribe, however, has won numerous division titles and made deep playoff runs in that same span.
That is neither here, nor there. The reason Indians fans are optimistic is because they are finally make smart acquisitions at fair prices, and trying to improve their gameday experience outside of the quality of the team. It's very frustrating to watch something you love (the Indians) fail to perform to your former expectations (late 90s, early 00s, and 07), especially when it is due to the lack of a competent front office.
Don't give up... Don't ever give up.
I still have nightmares of the 2007 ALCS against Boston ... Up 3 games to 1 with our ace, CC, on the mound and no team ever comes back from a 3 - 1 deficit. It probably hurts the most because one of my good friends is a Red Sox fan and hasn't let me forget it.
JT
And we would have beaten the Rockies.
Maybe you forgot about the Sox being down 3-0 against the Yankees a few years prior?
-The Aristocrats!
2006-2007 was rough for me:
2006 Mets lose the NLCS, tOSU gets stomped by FLA;
2007 the Tribe loses the ALCS, tOSU loses to LSU, and FLA in basketball
Thank goodness for the NY Giants
"Don't put syrup on shit, and tell me it's pancakes"
No matter how sh*tty the tour is, it's always tough to leave.
Looking forward to MLB season. Three things I'm looking forward to:
*One of the things on my bucket list is to go to all 30 MLB stadiums and by far I can say the best stadium I've been to is the one below. Bonus points to anyone who can name that stadium. Hint: Look closely at the photo!
You tell the SEC when they can learn to read and write, then they can figure out what we're doing. - Gordon Gee
I was there last July. If you're a baseball fan, you need to go...
PNC park I've heard it's great. That and San Fran are 2 I really want to see.
PNC and Coors Field have been the best I've been to, IMO. That list includes Wrigley, Camden, the Jake, Great American, Comerica, Citizens Park, the old Shea, and the 2 listed before. I missed the last 2 stadium trips that my brother, his old roommate, and I were doing each year. So I missed out on old Yankee, new Yankee, Fenway, and the Nationals stadium.
Your list of parks is larger than mine but I'm getting there! I've taken trips to Progressive Field, Great American, PNC Park, Target Field (saw it but didn't go to a game, will go back though) and Chase Fields. This year I have planned to go to Miller Park, ATT Park, Tropicana Field and Angels Stadium! Summer can't get here soon enough for me to start traveling again!
You tell the SEC when they can learn to read and write, then they can figure out what we're doing. - Gordon Gee
It may be for now, but that list has become rather stagnant as I haven't gone to a new park in awhile. I would like to make it to Miller, Target, and US Cellular (since it's on the way to the other 2 in a drive) but it'll be awhile before I can probably get back to the trip. Enjoy the stadiums though. Nothing like taking in a ballgame midsummer.
Tropicana is an absolute dump of a facility. Hugely under whelmed with the atmosphere probably had to do with being indoors and dark for baseball
It's not nearly as bad as people act like it is. It has a dumpish charm to it, a lot of great memories.
I was just not impressed with Tropicana when I was there for a game. Granted this was when they were still the Devil Rays and had Astro Turf.
I was really disappointed with the Ball Park in Arlington. I've always heard it's a nice stadium and how cool of place to see a game it is. It was alright, but desperately needed some upgrades.
GABP is where I tend to go to games since I love the Reds and live so close. I actually love that stadium. I'm not going to say it's the best in the MLB or anything crazy like that, but every year they make some upgrades and it just continues to get better.
I've been there a few times... it's not bad, but too closed in. The one I was disappointed with is Camden Yards.
No stadium list is complete without a trip Kauffman Stadium. The new renovations make it absolutely gorgeous park to watch baseball. My top 5
Camden Yards
Jacobs Field
Kauffman stadium
PNC Park
Busch Stadium
THese are all great places to watch baseball from any seat in the house. This list is all from personal experience along with these others Coors Field Miller Park US Celluar Wrigley Field Comeraica Park Old Tiger Stadium Cinergy Field GABP Yankee Stadium Fenway Turner Field and Tropicana Field
I'm hoping to get to both PNC and GABP this year. Lifelong Cubs fan here (insert obligatory goat joke), but while I was living in Cleveland, the Indians found a small space in my heart where an AL team could fit (the DH is still a crime against baseball, though ;-) ). It will be interesting to see how this year shakes out for the tribe. I'll be going to as many games as I can in Cleveland too.
My bucket list as well. I've been to:
-Cleveland (I'm a Tribe fan and it will always be the Jake - love it
-Cincinnati - loved it
-I live in Atlanta, so Turner is always a good choice
-Cubs - dump, but I understand the history behind it
-White Sox - OK
-Seattle - OK
-Oakland - giant shithole
-San Francisco - by far my favorite so far!
-LAA - awesome ballpark!
-LAD - small step above shithole
-San Diego - good
-St. Louis - very nice
I'm going to knock out Pittsburgh and Detroit soon.
I'm going to make a weekend trip up to Pittsburgh this year to catch a game. I almost road tripped it last year. I have a friend who kept talking about how awesome Wrigley is, but all his stories have more to do with Wrigleyville, than the stadium itself. I'm not in much of a hurry to go there. I can't stand the segment of Cubs fans who invade GABP when they are in town, why do I want to go be surrounded by a stadium full of them?
You have to go and experience Wrigley if for nothing else than to say you've taken in a game there. It's not the best place on the planet, regardless of what Cubs fans may say. But, it's a pretty cool old ballpark and the atmosphere is pretty cool around the ballpark (Wrigleyville). The fact that it's sitting right in the middle of a neighborhood is pretty awesome.
Plus chances are you'll take in a Cubs loss, so there's that too.
When I happened to venture there, they were playing the Indians in Interleague play. The irony of the situation lies in that the Indians were actually winning the game and we brought in Kerry Woods to close out the game and he blew it and the Indians eventually lost. Still is mind blowing to me, lol.
But I agree with you. I can say I've been to Wrigley, but, at least from where I sat, the stadium isn't the greatest place to catch a game and it is rather cramped. The atmosphere is what makes it great though, and no matter how cramped and congested the stadium is can never be taken away.
Here's the thing. The area around Wrigley is killer. Nothing better than coming out of a stadium after watching a ball game and ending up in a giant block party.
US Cellular is a superior facility. It isn't even close. History my ass-Wrigley is a shit hole. The problem, is that the area around the Cell is a shittier shit whole. Its a neighborhood that is trying to make a comeback and parts of it are pretty nice but Wrigley is in just an awesome part of town.
For 9 innings, US Cellular blows it out of the water. For an hour before or several hours after, nothing beats Wrigleyville.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
I've been to Wrigley twice, once I actually went into the stadium and the other we got rooftop seats. Rooftop seats allow you party, eat, and drink, but it isn't much as far as watching the game. I agree with the above post that Wrigley is just in a sweet part of town with a shitty park and US Cellular has a sweet park in a shitty part of town.
Nothing compares to the park in San Fran...Absolutely beautiful. I was lucky enough to see USC play Cal there last year while the Cal stadium was being renovated.
I'm going to disagree and say PNC Park is better.
In my (unashamedly) incredibly biased opinion, nothing actually compares to an afternoon game at Wrigley Field. Can't be beat.
Won't matter...the road to the World Series will always and forever run thru New York and they have to beat the Yankees. Good luck with that
If Denard Robinson isn't careful with spooning all that food into his mouth, he's going to end up lookin' like Whoopi Goldberg
I found this from Buckeyeski above funny...I'm not sure if you've heard but the Orioles are the favorite to win the Eastern Division....not the Yankees. So...it may be more the Detroit Tigers and White Sox that the Tribe will have to worry about more than the Yankees.
As far as the Indians are concerned this year...look for a second place finish in the Central and may be a wild card birth into the playoffs. Next year will be the time to watch the Tribe do some interesting things IMO of course. Not because of Swisher but more due to their pitching....it will be better than this year.
"There's nothing that cleanses your soul like getting the hell kicked out of you."
"I love football. I think it is most wonderful game in world and I despise to lose."
Woody Hayes 1913 - 1987
There's literally nowhere to go but up for the pitching. Last season was a worst-case scenario and somehow found themselves leading the division for about half the season.
/Duff'd It
Most actually like the Blue Jays to win the division.
Those who stay will be CHAMPIONS!
~Bo Schembechler
Good league to be sure...but still NYY to lose, per usual #27xWorldSeriesChamps
If Denard Robinson isn't careful with spooning all that food into his mouth, he's going to end up lookin' like Whoopi Goldberg
I love when fans bring out the "see how many rings we have" arguments. Just so you know, 27 World Series Championships also means approx. 80 some years of not winning it. So to just be utterly myopic and say that it runs through the Yankees each and every year is ridiculous. They're showing their age and teams like Baltimore and Toronto have made some huge strides. Even with that, I'd say that it's hard to look at the Tigers and Angels and not say that they're the likely favorites to win the AL. They both have the talent in order to dominate opponents. So again, using an argument that your team is the team to beat because they have won 27 World Series titles (or basically haven't won it 80% of the time) is extremely narrow and can't hold water.
New York is old and slow and can't really pitch beyond CC. I get that its easy to say everything runs through New York but they are picking a bad time in the AL (B)East to be running on old legs.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
The Yankees are going to have their worst year in a long time. I can't wait either!
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
This is the same argument I have with Kentucky basketball fans and all their "we've won 8 titles" talk. The NCAA tourney has been around since 1939 and UK has won it 8 times. 73 years and 8 titles, which means 65 years they didn't win it, or 89% of the time.
I fight this battle a lot too Tenn! Of course, there's a portion of their fanbase who still believes they can get title number 9 this season. With the Yankees, meh, since George passed I don't take them that seriously anymore. I know they won it a few years back now, but they just aren't the same. I'd fear Anaheim or Detroit more than the Yankees this season. What Steinbrenner built in the mid 90's into the early 2000's was special, but he demanded greatness and was ruthless in his pursuit of making his team great.
27 World Series Championships argument = Winningest Football Program of All Time argument
-The Aristocrats!
Yes cause the yanks have won 5 the last 17 years. And missed the playoffs once since 1995. They are clearly on par with Michigan who has 1/2 a title since the 40s. C'mon be a little more realistic with your comments.
"You'll be proud of our young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field."
But that in and of itself doesn't mean they are the team to beat this year. Their past successes won't help them this year when their bloated, old salaries can't get it done.
They will always be a threat because generally, their roster is loaded with power hitters. They can often times slug their way to wins. Where the Yankees struggle-and what their division is loaded with this year-is when teams can beat them a few runs at a time without relying on the home run. New York will almost certainly be in the playoff hunt each year because of how they mash but in a 5 or 7 game stretch, they can be (and have been) iced by a hot pitcher or two-eliminating the only way they really know how to score. If you keep the ball in the park against NY, you are going to have as good a chance as any to beat them. Also, once you get by CC, they can't throw (pun intended) much at you.
The fact that they've won 27 doesn't mean dick in 2013-they are an old, expensive roster that isn't the favorite in the majors, the AL, or even the East-depending on where you look.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
You are way off topic. The guy above me is comparing them to Michigan. I'm saying there's no comparison, I'm not referring to the 2013 season at all.
"You'll be proud of our young people in the classroom, in the community, and most especially in 310 days in Ann Arbor, Michigan on the football field."
I was adressing the notion that 27 world series somehow means the title this year goes through New York, and frankly-it doesn't.
4-6 seconds from point A to point B and when you get to point B, be pissed off
I'm referring to the fact that every Yankees fan always pulls that 27 world series thing out of their back pocket whenever there's a baseball discussion, much like a Michigan fan will always pull out the fact that they are the "winningest" college football program of all time. It's virtually the same argument.
-The Aristocrats!
Yeah, plus the Yankees have Hafner now, so they're a series lock
The postgame show is brought to you by... Christ, I can't find it. The hell with it...
So true. He'll be good for at least 1/2 the season on the DL.
I thought Hafner signed a deal with the DL just like Mark Prior did a few years back. Guess I was wrong.
The Indians have won 2 of the 3 postseason series they've played against the Yankees. But your wishes for good luck are noted and appreciated.
The most "loud mouth, disrespect" poster on 11W.
Finally somebody is trying to build the Indians into a winner. I think the Indians will be in the running for a Wild Card spot this year, as long as the pitching doesn't tank.
Class of 2010.
Well...I don't know if it's so much about building the Indians into a winner as it may be more about Dolan wanting to sell the club. He knows he needs to put a viable team together in order to sell. He's made some good moves though to do that if it is actually his intent. We'll see what happens in the Team Selling Department, but I'll take this when I can, that's for sure.
I agree wholeheartedly. In the same time span since the Lerners and Dolans owned a Cleveland team, the Lerners doubled their investment while the Dolans actually lost money from their investment.
/Duff'd It
Um what? i saw an article a few weeks back saying the indians were bought at over 300 Mil while the current value is almost 500 Mil
I am sure part of the reason they were able to land Tito as manager was ownership vowed to give the team some help. I know Francona has ties to the organization but he wouldnt have gone there if it were going to be a complete trainwreck. Or at least not one worse than Boston of late.
It all comes down to pitching. Masterson gets his groove back and Jimenez has an ERA under 5.00 they may have a shot at a winning record. Bullpen will be ok I think. Their offense should be vastly improved.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Greatest.Civil.War.Analogy.Ever
I'm just glad to be excited for baseball to start for the first time in a while! I might actually even buy MLB 2K13! Go Tribe!
As a lifelong Tribe fan, this offseason was a revitalizing breath of fresh air. After signing a bunch of lower-tier free agents, they really made a splash. One could argue that the guys signed are on the downside of their prime (and there's probably a lot of truth to that), but the key is that they're still IN the prime. Getting Francona to sign on the dotted line last fall was a masterstroke, it completely changed the perception of what's going on at the corner of Carnegie and Ontario. How many players signed here because of Tito's presence? More than a couple, to understate the obvious. I can't wait for the season to start, and I'm definitely going to be making more trips to The Jake this year!
Just got back from Goodyear. The vibe for both Tribe and Reds is very positive--but minute compared to the Giants.
Winning two WS helps, but the Giants have the best facility location in the heart of old Scottsdale.
Goodyear, not so much. Nowhere to stay. Nowhere to eat / drink. Goodyear literally is the end of the world which = small crowds for Reds + Tribe.
The Reds have looked pretty bad in ST, not sure how they could have a good vibe.
Also Kazmir has pitched 7 shutout innings in ST with over a K per inning after his B game start wednesday. Reports are his Fastball sat 90-93 range and his slider at times showed it's back to being as dominating as it was before.
the best piece of the 3 team deal, Trevor Bauer has also looked very good in the spring but is still expected to start the year in columbus
Combined 2012 spring training record of last year's NL playoff teams: 71-76. ST results obviously mean a ton for the regular season. Reds will be fine.
the kids are playing their tail off, and the coaches are screwing it up! - JLS
As much as I really can't stand baseball..I'm still a Tribe fan. I hope they can at least get a wildcard this year.
Run_Fido's favorite word is strawman.
swisher was a huge pickup
Indians named Zach McAllister the #4 Starter and released Ben Francisco
The Tribe is back over .500 and on a 6 game win streak! Good to see these guys playing well, and when Michael Bourn gets back next week, let's see if we can't make a run at the division lead. It's also been good to see the crowds at Progressive Field this year. The fans have been doing a good job supporting this team.
This team has been hitting the lights out of the ball lately, and I really think this lineup has some great potential. If the starting pitching can just be solid and stay middle of the road in MLB ranks, this team definitely has a shot of being over .500 when it's all said and done IMO. Still a long way to go though, and I'm not going to get my hopes up too high. Still, I feel better about this team than I have felt the last few years.
With 39 homeruns, the Indians are second in the AL in homerun behind NY (40). Never would have seen that coming. Heck, the indians lead the majors in Slugging Pct. Still a long way to go though, and there's no way they end up 1st at the end of the year. That would be something else.
Injuns need to re-sign Willie Mays Hayes, get some speed on the bases.
I'm just happy to be here
Even without Bourn, it's not a slow team. Kipnis, Aviles, Brantley, Cabrera, and Stubbs all boast above average speed, and Carrera is back on the roster.
That lasted all of 48 hours lol. He was designated for assignment yesterday afternoon
Sorry Urban, Woody is still my favorite
Well that was me being optimistic about his presence, as I don't think he ever has or will hit a ball out of the infield.
Carerra was signed to a minor league deal now I believe, he should be in Columbus as of today. As for speed, Drew Stubbs is extremely fast, not just above average. Just wish he had more of a hitting impact
Pick up your feet, turn your corners square! And DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE!!!
WB
I know right? But with Bourne coming back soon they probably just had him up for numbers purposes.
Indians win the series vs. the A's on a controversial call in the 9th. Umpire called what looked like a HR a infield double and the A's get a nice screw job by the refs. Not sure if anyone saw the call but I think they got robbed. What say you?
That being said, I'm betwixt to the call made because I believe in fair play but as a Indians and Angels fan, that hates the A's as much as I hate Michigan, I really could give a rats *** about Oakland winning tonight. Bring out the brooms tomorrow. Roll Tribe Roll.
Sidenote: Chris Perez is really starting to lose his edge as closer. Nearly over a month in and I'm already concerned. Great save by Perez tonight.
You tell the SEC when they can learn to read and write, then they can figure out what we're doing. - Gordon Gee
That was definitely a home run tonight, no doubt about it. The Tribe really lucked out with that call, it clearly hit off of the railing above the wall in replay. Get that Indians Fever!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzhj2ev0Xwo
Pick up your feet, turn your corners square! And DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE!!!
WB
How about those Cleveland Windians! On a roll right now and tied for first in the central! They've now won 12 of 14 after starting the season a rough 8-13. I'm stoked, but also not getting my hopes up. Although I think this team is different, this isn't the first time the Indians have been at the top of the division early in a season. Gotta stay healthy and avoid a late season meltdown.
We were all Kipnesses last night! I'm excited to see the Indians staying hot right now. Just have to stay healthy and avoid another collapse this year, but I get a totally different feel with this team. I think we can sustain success and hang around in the Central til the end.
What an awesome game. I didn't go or watch since I was watching the Buckeyes play the Hoosiers on TV but the way the game ended was amazing. Tied for first place 40 games in, isn't too bad. Go Tribe.
You tell the SEC when they can learn to read and write, then they can figure out what we're doing. - Gordon Gee
The Indians have the same electricity they had in 2007. You can feel it. Their pitching will have to hold up. Maybe Tito will talk management into trading for some help down the stretch, too. Great win last night. Love the call by Tom Hamilton.
"Sherman ran an option play right through the south" - Greatest.Civil.War.Analogy.Ever
Tom Hamilton is the frickin best!
jw
No doubt about it. Tommy H is THE MAN.
2 walk off wins in a row
gotta love it
I'm a friend of thunder is it any wonder lightning strikes me
What a game today with Hernandez vs. Masterson. The Indians roll with the punches by topping the Ace of another opposing team.
Game notes
Haven't felt this good about Indians baseball in awhile. Lets get the sweep. #RollTribe
You tell the SEC when they can learn to read and write, then they can figure out what we're doing. - Gordon Gee
Love the hustle plays on the bases especially against the overly cautious Eric Wedge. This team is on a tear but like Nick Swisher said yesterday " the only time to look at the standings is on the last day of September"
3 walk off wins out of 4
Gotta love this team
I'm a friend of thunder is it any wonder lightning strikes me
now it will just be a matter of sustainment......whether injuries arise or hitting slumps occur, i have a feeling we finish second in the central to the tigers and make a wild card spot but that could just be me being prisoner of the moment....i hope not but this team has always let me down in the past so it will take some serious magic to get me back on board