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Some thoughts on post-CC, Game 1

By Ron Vallo | July 8th, 2008

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First let’s start with CC.

Five was his big number tonight - 5 hits, 5 walks, 5 Ks and, according STO, 5 standing O’s from the Milwaukee faithful. Despite the ten base runners over 6 innings, the big man gave up only two runs and as I write this it appears he will get his first NL win tonight.

Let me just wish the Brewers fans good luck with CC. I’ve always liked the team and the city. Very Clevelandesque. And they filled in nicely for us as the “hometown” fans in the snows of last April. Here’s hoping, for the suffering Milwaukee fans’ sake, that CC puts them over the top, although with the Cubs picking up Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin it’s going to be that much harder.

On to the featherheads.

First of all, someone please explain to me why we have to watch David Dellucci for one more second this year. What is the point? I suppose management could hope for a miracle -that he’ll add 40 points to his BA between now and July 31 so someone will want him. But really, why is he in there?

Which brings us to Andy Marte. Why is he not in there. He needs to play every day at 3B so that the Tribe can answer all doubts before they pull the plug on him.

I have no way of knowing who Eric Wedge was referring to in a clip that was shown during the game on STO tonight, but I can take a guess. It followed a comment by Matt Underwood that there will be plenty of opportunity for the youngsters to show what they have over the next 2 1/2 months.

STO then played a clip of Wedge saying that won’t necessarily be the case for every youngster on the team.

“Part of it is what we think they can ultimately be next year and beyond next year. If we don’t feel like there’s an opportunity for them to be part of a championship club next year and on into the future than I don’t see much sense in giving them the opportunity this year.”

Andy Marte anyone?

Can’t say for sure, but who else could he be referring to? And if they’ve already determined Marte will never make it, why is he still on the team?

In case you are wondering how Matt LaPorta did in his first game with Akron - they got rained out.

It’s well past my bedtime. So that will have to hold us for now.

Be back tomorrow or sometime soon with some tips on how to watch the post-trade Tribe - if you must.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, July 8th, 2008 at 9:23 pm and is filed under Matt LaPorta, Chad Gaudin, Eric Wedge, Oakland A's, Akron Aeros, C.C. Sabathia, Rich Harden, Tribe report, Milwaukee Brewers, Andy Marte, David Dellucci, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Cubs. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

6 Responses to “Some thoughts on post-CC, Game 1”

Andrew says:

July 9th, 2008 at 6:57 am

I am expecting James to take off the gloves later today after seeing the players the A’s got for Harden. I fully agree with the two year window we have until we start losing our core guys to huge contracts, and after seeing the A’s get TWO major league ready players for RICH HARDEN! makes me sick to my stomach. I have always been a fan of Murton and think he will become a very solid pro, and I think Gallagher is a real good prospect who is going to be on the A’s roster the rest of the year more than likely. I am all about prospects with high upside, but not when you have a two to three window, and not with clownshoes Wedge as our manager, who seems to not get the whole young guys movement that teams are supposed to make when their seasons are over. Dellucci can stay on the roster to help the young outfielders out, but him playing is ridiculous.

Also, I am alright with Blake playing right now, just to boost his value. I think they are going to move him soon, which should provide Marte the starting spot.
James Pete says:

July 9th, 2008 at 7:43 am

I’m not going to go off as much as you think Andrew. I’ve always thought Murton has Marte-disease. I know a lot of people wanted or thought the Indians were going to or have gone after him, but I didn’t want that deal to happen. Personal preference I supposed, but everything I’ve heard of and seen of Murton has led me to believe that he is a AAAA player. There’s already talk that he might not be a full-time outfielder right away in Oakland. I find that hard to believe, but we’ll see. LaPorta is way above him, and fills the masher need.

I like Gallagher a bit. He’d be an ‘09 guy. Certainly, I would put him above Jackson in that regard, if we are going to deal in comparisons. At the same time, a starter wasn’t the key to this deal (although I wanted one).

Patterson is a 2nd baseman, and he projects as a burner in the majors, but I don’t think I’d want him above what we already could put there. That’s my issue with Green, if we decide to move him to second, and if that’s who we get. Of course, Patterson is a kid who could play now, or in ‘09…but as far as talent goes…marginal in my eyes. He’s actually on my farm team in a dynasty league I’m in. I hope he gets up, and steals some bases.

I don’t know a thing about Donaldson, other than he’s got some years to go.

Sure, the A’s got major league ready guys for 2009, but it’s not what I wanted. I wanted a couple of guys who could not only start in 2009, but could contribute right away. LaPorta and Escobar. Escobar moves to second, and bats 2nd or 9th, and Cabrera moves to short, and bats 2nd or 9th. Or, you could throw these two guys 1 and 2, and drop Sizemore in the 3 slot.

Of course, that’s not going to happen.

The thing that intrigues me about Brantley is his potential to lead-off. He has no power to speak of, but that could always change. He has incredible command of the strike zone, and is speedy. He regularly walks more than strikes out. He’s 21, but is in his second season in AA (first full season). He could be up with the club mid-year next year, but more likely in 2010.

I still think moving Sizemore down ultimately is the way to go. Brantley could allow that.
Halifax says:

July 9th, 2008 at 8:16 am

My knee-jerk was “look what the A’s got!” but I, like James, think that Murton is on par with what we already have a glut of in our outfield. Gallagher would be nice to replenish the pitching, but my second response was to look at the possibility of the Tribe acquiring Harden and Gaudin . . . that was fleeting.

Bsically, the Indians got a stud in LaPoerta and that was the real key, because he appears to be more of a stud than Marte ever was in the minors. I remember the AA/AAA season Marte had where he hit .275 with 20 HR and everyone gushed. LaPorta has those stats HALF-WAY through the year. He’s had a proven history of mashing at high levels (college/AA), the Martes of the world are drafted with high expectations based on skill set and potential. Marte really never had a great year at AAA, just great streaks of potential.

He did win a HR derby in the minors. That’s a trophy he’ll always have on his mantle.

Speaking of which, anyone else looking forward to Grady’s tumble in the second half after the HR derby ruins him for the rest of the year?
Ron Vallo says:

July 9th, 2008 at 9:02 am

Let’s remember also that the Cubs get Harden for at least 1 1/2 seasons and are far more likley to have the capability to resign him than the Brewers with Sabathia. They also got Gaudin, who aint bad himself and can start or pitch from the pen. Murton? We have better than Murton already, or at least as good. The starting pitcher has promise, but Cleveland needed a bat.

Plus, the Tribe - I think - got the best prpospect traded over the past three days.
James Pete says:

July 9th, 2008 at 9:18 am

I wouldn’t mind Harden though…

I know…I know…we’re done this year…
Tom says:

July 9th, 2008 at 11:02 am

well, Ron, that’s the key. Harden’s under contract for next year.

as frustrated as we all are, I don’t know if I could stand being an A’s fan, where they’ve now decided to get rid of their best pitchers two years in advance, in the middle of a pennant race.