Mound of trouble: Indians' battered bullpen offers many questions, few answers (so far)Posted by Paul Hoynes July 24, 2008 20:11PM
Mark Avery/Associated Press
Masa Kobayashi may --- or may not --- be the Indians' closer for the rest of the season, but that doesn't mean the club won't be searching for a better alternative in 2009.The Indians in an emotional sense have rebounded from the trade of CC Sabathia.
"They're back to being themselves," said manager Eric Wedge, "relaxing, having some fun and trying to play good baseball."
What they haven't rebounded from this season, and probably won't until it is rebuilt or repaired in the off-season, is one of the worst bullpens in the big leagues.
The Indians have no established closer or reliable set-up men. What they have is a jigsaw puzzle dumped on the dining room table waiting for Wedge and GM Mark Shapiro to snap it into place.
"The roles are open -- wide open in the pen," said Wedge at the conclusion of the six-game trip through Seattle and Anaheim, Calif.
The injury and release of closer Joe Borowski and the decline of super set-up man Rafael Betancourt have plunged the bullpen to the bottom of most American League stats. The Tribe's entire pen has 16 saves compared to Francisco Rodriguez's 42 for the Angels.
Borowski and Betancourt aren't the only guilty parties. Jensen Lewis has yet to find the velocity and command he showed going down the stretch last season. Lefty Rafael Perez is only now pitching as he did last year when he and Betancourt ruled the seventh and eighth innings. Tom Mastny remains inconsistent and off-season acquisitions Jorge Julio and Craig Breslow were jettisoned a long time ago.
(Tom Mastny (1-2, 14.90 ERA) was the latest Indians reliever to feel the pain of a lost season when he allowed a grand slam to Jeff Mathis of the Angels on Wednesday.Wedge believes a bullpen starts with its closer. Unless Masa Kobayashi seizes the job in the second half (he's 6-for-8 in save situations), the Indians will go into the winter looking for one. )
"A lot would have to come into play right now with the people we have for us not go out and get a closer," said Wedge. "Someone would have to really grab the role, really lock into it and prove we could count on him for next year. That's a lot to have happen in two-plus months."
Potential free agent closers include Brian Fuentes, Eric Gagne, Trevor Hoffman, Jason Isringhausen, Todd Jones, Brandon Lyon, Rodriguez and Kerry Wood. If Oakland doesn't trade Huston Street to a contender in the next few weeks, he might be available as well.
Tribe prospect Adam Miller has the arm to close, but he's recovering from surgery on the middle finger of his right hand, the latest in a series of nagging injuries that have blocked his path to the big leagues. Miller has spent almost his whole minor-league career as a starter, but he could be a candidate for the bullpen based on what he does in winter ball or the Arizona Fall League and in spring training.
Shapiro said Betancourt, Rafael Perez and Kobayashi will be part of the pen in 2009.
"Ed Mujica, Jensen Lewis and Tom Mastny have a chance to improve their opportunity and status for next year by pitching well now," said Shapiro.
Added Wedge, "I believe Rafael Betancourt can get back on track and be someone we can count in the late innings. I don't think it will happen overnight.
Former Twins reliever Juan Rincon, signed to a minor-league contract and promoted to Cleveland on July 9, has done well in limited appearances.
"He's a free agent at the end of the season," said Shapiro, "but when we signed him it was with the idea that he may be able to help us next year."
Veteran Brendan Donnelly, recovering from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow, is pitching at Class AAA Buffalo in a comeback attempt. When the Indians signed him, it was with the idea that he could help them down the stretch toward the postseason. With the Indians no longer a contender, it's unclear how Donnelly, 37, fits in their plans.
Olympian Jeff Stevens, Brian Slocum and lefties Tony Sipp and Rich Rundles are candidates as well.
"We've got plenty of time to look at these guys," said Wedge. "They're going to get opportunities to step up and figure out if they can play a prominent role in this thing.
"I think everyone would agree that Perez is a lot better than he was earlier in the year. You want to see how Mastny and Lewis come along. You want to see if Betancourt can find it. Mujica has definitely evolved. We're using him in more prominent role."
Jumat, 25 Juli 2008
Sabtu, 19 Juli 2008
Tribe's only priority for rest of 2008 should be 2009
Tribe's only priority for rest of 2008 should be 2009, says Terry Pluto
by Terry Pluto Thursday July 17, 2008, 6:55 PM
Cleveland -- If I had to take over the Indians for the rest of the season, these are the moves I'd make. I'm not talking about stuff for the off-season, but things that can be done within the next three months only.
My approach: Everything done after the All-Star break should be aimed at making the team better for 2009. We don't need to see much of Dave Dellucci, who is 34 and has hit .230 and .231 in his last two years with the Tribe. No need to sign Barry Bonds, Richie Sexson or some other older veteran with physical problems. Use this time to evaluate players under the glare and pressure of the regular season, not meaningless games in September or spring training.
Their approach: In their recent meetings, the Indians agreed that playing time is the key to next year. They say they plan to really watch young outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Francisco and Franklin Gutierrez in left and right fields. They don't want to bring in a veteran just for the sake of adding a "name" player. My general approach, especially to the outfield, matches the Tribe's.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Asdrubal Cabrera's return to the Indians is a good decision, writes Terry Pluto, but the team may be wasting an opportunity if they only play Cabrera at second base for the rest of the season.My shortstop: Consider that Omar Vizquel came to the majors with Seattle at the age of 19. He batted .220-.247-.230 in his first three big-league seasons. The Indians should install 22-year-old Asdrubal Cabrera at short. After hitting .184, he was sent to Class AAA Buffalo to work on his hitting. Well, he's batting .326 with a team-leading .856 OPS. His defense remains superb, according to scouts. The Bisons shortstop was just named the International League Batter of the Week (13-of-33, .394, 3 HR). Cabrera loves Vizquel. Like Omar, he is from Venezuela, wears No. 13 and is a switch-hitter. He does need to learn to watch his conditioning, because Vizquel played into his 40s by being in great shape.
Their shortstop: For now, the Indians are committed to Jhonny Peralta at short, with Cabrera (set to join the team this weekend) playing mostly second base.
My third baseman: I'd have Peralta and Andy Marte split time at the position. When Marte is at third, Peralta can be the DH. One of these guys should be the third baseman in 2009, let's find out which one. I'd start with Marte there four times a week, Peralta the other three. Peralta's only extended time at third was in 2004, when he made 14 errors in 59 games at Buffalo. That was four years ago, let's see how he looks there now.
Their third baseman: They want to take an extensive look at Marte at third, or at least that's the plan now. They have been pleased by his defense, which was terrible in spring training and has been improved during his brief outings this season. Casey Blake will play there when Marte sits.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Casey Blake has provided one of the few reliable bats for the Indians this summer, but at age 34, his best value to the team is likely to be greater as trade bait as the deadline approaches.My deal: I'd love to see Blake on a contender where his versatility would be valuable, and he also may bring something decent in return. Blake is having a career year batting .282 (.390 with runners in scoring position). He makes $6 million, will be a free agent and he'll be 35 on Aug. 23. It doesn't seem he will be in the plans for 2009, so they should trade him now.
Their deal: They may keep Blake and use him at first base the rest of the year. They don't want to just give him away, and they see him as a safety valve at several positions. They also think they will have a chance to re-sign him to a short-term deal at the end of the season.
My second baseman: I really wanted to see Josh Barfield (broken finger), but he's out another 3-4 weeks. I'd stick with Jamey Carroll there, with Cabrera at short and my Marte/Peralta combo at third until Barfield is healthy.
Their second baseman: Cabrera will get heavy duty at that spot for now.
My first baseman: If he comes back from his elbow surgery this season, play Victor Martinez a lot. Give his body a break from catching, where he caught more games from 2004-06 than anyone in the American League. He ranked fifth in that category last year. Between the elbow and hamstring injuries, he paid for it in 2008. In the meantime, I'd look at Ryan Garko, unless Blake is still here.
Their first baseman: It will be Blake and Garko. Manager Eric Wedge and I both think Garko can hit, and wish he'd get started. If not, they will need a new first baseman in 2009.
My rotation: Assuming Fausto Carmona is indeed two weeks away from returning, the rotation would be Cliff Lee, Carmona, Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers and Paul Byrd -- with the idea of moving Byrd if a contender is interested. A key is finding out about Sowers. I believe they are on the same page.
My idea that won't work: I wanted to be bring Jeff Stevens up from Buffalo and add him to the bullpen, and then promote Matt LaPorta from Class AA Akron to Buffalo. But both are in the Olympics, which will chew up the month of August. After the Olympics, I'd add both to the September roster and play them. LaPorta will play mostly first base in the Olympics.
My idea for the bullpen: I don't have too many other than the obvious ... close with Raffy Perez. Revive Raffy Betancourt. See if Edward Mujica can help somehow. Jensen Lewis? Tom Mastny? I don't know, hope one of them can help. I have a feeling Juan Rincon is the next Jorge Julio. Watch the innings for Masa Kobayashi, who is 34 and has not appeared in more than 53 games or thrown more than 58 innings in the last seven years.
Their idea for the bullpen: They will close with Kobayashi, at least for now -- and watch his workload. They are excited by Perez, confounded by Betancourt. They have been encouraged by Mujica, and think Rich Rundles at some point can come up from Buffalo and help as a lefty reliever.
My idea that some fans won't like: I won't fire the manager, batting coach or anyone else this season. The biggest failures are the injuries, the bullpen and not making any major off-season additions. To dump a coach or manager in the middle of this mess is a scapegoat approach and masks the real problem, which is the roster and a farm system that is not producing right now. I can't fault Wedge and the rest for that.
by Terry Pluto Thursday July 17, 2008, 6:55 PM
Cleveland -- If I had to take over the Indians for the rest of the season, these are the moves I'd make. I'm not talking about stuff for the off-season, but things that can be done within the next three months only.
My approach: Everything done after the All-Star break should be aimed at making the team better for 2009. We don't need to see much of Dave Dellucci, who is 34 and has hit .230 and .231 in his last two years with the Tribe. No need to sign Barry Bonds, Richie Sexson or some other older veteran with physical problems. Use this time to evaluate players under the glare and pressure of the regular season, not meaningless games in September or spring training.
Their approach: In their recent meetings, the Indians agreed that playing time is the key to next year. They say they plan to really watch young outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Francisco and Franklin Gutierrez in left and right fields. They don't want to bring in a veteran just for the sake of adding a "name" player. My general approach, especially to the outfield, matches the Tribe's.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Asdrubal Cabrera's return to the Indians is a good decision, writes Terry Pluto, but the team may be wasting an opportunity if they only play Cabrera at second base for the rest of the season.My shortstop: Consider that Omar Vizquel came to the majors with Seattle at the age of 19. He batted .220-.247-.230 in his first three big-league seasons. The Indians should install 22-year-old Asdrubal Cabrera at short. After hitting .184, he was sent to Class AAA Buffalo to work on his hitting. Well, he's batting .326 with a team-leading .856 OPS. His defense remains superb, according to scouts. The Bisons shortstop was just named the International League Batter of the Week (13-of-33, .394, 3 HR). Cabrera loves Vizquel. Like Omar, he is from Venezuela, wears No. 13 and is a switch-hitter. He does need to learn to watch his conditioning, because Vizquel played into his 40s by being in great shape.
Their shortstop: For now, the Indians are committed to Jhonny Peralta at short, with Cabrera (set to join the team this weekend) playing mostly second base.
My third baseman: I'd have Peralta and Andy Marte split time at the position. When Marte is at third, Peralta can be the DH. One of these guys should be the third baseman in 2009, let's find out which one. I'd start with Marte there four times a week, Peralta the other three. Peralta's only extended time at third was in 2004, when he made 14 errors in 59 games at Buffalo. That was four years ago, let's see how he looks there now.
Their third baseman: They want to take an extensive look at Marte at third, or at least that's the plan now. They have been pleased by his defense, which was terrible in spring training and has been improved during his brief outings this season. Casey Blake will play there when Marte sits.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Casey Blake has provided one of the few reliable bats for the Indians this summer, but at age 34, his best value to the team is likely to be greater as trade bait as the deadline approaches.My deal: I'd love to see Blake on a contender where his versatility would be valuable, and he also may bring something decent in return. Blake is having a career year batting .282 (.390 with runners in scoring position). He makes $6 million, will be a free agent and he'll be 35 on Aug. 23. It doesn't seem he will be in the plans for 2009, so they should trade him now.
Their deal: They may keep Blake and use him at first base the rest of the year. They don't want to just give him away, and they see him as a safety valve at several positions. They also think they will have a chance to re-sign him to a short-term deal at the end of the season.
My second baseman: I really wanted to see Josh Barfield (broken finger), but he's out another 3-4 weeks. I'd stick with Jamey Carroll there, with Cabrera at short and my Marte/Peralta combo at third until Barfield is healthy.
Their second baseman: Cabrera will get heavy duty at that spot for now.
My first baseman: If he comes back from his elbow surgery this season, play Victor Martinez a lot. Give his body a break from catching, where he caught more games from 2004-06 than anyone in the American League. He ranked fifth in that category last year. Between the elbow and hamstring injuries, he paid for it in 2008. In the meantime, I'd look at Ryan Garko, unless Blake is still here.
Their first baseman: It will be Blake and Garko. Manager Eric Wedge and I both think Garko can hit, and wish he'd get started. If not, they will need a new first baseman in 2009.
My rotation: Assuming Fausto Carmona is indeed two weeks away from returning, the rotation would be Cliff Lee, Carmona, Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers and Paul Byrd -- with the idea of moving Byrd if a contender is interested. A key is finding out about Sowers. I believe they are on the same page.
My idea that won't work: I wanted to be bring Jeff Stevens up from Buffalo and add him to the bullpen, and then promote Matt LaPorta from Class AA Akron to Buffalo. But both are in the Olympics, which will chew up the month of August. After the Olympics, I'd add both to the September roster and play them. LaPorta will play mostly first base in the Olympics.
My idea for the bullpen: I don't have too many other than the obvious ... close with Raffy Perez. Revive Raffy Betancourt. See if Edward Mujica can help somehow. Jensen Lewis? Tom Mastny? I don't know, hope one of them can help. I have a feeling Juan Rincon is the next Jorge Julio. Watch the innings for Masa Kobayashi, who is 34 and has not appeared in more than 53 games or thrown more than 58 innings in the last seven years.
Their idea for the bullpen: They will close with Kobayashi, at least for now -- and watch his workload. They are excited by Perez, confounded by Betancourt. They have been encouraged by Mujica, and think Rich Rundles at some point can come up from Buffalo and help as a lefty reliever.
My idea that some fans won't like: I won't fire the manager, batting coach or anyone else this season. The biggest failures are the injuries, the bullpen and not making any major off-season additions. To dump a coach or manager in the middle of this mess is a scapegoat approach and masks the real problem, which is the roster and a farm system that is not producing right now. I can't fault Wedge and the rest for that.
Tribe's only priority for rest of 2008 should be 2009
Cleveland -- If I had to take over the Indians for the rest of the season, these are the moves I'd make. I'm not talking about stuff for the off-season, but things that can be done within the next three months only.
My approach: Everything done after the All-Star break should be aimed at making the team better for 2009. We don't need to see much of Dave Dellucci, who is 34 and has hit .230 and .231 in his last two years with the Tribe. No need to sign Barry Bonds, Richie Sexson or some other older veteran with physical problems. Use this time to evaluate players under the glare and pressure of the regular season, not meaningless games in September or spring training.
Their approach: In their recent meetings, the Indians agreed that playing time is the key to next year. They say they plan to really watch young outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Francisco and Franklin Gutierrez in left and right fields. They don't want to bring in a veteran just for the sake of adding a "name" player. My general approach, especially to the outfield, matches the Tribe's.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Asdrubal Cabrera's return to the Indians is a good decision, writes Terry Pluto, but the team may be wasting an opportunity if they only play Cabrera at second base for the rest of the season.My shortstop: Consider that Omar Vizquel came to the majors with Seattle at the age of 19. He batted .220-.247-.230 in his first three big-league seasons. The Indians should install 22-year-old Asdrubal Cabrera at short. After hitting .184, he was sent to Class AAA Buffalo to work on his hitting. Well, he's batting .326 with a team-leading .856 OPS. His defense remains superb, according to scouts. The Bisons shortstop was just named the International League Batter of the Week (13-of-33, .394, 3 HR). Cabrera loves Vizquel. Like Omar, he is from Venezuela, wears No. 13 and is a switch-hitter. He does need to learn to watch his conditioning, because Vizquel played into his 40s by being in great shape.
Their shortstop: For now, the Indians are committed to Jhonny Peralta at short, with Cabrera (set to join the team this weekend) playing mostly second base.
My third baseman: I'd have Peralta and Andy Marte split time at the position. When Marte is at third, Peralta can be the DH. One of these guys should be the third baseman in 2009, let's find out which one. I'd start with Marte there four times a week, Peralta the other three. Peralta's only extended time at third was in 2004, when he made 14 errors in 59 games at Buffalo. That was four years ago, let's see how he looks there now.
Their third baseman: They want to take an extensive look at Marte at third, or at least that's the plan now. They have been pleased by his defense, which was terrible in spring training and has been improved during his brief outings this season. Casey Blake will play there when Marte sits.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Casey Blake has provided one of the few reliable bats for the Indians this summer, but at age 34, his best value to the team is likely to be greater as trade bait as the deadline approaches.My deal: I'd love to see Blake on a contender where his versatility would be valuable, and he also may bring something decent in return. Blake is having a career year batting .282 (.390 with runners in scoring position). He makes $6 million, will be a free agent and he'll be 35 on Aug. 23. It doesn't seem he will be in the plans for 2009, so they should trade him now.
Their deal: They may keep Blake and use him at first base the rest of the year. They don't want to just give him away, and they see him as a safety valve at several positions. They also think they will have a chance to re-sign him to a short-term deal at the end of the season.
My second baseman: I really wanted to see Josh Barfield (broken finger), but he's out another 3-4 weeks. I'd stick with Jamey Carroll there, with Cabrera at short and my Marte/Peralta combo at third until Barfield is healthy.
Their second baseman: Cabrera will get heavy duty at that spot for now.
My first baseman: If he comes back from his elbow surgery this season, play Victor Martinez a lot. Give his body a break from catching, where he caught more games from 2004-06 than anyone in the American League. He ranked fifth in that category last year. Between the elbow and hamstring injuries, he paid for it in 2008. In the meantime, I'd look at Ryan Garko, unless Blake is still here.
Their first baseman: It will be Blake and Garko. Manager Eric Wedge and I both think Garko can hit, and wish he'd get started. If not, they will need a new first baseman in 2009.
My rotation: Assuming Fausto Carmona is indeed two weeks away from returning, the rotation would be Cliff Lee, Carmona, Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers and Paul Byrd -- with the idea of moving Byrd if a contender is interested. A key is finding out about Sowers. I believe they are on the same page.
My idea that won't work: I wanted to be bring Jeff Stevens up from Buffalo and add him to the bullpen, and then promote Matt LaPorta from Class AA Akron to Buffalo. But both are in the Olympics, which will chew up the month of August. After the Olympics, I'd add both to the September roster and play them. LaPorta will play mostly first base in the Olympics.
My idea for the bullpen: I don't have too many other than the obvious ... close with Raffy Perez. Revive Raffy Betancourt. See if Edward Mujica can help somehow. Jensen Lewis? Tom Mastny? I don't know, hope one of them can help. I have a feeling Juan Rincon is the next Jorge Julio. Watch the innings for Masa Kobayashi, who is 34 and has not appeared in more than 53 games or thrown more than 58 innings in the last seven years.
Their idea for the bullpen: They will close with Kobayashi, at least for now -- and watch his workload. They are excited by Perez, confounded by Betancourt. They have been encouraged by Mujica, and think Rich Rundles at some point can come up from Buffalo and help as a lefty reliever.
My idea that some fans won't like: I won't fire the manager, batting coach or anyone else this season. The biggest failures are the injuries, the bullpen and not making any major off-season additions. To dump a coach or manager in the middle of this mess is a scapegoat approach and masks the real problem, which is the roster and a farm system that is not producing right now. I can't fault Wedge and the rest for that.
My approach: Everything done after the All-Star break should be aimed at making the team better for 2009. We don't need to see much of Dave Dellucci, who is 34 and has hit .230 and .231 in his last two years with the Tribe. No need to sign Barry Bonds, Richie Sexson or some other older veteran with physical problems. Use this time to evaluate players under the glare and pressure of the regular season, not meaningless games in September or spring training.
Their approach: In their recent meetings, the Indians agreed that playing time is the key to next year. They say they plan to really watch young outfielders Shin-Soo Choo, Ben Francisco and Franklin Gutierrez in left and right fields. They don't want to bring in a veteran just for the sake of adding a "name" player. My general approach, especially to the outfield, matches the Tribe's.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Asdrubal Cabrera's return to the Indians is a good decision, writes Terry Pluto, but the team may be wasting an opportunity if they only play Cabrera at second base for the rest of the season.My shortstop: Consider that Omar Vizquel came to the majors with Seattle at the age of 19. He batted .220-.247-.230 in his first three big-league seasons. The Indians should install 22-year-old Asdrubal Cabrera at short. After hitting .184, he was sent to Class AAA Buffalo to work on his hitting. Well, he's batting .326 with a team-leading .856 OPS. His defense remains superb, according to scouts. The Bisons shortstop was just named the International League Batter of the Week (13-of-33, .394, 3 HR). Cabrera loves Vizquel. Like Omar, he is from Venezuela, wears No. 13 and is a switch-hitter. He does need to learn to watch his conditioning, because Vizquel played into his 40s by being in great shape.
Their shortstop: For now, the Indians are committed to Jhonny Peralta at short, with Cabrera (set to join the team this weekend) playing mostly second base.
My third baseman: I'd have Peralta and Andy Marte split time at the position. When Marte is at third, Peralta can be the DH. One of these guys should be the third baseman in 2009, let's find out which one. I'd start with Marte there four times a week, Peralta the other three. Peralta's only extended time at third was in 2004, when he made 14 errors in 59 games at Buffalo. That was four years ago, let's see how he looks there now.
Their third baseman: They want to take an extensive look at Marte at third, or at least that's the plan now. They have been pleased by his defense, which was terrible in spring training and has been improved during his brief outings this season. Casey Blake will play there when Marte sits.
Chuck Crow/The Plain Dealer
Casey Blake has provided one of the few reliable bats for the Indians this summer, but at age 34, his best value to the team is likely to be greater as trade bait as the deadline approaches.My deal: I'd love to see Blake on a contender where his versatility would be valuable, and he also may bring something decent in return. Blake is having a career year batting .282 (.390 with runners in scoring position). He makes $6 million, will be a free agent and he'll be 35 on Aug. 23. It doesn't seem he will be in the plans for 2009, so they should trade him now.
Their deal: They may keep Blake and use him at first base the rest of the year. They don't want to just give him away, and they see him as a safety valve at several positions. They also think they will have a chance to re-sign him to a short-term deal at the end of the season.
My second baseman: I really wanted to see Josh Barfield (broken finger), but he's out another 3-4 weeks. I'd stick with Jamey Carroll there, with Cabrera at short and my Marte/Peralta combo at third until Barfield is healthy.
Their second baseman: Cabrera will get heavy duty at that spot for now.
My first baseman: If he comes back from his elbow surgery this season, play Victor Martinez a lot. Give his body a break from catching, where he caught more games from 2004-06 than anyone in the American League. He ranked fifth in that category last year. Between the elbow and hamstring injuries, he paid for it in 2008. In the meantime, I'd look at Ryan Garko, unless Blake is still here.
Their first baseman: It will be Blake and Garko. Manager Eric Wedge and I both think Garko can hit, and wish he'd get started. If not, they will need a new first baseman in 2009.
My rotation: Assuming Fausto Carmona is indeed two weeks away from returning, the rotation would be Cliff Lee, Carmona, Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers and Paul Byrd -- with the idea of moving Byrd if a contender is interested. A key is finding out about Sowers. I believe they are on the same page.
My idea that won't work: I wanted to be bring Jeff Stevens up from Buffalo and add him to the bullpen, and then promote Matt LaPorta from Class AA Akron to Buffalo. But both are in the Olympics, which will chew up the month of August. After the Olympics, I'd add both to the September roster and play them. LaPorta will play mostly first base in the Olympics.
My idea for the bullpen: I don't have too many other than the obvious ... close with Raffy Perez. Revive Raffy Betancourt. See if Edward Mujica can help somehow. Jensen Lewis? Tom Mastny? I don't know, hope one of them can help. I have a feeling Juan Rincon is the next Jorge Julio. Watch the innings for Masa Kobayashi, who is 34 and has not appeared in more than 53 games or thrown more than 58 innings in the last seven years.
Their idea for the bullpen: They will close with Kobayashi, at least for now -- and watch his workload. They are excited by Perez, confounded by Betancourt. They have been encouraged by Mujica, and think Rich Rundles at some point can come up from Buffalo and help as a lefty reliever.
My idea that some fans won't like: I won't fire the manager, batting coach or anyone else this season. The biggest failures are the injuries, the bullpen and not making any major off-season additions. To dump a coach or manager in the middle of this mess is a scapegoat approach and masks the real problem, which is the roster and a farm system that is not producing right now. I can't fault Wedge and the rest for that.
Senin, 30 Juni 2008
Read this and become a better Cubs fan
Read this and become a better Cubs fan
By David Schoenfield
If you're going to become a real, true-blue Chicago Cubs fan, you need to learn about the franchise, its history and its most famous players. Here is a quick guide with definitions to some of the most important things you must know.
Baker, Dusty 1. manager (2003-06) 2. slayer of young arms 3. kept trying to turn Corey Patterson into a leadoff hitter
BANDWAGON 411
Here's everything you need to know about bandwagon riding:
• The eight kinds of bandwagon fans and how to spot them
• Ten tips for bandwagoners
• History's biggest bandwagons
• 12 legendary victories a Cubs bandwagoner must know
• Cubs bandwagon dictionary
• Uni Watch: Cubs edition
Banks, Ernie 1. Mr. Cub 2. two-time National League MVP 3. played third-most games in major league history without appearing in a World Series (see also PALMEIRO, RAFAEL; and DAWSON, ANDRE)
Bleacher Bums [Slang] 1. affectionate nickname for die-hard Cubs fans who sit in the outfield bleachers 2. drunk, smelly, shirtless fans who drink beer
choke v. choked, choking 1. 1969 pennant race 2. Leon Durham, letting ground ball through legs of, 1984 3. Steve Bartman, Alex Gonzalez et al, 2003
College of Coaches 1. strategy in which Cubs rotated four coaches as "head coaches" instead of naming one permanent manager (1961-62) 2. 123-193 (Cubs record, 1961-62)
Dawson, Andre 1. 1987 NL MVP 2. even though the Cubs finished 76-85 and in last place
Elia, Lee 1. manager (1982-83) 2. used very bad words once to describe Cubs fans
Garvey, Steve 1. former Dodgers and Padres first baseman 2. forearms like Popeye 3. All-American boy image later tarnished with out-of-wedlock children 4. Cubs fans knew he was of questionable character after hitting game-winning home run in Game 4 of 1984 NLCS
gerbil n. 1. any of a subfamily (Gerbillinae) of burrowing rodents related to the mouse 2. Don Zimmer, manager (1988-91)
goat n. 1. any of a number of wild or domesticated, cud-chewing mammals (genus Capra) with hollow horns, related to the sheep 2. a lecherous man 3. [Colloq.] a person forced to take the blame or punishment for others; scapegoat 4. do not bring into Wrigley Field
Grace, Mark 1. popular first baseman (1988-2000) 2. signed as free agent with Arizona in 2001 3. won World Series first season with Arizona
Guillen, Ozzie no-good #!(@*#$&! manager of hated Chicago White Sox
Homer in the Gloamin' [Slang] 1. description given to Gabby Hartnett's home run that beat Pittsburgh in the early evening darkness of a crucial pennant race game in 1938 2. Cubs went on to win the pennant 3. Cubs swept in World Series by Yankees
light n. 1. a source of light, as the sun, a lamp, a light bulb, etc. 2. finally installed at Wrigley Field (1988) 3. too many day games, perhaps explanation behind lack of National League pennants since 1945
lose v. lost, losing 1. to bring to ruin or destruction 2. to fail to win or gain 3. to fail to have, get, take advantage of, etc.; miss [the Cubs lost their chance at the 2003 pennant due to an eighth-inning meltdown]
Lovable Losers [Slang] affectionate nickname given to franchise
Maddux, Greg 1. pitcher, drafted by Cubs in 1984 as scrawny teenager from Nevada 2. developed into four-time Cy Young winner and 300-game winner 3. led Cubs to many division titles and pennants in 1990s 4. ohh, that's right, no he didn't, Cubs let him leave as free agent following 1992 season
meat n. 1. the flesh of animals used as food 2. popular food item in Chicago 3. what Cubs outfielder Dave Kingman once referred to athletes as [athletes are pieces of meat]
Merkle's Boner n. [Slang] 1. infamous baserunning gaffe by New York Giants rookie Fred Merkle in 1908 that cost the Giants a victory and led to the Cubs winning the National League pennant by one game 2. get your mind out of the gutter
Prior, Mark 1. pitcher, 2002-06 2. thanks, Dusty
Santo, Ron 1. beloved Cubs third baseman and longtime announcer 2. widely regarded by sabermetric types as the best player not in the Hall of Fame 3. not including Pete Rose, Mark McGwire or Joe Jackson 4. in 1960s, Cubs had Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ferguson Jenkins (all Hall of Famers) plus Santo, yet won zero pennants 5. ouch
Sauer, Hank 1. 1952 NL MVP 2. even though the Cubs finished 77-77 and in fifth place
Sosa, Sammy 1. slugging right fielder, fan favorite, 1998 NL MVP, hit 60-plus home runs three times (1992-2003) 2. persona non grata (2004)
Tinker to Evers to Chance 1. famed double-play combination, immortalized by Franklin P. Adams poem 2. Tinker and Evers played alongside each other yet didn't speak for 33 years after a fistfight in 1905 3. Chance managed Cubs to pennants in 1906, 1907, 1908 and 1910 4. won World Series in 1908, last Cubs manager to do so 5. Chance nicknamed "The Peerless Leader," last Cubs manager to be considered as such
Tribune Company 1. cheap 2. stingy 3. tightfisted 4. good riddance
Wilson, Hack 1. squat, fireplug outfielder, stood just 5-foot-6 2. set all-time record with 191 RBIs and hit 56 home runs (1930) 3. spent offseason hanging out in Chicago bars, drinking plenty of free alcohol from adoring fans 4. hit 13 home runs, drove in 61 runs (1931)
Wrigley Field 1. heaven 2. place for drunk, smelly, shirtless fans to drink beer
By David Schoenfield
If you're going to become a real, true-blue Chicago Cubs fan, you need to learn about the franchise, its history and its most famous players. Here is a quick guide with definitions to some of the most important things you must know.
Baker, Dusty 1. manager (2003-06) 2. slayer of young arms 3. kept trying to turn Corey Patterson into a leadoff hitter
BANDWAGON 411
Here's everything you need to know about bandwagon riding:
• The eight kinds of bandwagon fans and how to spot them
• Ten tips for bandwagoners
• History's biggest bandwagons
• 12 legendary victories a Cubs bandwagoner must know
• Cubs bandwagon dictionary
• Uni Watch: Cubs edition
Banks, Ernie 1. Mr. Cub 2. two-time National League MVP 3. played third-most games in major league history without appearing in a World Series (see also PALMEIRO, RAFAEL; and DAWSON, ANDRE)
Bleacher Bums [Slang] 1. affectionate nickname for die-hard Cubs fans who sit in the outfield bleachers 2. drunk, smelly, shirtless fans who drink beer
choke v. choked, choking 1. 1969 pennant race 2. Leon Durham, letting ground ball through legs of, 1984 3. Steve Bartman, Alex Gonzalez et al, 2003
College of Coaches 1. strategy in which Cubs rotated four coaches as "head coaches" instead of naming one permanent manager (1961-62) 2. 123-193 (Cubs record, 1961-62)
Dawson, Andre 1. 1987 NL MVP 2. even though the Cubs finished 76-85 and in last place
Elia, Lee 1. manager (1982-83) 2. used very bad words once to describe Cubs fans
Garvey, Steve 1. former Dodgers and Padres first baseman 2. forearms like Popeye 3. All-American boy image later tarnished with out-of-wedlock children 4. Cubs fans knew he was of questionable character after hitting game-winning home run in Game 4 of 1984 NLCS
gerbil n. 1. any of a subfamily (Gerbillinae) of burrowing rodents related to the mouse 2. Don Zimmer, manager (1988-91)
goat n. 1. any of a number of wild or domesticated, cud-chewing mammals (genus Capra) with hollow horns, related to the sheep 2. a lecherous man 3. [Colloq.] a person forced to take the blame or punishment for others; scapegoat 4. do not bring into Wrigley Field
Grace, Mark 1. popular first baseman (1988-2000) 2. signed as free agent with Arizona in 2001 3. won World Series first season with Arizona
Guillen, Ozzie no-good #!(@*#$&! manager of hated Chicago White Sox
Homer in the Gloamin' [Slang] 1. description given to Gabby Hartnett's home run that beat Pittsburgh in the early evening darkness of a crucial pennant race game in 1938 2. Cubs went on to win the pennant 3. Cubs swept in World Series by Yankees
light n. 1. a source of light, as the sun, a lamp, a light bulb, etc. 2. finally installed at Wrigley Field (1988) 3. too many day games, perhaps explanation behind lack of National League pennants since 1945
lose v. lost, losing 1. to bring to ruin or destruction 2. to fail to win or gain 3. to fail to have, get, take advantage of, etc.; miss [the Cubs lost their chance at the 2003 pennant due to an eighth-inning meltdown]
Lovable Losers [Slang] affectionate nickname given to franchise
Maddux, Greg 1. pitcher, drafted by Cubs in 1984 as scrawny teenager from Nevada 2. developed into four-time Cy Young winner and 300-game winner 3. led Cubs to many division titles and pennants in 1990s 4. ohh, that's right, no he didn't, Cubs let him leave as free agent following 1992 season
meat n. 1. the flesh of animals used as food 2. popular food item in Chicago 3. what Cubs outfielder Dave Kingman once referred to athletes as [athletes are pieces of meat]
Merkle's Boner n. [Slang] 1. infamous baserunning gaffe by New York Giants rookie Fred Merkle in 1908 that cost the Giants a victory and led to the Cubs winning the National League pennant by one game 2. get your mind out of the gutter
Prior, Mark 1. pitcher, 2002-06 2. thanks, Dusty
Santo, Ron 1. beloved Cubs third baseman and longtime announcer 2. widely regarded by sabermetric types as the best player not in the Hall of Fame 3. not including Pete Rose, Mark McGwire or Joe Jackson 4. in 1960s, Cubs had Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ferguson Jenkins (all Hall of Famers) plus Santo, yet won zero pennants 5. ouch
Sauer, Hank 1. 1952 NL MVP 2. even though the Cubs finished 77-77 and in fifth place
Sosa, Sammy 1. slugging right fielder, fan favorite, 1998 NL MVP, hit 60-plus home runs three times (1992-2003) 2. persona non grata (2004)
Tinker to Evers to Chance 1. famed double-play combination, immortalized by Franklin P. Adams poem 2. Tinker and Evers played alongside each other yet didn't speak for 33 years after a fistfight in 1905 3. Chance managed Cubs to pennants in 1906, 1907, 1908 and 1910 4. won World Series in 1908, last Cubs manager to do so 5. Chance nicknamed "The Peerless Leader," last Cubs manager to be considered as such
Tribune Company 1. cheap 2. stingy 3. tightfisted 4. good riddance
Wilson, Hack 1. squat, fireplug outfielder, stood just 5-foot-6 2. set all-time record with 191 RBIs and hit 56 home runs (1930) 3. spent offseason hanging out in Chicago bars, drinking plenty of free alcohol from adoring fans 4. hit 13 home runs, drove in 61 runs (1931)
Wrigley Field 1. heaven 2. place for drunk, smelly, shirtless fans to drink beer
Jumat, 20 Juni 2008
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chicago Cubs reliever Carlos Marmol plopped down on the billowy leather recliner in the visitors' clubhouse, leaned back in one of those "ahhhhh" moments … and then fell head over heels backward.
Reliever Scott Eyre, talking on his cell, let Marmol struggle for a few seconds, leaned the phone to the side and said, "Hold on a second. Marmol just fell over." And then he helped drag Marmol from the recliner.
On the opposite side of the clubhouse a handful of Cubs, as well as general manager Jim Hendry and team chairman Crane Kenney, watched as LSU mounted a ninth-inning rally against Rice in the College World Series. Hendry is a close friend of LSU coach Paul Mainieri
Just before the game-winning, bases-clearing double that won the game for LSU, closer Kerry Wood sprinted back toward the players lounge. That's where shortstop Ryan Theriot, an LSU alum, was watching -- and dying -- with every pitch.
After the LSU rally, Wood walked back into the clubhouse with a smile as wide as the on-deck circle.
"When the guy hit the ball, I turned the TV off," he said, laughing.
Kids.
This is what happens when you have the best record in baseball. Or maybe this is part of the reason why the Cubs have the best record in baseball.
Anyway, if you're worried about the Cubs' doing an '07 New York Mets this season, don't. I know: Carlos Zambrano and his right shoulder have a Friday appointment with an MRI machine. And Alfonso Soriano is already on the DL. And Reed Johnson's back is barking. And Jim Edmonds left Wednesday night's game with a sore foot. And the Cubs were just swept out of Florida by the Rays.
But it's time for Cubs followers to take deep, calming breaths. It's going to be OK. Probably. I'm not saying team officials are already preparing the parade route through The Loop, but there are reasons -- 10 of them, to be exact -- to think the Cubs can still keep holding hands with their favorite letter: W.
. The NL Central
Pittsburgh, Houston and Cincinnati already trail the Cubs by double digits. Milwaukee can hit, but do you trust the Brewers' pitching staff and defense? I don't.
St. Louis pitching coach Dave Duncan is a genius, but unless he can heal Albert Pujols' injured left calf, the Cardinals eventually will be wheat toast.
2. Circle of Friendship
Yeah, they're 18 games over .500, which helps, but the Cubs sure act as if they like each other.
"The mark of a good team is when something goes wrong, someone else is there to pick you up," Theriot said.
This applies to everyone but Marmol. They just let Marmol lie there.
But you get Theriot's point. The Cubs' clubhouse hasn't always been the happiest place on earth.
"I think we all are genuinely pulling for each other and care for each other," Theriot said.
3. The Great Switch
Kerry Wood went from starter (when he could actually lift his right arm) to closer. Ryan Dempster went from closer to starter. No offseason move has had more of an impact on the Cubs' success.
Dempster is 8-2 with a 2.76 ERA. Wood has 18 saves.
"We felt [Wood] was made for this job," said Hendry, who compared him to a Goose Gossage-type of closer.
"Putting Demp in the rotation and putting Woody at the back end kind of made everything flow a little easier," first baseman Derrek Lee said. "Now you can go to [Bob] Howry in the seventh, Marmol in the eighth and Woody in the ninth. That's like lights out. So you're making the game like a six-inning game now. It's been kind of fun to watch. We get a lead going into those innings and we feel like we're going to win it."
4. The Fukudome Effect
You can make the argument that right fielder Kosuke Fukudome is the best free-agent signing by the Cubs in a long time -- at least, during Hendry's nearly seven-year tenure. Fukudome is like your first beer; he's an acquired taste. The more you watch him, the more you understand why he matters so much to this team.
He didn't come cheap ($12 million per), and he doesn't hit for much power. But gone are the days of the Jacque Jones 16-hopper throw to second base. Fukudome plays Wrigley Field's confusing right-field winds and wall angles as if he grew up on ivy and brick.
Plus, he's a left-handed hitter in a predominantly right-handed lineup.
Plus, he gets on base, takes pitches, hits to all fields, and can bat almost anywhere in the order (he was moved to leadoff Wednesday, and will stay there until Soriano's return). And best of all, he hasn't told any boring Chunichi Dragons stories.
5. Depth
Jim Edmonds is hitting .300 with two homers and 14 RBIs since he signed with the Cubs in mid-May after San Diego released him. You've never heard of infielder/outfielder Micah Hoffpauir, but he can rake. Sean Gallagher is 3-3 since getting called up. Johnson is money with runners in scoring position (.392, leads the NL). Mark DeRosa plays anywhere. And Felix Pie, who was the Cubs' Opening Day center fielder, is available.
In other words, the Cubs can handle the temporary loss of Soriano, who says he and his broken left hand will be back before the All-Star break.
"We've had a lot of pleasant surprises," said manager Lou Piniella.
6. The Nontrades
Just so you know, the Cubs were never going to trade DeRosa during the offseason. But they would have listened to any offer (prospects … big leaguer … 10 bats -- OK, not 10 bats) for starter Jason Marquis, who was pitcher non grata during the '07 postseason.
Nobody called with a deal worth doing, so the Cubs kept him. Lucky them.
He's won his last four starts and has a 1.96 ERA in his last three starts. Marquis' streak comes in especially handy after the meltdown of former starter (and now Iowa Cub) Rich Hill
It worked out perfect for us," said Lee.
7. The True Rookie
DeRosa called Theriot before the season began. They started talking about catcher Geovany Soto.
"He's going to be the rookie of the year," DeRosa told Theriot.
DeRosa might be right. If nothing else, Soto (12 HRs, 43 RBIs) might be the NL's starting catcher in the All-Star Game. He's about 500,000 ahead in the voting. If it holds up, he'll become the league's first-ever rookie catcher to start the game.
Hendry said he felt so good about Soto "that we didn't do a thing about our catching during the offseason."
"He's changed our lineup," Lee said. "He showed flashes of it last year, but you never know how it's going to translate into playing every day. Dropping him in that sixth spot, he's an RBI guy. He's a force in that sixth hole. That makes a deep lineup. There's not an easy out in there."
8. Cha-ching
Even with the impending sale of the team, the Cubs have some wiggle room when it comes to taking on more salary this season.
"Playing good baseball is good business," Kenney said. "We've grown the business and we can grow the payroll."
That's corporate-ese for, "We've got some cash in our money clip come trade deadline."
9. Big Z
Carlos Zambrano is a knucklehead, but he's a talented knucklehead. He gives you absolutely what you need to go long and far: an anchor No. 1 starter.
But you could tell something wasn't right with him during Wednesday night's loss to the Rays. So now the Cubs, who said Thursday that Big Z will miss Tuesday's scheduled start against the Orioles, wait for the MRI results.
If it's serious, then deep, calming breaths probably won't do the trick. The Cubs have options, but they don't have another Zambrano.
If it isn't serious, then you'll actually be able to hear Hendry's sigh of relief from miles away.
10. They're Not Those Guys
Piniella likes to tap the brakes on all this postseason talk, but deep down he knows the Cubs could win a pennant. They have the rotation (depending on the severity of Zambrano's injury), the bullpen and the hitting to do it. And the negative vibes are at a minimum.
"We have a good team," Lee said. "We knew that coming into spring training, but now we're proving it to ourselves, that we're as good as we thought we were."
And this from Kenney: "This is different from '03 and '04 [when the Cubs couldn't close out the Florida Marlins in the '03 NLCS and couldn't even reach the playoffs in '04]. In '03 it was, 'Are we this good?' This year it's, 'We are this good.'"
If nothing else, so far, so good. MRI, willing.
Gene Wojciechowski is the senior national columnist for ESPN.com. You can contact him at gene.wojciechowski@espn3.com.
Sabtu, 14 Juni 2008
Throwback Night
On a throwback night, former Indians have a comeback celebration
Posted by Joe Maxse jmaxse@plaind.com June 14, 2008 20:44PM
Mark Duncan/Associated Press
The weekend also is featuring an alumni reunion of former Indians, who watched the game from a stadium loge.The older "Boys of Summer" gathered in a right-field party suite at Progressive Field on Saturday night. While the Indians and San Diego Padres went through batting practice, one-time Tribe players from the days of Cleveland Stadium, mostly from the 1960s and 1970s, held their second-annual reunion.
There were plenty of memories to go around.
Steve Hargan, who pitched here from 1965 to 1972, recalled hitting his lone home run off Detroit's Pat Dobson in 1967.
"I swung as hard as I could and put the screws to it," said Hargan, 65, who owns a septic tank cleaning company in Palm Springs, Calif. "All five starters [Luis Tiant, Sam McDowell, Sonny Siebert, John O'Donoghue] had a home run that year."
Jack Harshman, 80, was picked up from the Red Sox in July 1959 for the pennant drive. While the Indians could not beat out the Chicago White Sox, Harshman went 5-1, all the wins complete games.
"Looking at that Stadium was like looking at the Grand Canyon," said Harshman, who broke in with the New York Giants in 1948 and lives in Austin, Texas. "I remember the only loss was in 11 innings.
"I hit a home run in eight American League parks ... hit one in Shibe Park [in Philadelphia] and Kansas City. The only one I didn't was Yankee Stadium."
Catcher Hal Naragon, 79, played in 46 games for the 1954 pennant winners. While the Indians lost the World Series to the New York Giants in four straight, Naragon was a coach with the Detroit Tigers when they won the title in 1968.
"I know the pitchers don't like the small ballparks," said Naragon, who lives in Barberton. "It seems like strikeouts don't matter to the hitters. All that matters are home runs. I know the strike zone now, you can't call a pitch above the belt."
Naragon said he was fortunate to work with two of the finest pitching coaches in Mel Harder and Johnny Sain.
As the side-by-side loges began to fill, the stories about the good old days, even when the Indians may have lost more than they won, started to flow.
Jack Kubiszyn, 71, was a utility infielder for two seasons. He brought his wife of 50 years, Lucy, with him from their home in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for their first trip to Cleveland since 1962.
"I'm not into baseball like I used to be, being in Alabama with football and everything," said Kubiszyn, who worked in insurance and real estate. "I hit something like .367 in spring training in 1962, so they kept me. Woodie Held was kind of sick, but he got better once the season started and I never played. Maybe I ran for somebody."
Kubiszyn loved telling the story of his claim to fame when Jimmy Piersall rushed the mound against Detroit's Jim Bunning in 1961.
"When the game was on TV or there was a big crowd, Jim liked to do stuff," said Kubiszyn, who was out of baseball after a beaning injury in the minor leagues. "I ran out and grabbed Jim and got him back to the dugout. As soon as he got there he was fine. The next day I got my picture in all the papers holding him."
Vern Fuller, who played with the Tribe from 1964 to 1970, helped organize the event that drew approximately 45 players
Jumat, 13 Juni 2008
As an able-bodied male citizen of South Korea, Choo, who turns 26 in July, is obligated to serve between 24 and 28 months in the South Korean military before he turns 30. Such service, obviously, would put a damper on his big league dreams.
"I'm not thinking about it right now," Choo said. "But it would be tough. For two years to not play baseball, then come back, it's really tough. Pitchers? Maybe. But hitters? It's tough."
Some loopholes do exist. For one, Choo could become a U.S. citizen, though he hasn't seriously entertained that possibility yet.
Choo could also follow the path of South Korean-born ballplayers such as Chan Ho Park and Byung-Hyun Kim and receive a military exemption by helping Korea win the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games in China.
That's easier said than done, of course. Korea won the gold medal in baseball at the 1998 and 2002 Asian Games, but Taiwan won it in 2006.
"Five or seven years ago, it was easier to win a gold medal," Choo said. "But not anymore. Taiwan and Japan have a lot of good baseball players now."
The Indians were aware of Choo's potential military obligation when they acquired him from the Mariners in 2006, and they are hoping he can avoid service.
In the meantime, Choo's more pressing concern is the left elbow ligament replacement surgery that will have him playing catch-up this season. He'll be on the club's 25-man roster once he's fully recovered, but that won't be until May, at the earliest.
Perhaps, in retrospect, Tommy John surgery was unavoidable for Choo. Position players aren't exactly prone to the type of debilitating elbow injuries that lead to the procedure. But Choo hasn't always been solely a position player.
Before beginning his professional career with the Mariners in 2001, Choo was a pitcher and an outfielder in South Korea. And he was hardly treated with the type of tender love and care that is so common for hurlers here.
"A lot of good players and top prospects in Korea signed with a professional team or went to college and couldn't play anymore," he said. "A lot of them got injured and had to have surgery. It's better there now, but there used to be a lot of injuries."
Choo said it was not atypical, in his high school career, for him to start games on back-to-back days and pitch relief on the third. He remembers his performance for the Korean Junior National Team in 2000, in the Junior AAA Championships against the USA.
"I pitched the seventh inning," he said. "In the eighth, ninth and 10th, I was in center field. And I pitched the 11th, 12th and 13th."
Talk about multitasking.
All this arm abuse began to catch up with Choo during rookie ball in '01. He had been converted strictly to outfield duty and begun to show off his prowess at the plate, but his elbow bothered him from time to time.
That trend continued for the next six years.
"My elbow would feel sore two or three times every season," Choo said.
But Choo played on. He was traded to the Tribe in July 2006, and he quickly burst onto the scene in Cleveland, batting .295 with three homers and 22 RBIs in 45 games as the regular right fielder at the end of that season.
The signing of Trot Nixon last winter bumped Choo back to Triple-A Buffalo, where the Indians wanted him to refine his performance against left-handed pitching and learn to play left field. He was on the radar and in the mix. All he needed was an opening.
That opening came in June, when David Dellucci went down with a left hamstring tear. But by that point, Choo's elbow soreness had become unbearable.
He wavered on whether he should have Tommy John surgery or rehab the problem.
"For two months, I thought, 'Surgery or not? Surgery or not?'" he said. "At the end of the season, I was still thinking about it. A month later, I had the surgery. I started thinking that if I'm playing baseball for five or 10 years, I don't want to have to worry about the elbow. I need to fix it."
Choo appears to be progressing well. Five months post-surgery, he is throwing out to 90 feet and taking soft toss in the batting cages. He should be able to serve as the designated hitter in Grapefruit League games.
The Indians believe Choo can help them, once he's healthy.
"I like the way he plays," manager Eric Wedge said. "He puts up good at-bats, and he can play well in right field or left field. He's a nice all-around player. He's still young and still has a lot to learn, but he's going to be OK."
Despite the dual distractions of surgery and conscription, Choo maintains high hopes for his career.
"I'll work hard every day," he said. "Some days it will be good, and some it will be bad. But I don't want to worry about anything. You bust your butt, and someday good things will come."
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