It’s true that Tiger won the British Open mentally, by relegating his driver to an ornament, before he executed the victory physically.
It’s true that A-Rod may not even be the best third baseman in New York; never mind the MVP.
It’s true that after the Athens embarrassment; falling short with Detroit in ’05; the Knicks debacle; and now watching Coach K weave chemistry and harmony into the US program, Larry Brown’s legacy as a coaching deity is more than slightly tarnished.
It’s true that the above statement still won’t prevent Michael Jordan from hiring him in Charlotte.
It’s true that Danica’s daddy ain’t no dummy; nor did he raise one.
It’s true that you knew there had to be more to the Harold Reynolds dismissal than first stated; if people were fired for simply disagreeing with fat, opinionated co-workers, my office would be a ghost-town.
It’s true that thesaga mentioned above reminds me why I miss, more and more, the serenity of Peter Gammons.
It’s true that the horse insulted the jockey’s mother and sister, and called him a terrorist, before the head butt.
It’s true that the Ryder Cup points system is starting to give me the same kind of headache as the Nextel Cup points system.
It’s true that after seven consecutive years of drama and speculation, no one would really blame Allen Iverson if he simply stayed home until the Sixers did finally trade him.
It’s true that the Bengals are one more arrest or suspension away from having to place an ad in the paper… “Wanted: LB or WR with CLEAN record. Good speed a plus. Will train. Halfway housing provided. Call Mike Brown at …”
It’s true that I hope it works out in the long run, but trading a .300+ hitter for a feller named Sinn Soo Choo isn’t the quickest way to appease a frustrated fan base.
It’s true that Jim Leyland leading the Tigers to the World Series title would have to be considered among the five best managerial jobs of my lifetime.
It’s true that I cannot think of anyone I will cheer harder for until the day Chris DiMarco wins his first major.
It’s true that an Ozzie Guillen implosion is imminent now that Minnesota has caught Chicago in the standings. (And I couldn’t be more tickled!).
It’s true that the farther Tony Stewart falls in the chase for the championship; the more prevalent his “give and take” bumper car routine will occur.
It’s true that my three favorite words this week are “Training Camp Opens!”
It’s true that my three least favorite words this week are “Training Camp Holdout”.
It’s true that the only thing that could possibly approach the comedy that is a Gov.Schwarzenegger press conference; would be a Gov. Barkleypress conference.
It’s true that it seems to me that I’ve seen this somewhere before…
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
It’s true that watching African nations play European nations, and Middle Eastern countries contest Latin American countries, with immense skill and wonderful camaraderie, solidifies Futbol’s claim as the world’s game.
It’s true that I will still get more excited when the Steelers and Browns play Football.
It’s true that just when you thought Vijay was out of the picture…
It’s true that DH’s Jim Thome and Travis Hafner must represent the AL at first base, pending a permanent DH rule for the All-Star game.
It’s true that JJ Redick was no lock for NBA stardom even before his unseemly arrest.
It’s true that the Tigers were expected to be improved under Jim Leyland, but anyone who says they knew Detroit would possess the games best record nearing the All-Star break should immediately be subject to a polygraph test.
It’s true that reconciliation with Shaq notwithstanding, you know there was that familiar smirk on Kobe’s grill watching the Heat go down 2-0.
It’s true that the person with the worst look on their face (outside of Miami) watching the Heat go down 2-0 had to be Michael Finley.
It’s true that the acceptance of Michelle Wie in men’s golf events should make it perfectly allowable for me to run the point for the Charlotte Sting.
It’s true that NASCAR would be much more exciting if they had a hockey like penalty box that allowed for a 5 minute major after two or more participants dropped the gloves and settled being put into the wall like men, then returned to the track in the back-up car.
It’s true that the more attorneys get involved with negotiating Barry Bonds’ cooperation with special investigators, the more secure the sacred ‘755’ becomes.
It’s true that like or dislike Mark Cuban, you have to admit the atmosphere at a Mavs game is a great party.
It’s true that the more ridiculously unplayable the ‘powers that be’ make major championship golf venues, the less enjoyable they become for me to watch.
It’s true that theMets are looking more and more like the real deal.
It’s true that the Cubs cleaning house and starting over would send a better message to their loyal fans than standing pat on a season that is beyond hope.
It’s true that Texas quarterback Colt McCoy’s (that name just sounds like a Texas quarterback, doesn’t it?) successful attempt to save his neighbors life, was much more important than the success of his attempt to replace Vince Young.
It’s true that, outside of offensive linemen,there is no good reason why football players shouldn’t be allowed to wear any number they want.
It’s true that soccer players taking dives and rolling around after absorbing less contact than on a 3rd grade playground is one of the most disturbing things to witness from a professing athlete.
It’s true that soccer being learned and practiced on a 3rd grade playground is one of the most encouraging things to witness from a promising athlete.
It’s true that nothing can quell the lingering elation of a championship ring ceremony quicker than your star quarterback lying on the pavement next to a twisted motorcycle.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
Would you like to be take part in The Weekly Truth? Tune in next week for a special announcement about how you can submit a 'Truth" of your own for an upcoming installment. It's True!!!
If I had only realized the mystifying powers of manipulation hidden within my keyboard sooner, I would have called out the Cleveland Indians right from opening day!
Allow me to clarify for those confused. Wednesday I posted the first segment of this report covering the pitching staff of the Indians and the concerns with their inconsistency. This came on the heels of the fifth consecutive win for Cleveland ace CC Sabathia; a win that came only a day after an 11-0 drubbing at the hands of the rival White Sox. So how do the Indians respond to my putting them out on Front Street? With a 5-0 shutout spearheaded by seven superlative innings from starter Jake Westbrook. I had no idea they’d be paying attention to me. Now let’s see if a similar affect can be achieved with the men of leather and lumber.
It would seem the personification of nit-picking to call into question the abilities of the American League’s second rated offense (based on team batting average, as of 5/31/06). The Tribe is second only to the Blue Jays in team BA at .288. They are fourth in slugging percentage and on base percentage; second in hits, doubles and runs, and third in total bases and runs batted in. Not too shabby, just looking at those numbers.
However, while the overall statistics seem acceptable enough, the real issue with the Cleveland offense is their penchant for going through peaks and valleys at the plate, and their unnerving knack for failure to deliver in key situations.
Case in point Tuesday night’s contest that Sabathia won. Clinging to a one run lead, the Indians had a runner on second base with less than two outs in both the 6th and 7th innings and failed to deliver the much needed insurance run. The inning, however, that most typifies the teams’ lack of fundamental aptitude, and the consequential inconsistency, was the 8th.
Casey Blake led off the inning with a single. Ronnie Belliard followed with one of the most inept bunt attempts I’ve ever had the displeasure of witnessing. I am very fond of Belliard as a player, and have defended GM Mark Shapiro’s decision to resign him in lieu of top prospect Brandon Phillips, whom was sent to the Reds at the close of spring training. That said, his failure to bunt Blake into scoring position was not simply aggravating in its lack of result, but mostly in the execution. Everything about the attempt screamed of sloppiness. The pop up to the catcher that resulted, followed by the ground ball double play hit into by Aaron Boone, brought back haunting memories of the final weekend of last season.
That series against the Sox, with a division title or at least the wild card within reach, was wrought with blown opportunities. Men left in scoring position. Botched sacrifice attempts and failures to move runners. The entire off-season was ripe with fans bantering about the lack of sound fundamentals displayed by this team.
This particular bungle did not cost Cleveland the game, true, but it did add much duress to Sabathia and the bullpen. Many games this season can be pointed to as losses than are largely due to similar situations, and to lesser teams to boot (5 of the Royals’ 13 wins are at the Indians expense).
Much can be summarized from these two stats: Cleveland is dead last in the AL in sacrifices, while the leagues leading offense, Toronto, ranks first. Further, the Tribe is 3rd in the AL in strikeouts, with the Jays in last with over 100 less K’s. This is a strong indication of poor plate performance at critical stages of games. Add to that the 9th place league ranking in HR’s, and you begin to understand my taking the offense to task despite some decent numbers in other areas.
Many Cleveland players are having strong individual years. DH Travis Hafner has built on last season’s strong showing and has to be considered at this point at worst the second best DH, behind only Boston’s David Ortiz. In fact, here is a look at Hafner’s league rankings among designated hitters with at least 100 at bats.
Category
AL Rank
Batting Average
2
Slugging Percentage
2
Home Runs
4
Runs Batted In
3
Runs Scored
1
Doubles
1
On Base Percentage
1
Walks
1
Hits
1
Triples
1
That’s a lot of first place rankings for a player who doesn’t get near as much big press as Big Papi (and that is in no way a slight on Ortiz).
Grady Sizemore is quickly establishing himself as a superstar. He is currently in the top 15 among all AL outfielders in every offensive category, including ranking 1st in triples and 2nd in hits and runs scored, all from the lead-off position, and while playing a sparkling center field.
Casey Blake, a whipping boy for much the off season fan frustration, has resurged nicely and is standing 6th in league BA at .330, with 9 homers and 14 doubles.
However, Cleveland’s production from the corners is still suspect, and that is where Shapiro failed in his own right to produce.
Many Indians fans have been quick to question Shapiro over the last few years, especially as he jettisoned favorites like Roberto Alomar, Bartolo Colon, and last year the face of the organization, Omar Vizquel. I have always shared his patience and looked, as did he, at the big picture. He saw an aging team with stars on the decline and got great value in almost all of his dealings. His stockpiling of prospects has made the Indians farm system one of, if not the best, in the majors. Fans came to accept that there needed to be a rebuilding period, and, in retrospect, it hasn’t taken as long as many feared to get back into the mix while always staying at least competitive.
With the near miss last year though, fans were expecting great things this season. That was the only thing consoling us over the winter. We were a year ahead of the curve and the 2006 season would be our time. We had a solid nucleus that, with a few enhancements, could be a perennial contender. Plus, all of the dealing and frugal fiscal stewardship over the last few years had lent itself to money to spend on free agents and re-signings. Optimism abounded. There were areas that needed addressing, but Shapiro, the 2005 Executive of the Year, had geared toward this time and would surely make the right acquisitions. Right?!
Not so fast. In fairness, the free agent market was not that impressive. The number one target on the wish list, White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko, almost immediately re-uped with the Champs. He was the perfect dream as a right handed power bat to mesh with Hafner and C Victor Martinez. After missing out on Konerko, Shapiro spent much of his efforts pursuing closers to no avail. Then the Coco Crisp trade came about, and Tribe fans just about lost there minds.
The trade of the uber-popular Crisp for Andy Marte made sense from the standpoint that Boone was not convincing anyone that he would ever rebound from the injuries that kept him out of the 2004 season. Marte was the top 3b prospect in all of baseball and to many the best prospect of any player. It’s hard to pass on a player like that even if he may not be ready for a year or so, and even it means losing one of the teams most loved players. The question was who was going to replace Crisp. The club has many young stud outfielders on the minor league horizon, but none ready to step into the limelight yet. Besides, Blake was a huge question mark himself in right field, and now you have to plug another hole.
Shapiro then traded pitcher Arthur Rhodes to the Phillies for OF Jason Michaels, with the promise that Michaels’ stalwart on base percentage would fill the lineups two hole perfectly. To update that prognostication, Michaels, though showing signs of life recently, doesn’t even have a top ten OBS on the team, and he certainly has not chased the memory of Crisp in the outfield where he started the year off with two dropped fly balls during the opening series in Chicago.
While big time help eluded the team in free agency, one player I thought might help was Mike Piazza. A rotation between DH, 1b, and catcher (Martinez is way overused) would have been an ideal fit in my mind, providing right handed pop and veteran leadership to the young team. But, alas, fantasy league is the only place I get to call the shots.
All is not doom and gloom for the Tribe. They just took 3 of 4 from the White Sox; the last with a 12 run, 14 hit outpouring. I do not think Shapiro, who I have staunchly supported, did enough this off-season, but it is not too late to make moves.
My assessments in this and Wednesday’s piece are from a loyal backer’s heart; not a bashers. I want to trump the Sox this year and see the Jake rocking in mid 90’s form. The defense is starting to come into form, with strength up the middle in Martinez, Belliard, and Sizemore. The time is now, not late in the year like last season, to make a strong run, both on the field and in the front office.
It’s true that I have thought many times that the one guy I would probably punch if I were a Major League player would be AJ Pierzynski.
It’s true that Shaq will not gain the full measure of public redemption/satisfaction/adulation once believed by winning a ring without Kobe, because the Heat are clearly D-Wade’s team.
It’s true that the Heat have much to do before the above statement is even relevant.
It’s true that after stating here last week that hockey hasn’t been the same for me since Mario’s departure, I made a point of watching the remaining playoff series’ and realized, once again, that the reason I loved hockey in the first place was because, in it’s purest from, it is a wonderful game that, despite the recent warts, deserves to be revisited.
It’s true that GM Mark Shapiro did no where near enough over the off-season to improve the Indians’ championship aspirations that a year ago showed such promise.
It’s true that Penn State’s Derrick Williams will emerge as the 2007 Heisman favorite.
It’s true that Amare Stoudemire has officially passed Damon Jones as the NBA’s most ridiculously dressed player.
It’s true that few things are more disturbing during the course of an NBA broadcast than close-ups of Doug Collins’ bleached hair.
It’s true that nothing is more equivalent to a punch in the stomach for an Indians fan than watching Jim Thome have multi-HR games at Jacobs Field in a White Sox uniform.
It’s true that tuning in to a 24 hour “Sports” channel, only to see celebrity poker, is fast becoming the bane of my existence.
It’s true that, back in the 80’s, one could have predicted the successful coaching career of Edmonton’s Craig McTavish simply by watching him play the game.
It’s true that the first round stoppage in the Matt Hughes-Royce Gracie bout was as anti-climactic an ending to a much anticipated fight as I have ever experienced.
It’s true that Roger Clemens signing with the Astros has more to do with the possibility of playing with his son than in another World Series.
It’s true that if I was a multi-millionaire, WS champ, and Cy Young winner, and had the chance to play with my son, I would do the same thing.
It’s true that Tayshaun Prince should be a no-brainer for team USA Basketball over Bruce Bowen and Shane Battier.
It’s true that family members of athletes/coaches/owners should have their own secured seating area at every game to protect them from those few ignorant fans, and to protect the great fans from those few ignorant family members of athletes/coaches/owners.
It’s true that I just told my friend (who’s 12 years my junior) that I would ‘compete’ in a triathlon with him next summer, knowing my current physical condition is more plausible for a Bowlathon. My wife has become suddenly diligent in confirming my life insurance.
It’s true that I enjoyed watching few football players over the years more than Craig Heyward. RIP Ironhead.
It’s true that these statements are my opinions; that they will garner reactions from those who concur and disagree; and that the free exchange of thoughts and ideas and the expression of feelings are the greatest contributions of language.
It’s true that more truth will be revealed here weekly.
For now, be blessed……it’s true that God loves you.
You can’t blame the loyal supporters gathered in Cleveland’s Jacobs Field if they seem a bit nervous at times. Jilted by hope and promise so often, they tend to look for the inevitable storm clouds with much reservation as to the appearance of any rainbows. Last night at the Jake had that same kind of “brace yourself, here it comes” atmosphere that is all too commonplace on the shores of Lake Erie this baseball season.
In both the fifth and sixth innings of Tuesday night’s match-up between the Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox, Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia flirted with danger by allowing the tying run to reach second base. The score in each situation was 4-3 Cleveland, just as it had been since the third inning.
In both situations, Sabathia did what he had done in each of his previous five starts; rose to the occasion when his team needed a stop-gap effort from its number one hurler. Sabathia struck out White Sox slugger Paul Konerko to end the fifth with runners at first and second, and then followed that up by enticing Juan Uribe into a one out pop-up and whiffing Brian Anderson to punctuate the sixth.
As he walked off the mound after the Anderson punch out, to a rousing ovation from Cleveland’s long suffering fans, Sabathia had the look of both a man who had climbed the mountain (no meager feat for the 300 pounder) and a man who knew there was a mountain left to ascend. The fans understood this also, and after the sputtering Tribe offense failed to pad the lead in the bottom of the sixth, the cheers morphed into the grumblings of an audience who had seen this act of the play one too many times. Sabathia had passed the 100 pitch mark and, after consecutive complete games, it was clear to everyone that his night was done on this exceptionally warm and humid May evening. He had done yeoman’s work to be sure and rightly deserved to retire this evening with his head held high. The issue was (as it has been all season) that the onus on preserving the victory now fell to the Cleveland bullpen. Fernando Cabrera and Rafael Betancourt pitched the seventh and eighth respectively, and while they too offered a few moments of trepidation, they held down the fort before giving way to closer Bob Wickman.
What had been the strength of this upstart team a year ago, had become the cause of many a restless night at the ol’ ball park. Last season the Indians led the American League with a team Earned Run Average of 3.61 and were second in saves with 51. This season Cleveland is tenth in the AL in team ERA, at 4.85, and tied for last in saves with 8. That number, to be fair however, represents a perfect 8 for 8 by Wickman. Ironic due to all the off season questions surrounding Wickman.
The closer position was said to be the most concerning for the team entering the winter, and GM Mark Shapiro made overtures to Baltimore’s B.J. Ryan, who eventually signed with Toronto, and San Diego’s Trevor Hoffman who decided to stay with the Padres. With his targets spurning his advances, Shapiro was left to recommit to the rotund, but reliable, Wickman. One would think that latching onto a reliever who’s saved 58 games for you over the last season and a half (2004 was abbreviated due to injury) would not require much deliberation. However, the experience of a Wickman ninth inning with the score close is much akin to watching a circus bear ride a unicycle across the high wire; great entertainment if you have a steady nerve, but you sit there with the understanding that the whole thing can turn tragically ugly and come crashing down as he wiggles his way from point A to point B.
Nonetheless, Wickman is who the Tribe was left with and he has not disappointed; either in the end result or in the drama achieving it. Tuesday night was the same, though some very close ball/strike calls led to much of the balancing act and he did come through in the end.
The truth of the matter is the implosions have come prior to a Wickman appearance becoming relevant. The real core of the Tribe pitching in 2005 was in the middle. The middle relievers, in particular Bob Howry, were stalwart and unyielding in their extinguishing of opposition batsmen. Howry, though, has since departed for a big free agent payday offered by the Cubs, along with Arthur Rhodes, who was traded to the Phillies in the deal that brought in Jason Michaels to replace outfielder Coco Crisp, who was sent to Boston (that situation will receive separate attention in Friday’s post dealing with the Cleveland offense and position players).
One can hardly blame Shapiro fiscally for not matching the Cubs’ outlandish offer to Howry (12 million for 3 years) but the impact from his absence in the pen can not be overstated. Rhodes, while at times inconsistent, provided valuable veteran guidance to the young staff as well as demonstrating a bulldog, unrelenting attitude. If nothing else his Dave Stewart caliber glare needed to be taught to every pitcher in the system.
To replace these men Shapiro, who mind you had plenty of coin to lay down this winter, brought in cast offs and the underachieving Danny Graves and Steve Karsay. Not exactly an even swap. (More on Shapiro in Friday’s post as well).
The starters haven’t been exactly stellar either outside of Sabathia’s recent efforts. The Tribe does not have a single pitcher in the top 30 of league ERA, while rivals Chicago and Detroit have three each in the top 12. Paul Byrd leads (if that term applies) the team at over 5 runs per. Not a number that erases from memory the efforts of Kevin Millwood, whom Byrd was hired to replace the season after Millwood won the league ERA title. Opponents batting average is .334, good enough (or bad enough) for 8th in the AL.
CC entered last night’s start having won his previous 4 outings, the last two going the full nine innings to save the pen, rather than relying on it to save him. After his opening day start that resulted in a stint on the disabled list with a strained abdominal muscle, CC has been the savior of the team. While the time on the DL holds his innings below the required number to be counted among the league leaders, his ERA of 1.71 would easily be best in the American League.
I must admit that watching CC walk off the field holding his side in the midst of that opening night debacle (a 10-4 loss to the White Sox) gave me cause to join in the speculation that his lack of pristine conditioning was justifiably alarming. While I still believe a 300 lb man whipping a ball 95 mph 100 times a night in the sultry Ohio summer can lead to great distress, since his return he has been magnificent. The Indians and their nail-biting followers need nothing less from their ace, and in fact, hope that it rubs off on his teammates.
Shapiro was rejected or outmaneuvered in improving or even maintaining the stability of his pitching staff over the winter. He must now validate his 2005 Executive of the Year moniker in working toward adding viable arms, and do so in a hurry. The July trade deadline may be too late. The Indians came from 15 games out of first last season to finish within a whisker of the wild card, and even the division title. That was largely achieved while the bullpen weathered the storm until the offense became more resilient.
At 9.5 games out as May concludes, a similar rally with the current roster seems far fetched, and leaves the Tribe-backers continuing to search for those rainbows.
I am a die-hard Steelers fan in hostile territory - Central Ohio!! I have infiltrated this vast mission field to spread the love and the light to all those who have yet to be indoctrinated in the Gospel of the Chief. Before you suspect any bandwagon nonsense, know that my family history and heritage are immersed in Western Pa, so my current residence in this foreign land has not kept me from remaining a true American and staying loyal to the 'burgh. I am not all about hatin' my current home though. Although I despise the Buckeyes, Bungels, and Clowns, I do have some love for the Tribe and Cavs, so maybe we'll go there in future posts. Other than that it is all about the 'burgh (including Pens and Bucs), the NBA, and much love for JoePa. So grab a Pepperoni roll from Mancinni's and lets go!
