Being realistic now....

[Swanny]

what would be considered a good season for the Tribe this year with all the changes that have been made. Those of you that think they will win 87 or more games are fooling yourselves. I think if they manage to win 78-81 games and show signs of improving throughout the season it would have to be considered a successful campaign. How in the hell can anyone expect them to come close to winning 90 games? There is a much better chance of them losing 90 than winning 90. Some of you suggest that I have patience and that I should wait until 2004 for the big payoff. Then you have the audacity to predict 87 -90 wins. I find it funny that I get knocked for some of my posts. Some of you should read your posts a little more thoroughly before ripping someone else. I'm not a whiner i'm just a realist. I'll probably enjoy the season more than most of you because I dont expect much from this year's team. I just hope at the end of the day I can turn on the sports news and see a few Roberto Alomar highlights.

------------------

[The Crank]

Well at least we agree on one thing -- I, too, am going to enjoy the season a great deal because I do not expect much from this years team either. I still think they can win the Central (its the Central after all), but I don't believe they will win, I think whomever wins the Central will not make it out of the first round of the playoffs, and if its a close season then its gonna mean more fannies in the seats.

As far as your Alomar crack goes - still would rather have this team they way they are now then with Alomar and precious little else.


Oh yeah and watch the cracks about what other people think - we are all entitled to our opinions - even Alex and the genius.
------------------


[This message has been edited by The Crank (edited January 20, 2002).]

[srg]

I think we will lose 100 games with all of the changes: Trading Alomar and not signing Gonzales. All those changes will lead us to a dysmal 100 loss season.

------------------

[Swanny]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by The Crank:
Well at least we agree on one thing -- I, too, am going to enjoy the season a great deal because I do not expect much from this years team either. I still think they can win the Central (its the Central after all), but I don't believe they will win, I think whomever wins the Central will not make it out of the first round of the playoffs, and if its a close season then its gonna mean more fannies in the seats.

As far as your Alomar crack goes - still would rather have this team they way they are now then with Alomar and precious little else.


Oh yeah and watch the cracks about what other people think - we are all entitled to our opinions - even Alex and the genius.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Exactly pal! We are all entitled to our opinion. If there is anyone who gets nasty it's you. You have ripped into me on several occasions.It's just a fan forum. If there wasn't a differnce of opinion it wouldn't be much of a forum, now would it???? I have to admit that I put that Alomar crack in there just for you.


------------------


[This message has been edited by Swanny (edited January 20, 2002).]

[Bye!]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Swanny:
what would be considered a good season for the Tribe this year with all the changes that have been made. Those of you that think they will win 87 or more games are fooling yourselves. chance of them losing 90 than winning 90.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Pitching wise - this team will be better. I guarantee it. Defensively they lose a lot at 2B. They'll improve at 3rd provided Fryman's arm is okay. They will also improve at CF and RF, Lofton lost a lot last year, and there is no comparison defensively between Juan and Lawton. Diaz will just get better at catcher and at batt.

Offensively, they won't be nearly as good. But if you think anybody is going to walk away with the division in the AL central - your the one that's kidding himself. I see 90 or less games winning the division.

Cleveland still has a decent team and should win between 85 - 87 games. But we can argue all you want, and neither one of us will really know anything until we are well underway with the season.

I won't make a real prediction until they break camp. A lot can happen between now and then. I still think Shapiro will pull off a trade or two.


------------------

[Swanny]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by srg:
I was just being sarcastic , I forgot the Rolled eyes eichon. I was just responding to Mr Gloom and Doom. Maybe we can send him a life sized Robby Alomar poster instead of a pacifier.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

How old are you? If you think my life revolves around The Tribe you are wrong. The Roberto Alomar remark was just a joke but you aren't smart enough to realize that. I think it is you that should lighten up a little and not I. Some of you take this forum far too serious.

------------------

[The Genius]

.500 should be no problem. Winning 85-90 and the central title is certainly feasible if some of the critical pieces of the puzzle fall into place, and Chicago and Minnesota falter. I would be a lot more optimistic with Skinner or Murray at the helm.

------------------

[Hawaii007]

srg that is a pretty dismal prediction, you really think this years team is going to be worse then the Royals of last year? And the Tigers of last year? Wow...that is pretty sad.

I think they have a chance at winning 90 games. Minnesota won 85 games last year and I don't see how they are any more talented then this year's Indians team position by position. Their starters might be less erratic, but Radke and Mays both had bad stretches, and in terms of pure talent, our starters are as good as theirs are.

Chicago is the team the scares me because of their offensive prowess, but Thomas is bound to have a decline, and they let go of Perry so the 3B job is going to a youngster, and their CF position is still a little mess while Durham is in a decline at 2B.

I just looked at the White Sox page and saw they claimed Ryan Kohlmeier off waivers...isn't that the guy that Baltimore had as their closer last year?! Man, Balitmore needs some major restructuring in the front office, geezus, and it seems likke the messed up leaving Paranto exposed in the Rule 5.

------------------

[srg]

I was just being sarcastic , I forgot the Rolled eyes eichon. I was just responding to Mr Gloom and Doom. Maybe we can send him a life sized Robby Alomar poster instead of a pacifier.

------------------

[the teacher]

Who cares if they win 80, or 90. They're not going all the way this year, and for once we know that in January instead of October. They're going to be fun to watch though. So many new kids, so many veterans trying to come back, and a new brand of baseball.

This is the year to see what we've got. Next year we'll have much more payroll flexibility and we can make a run.

Is it too early to ask if anyone knows who's eligible for free agency next year?



------------------
The Teacher