Like A Chicago Thaw

Northwestern's basketball team plays deliberately.  In the second half, the team rarely attempted to score with more than 10 seconds on the shot clock.  Despite an overwhelming talent disadvantage, the #8 seed in the Big Ten tourney took the #1 Buckeyes to the limit.  How?  Like the filth left on urban Chicago sidewalks when the snow has melted, they're gritty.  In January, OSU need all  but 3 ticks of the clock to dispatch the Wildcats by a single point.  Today, they needed an extra five minutes.  While I'm thankful for the escape and accept that a win is, indeed, a win.  The downside of the game today is that it has exposed a second glaring chink (the first being perimeter defense) in the Bucks armor: you can beat them if you control the tempo.

For a team led by three seniors and one of the most respected coaches in the nation, Ohio State reacted painfully slowly to Northwestern's tactic.  Not until the overtime did the ball get delivered consistently to Jared Sullinger in the low post.  The overwhelmed boys in purple could do nothing other than hack at Sullinger, who rose to the challenge and made 11 consecutive free throws to seal the game.  Also, as opposed to any NCAA tournament opponent, the Buckeyes had seen this team before and should have been prepared.

Today the Scarlet and Gray triumphed thanks to defense, defense that did not stop pursuing the ball or obstructing lanes regardless of how long the Wildcats milked the clock.  Sullinger and Jon Diebler played the full 45 and Aaron Craft hounded the point like a man possessed.  Good thing, too.  Had the team not come out with, and sustained, such a defensive fervor the result would have been a big, capital L.

If the Bucks hope to make an honest run at a national championship, Thad Matta needs to inspire his team to respond more effectively should an opponent begin to exploit one of OSU's weaknesses.  These players are smart, they understand the game and the offense that they have been asked to run.  With a seven man rotation that features every single piece that a contender could want, none of the individuals are selfish.  When Matta tells them what to do, they do it.  During the break following regulation, he clearly told them to pound it inside.  He should have told them sooner.

On a lighter note, an excellent article on David Lighty here.

Cheers.

Pretty Girl Update! - Aly Michalka

Mark one in the "Aye" column for breast enhancement.

Suicide Squeeze - Mike Baxter ('92 Upper Deck)

Pretty Girl 03.11.11 - Allison Stokke

I have a pole that I'd like her to vault.

I'd Like My Steak Tiger Bloody Rare

Charlie Sheen's Winning Recipes from Charlie Sheen

I hope that the Weather Channel is next.

Just In From the Desert

Today's most intriguing story is that Jayson Nix (.105) has switched competitions.  We had thought him to be challenging Jason Donald (.400, back in the line-up today) and Luis Valbuena (.190, we'll get to Chisenhall in a bit) for the vacant third base job.  Yesterday, it was reported that Nix was getting significantly more reps at 2B and today Manny Acta confirmed that he has yet to name Orlando Cabrera (.364) as the starter.  I have to imagine that the statement was made to keep Jayson's confidence up during a tough run at the plate.  It is unlikely that anyone will unseat Donald at 3B or Cabrera at 2B.  While injuries are always a possibility, the probability is that the true competition is between Nix and Valbuena for the utility infield spot.  Nix's biggest upside is on offense and, his long ball today regardless, if he continues to flounder at the dish, he becomes worthless.  Valbuena, despite his low average, has popped three homers already and can play second, short and third.  To be clear, of the two, Valbuena is the better option and I hope that Acta et al can recognize this as well.

On to the Chiz Kid and his early tear.  We all have to keep a number of factors in perspective -- (1) The sample size of his .524 average (0-1, K today) is tiny (21 ABs) and against Spring Training pitching.  Manny Acta reminds us that the two biggest boppers last spring were Wes Hodges and Donnie Webb, (2) Lonnie has yet to see a single inning at AAA, (3) Similar to the Carlos Santana situation in 2010, this season would not count towards Chisenhall's arbitration eligibility should he come up in June or July, (4) As so many of us forget, baseball is 90% mental, as Justin Matserson noted yesterday.  When the Tribe (or any MLB team in this day and age) promotes a prospect, they strive to have him completely set up for success, & (5) There is no urgency to win in 2011.  I contend that, if everyone plays to form and the team stays healthy, that Indians can win 85 games.  This stance is awfully optimistic and, realistically, contention is a year away.  So, here is the plan:  the Chiz Kid gets comfortable this spring, opens at Columbus, rakes for a couple of months and makes his wildly anticipated debut on the North Coast after the Super 2 cutoff.  With Jason Donald easily dislodged from a starting role, the transition should be painless.  I'm completely on board with this.  So is Lonnie.  The man either recognizes his own best interest or just knows what to say to the media.  In an interview today, he made the statement that he's just "trying to make their decision difficult," rather than actively pushing for an opening day slot.  I know Chisenhall looks great right now (we'll never even get to see the catch he made on a foul pop in the 8th), but let us (and I mean the 71% who voted on Cleveland.com that he should be the starter) keep our eyes on the big picture.

Masterson (3.38 ERA) certainly righted his ship today, throwing 3 perfect innings and striking out 5. Justin threw 25 of 37 pitches for strikes (I charted myself.  This is the only place you will find those numbers.) and looked dominant.  As described by Jim Rosenhaus, his sinker was "great," his change "good," and his slider "sharp."  Masterson caused Blake DeWitt to flail so wildly in the 2nd that DeWitt's bat ended up in the stands above the Cubs dugout.  If Justin can throw anything like this on a consistent basis during the season, then we'll have our true #2.

I'm not ready to officially return Jeanmar Gomez (4.91) to contention for the #5 spot, but JG was certainly outstanding today.  He extended perfection to 1 out in the 6th and allowed just 1 hit and 1 walk while striking out 3 in three scoreless innings. 

Matt LaPorta (.138) continued to hit like unflushed excrement.  Matty was 0-for-3 with a K.

Frank Herrmann (1.80) gave up the lead in an 8th inning that featured the infield sprinklers going off with 2 outs.  Herrmann gave up a double and a wild pitch before Chun Chen's throwing error brought home the run.

Vinnie Pestano got into trouble in the 9th by allowing an infield single and then making a poor choice to try for the lead runner on a bunt attempt.  After putting the 2 on, Vinnie induced a pair of pop-ups, but gave up a game winning, walk-off single to Brett Jackson.  Still, after the staff allowed 41 runs over the past 3 games, giving up just 2 today was a nice change of pace.

Utility OF Battle:  Travis Buck (.440) played all 9 innings in right, showed good discipline in going from 1-and-2 to a walk in the second and added a single.  Shelley Duncan (.267), who started in left did not fare so well, going hitless in three trips while striking out twice.  No change here, Buck is still the favorite.

Pitchers for 03.11: Mitch Talbot (starter), Chad Durbin, Doug Mathis, Justin Germano and Josh Judy.

Cheers.

Pretty Girl Update! - Brittany Snow

Now, if only she would smile...

Suicide Squeeze - New Red Sox ('92 Upper Deck)

Pretty Girl 03.10.11 - Shevonne Sullivan

Everyone has their favorite TMZ girl.  This is mine.

Wednesday Evening Cartoon

Whah. Whah.

Just In From the Desert

Just as I was about to say that Carlos Carrasco (3.60 ERA) was looking sharp and might slot higher in the rotation, he proceeded to give up back-to-back jacks and a long triple in the 2nd.  That being said, Carrasco's slider looked sharp and he hit his spots, keeping the ball down a lot more than his mates did on Tuesday.  Carlos went 3 full and looked the best of any pitcher in four games.  The Tribe's staff has allowed 41 runs over the past 27 innings.bv

Carlos Santana (.250) made his first start at first base and looked very comfortable.  Santana fed the ball crisply on a potential 3-6-1, made an accurate flip to Zach Putnam covering in the 6th, and appears alert and active thanks to Mike Hargrove's instrcution.  Carlos also knocked a nice double and scored a run.

Huff-and-Tom(lin) Post:  First of all, I believe that Jeanmar Gomez (8.31) has already pitched himself out of contention, thus his name does not appear in my clever title.  David Huff (5.14) pitched a clean 4th, but fell apart in the 5th.  The first five Padres reached (including 3 sharp hits) and 4 runs came across.  Josh Tomlin (1.80) threw three perfect frames in Tuesday's "B" game.  One would think that, right now, Tomlin is in the lead.

Utility OF Battle:  Ezequiel Carrera (.296) appeared over-matched in going 0-3 with a strikeout and missed the cutoff man on the above triple.  Travis Buck (.455), who struck a sharp single in three trips, remains my favorite due to his hot hitting and ability to play all 3 outfield positions.  While Zeke's show up speed has been impressive, he has fallen behind Buck, Shelley Duncan (.333) and Chad Huffman (.571).  Carrera is likely ticketed to Columbus.

Who's Got Third?:  Luis Valbuena (.211) looked awful striking out on breaking balls down and away in his first 2 ABs.  He responded by jerking a solo shot in the 8th for the Indians' 3rd and final hit (ugh).  Jayson Nix's (.063) average continued to sink.  He is getting extended PT, so the organization would like to see him succeed.  Personally, I would be thrilled if he is released before opening day.

The Phillies have lost Chase Utley indefinitely with a messed up right knee.  You know what?  I'm not a doctor, so the phrase "mild patellar tendinitis and chrondomalacia" means nothing to me, nor should it to you.  Phils' GM Ruben Amaro Jr contends that the team will not look for help from outside the organization to bridge the gap until Utley's return.  Remember that our old friend Josh Barfield is in camp with Phiadelphia as a non-roster invitee.  Hmmmm...

Pitchers for 03.10 (Every day, I find these in a new place):  Justin Masterson (starter), Jeanmar Gomez, Frank Herrmann, Joe Martinez, and Vinnie Pestano.  Catch the web exclusive audio feed at Indians.com.

Flick to Click: Win Win

Opens March 18.

That's Right... A Switch-Pitcher

A couple of excellent videos of Pat Venditte, who can pitch with either hand though he is not ambidextrous.  Venditte has become a viable prospect in the Yankees system and his numbers back it up.  I'm hoping to see him in Akron this summer.





Cheers.

Suicide Squeeze - Bartolo Colon ('92 Upper Deck)

Wait... I Did Think of That!

Linked here is the Indians' press release on their arrangement to give free tickets to local non-profits.  Now I know why Paul Hoynes didn't answer my question about the Tribe's failure to fill the Jake in this way.  Or...  it's because Hoynsie is a bit on the lazy side and only answers softball questions asked by the maniacally uninformed.  It's ok, he writes for a newspaper.  Sucks for him.

My Bobcats took care of business in the opening round of the MAC tournament, dispatching Toledo 74-57 in Athens.  OU advances to Cleveland where they will take on Ball St, Thursday @ 9:30p.  5'11" sophomore DJ Cooper (16.5 points, 7.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals/game) leads the way.  Remember him from last season's improbable run?  6'8" Sr. DeVaughn Washington (12.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 6'5" Sr. Tommy Freeman (11.3 ppg, 44% 3pt), and 6'8" So. Ivo Baltic (11.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg) return as well.  Time again to shock the world. Watch live with me on STO.

OSU's self-imposed penalty on Jim Tressel for his failure to report his knowledge of the gear for tats scam way back in April?  A 2 game suspension and a 250 millll-ion dollar fine.  All right, it's only $250k, but the real damage is to Tressel's rep.  Known for his supposed integrity, this scandal will leave an indelible mark on Coach's legacy.

Tiki Barber has filed papers to come out of retirement.  A whopping 72% in a Cleveland.com poll warn the Brownies to stay far away.

Not only did Luke Harangody and Semih Erden miss Tuesday's loss to Golden State, but JJ Hickson left with a dislocated finger.  Luckily, it only benefits us to lose at this point.  Plus, the Heat lost... again.  5 in a row and 6 of 7.  Whah.  Whah.

Cheers.

Pretty Girl 03.09.11 - Masiela Lusha

If only she had starred on something other than G-Lopes.

Just In From the Desert

Wow.  Awful day.  I don't really want to talk about it.

The Good:  Tony Sipp pitched a clean 8th.  Seriously, that's as good as it got for the Tribe hurlers today.

The Bad:  Fausto Carmona (7.88 ERA) got shelled to the tune of 6 earned including 2 dingers in 3 innings.  Despite throwing mostly strikes, Fausto left the ball consistently up in the zone, a problem that plagued Indians pitching all day.

The Ugly:  Corey Kluber's ERA is 108.00.

Utility OF Battle:  Travis Buck (.474) remains my front-runner.  Buck doubled in a run in the 9th and came around to score.  Shelley Duncan (.333) played some at first then switched to left, adding an RBI single.  Poor showing by Ezequiel Carrera (.333) who whiffed and popped up, but Grover is in his corner.

Who's Got Third?:  Lonnie Chisenhall (.550!) continues make the brain trust's early declaration that he will begin at AAA look foolish.  The Chiz Kid played all 9 innings collecting 4 hits (including a standing triple) and scoring a run.  Diametrically opposed was Jayson Nix (.077) who chalked up another 0-for-3 (1 K).

It was enlightening, if not wholly enjoyable, to listen to Mike Hargrove attempt to interject commentary.  Hargrove has a tendency to mumble, so I didn't catch several of his anecdotes.  I did come to the realization that Grover is, like many of us, worn and beaten down by the heartbreak of '95 and '97.

Michael Brantley's injury?  Lower half soreness.  I bet there's chaffing, too.  And hairy palms.

Pitchers for 03.08 (Why do they hide this information from me?): Carlos Carrasco (starter), David Huff, Zach McAllister and Joe Smith.  STO will again carry the game live at 3p.

For MLB's Consideration

Essays, as submitted to MLB.com for the "Dream Job" application --

(1)  Why do you love baseball?

In my best moments, as I flutter awake or asleep, I can feel it. Rolling through my body like high tide in a tsunami, the sensation is silent, colorless. Radiating across my form, I feel the impact of the ball on the bat. I recall those perfect instants when the two bodies remain in contact. I pause the world and allow the visceral grace to echo through me, exploding from my center to the top of my head and the tips of my fingers.

I’m 12 years old and the soft sunlight of a late summer Sunday has just begun to fade toward twilight. My father, having completed the lawn’s weekly manicure, stands, fungo bat in hand, as I crouch and stare in at him. The smell of the grass lingers on the periphery and I hear, in the distance, a child’s shrieking exclamations of joy. I tense my left hand, opening and closing the glove that has enveloped it and pound my throwing hand into the pocket. The crack is followed by a quick, sharp inhalation. Then my feet begin to move and I’m sprinting to meet the ball in mid-air.

There are moments in history that people recall with crystal clarity. They know where they were, what they were doing and how much change jingled in their pants pockets. Some recall this for the moon landing or the Miracle on Ice, other for less joyous occasions. For me it is October 26th, 1997. I pace. The mantra running through my head is “You gotta have faith. You gotta have faith.” The dorm’s kitchen holds a flickering television, the only one that I could get to, and I am bouncing a rubber ball. I am alone. On the screen Charles Nagy comes plateward with an 0-1 pitch to Edgar Renteria. The rest is merely history.

I love baseball because it embodies everything that I love about the world. A rare balance of intellect and physical skill, baseball is the ultimate fraternity. Each brief inning is a gift to be cherished, though the innings will run forever. There is always next year, always another ball to rub between calloused hands to get the grip just right. There will be another walk-off, another swinging third on a high hard one, another magical 8th inning when the midges descend off of Lake Erie and the unimaginable occurs. Perhaps not the last and therein we find the other side of the coin. Never again will the stars align to bring such an unlikely scenario to pass. Baseball is fantasy incarnate. Dreams come true on every pitched ball.

Regardless of whether I am sliding headfirst into third, screaming myself horse in the bleachers, arguing who should play left field or having a catch with my dad, baseball is simply good. Each February when the trucks roll out and the players report, it feels as if a weight has been lifted. My smiles are broader and my steps lighter because, once again, baseball has returned.

(2) What will the biggest story of the 2011 MLB season?

Major League Baseball chooses to exist without the restriction of a salary cap. Thus, the team with the highest payroll (Yankees, $202 million) is able to spend almost five times as much as the team with the lowest (Padres, $44 million). While there are positions on either side of the salary cap issue, I shall take neither. More relevantly, the biggest MLB story of 2011 will be the New York Yankees, and their $200 million payroll, missing the playoffs. In a vastly improved AL East, the Steinbrenners’ aging roster will face a host of hurdles as spring summers to autumn.

I do not assert that the Bombers have a poor team. Their collection of offensive talent remains impressive and CC Sabathia is a top tier ace. The “shock and awe” factor, though, is gone from the Bronx. A perfect storm of age (Posada, Jeter, A-Rod), inconsistency (Burnett, Granderson, Chamberlain) and departure (Pettitte, Berkman, Wood) has exposed a severely depleted farm system. Given, also, the lack of any significant off-season acquisitions, the Yankees will be hard pressed to match 2010’s results.

The more serious issue is that their AL East fellows have become more formidable. The Red Sox’ upgrades (Gonzalez, Crawford, Jenks) are well documented. Boston is the pick of many experts to win the AL pennant. In addition, the Baltimore Orioles have infused a great deal of talent since season’s end. While the O’s are likely not in the mix for the wild card, if their young pitching (Arrietta, Matusz, Tillman) develops alongside the production of the new faces (Guerrero, Lee, Reynolds, Gregg, Hardy), Baltimore will take wins away from the Yankees. The unbalanced scheduling leaves New York particularly susceptible. Similarly, while they lost key offensive pieces, the Tampa Bay Rays’ rotation remains one of the best and they have retained, arguably, the most talented third baseman in the league. So, the Yankees are losing series instead of winning them, taking two of three rather than sweeping. All of this synthesizes to a season with too few wins.

The question becomes, “What can the Yankees do about it?” The answer is very little, outside of crossing their fingers. The aforementioned farm system offers little in the way of either trade bait or immediate assistance. Although they have an unprecedented three catchers (Jesus Montero, Gary Sanchez, Austin Romine) ranked in the Baseball America Top 100 prospects, at least one of them projects as a designated hitter and they need to keep another as their own backstop of the future. Outside of this bevy, the pickings are slim, limited to a handful of pitchers that the Yankees will hang onto unless they’re betting the farm on 2011. Hank and Hal will likely steer clear so early in their tenure.

Simply put, the Yanks could make the playoffs in 2011, but absolutely every card would have to fall their way. Barring such a turn of luck, the Yankees will be on the outside looking in for only the second time since the strike.

Cheers.

Suicide Squeeze - Ryan Drese ('92 Upper Deck)

Pretty Girl(s) 03.08.11 - San Diego State Cheerleaders

I could barely pay attention to the basketball game, these gals were on screen so much.

Just In From the Desert

Um... a lot of runs.  The final was 16 all.  Seriously, is it 1937?  Are we playing football?  Supposedly, there was some wind.

Mitch Talbot (27.00 ERA) lasted just 5 outs while giving up NINE earned runs.  To qualify just how awful the start was, Talbot was roughed up for 6 hits and 2 walks, that is 8 baserunners, and let 9 of them score.  No HBP, no error.  Wow.

Several other irrelevant relievers contributed to the shellacking, but Vinnie Pestano was not one of them.  Vin continued an impressive spring with a perfect 9th that featured a K.

Much more good news from the bats, where virtually everyone had a good day.

Utility OF Battle: Ezeqiuel Carreras (.364) got on base 5 times (3 hits, 2 walks) and scored a pair (+1 RBI).  Shelley Duncan (.375) doubled twice and scored both times.  Nick Weglarz (.286)?  If he puts up a few more like Monday, he warrants consideration.  Nick jacked his first tater of the spring, added a double and drove in 3.

Who Wants Third?:  Luis Valbuena (.188) was the offensive star after getting the start at the hot corner.  Louie hit two long balls, drew a walk, scored 3 and drove in 5.  Jayson Nix (.100) doubled for his first hit and also took a walk.  Jason Donald reports that the swelling has gone down on his hand, but I would not expect him in the lineup for a couple of more days.

Most dissapointing in a game like this was the production of two men that are supposed to be big run producers come April.  Travis Hafner (.313) did single twice and drive in a run, but he stranded 4.  Manny Acta has gone on record stating that Hafner will not be an everyday player and that everyone should be ready for a few games at DH.  Worse today than Pronk was Matt LaPorta (.174), who managed just an RBI one-bagger in 4 trips and left 5 on base.

Expect Carlos Santana to start at 1B on Wednesday.

Pitchers for 03.08: Fausto Carmona (starter), Justin Germano, Josh Judy, Corey Kluber, Tony Sipp, Bryce Stowell and Alex White.

Flick to Click: Girl Walks Into a Bar

Premiers FREE on YouTube 03.11.11. Cheers.

You Mean White Men Can Jump?

I suppose that I'm going to have build my vertical to at least 49" now.

A-Ha!

After much speculation (mostly just by me) the truth on Jared Goedert has come out!  JG has been sidelined with an oblique strain and will stay on the shelf for another 2 weeks.  A shame that he will not have the opportunity to compete for the opening day roster, but at least there is a reason that he is not playing.  Several on the inside still see Goedert as an corner utility option with right-handed power off of the bench,

Also, the Indians deal with Nick Johnson is officially done.  It's a minor league package for Johnson, as he continues to rehab his wrist.  If Nick is healthy and gets added to the 40-man this year, the Tribe will have a $2.75mil option for 2012.

Cheers.

Suicide Squeeze - Zack Greinke ('92 Upper Deck)

Pretty Girl 03.07.11 - Jane Russell

R.I.P. Rio

Just In From the Desert

The young guns continued to shine under the Arizona sun.  Drew Pomeranz threw 2 more perfect innings and struck out 3.  Making use of a heater that hits 96 and his patented "spike"-curve, Pomeranz was a knife cutting through the soft cheese of the Rockies.  Drew might be buying himself a spot at AA.  Lonnie Chisenhall (.467) might be buying himself an earlier trip north with a prolific display of hitting.  The Chiz kid bashed his 2nd home run and was a half step short of a double a liner to right.  Do not expect Chisenhall to break camp with the team, but, barring unforeseen circumstances, we're likely looking at a June recall.  I'm beginning to think that this was the Indians' plan all along.  Jason Donald is the de facto third bagger because it will be easy to remove him from the position when Chisenhall is ready.

Justin Masterson was erratic again.  He faced 12 batters over 3 innings getting touched up for a solo homer and needing one of Matt McBride's 2 assists from right field to prevent a lead-off triple in the third.  Masterson also walked one, hit another and made a throwing error on a pickoff (Shouldn't that run be earned?).  In a camp where most of the pitchers have been wildly successful (ex. another 2 shutout innings for Frank Herrmann), Justin seems to be lagging behind.  It's just spring training, but every start that his inconsistency persists is a greater cause for concern.

Utility OF Battle:  Travis Buck (.471) doubled for his sole hit in three trips.  He played center again and I would say that he is ahead on points right now.  Shelley Duncan (.167) started in left and did nothing to help himself, going hitless over 3 ABs.

Mitch Talbot starts on 03.07.

Buffalo Solider of South Beach

An open letter to LeBron from the father of a US Marine serving in Afghanistan:

Dear LeBron, 

Just wanted to let you know: You are not at war. You are not a soldier.  What was said on your KingJames Twitter post?

“20+ games left in phase 2. I’m ReFOCUSED! No prisoners, I have no friends when at WAR besides my Soldiers.”

You can tweet it all you want. But what you do and who you are is not even close to what they do and who they are. 

You are probably a nice guy. And you are not the first athlete to compare sports to war; athletes to warriors; games to battle. I don’t mean to single you out. But it is time to stop those comparisons. 

War. Games. Not even close.  We are at war. Remember?

People die in wars. They rarely die playing the games you play. If they do, it is not because they are attacked or shot at or booby trapped by an enemy.  People lose limbs in war. Their bodies are torn apart by IEDs. Their legs and arms are ripped through by bullets and rockets.

You play in arenas in front of adoring fans. You don’t walk streets in villages not knowing who the enemy is or what might be lurking on a roadside, around a corner or behind a door. 

Athletes get concussions, serious business for sure. But soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen get post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. They lose their sight and their hearing in bomb blasts.

You travel to your games in the comfort of a chartered plane. You go home to an opulent mansion. You have little danger of coming home in a flag-draped box.

You carry a basketball, not a 50-pound backpack and a rifle. You wear sneakers, not boots. You wear a jersey, not a Kevlar vest.

In Afghanistan right now, soldiers and Marines are sleeping in bedrolls outside in the cold. They cook over an open flame. Think of that the next time you load up at the clubhouse buffet.

[Joseph Swerdt / Sun Sentinel.com]

Amen.

Also, the Heat the lost at home to the Bulls by 1.  Both Wade and James missed in the last 10 seconds, adding to Miami's remarkable 1-for-16 shooting this season on shots to tie the game or take the lead during that final ten ticks.  El Heat have lost 3 in a row and 5 of 6.

Pretty Girl 03.06.11 - Stana Katic

Damn, I'm a sucker for a French accent.

Suicide Squeeze - Mark Prior ('92 Upper Deck)

Just In From the Desert

Let's speak first of what didn't happen.  Jared Goedert did not play... again.  Given the split squad deployment of today's action, I find that quite telling.  At this point it seems obvious that the organization does not have any faith in the man and that he won't get a fair shot this spring.  Goedert went 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts in the first two games and hasn't played since.  There might be an injury concern, but I have nary a word.

In that same arena, Jason Donald was hit on his left hand while batting in the third inning today.  He was removed from the game and had x-rays.  Those films were negative and Donald will likely sit 2-3 games as a precaution.

Curious as to why we're not talking about Jayson Nix or Luis Valbuena?  Well, they're just not hitting.  Nix is 0-for-7 with 3 K's and Valbuena 1-for-10 with a pair.

Utility OF Battle: Chad Huffman (.571) continued to rake with 3 hits, including a double.  Huffman scored two runs, drove one in, and stole a base.  Shelley Duncan went 1-3 in his spring debut, playing 1B.  His utility may play into the final decision.  Ezequiel Carrera (.294) played 9 innings walked, singled in a run and stole his 3rd bag.  Travis Buck (.500) singled, walked and scored a run.  Buck started again in center and, if he proves to the staff that he can play the position, he takes a step into the lead.

5th Starter:  David Huff threw 3 more shutout innings and hasn't been scored on yet.  Huff surrendered 2 hits and whiffed a pair.  He is neck and neck with Josh Tomlin.  Jeanmar Gomez (8.31 ERA) is not.  Gomez allowed 4 ER on 4 hits and walk over 2 and a third.  Jeanmar had to be removed in the middle of the 3rd inning after reaching his pitch count.  He threw only 30 of his 53 pitches for strikes.

Vinnie Pestano and Tony Sipp each threw a perfect 9th inning.  Sipp struck out 1, Pestano the side.

And not to be a Debbie Downer but Matt LaPorta leads the team in ABs (19) yet has only 2 hits and 1 RBI outside of his grand salami.  On the up side, both hits are doubles.  Matty says that he feels healthy for the first time in a year and a half.  LaPorta is out of excuses should he not produce this season.

Justin Masterson starts tomorrow against the Rockies.

Thanks again to Jordan Bastian for not posting.  I'll leave him alone from now on, unless he gets worse

Suicide Squeeze - Vlad Guerrero ('92 Upper Deck)

If We Want the First Pick, We Got To Stop Playing the Knicks

Cavs record against teams from New York?  3-0.  Cavs record against teams not from New York?  9-49.  The Cavalier traveled to Madison Square Garden for Baron Davis' debut and came away with more than they bargained for... a win.

On a night when the team shot 57% from behind the arc and chose not to play defense (NYK shot 55% overall), JJ Hickson led 7 Cavaliers in double figures with 23.  Davis added 18 & 5 (assists) and Luke Harangody(?) put in 18 of his own as the Knicks were felled 119-115.

The Cavs trailed 104-92 with under 7 minutes to play, but Boom Dizzle turned on the magic.  He netted half of the team's tally during a 14-2 run to tie the game at 106 and dropped an around the world dime that left all of Manahttan wondering what had happened to the ball.  Baron and Anthony Parker both canned treys inside the final minute and Samardo Samuels (they haven't released him yet?) drew a charge on Carmelo Anthony with 2 seconds left to seal the Cavs 11th victory over the Knicks and first road win since November.

The wine and gold are playing with an energy that no one could imagine the league's worst team possessing in March.  Some of that is the charismatic new #85 and some of it is leaving the streak behind (4-4 since), but, most of all, Byron Scott seems to have taken the team to Hell and back for the better.  I could take or leave defense anyway, I'd rather see 250 points on the board every night.  If they can supplement the core with 2 successful lottery picks, the future may be closer on the horizon than we could have dared to hope.
 
Also, the Heat lost to the Spurs.  They lost their second in a row and 4th of 5.  They lost by 30.  And it might have been 40 if both teams hadn't cleared their benches halfway through the final quarter.  As Mike Breen was fond of saying tonight it was "a good old fashioned NBA blowout."

Cheers.

Pretty Girl 03.05.11 - Lara Logan

American journalist sexually accosted by a throng of Egyptians during the protests.  I wonder why?

Just In From the Desert

Chris Perez has been lights out thus far.  Through his 3rd scoreless outing (today), Perez has thrown just 17 pitches over 3 innings (H, 2 K).  This bodes well, as the bullpen is widely seen as the strength of the team.

Another successful outing from Fausto Carmona today, though he did allow his first run of the spring.  The opening day starter went 3 full innings, allowing 3 hits and a walk, while inducing ground balls for 5 of his 9 outs and striking out a pair.  Every indication is that Fausto is locked in this spring and a focused Carmona is an effective Carmona.

It's still the 1st week of March, but the competition for the utility outfield spot is in full swing.  I've been outspoken on the play of Travis Buck (DNP today).  Shelley Duncan, who showed great leadership & good power last season and survived more cuts than a paper doll, has yet to play due to a pulled muscle in his back.  Chad Huffman (.455) homered off of Matt Lindstrom and sent another to the track off of Rockies' starter Jhoulys Chacin.  Ezequiel Carrera (.308, HR, 5 RBI) singled twice, scored 1 run, drove in another and made a tremendous diving catch to begin the 6th.  This early success provides the sort of dilemma that every team hopes for.

After a shaky debut, Alex White pitched a perfect 5th and a hitless 6th.  The 2009 1st rounder struck out Dexter Fowler, Ty Wigginton and Mike Jacobs, while making an excellent defensive play on a 1-out bunt in the 5th.

Lonnie Chisenhall is making it as difficult as possible for the Indians to keep their word to start him in AAA.  Chiz (.500, 3 hits today) scorched his first home run in the 6th and has looked superior at 3B.

If you're wondering why you haven't heard Rafael Perez's name this spring, it is because he has been away from the club welcoming a new Perez-let to the fold.  He is back in camp today, just as the same blessing draws Carlos Carrasco away.  Cheers to both families.

Frank Herrmann, who I'm in favor of for a bullpen spot, pitched a scoreless 9th (H, K).  He's working on adding a splitter to his everyday repertoire, which would be a nice counter to his 4-seam fastball.

I don't commonly root for the division rival ChiSox, but any true baseball fan should cheer for Jake Peavy's return.  Making his first game appearance since last June, the former NL Cy Young Award winner pitched 2 strong innings without giving up a hit.  Jake walked 1 and K'ed a pair.  Peavy is the first MLB player to return to the game after detaching his lat completely from the bone.  That hurts just to type.  ESPN's medical expert explains -



What she doesn't directly state is that Peavy's lat muscle tore off of his humerus (the bone between the elbow and shoulder) and snapped into his lower back like a broken rubber band.  Yeah.  And the dude is pitching again.  Best to you, Jake.

Split Squad for the Tribe on 03.05.  Pitchers Vs. White Sox: David Huff (starter), Jess Todd, Joe Martinez, Zach McAllister and Vinnie Pestano.  Pitchers @ Mariners (not really in Seattle, actually Peoria, AZ): Jeanmar Gomez (starter), Tony Sipp, Kelvin De La Cruz, Joe Smith, and Jensen Lewis.

Jordan Bastian had plenty of time to appear on the play-by-play webcast, so maybe he'll actually post today.  What a POS.