Boom Goes the Dynamite!

A 10 run third keyed the Tribe's 7th straight win, all over NL West opponents. Clifton Phifer didn't have his best stuff going but, as usual, Lee scrapped his way through his start to get the W. Lee is now 8-3 and making a strong push for the All Star squad (after being passed over in 2004), but the more important thing to watch is if he can continue this torrid pace in the second half, which he certainly did not accomplish last year.

The offense looked great last night, with the new catchphrase "Keep the Line Moving" (apparently replacing "One Through Nine") philosophy keeping the Tribe bats smoking. I'll consider voting for Derek Shelton for mayor in November if this keeps up.

Over 3,000 walk-ups last night indicate that the town may be getting on board. I haven't seen a Tribe hat on the Moses Cleaveland statue, but let's be patient. As the manager formerly known as Magnum P.I. has stated, "It's still early."

Brett Butler was in the Jake last night as the Snakes' 1st Base Coach, causing me to reflect on the scrappy outfielder's 3 year tenure with the Tribe ('84-'86). Butler was a fan favorite in the midst of the Dark Days ('84-'89), and got out before things really bottomed out.

Interestingly, Butler was not named one of the Top 100 Indians of All Time in 2001, causing me to wonder how many players that played during the aforementioned Dark Days, from 1984 to 1989, actually made that list. So, without further ado, here it is: Candiotti, Carter, Franco, Jacoby, Jones (of the Special Delivery variety), and Tabler. Thornton and Hargrove also were in that timeframe, but I wouldn't include them in that whole "Indian Uprising" Era that dominated my youth. How anyone who grew up during those years in Cleveland remains a Tribe fan is a minor miracle.

Speaking of "Indian Uprising", I saw a fan at the Jake on Thursday who had the jersey that the White Knight and Carter wore on the SI 1987 Season Preview cover. It's the same jersey worn in Major League, with the block "INDIANS" on the front and the racing stripes going up the sleeves. I've been looking for that jersey online for 3 years, trying in vain to have a "Tabler 10" made. He was too far away for me to become that creepy stranger, asking breathlessly where he got his jersey.

Your Boy Elarton goes against B-Webb tonight, so we'll see if this streak is truly meant to last.

Buehrle Still Has Our Number

Just finished watching the Take 2 broadcast in under 2 hours (gotta love that Westbrook), and Mark Buerhle still owns the Tribe. I hope 2 hits isn't indicative of how this team hits against tough leftys, seeing as how Buehrle and Santana (just to name 2) will probably go against "one to nine" more than a few times this year.
The Peralta error was a tough play, but he should've made it. But PLEASE don't get going on the "Omar would've had it..." Turn the page, embrace this team. Bottom line, the ChiSox capitalized on a leadoff hit in the 7th, while the Martinez 5-4-3 snuffed out the Indians' best chance, also in the 7th.
I don't think that the White Sox can play this "small ball" all year. After Buerhle and Garcia, their starters are a crapshoot and Carl Everett and Paul Konerko are not exactly "small ball" prototypes. Nice idea, but GM Ken Williams doesn't have all of the necessary parts for Ozzie Guillen to pull it off this year, particularly in New Comiskey (or whatever they call that place now).
I really liked the way that Westbrook looked, particularly against a bona fide #1. The infield defense has to be very solid for him to have a great year, which is very possible.

Off day tomorrow, game on Wednesday afternoon.

2005 Preview - Positional Analysis Part I

With Game 1 looming on Monday, it's time to take a look at the Indians 2005 roster to analyze the team that Mark Shapiro has been building for contention.
Catchers
The position is the strongest it has been in years, with Victor Martinez solidifying his status as a solid run-producer after his insertion into the cleanup spot last year. Martinez should continue to grow, along with the other young bats in the lineup, by using last year's experience as he attempts to replicate his 2004 All-Star achievement. Just 26, Martinez should continue to improve on his defense and game-calling skills as he becomes more confident and comfortable with himself. His throwing improved at the end of last year, though it remains a weakness.
In Josh Bard, the Indians finally have a dependable backup (no disrespect to Tim Laker) that is able to log significant innings donning the tools of ignorance. Bard excels in his defense and handling of the pitchers, though it remains to be seen how his hitting will fare after his hernia operation last year.
This position runs deep for the Tribe as well, with Ryan Garko ticketed to start in Buffalo, and Javier Herrera, David Wallace filling out the upper levels of the minors. Don't be surprised if a lower-level catcher becomes trade bait mid-season.
First Base
Ben Broussard established himself as the 2005 starting first baseman after a nasty slump in mid-season. His glovework remains solid, but Broussard must build on his success in the latter months of the season to ensure himself a spot in the lineup after 2005. Eric Wedge seems confident that Broussard is his man, but skepticism remains.
Travis Hafner, though a 1B in name only, will get the majority of the DH starts. Hafner should see some action in the field in NL parks to keep his stick in the lineup. Hafner crushed his way to a terrific season, slowed only by a nagging elbow injury, which was rectified in the off-season. Hafner's patience at the plate is unusual for a power hitter of his size, but it also is instrumental in setting the tone for the "One to Nine" approach of the 2005 Tribe.
Jose Hernandez, and possibly Casey Blake, will fill in periodically.
Racing his way through the minors is Michael Aubrey, the former first-round pick slated to start in Buffalo. If Aubrey continues to rake the way that he has, Broussard's days could be numbered as the starting first baseman. All reports on Aubrey indicate that he is a slick fielding, doubles hitting lefty. Very similar to Broussard, so it will be interesting to see how this situation plays out this year and next year. Another name to watch is Ryan Garko, who tore his way through the minors last year. Though a catcher by trade, he may project into a 1B/DH in the very near future. Shapiro seems (unlike his predecessor John Hart) to favor players with more upside, as opposed to relying heavily on experience.