Re: General Discussion

1201
rocky raccoon wrote:At least the Tribe is doing something.

Fukodome has to be better than what we have seen in recent weeks.
Whlie not a "Rock Star" he will be an upgrade.

I remember back in the begining of the season sitting at the pub with a buddy of mine and a cubs game was on....I said "I wish he had that guy...his name is just kind of fun to say..." He sent me a text and said I got my wish...about 5 months late but...

Maybe I'll win the lottery in December.
Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

Re: General Discussion

1203
Ryan Ludwick is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game against the Diamondbacks.
There's nothing official yet, but the San Diego Union-Tribune is hearing rumblings that "a trade could be going down." Jon Heyman of SI.com reported this morning that the Phillies, Braves, Reds and Indians were all pursuing the 33-year-old outfielder. There's a good chance he'll be dealt before the July 31 deadline.
Source: San Diego Union-Tribune on Twitter Jul 28, 3:53 PM

Re: General Discussion

1207
Hiroki Kuroda Rumors: Thursday
By Tim Dierkes [July 28 at 2:51pm CST]

Righty Hiroki Kuroda tossed six innings of one-run ball against the Rockies yesterday, lowering his ERA to 3.11 in what might have been his last start for the Dodgers this year. Yesterday we heard from Ken Rosenthal and Jon Paul Morosi that the Yankees' interest intensified, with the Red Sox, Rangers, Indians, and Tigers also in the mix. Kuroda has yet to be presented with a formal trade to approve. The latest:

The Dodgers sent a scout to see third base prospect Nick Castellanos, writes Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, but they doubt the Tigers would move him for Kuroda.
Kuroda's contract stipulates that he will be eligible for conventional Article XX(B) after the season, writes Jon Paul Morosi, so he is a candidate for draft pick compensation if he maintains Type B status.

A friend of Kuroda told ESPN's Jayson Stark the pitcher can finally focus on the trade possibility with last night's start out of the way. The Yankees have strong interest, Kuroda tops the Tigers' wish list, and the Red Sox were the only contender scouting last night's game. Stark says the Indians and Rangers remain involved. The Dodgers want a true baseball deal, and would prefer a starting pitcher close to the big leagues.
" I am not young enough to know everything."

Re: General Discussion

1210
but players Drew Pomeranz, Alex White, Lonnie Chisenhall, and Jason Kipnis appear to be untouchable.
Of course they are. The Indians will deal 2nd or more likely 3rd or 4th tier prospects, which is what most of these deals involve. In the first deal Abreu is 3rd tier, maybe lower. Smith is non-tier.

Re: General Discussion

1211
rocky raccoon wrote:Dibble said Fukodome is an absolute stiff and Cub fans should be dancing in the street.
Pretty bizarre comment right there.

Who the hell did he think the Cubs got in return?

Abreu is marginal at best. Carlton Smith is a nobody.

Indians got a marginal upgrade over what they had while the Cubs are on the hook for most of the remaining salary.

Re: General Discussion

1213
I was looking for at least "a little incremental increase" from The Tribe Brass as we are at July 29, August 1st is on Monday, and we are just 1 1/2 games out.

I've gotta say, this guy from The Cubs is at least something. Best part of the trade for me was when I read what we gave up and I said to myself, "damn, I've barely heard of those guys."

MLB ready veteran for two very big maybes is an OK move.

At least it's an incremental move....

Keep the moves coming. I suspect there will be a flurry of action now that the trade ice has been broken around the league.

Re: General Discussion

1214
civ ollilavad wrote:I think by far the most impressive this about this trade is that -- unlike me -- the Indians management is still going for success in 2011.

Civ, 34-25 from here out gets us to our 1997 season record.

THAT sure as heck is doable for us.

Again, I believe in the school of John Hart. Just get to the playoffs and anything can happen.

Being here to see the San Francisco Giants last season only greatly reinforced that belief.