Even though the Indians had won eight straight, it’s good to see some sure things continue to happen. One such thing is Jose Contreras’ domination of the Tribe when they are going good. Yes, the Tribe has had success from time to time against the Cuban righthander, but for the most part he has owned Cleveland. Even in a year where he has lost 16 games and has an ERA over 6.00, he can still cool the Indian bats. Of course, it didn’t help that the Tribe ran the bases like they were drunk.
**Trot Nixon may be just getting into second base about now trying to advance on a ball in the dirt in the third inning yesterday. Terry Pluto’s column in today’s Plain Dealer capsulized all Indian fans’ thoughts on giving Nixon anymore meaningful playing time this year. Now is no time for sentiment.
**I know many baseball managers like veterans, but shouldn’t the performance of Franklin Gutierrez, Asdrubal Cabrera, Rafael Perez, and Fausto Carmona mean Eric Wedge and GM Mark Shapiro can give young players more of a chance in 2008? I realize you have to have a contigency plan, so you have to have a veteran back up, but these rookies have been key players for the ’07 Tribe. Maybe Wedge shouldn’t have been so anxious to give up on Andy Marte after 50 at bats. Shin Soo Choo should also get the first chance to win an outfield job in spring training next year.
**Was anyone else a little curious about the first wave of call ups from Buffalo? I can’t see Luis Rivas doing anything to help out, and why was Cliff Lee brought up right away when another pure reliever is needed? I know it’s a moot point since Buffalo ends its season today, but I thought Edward Mujica would have been here. I wouldn’t be surprised if Adam Miller is called up to give the bullpen another hard thrower.
**Romeo Crennel tipped off the release of Ken Dorsey when he played the "you have to be able to help us win" card on Friday. As much as Dorsey helped out Brady Quinn, Crennel had no confidence in playing the former Hurricane signal caller.
**GM Phil Savage showed he is expecting more wins this season by cutting several of his draft picks in getting the roster to 53. Some of this year’s picks will be added to the practice squad, but no longer is proving his picks are legitimate a consideration in making the team.
**Despite drafting Joe Thomas, Quinn, and Eric Wright, the Browns season still depends on whether or not they can run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense.
**People criticize LeBron James for hosting the ESPY’s and making several other "non basketball" gigs, but obviously he’s been working on his game. Media reports have James working with Chris Jent on his shot, and it did look much better in the FIBA Olympic qualifier. The King looks poised for a big season in 2007-08.
**Speaking of the Cavs, they will make another move before training camp opens. I like the idea of a starting backcourt of Larry Hughes and Daniel Gibson. It’s not a traditional point guard/shooting guard set up, but both players are combo guards so it might just work. Plus playing the two together should make for a more up tempo attack. I still want to see a better offensive set from the coaching staff though. Mike Brown has to make use of the offensive abilities of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 