One would think that with the streak the Cleveland Indians have been on, the people who comment on the game would learn something. Once again, WKNR’s Kenny Roda disproves that theory. After the Tribe’s 7-6 loss to the White Sox on Tuesday, which by the way was a terrific baseball game, Roda made no sense with his analysis of the game, particularly regarding Ronnie Belliard.
The afternoon drive time host was irritated that Belliard swung at the first pitch with the bases loaded in the 7th inning and the Indians leading 5-3. Belliard hit a smash to third right at Sox’ third baseman Joe Crede, who turned it into a double play. If Belliard had hit a weak roller or a pop up, the criticism would have been warranted. But, had Belliard’s bullet been three feet to Crede’s right or left, it would have been a 7-3 lead for Cleveland. If the first pitch is something you can hammer, you swing at it.
Next, Roda was upset when Belliard swung at the first pitch with runners on second and third, and the Tribe trailing 6-5 in the ninth with one out. The White Sox were playing the infield back conceding the run. Belliard hit a grounder to second base to tie the game. THAT WAS HIS JOB! Get the run in at all costs. Yes, it would have been nice for him to hit a three run homer, but he did what he had to.
Roda also rants about the lack of bunting by a guy like Casey Blake. Yes, it would be nice if all major league players were completely fundamentally sound, but they are not. He jumped on the error by Jose Hernandez which gave Chicago the lead, but ignored the fact that Aaron Rowand misplayed Victor Martinez’ drive in the ninth which allowed Cleveland to tie the game.
Roda also points to Cleveland’s struggles early in the season as proof that Eric Wedge was not managing well. Anyone who knows the game realizes that your record in one run games is LUCK. Bad teams can have a good record in one run games. Heck, Seattle and Tampa Bay have winning records in one run games. Although Wedge is not John McGraw reborn, he is true to what he believes in. His patience with guys like Aaron Boone and Scott Elarton are far more important to the success of the Indians than when he chooses to bunt.
Lastly, stop comparing Little League ball to the Major Leagues. There is a different mindset in teaching young people to play the game, than what goes on in the Majors. All of the Indians were the best players on their respective teams throughout their lives. A true fan doesn’t care what goes on in your son’s games. I’m sure he appreciates hearing his dad talk about him on the air, but it is not relevent to Indians’ games.
Cleveland baseball fans deserve better analysis than they are getting from WKNR. Hear’s hoping Kenny Roda can learn something about the game.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 