Here and There

The Tribe executed their second round of cuts earlier this week. Does anyone else wonder if they really put those red flags in these players’ lockers (like the one that sparked the epic Vaughn-Dorn melee of ’89)?

Kaz Tadano and Brad Snyder are the only widespread known names, though their demotions certainly aren’t unexpected. For those who have heard rumors about Kaz Tadano and are curious, go to Deadspin and do a search on Kaz Tadano. The third one down is the one to which I refer. I won’t link it here because this is NOT that kind of site.

John Farrell was on the radio earlier this week and said that Fausto Carmona will be the first starter called up to make a spot start. Part of that probably has to do with the fact that Jeremy Sowers is not on the 40-man roster, but more has to do with the fact that Carmona has pitched all Spring like the 5th spot SHOULD be his. In 9 innings, he has an ERA of 1.00, has a WHIP of 1.22 with no walks, and has impressed the Tribe brass to the level that they realize that he’s not far away from being a vital cog in the rotation.

It was mentioned recently that the 22-year old Carmona is 6-5, 240. To put that in perspective, LeBron is 6-8, 240 and looks like a freight train; so Carmona is a well-put-together physical specimen. The book on Carmona is that he’s a pitcher who induces contact (he’s not a strikeout pitcher), but his control allows him to spot his fastball with his changeup, while mixing a developing slider in. Let’s Go Tribe’s Top Prospect Listing (Ryan’s) compares him to Carlos Silva of the Twins, who projects as their 3rd starter this year. I’ll take that out of the 5th spot if somebody goes down or Jason Johnson doesn’t perform.

The readiness of Carmona underscores what has become the theme in this Spring Training, and that is that the Indians have young talent (Carmona, Brown, Marte, Garko) that may be ready for the Majors. But that talent is not necessarily needed right now and doesn’t need to be force-fed into the Majors. They can start the season in Buffalo and provide the Indians the kind of depth that they haven’t had in 10 years.

Finally, for those who needed a Cory Snyder fix for a Saturday, here’s the White Knight in his 1990 glory:

Someone out there has to know this: What was the premise of the poster that had Cory Snyder dressed up as a cowboy?

Enjoy a Survivors’ Day (the day after St. Patty’s Day) made for a Saturday on the couch with the Tourney and the afternoon Spring Training Game (if you get STO).