Cleveland Sports Forum

TFIR, we'll just disagree. I saw nothing that almost any catcher wouldn't have caught on that second pitch. But earlier he made a couple nice plays on balls in the dirt that was nice. Tougher plays, IMO. But whatever, we each can have our opinion.

But nobody could discount his bonehead throw into rightfield. If you're going to come in here and mention one just thought the other should be mentioned too.

I posted the numbers last year, Perez was ranked extremely poorly defensively. It's not just my opinion. He was 68th in the majors in caught stealing percentage among catchers. He was 86th in MLB in fielding percentage among catchers. He was 23rd in Defensive Runs saved among catchers.

He ranked 26th in the A.L. in Defensive WAR. Not MLB, just the A.L.!

Rusty brings up the only good point about Perez. He calls a great game, from all reports. But as I said last year, when we had a young staff that came in handy and I didn't complain about Perez. But we have a veteran staff now, and they can communicate with any catcher about how they want to deal that day and work it out. That plus does not outweigh his deficiencies defensively and offensively. Make him Bieber's personal catcher if you want, to help bring him along. But this guy should not be starting and playing regularly on any major league club, IMO.

Fair enough HB!

Not a ton to like about today's game, needless to say.

However I will say that Carlos Santana, including spring training no less, is apparently born again in his Tribe jersey! I know all the reports said he was thrilled to be back but holy crap he hasn't stopped hitting since...February!

I guess another thing that I liked was that Bieber got to pitch a couple innings to hold him over until his next start later this week apparently.

and Stamets drew his first major league walk

How long until c. Gonzalez gets a shot? We need some hitting.

Tito shakes up the lineup. Sort of. There's not much to shake. He moves Bauers with his .111 average up to 3rd. So the averages are as follows:

Group 1: The set up guys
111 091 111
Group 2: The Heart of the Order
500 222 250
Group 3: The Dregs
000 000 000

No truth to the rumor that Minneapolis wants to take the Windy City title from Chicago after the Indians whiffed 39 times in 3 games.

Let's see what the WhiteSox staff can accomplish. 13/game is a good target but probably can be exceeded. The 3 Twins starters or at least two of them are no big deal. Just think how effective Cleveland pitchers would be against Cleveland "hitters" so-called

Will the March Fools, with bats in their hands, turn onto April Fools?

Clevinger starts off the home opener by striking out the side!

Now Martin doubles, and Jose hits a little blooper that falls between SS and LF'er. Is this some offense we see?

10 K in 6 scoreless for Clevinger.

He has a tad more life on his fastball this year too. Been hitting 97.

Damb, this rotation is gooood.

Unfortunately our offense is offensive. 0-0 going into bottom of 6th

Oh - and that bullpen too.

Down 3-1 now, thanks to Cimber, Perez and Edwards. Tough brake for Clev.

Thankfully their bullpen is even worse!

That's about it.

But very encouraged JRam finally looked like he was squaring up the ball. Good to see, and Bauers with a key hit adds to the plus column for this one.

Goes without saying Clevinger was huge.

BTW, noticed that Clevinger has put on weight, and looked to me Jose Ramirez lost some from last season.

Didn't realize Clevinger could get it up to 96-97. Totally dominant today.

White Sox in for a long year.

On Drennan’s show before game they mentioned that Clevinger has worked on quieting his delivery some, put on weight, and increased his velocity. Right on all counts.