Comments on: The Pistons are in Cleveland http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html The Secret Origin of the Orange Roundie Thu, 14 May 2009 04:06:58 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Boney http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16301 Boney Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:55:03 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16301 Ok cool.. besides, the Tigers have the best home uniforms in all of baseball... You shouldn't hate the Pistons though.. hating them is like hating God Ok cool.. besides, the Tigers have the best home uniforms in all of baseball…

You shouldn’t hate the Pistons though.. hating them is like hating God

]]> By: Fios http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16298 Fios Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:44:56 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16298 The 05 bullpen had the third most saves in the bigs and the lowest bullpen ERA ... oh, what could have been ... I know, I know, a familiar refrain in Cleveland. I'm not knocking Sheff as a rule, the Indians expressed some interest in getting him but shied away from it due to what it would (probably) have cost them. And I, also, hate the Tigers less than I hate the Pistons. I loathe the White Sox, the Twins are kinda harmless and I feel bad for the Royals and their fans. The 05 bullpen had the third most saves in the bigs and the lowest bullpen ERA … oh, what could have been … I know, I know, a familiar refrain in Cleveland. I’m not knocking Sheff as a rule, the Indians expressed some interest in getting him but shied away from it due to what it would (probably) have cost them. And I, also, hate the Tigers less than I hate the Pistons. I loathe the White Sox, the Twins are kinda harmless and I feel bad for the Royals and their fans.

]]> By: Boney http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16296 Boney Mon, 05 Feb 2007 20:28:45 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16296 Fios, we shall see. I think putting someone as physically gifted as Sheff in a DH role, even at 39, is worth it. True, you do run the risk of him getting hurt, but by putting him on the bench every half inning you lessen that risk. I'd hardly call that ragtag group of guys in '05 the best, but if they were the best "statistically" then I guess they were the best. To be honest, as much as I love the Tigers, I don't really care who wins the Central as long as the Tigers make the playoffs... I don't mind the Indians, shit, I like the Indians more than I like the god damn Cavs... Fios, we shall see. I think putting someone as physically gifted as Sheff in a DH role, even at 39, is worth it. True, you do run the risk of him getting hurt, but by putting him on the bench every half inning you lessen that risk.

I’d hardly call that ragtag group of guys in ‘05 the best, but if they were the best “statistically” then I guess they were the best. To be honest, as much as I love the Tigers, I don’t really care who wins the Central as long as the Tigers make the playoffs… I don’t mind the Indians, shit, I like the Indians more than I like the god damn Cavs…

]]> By: Fios http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16277 Fios Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:12:21 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16277 The Indians bullpen has been suspect for the past few years? I assume you're also including the 2005 bullpen that was the best in the majors. To think that Sheffield carries a higher potential of an injury (note I never said he was injury-prone, those are your words) isn't totally unreasonable given his age. Look, I am not going to make the argument that the Tigers are bad, I think the AL Central is the toughest division in baseball right now. But to act as if the Indians success was an aberration ignores quite a bit. The Indians bullpen cost them 10-15 wins last season. They easily project out as a 90 win team next season. Curtis Granderson is not even close to Sizemore, it has nothing to do with experience, last season was Sizemore's second full season. And what does underachieving Westbrook mean? Posting at least 14 wins in three consecutive seasons is somehow negative? He's exactly what he should be, a consistent mid-rotation starter. As for Barfield, by couldn't find a position, I assume you meant to say started 138 games and posted the seventh-best fielding percentage among all second baseman and hit .280/.318/.423 with 13 homers in a pitchers' park. The Indians addressed a major hole with a very solid player. Is he a super star? Nope, but he doesn't need to be, he's a core player, a guy who can play that position for the next several years. The Indians bullpen has been suspect for the past few years? I assume you’re also including the 2005 bullpen that was the best in the majors. To think that Sheffield carries a higher potential of an injury (note I never said he was injury-prone, those are your words) isn’t totally unreasonable given his age.
Look, I am not going to make the argument that the Tigers are bad, I think the AL Central is the toughest division in baseball right now. But to act as if the Indians success was an aberration ignores quite a bit. The Indians bullpen cost them 10-15 wins last season. They easily project out as a 90 win team next season. Curtis Granderson is not even close to Sizemore, it has nothing to do with experience, last season was Sizemore’s second full season. And what does underachieving Westbrook mean? Posting at least 14 wins in three consecutive seasons is somehow negative? He’s exactly what he should be, a consistent mid-rotation starter.
As for Barfield, by couldn’t find a position, I assume you meant to say started 138 games and posted the seventh-best fielding percentage among all second baseman and hit .280/.318/.423 with 13 homers in a pitchers’ park. The Indians addressed a major hole with a very solid player. Is he a super star? Nope, but he doesn’t need to be, he’s a core player, a guy who can play that position for the next several years.

]]> By: The Cavalier http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16273 The Cavalier Mon, 05 Feb 2007 16:28:56 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16273 When he was but a small boy, the city of Cleveland mercilessly ran over Boney's dog. When he was but a small boy, the city of Cleveland mercilessly ran over Boney’s dog.

]]> By: Boney http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16269 Boney Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:40:09 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16269 You're right about Sizemore, I can't believe I overlooked him. I don't see where "a lot of things went right" for the Tigs last year. They won a lot of games last year based on their quality starting pitching and one of the best (if not the best) bullpens in baseball. To think that Sheffield is all of the sudden now "injury prone" is a mistake because of one season where he has ligament damage in his wrist. Detroit dominated the Yankees after Game 1, and they continued their domination against the A's who dominated the "mighty" Twins. Noone gave the Tigers a shot at all until after they bombed Zito in Game 1 of the ALCS... I highly doubt with your combination of an underachieving Jake Westbrook and *gasp* Paul Byrd in the rotation along with a bullpen that is suspect and pretty much has been for the last few years. I would say as a comparison between the 2 years where the 2005 Indians almost competed and then last year when the 2006 Tigers did actually compete that the Tigers were the more legit team of the 2. The Tigers have the manager, starters, bullpen, outfield, and a more consistent infield than the Indians do. Now DH? Can't compare, Hafner is the best in AL. All other positions I'd give the edge to the Tigers except CF and C, and that's only because Granderson is in his 2nd year and Pudge is fading fast. Besides, VMart doesn't even play C anymore since he can't defend the position properly... You're right though, the Indians should be tough so long as Cliff Lee has a solid year like he did in '05... but they need Sabathia to lose weight and stay healthy.... and Josh Barfield? He couldn't field his position in San Diego, why would he be any better in CLE? If he was such a "hot" prospect why would the Pads give him up for basically nothing? You’re right about Sizemore, I can’t believe I overlooked him. I don’t see where “a lot of things went right” for the Tigs last year. They won a lot of games last year based on their quality starting pitching and one of the best (if not the best) bullpens in baseball. To think that Sheffield is all of the sudden now “injury prone” is a mistake because of one season where he has ligament damage in his wrist. Detroit dominated the Yankees after Game 1, and they continued their domination against the A’s who dominated the “mighty” Twins. Noone gave the Tigers a shot at all until after they bombed Zito in Game 1 of the ALCS…

I highly doubt with your combination of an underachieving Jake Westbrook and *gasp* Paul Byrd in the rotation along with a bullpen that is suspect and pretty much has been for the last few years.

I would say as a comparison between the 2 years where the 2005 Indians almost competed and then last year when the 2006 Tigers did actually compete that the Tigers were the more legit team of the 2. The Tigers have the manager, starters, bullpen, outfield, and a more consistent infield than the Indians do. Now DH? Can’t compare, Hafner is the best in AL. All other positions I’d give the edge to the Tigers except CF and C, and that’s only because Granderson is in his 2nd year and Pudge is fading fast. Besides, VMart doesn’t even play C anymore since he can’t defend the position properly… You’re right though, the Indians should be tough so long as Cliff Lee has a solid year like he did in ‘05… but they need Sabathia to lose weight and stay healthy…. and Josh Barfield? He couldn’t field his position in San Diego, why would he be any better in CLE? If he was such a “hot” prospect why would the Pads give him up for basically nothing?

]]> By: Fios http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16267 Fios Mon, 05 Feb 2007 15:20:56 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16267 Yeah, Sizemore doesn't bring much to the table and picking up an extremely good second baseman in Barfield really doesn't add much either. Plus, the just Hafner and V. Mart combination sure didn't work last season when the Indians finished in the top five in runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. I can see your point there. The Indians problem wasn't their offense genius, it was the bullpen. Granted, I can't say the problem is solved but they've certainly taken steps to address it. The Tigers pitching is solid, no question there but the Indians had the 11th best staff ERA, which I recognize isn't a great measure. But LOTS of things went right for Detroit last season, including the Indians totally unexpected regression. The Tigers lineup plus a 39-year-old Sheffield (if he can stay healthy and that is a big if) doesn't address the problem that they strike out way too often and don't walk enough, Sheff (assuming he can also remain happy) will have an impact but not to the degree the Tigers need. Yeah, Sizemore doesn’t bring much to the table and picking up an extremely good second baseman in Barfield really doesn’t add much either. Plus, the just Hafner and V. Mart combination sure didn’t work last season when the Indians finished in the top five in runs scored, batting average, on-base percentage and slugging percentage. I can see your point there. The Indians problem wasn’t their offense genius, it was the bullpen. Granted, I can’t say the problem is solved but they’ve certainly taken steps to address it.
The Tigers pitching is solid, no question there but the Indians had the 11th best staff ERA, which I recognize isn’t a great measure. But LOTS of things went right for Detroit last season, including the Indians totally unexpected regression. The Tigers lineup plus a 39-year-old Sheffield (if he can stay healthy and that is a big if) doesn’t address the problem that they strike out way too often and don’t walk enough, Sheff (assuming he can also remain happy) will have an impact but not to the degree the Tigers need.

]]> By: Boney http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16262 Boney Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:36:13 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16262 I doubt the Indians are going to win the Central this year. You've got to have more than just Hafner and V. Mart... Plus with Verlander and Bonderman another year older and with Rogers throwing the slop, I doubt anyone's going to be able to stop the Tigers... especially with Sheffield in the lineup now. I doubt the Indians are going to win the Central this year. You’ve got to have more than just Hafner and V. Mart… Plus with Verlander and Bonderman another year older and with Rogers throwing the slop, I doubt anyone’s going to be able to stop the Tigers… especially with Sheffield in the lineup now.

]]> By: Fios http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16260 Fios Mon, 05 Feb 2007 14:20:35 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16260 Apathy is too watered-down for what I feel toward the Cavs, they've been pissing me off for some time now. It's gotten to the point that I just know when to change the channel, i.e. about midway through the third quarter on Sunday. I'm not a big fan of pointing any single aspect of a team's game and citing it as THE problem but the Cavs consistently pathetic free-throw shooting is indicative of the things that are wrong with the team. They are the worst team in the league at the stripe and that doesn't seem to bother them in the least. For a team that struggles to score consistently and plays with almost no cohesion on offense, that is inexcusable. Boney: The Indians are going to win the AL Central this year Apathy is too watered-down for what I feel toward the Cavs, they’ve been pissing me off for some time now. It’s gotten to the point that I just know when to change the channel, i.e. about midway through the third quarter on Sunday. I’m not a big fan of pointing any single aspect of a team’s game and citing it as THE problem but the Cavs consistently pathetic free-throw shooting is indicative of the things that are wrong with the team. They are the worst team in the league at the stripe and that doesn’t seem to bother them in the least. For a team that struggles to score consistently and plays with almost no cohesion on offense, that is inexcusable.
Boney: The Indians are going to win the AL Central this year

]]> By: The Cavalier http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html/comment-page-1#comment-16188 The Cavalier Sun, 04 Feb 2007 23:25:07 +0000 http://www.yaysports.com/nba/2007/02/the_pistons_are_in_cleveland.html#comment-16188 Have I been anything but critical of Lebron since the season started? I swear you don't even read this site! Have I been anything but critical of Lebron since the season started? I swear you don’t even read this site!

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