Short & Quick/July 20, '09

Short & Quick

Runs Scored
Runs scored is the most overrated stat in sports. Once on base, you are at the mercy of others to score. If you score 100 runs in a season, that’s considered outstanding. However, the bulk of the credit should go to the guys that follow you in the lineup. They are the ones that got the RBI.

The only exception to this rule involves the great disruptors in the game - led by Ricky 'the greatest of all-time' Henderson. Those type of players - which are rare -create scoring opportunities on their own once on base.


Hits Allowed
For several years now, when watching an Indians’ game on local television, the graphics package shown includes innings pitched, strike outs, walks and ERA when a reliever takes the hill. It’s missing one crucial element however - hits allowed.

Why this stat does not appear baffles me. It’s an extremely important stat to know when evaluating what kind of season the hurler in question is having. You would think by now someone would have pointed this fact out to those producing the broadcasts.

One More Time On Lee & Martinez
The morons who think the Indians will deal either Cliff Lee or Victor Martinez before this year’s trading deadline won't stop. There is absolutely no logic to such a move unless you get in return a minimum of two major league ready top prospects in return.

Dealing either player would be signaling a large white flag being hoisted in downtown Cleveland during the summer time for the foreseeable future. That move won’t sell any tickets heading into 2010 and it would be a PR nightmare. Yet, there are those in the media who are still openly speculation these players may get moved when discussing where the Garkos, Woods, Pavanos, Carrolls, etc... will end up.

One more time - If you deal Lee, you trade your ONLY current stable starting pitcher while Martinez has been arguably the team’s BEST PLAYER the past several years. The only other near untouchable is Sizemore. Unfortunately, those three are the only true “core players” this franchise has - contrary to what Mark Shapiro and company thought. Yes, Lee may get moved before the trading deadline in 2010, but that's a question for another day.

Zero In Return For CC
Speaking of deadline deals, its one year since the CC trade and still no ML impact has been made by anyone coming this way (to Cleveland) in return. That’s not good folks. The next time Shapiro thinks about trading a 20 game winner, I suggest he gets some ML ready talent in return. Which begs the question once again - Where is Matt LaPorta? He has absolutely nothing more to prove at AAA.

Urban Legend
No player is ever ruined by bringing him up early and letting him get his feet wet at the ML level. Check that - David Clyde, an 18-year old phenom was called up by the Rangers back in the 70s and it likely screwed him up. Google his name and read if you don't believe me. That's it - ONE GUY!

If the guy is in over his head, you simply send him back down and the next time he comes up, he'll know where the shitter is in the clubhouse. That's a good thing. And there's always the chance he's ready for the big-time the first time around. That's why the Indians' strategy of playing it safe with their top prospects at the all-star break and not calling anyone up is so baffling.

That is unless they know deep down they don't have any top prospects. No, that can't be - can it?


I Don't Get It Grant
Why in the world would Grant Hill resign with the Suns? I’m told he has a home in Phoenix and didn’t want to change addresses. Fine. No one thinks he should uproot his family and move to the Midwest and take part in January snow removal. However, at this point in his career, you would think he would want to play for a contender and try to get a ring before his ankles finally give out. Perhaps he hasn’t heard about six month condo leases that include furniture and all appliances.

Organization & The Soft Label
NFL camp opens in less than a week and there are two things I want to see from the Browns during the pre-season.

First, I want to see this team organized. I don’t want to see linebackers calling timeout because the wrong defensive package is on the field, nor do I want to see the quarterback burn two timeouts per half because they couldn’t get the play in on time.

Secondly, I want to see a much more physical team. Ever since the Browns' second act began in 1999, the Browns have been a relatively soft football team. Their defensive numbers over the years in terms of rushing yards allowed and their inability to pick up first downs on third and short are leading indicators of this concern. Being soft is especially a concern in this division, where you play the Steelers and Ravens twice a year – teams that revel in punching you in the mouth.

I have no problem with Mangini bringing in his players from the Jets if they help dramatically in these two areas.

Longer But Better?
I have not seen either wing player the Cavs have recently acquired play. Therefore, I have no comment. Getting to 66 wins is a long shot at best. It doesn’t really matter though. I’ll take 55+ wins and a healthy “Diesel” come playoff time instead. One thing is certain – the Cavs are now longer on the wings. That’s a good thing. The question remains - are they simply longer or longer and better? We know the “Diesel will help. We’ll have to wait how much help the other newcomers provide.