To All The Dumbasses who don't think we can win...

[Alex]

To all the dumbasses who don't think we can win this year....

We are 2-22 when trailing after 6 innings.

When either tied or leading after six, our record is
22-5 ....!!!!

We currently have had something like 20 games in a row where our starting pitching has gotten us to at least the sixth inning. This means our pitching is decent.

Now, what better way to ensure that we are winning after 6 innings then by getting a second table-setter to hit behind Omar in the two spot. Luis Castillo is the perfect Candidate.

It's soooooooo obvious that a second table-setter would help ensure we have 2-4 runs by the end of the sixth, and in many cases, that would be enough to either be tied or have the lead.

Again, remember, our starting pitching has gotten to the sixth inning 20 consecutive games. They don't get to pitch into the sixth inning if they are pitching poorly.

Remember, we are 22-5 when tied or leading after six innings.

We are one table-setter away from being a real contender.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ May 30, 2002 02:10 AM: Message edited by: Alex ]</font>

[viper123]

Hardly a fact. The fact is that we have been limiting punchless offenses, for the most part in the Tigers, Royals, Orioles,etc. The hard part of the schedule is coming, our pitching won't take a nose dive but it will be a tougher test for these young guys, who didn't fair that great against the likes of the Twins and White Sox. Alex, I think you're right that we need a table setter and Castillo would help with speed also. I think in the long run we still need a run producer, Thome, Fryman, and Burks aren't bad, but they are not a #4 hitter. If you could fill those two holes, I think you're much closer, I just don't think we have the resources to get it.

[the teacher]

Punchless opponants or not: the last 6 games we're 4-2 with a 1.70 ERA. I don't have any illusions about winning anything this year, but we're not that far away. A few more bats and we're there, folks. If Bradley and Escobar hit even .270 with a little pop, and we get a 3rd baseman with similar numbers, next year could be interesting.

[viper123]

Teacher-You're right pitching has been great, I'm just a little bit relunctant to say we are there on the pitching. You're right a couple of bats could change this team and for me that means two big parts a lead off hitter ( catalyst w/ speed) and a run producer. This team has neither right now. I don't believe we can accomplish this thru a trade, I wouldn't move Colon it would have to blow management away, but I wouldn't want him in the AL if I could help it. I could care lees if we lose Thome in a trade. I just think our best bet is to deal Thome(if he will let us) and Finley for some goo dprospects, than try to find some free agent hitters in the offseason. The bullpen is a little bit shaky, Shuey has been solid, riske will get better but Shapiro made a terrible move with Wohlers. Bottom line is Shapiro needs to do a better job of finding some good talent

[Alex]

Jim Thome is on pace to drive in over a hundred runs...

Ellis burks and Travis Fryman are on pace to drive in 80 runs.

Lawton is slowly having a decent year between runs scored, RBI's, home-runs and OBP.

This is without any kind of help from the two spot (when Omar is in the one spot)

Fix the two spot by getting Luis Castillo from the Marlins, and watch this team respond.

[viper123]

One guy with 100rbi's isn't going to cut it, I don't know the number but my guess is Thome's numbers with runners in scoring position isn't that great. You're right we need a table setter but guys are in scoring position and nobody is knocking these guys in,are average with runners in scoring position is horrible. Granted Escobar and Bradley replacing Branyan in the OF will help but we are still missing a big bat. Thome is not bad he just strikes out too much with runners in scoring position.

[Alex]

The added bonus of two table-setters at the top of the line-up is they tend to force the pitcher to throw more fastballs to prevent stolen bases.

The more fastballs the opposing pitcher throws, the better our power hitters do.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ May 30, 2002 01:57 AM: Message edited by: Alex ]</font>

[srg]

Alexx you qualify as this biggest DumbA$$ on any Tribe Forum other than Swanny!

[Alex]

The dilemma I see is that next year we could be without
Thome and Colon.

We may be in a maintenance mode next year, trying to maintain whatever we do this year may be the best we can expect next year.

That's why it's important this year to have as good a year as possible, and that is as it should be.

My definition of a table-setter includes having speed. That's why Ricky G was a bad choice overall. His defense is OK, but overall, there is very little about him offensively that I like.

Unless he were a three-hundred hitter. Which is difficult for him to do because he has no speed or power.

Demand Excellence this year. I fear that the one position that can stand to be improved the most, 2nd base, is not going to change because of Ricky's three year contract...and that may lead to dwindling fan attendance.

[UK Tribe]

The only hope I can find is as follows.

Almost all our games our close. I have a feeling that IF we got to the playoffs that the starting pitching would ensure some close games.

The test will be the tough part of the schedule that's coming up now.

I agree with Alex that 1-2 more hitters could change things.

My lingering worry is the back end of the bullpen. Wickman isn't fit and Wohlers cant hold a lead to save his life.

Dont accuse me of being hopelessly optimistic. I am talking about possibilities rather than probabilities. The games coming up against the good teams are crucial.