The Indians Season is Officially Dunn

It is OVER! The Tribe traded away a veteran (Perez) for a prospect (insert name here) today. If this was not enough to make you think the Indians know this season has seen its best days, then consider this; nine runs given up in two innings. By the back end of the bullpen.

It was gut-check time after a tough loss in St. Louis. And we discovered what the hometown team was made of. And it ain't pretty. Do you think Wickman will ever make it back on the Byrd Christmas card list?

When do the Browns begin camp?

My Indians Fever Broke

Indians fever had me in its grip for a short period earlier in the season. It must have been the 24 hour variety. The fever broke and now I just feel cold, clammy and have a bad taste left in my mouth. In my moments of fever-induced delirium, I thought there was a chance the Indians pitching would be solid and they would produce timely hits. I also thought they could play at least .500 ball. Not so much. The Tribe really isn't a very good team.

What to do if you are suffering as I suffer? Take two aspirin and call me next April.

Who will lead the AL Central at the All-Star break?

I have Indians Fever after they took three-out-of-four from the White Sox. But I still don't know if they can get into first place by the halfway mark.

Take this poll and let me know what you think!

Why Terry Pluto is an excellent writer.

Cleveland sports fans are lucky we have Terry Pluto writing about our teams. I enjoy his writing; he obviously cares about his subjects, he researches thoroughly, he does not shy away from having a strong "voice" (call it point-of-view, if you prefer.) He is enjoyable to read because it appears he enjoys writing. Anyone who has written for a paycheck will tell you that writing is not always enjoyable.

He has a new book coming out, Dealing: The Cleveland Indians' New Ballgame. It is about the business side of professional baseball and a recent history of how the Indians try to compete, contend and rebuild all at the same time. Here is an excerpt.

Fathers Day is around the corner. If Dad is a fan of the Indians, Browns or good books in general, Terry Pluto has probably written a book he would enjoy receiving.

Excellent Short Film

I have not read "The DaVinci Code", nor do I intend to see the movie. But I am a fan of Norman Rockwell, anagrams, and Don Knotts. If you would like to see and very funny short film that combines all of the above elements check out "The Norman Rockwell Code".

Hy-Lar-Eee-Us!!

Sabathia Should Sue Team For Malpractice

C.C. Sabathia pitched a heck of a game yesterday. Too bad there were three errors committed behind him and he was tagged with a loss. Not only were there three errors, there was a notable lack of effort. Need I mention Johnny P. standing in the batter's box and looking at a ball skip back into fair territory? Gave up an EASY out in a game they could have won. What was he doing? Who is to blame for the Tribe's skid? And they call themselves professional baseball players. I'm peeved.

Are the NBA playoffs fixed?

As I saw Gilbert Arenas miss two foul shots after being absolutely unconscious all game the thought crossed my mind. "Is this thing rigged?" The next day I see LeBron interviewed and a clip of him saying something the Arenas just before the throws. Now Mr. James claims he was playing mind-games. Taunting him, saying the game was over if he missed. But just think about it. Maybe he said "Stern called. The Cavs are advancing this year. We get better TV numbers. AND I can sell a Chinese boatload of jerseys. Bloggers can't even spell your name."

All I'm saying is, it just seems odd that a guy would miss BOTH throws when he wasn't missing all night. And I think the NBA is rigged. That's all.

May 1 - Day Without Immigrants

I do not watch much television news. I did not see how the rallies were portrayed in the electronic media. But the AP story in my local paper read like a news release from the organizers. My general impression is that far fewer actually attended than predicted, the primary businesses harmed are those that employ illegals, and there seems to be an increased awareness of the crazy corner we have painted ourselves in by not enforcing the current immigration laws.

Any other observations? Perhaps any law enforcement types who know first hand about the enforcement part of the equation?

Do you cheer or boo??

Jim Thome returns to Jacobs Field for the first time since he lied and cheated on the Indians fans. Will the fans forget him saying "its not about the money" "she's my rock" That makes it tough - do you throw paper money like we did to Albert "Joey" Belle or rocks to show Thome what we think of his beloved wife?

Limber Joe - please look into your crystal ball and let me know what will happen? My guess is not much - isn't he DH'ing these days?

Many choices for the tube tonight

If you live in Cleveland you have a difficult decision ahead of you. Tonight the Indians start a series with Boston, Game 2 of the Playoffs for the Cavs and if you are a music lover like I am, American Idol starts at 8pm. The thing is with this year's American Idol, there have been many weeks on a Tuesday morning when I remember its on and then think its no big deal. I'm not sure why I feel this way - is it the genre's they have selected for the week? is it the fact that I don't have a clear favorite as I have had in the past? The crazy thing is everytime I feel this way I end up watching it and being entertained - especially by Taylor Hicks. I'm not sure what we will decide tonight. I guess this is where picture in picture in picture would come in handy - or there is always the commercial shuffle but I'm not sure my son can handle all the channel changing.

Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins recently released his newest single "Swing" on MLB.com I listened to it today and I think its pretty good. Here is the link - http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/fan_forum/swing/index.jsp

check it out and let me know what you think. One thing I do know it should not replace "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" during the 7th inning.

LeBron and The Cavs

I'm wondering how deep the Cavaliers will go in the playoffs. They looked pretty darn good in the first game. But I am only cautiously optimistic. I saw the Wine and Gold in one of the games they played without 23 and it was not entirely pretty. They pulled it out at the end. So maybe that should be my cue. They do what they have to do when they need to do it.

p.s. This post was a collaboration with Matthew K.

THAT's the Wickman we know and love!

Whew! Bob Wickman got the save and the Tribe de-throned the Royals 6-5. (OK, I know that the Royals are on an eleven game losing streak, so the only throne they occupied is porcelain.) Indians fans still like it because we needed to see a save. The last few games were not close in either direction. Ole' Bob always makes it interesting.

Baseball Clock

I love the baseball clock - can we get one in our house??

Torrid Tribe Triples Twins!

My beloved Wahoos won their fourth straight today! They blanked the Twins 3-0. Pronk went deep and the new guy got the W. The sun was shining and all is right in the world! Except it was fireworks night and the game ended with plenty of daylight to burn. Oh well, I was warm at home and basking in the glow of a good start under Eric Wedge's management. Since the team usually gains momentum in May...look out!

Can't Wait...

The Indians Home Opener is almost here. I like the fact that they took the series in Chicago. I like it when they take any series. The fact that it is April and the Sox seemed preoccupied by their new rings makes it even sweeter. I won't attend the game, but it still seems like a holiday.

In a way, it will resemble a holiday. My boy turns three years old on the same day as the opener. He LOVES baseball. (All sports, really.) So we will party like a bunch of pre-schoolers whether the Indians win or lose. Cake, toys, and Wiggles accessories. What a wonderful combination. And in case you think I am being ironic, I really do like the Wiggles. I feel fortunate I didn't have small children in the heyday of Rafffi and Barney.

My blood is boiling! Walking on the fighting side of me.

The immigration bills being considered in the House and Senate have been the buzz about the Internet and talk radio this week. I've kept a fairly moderate temperament about the whole thing. My main observation is this; if your first action upon entering a country is to break its laws, you are not really in a strong position to demand "rights" and lecture others about moral behavior. That, and Cardinal Mahoney is not my favorite churchman.

Then I stumble upon a picture of protesters raising the Mexican flag above an inverted American flag. That is too much for me. Just who in the HELL do these people think they are? I will admit that I am unusual in that from time to time I read the Flag Code and try to follow what it prescribes. But you needn't be a former Boy Scout to see there is something really wrong with what these people are trying to accomplish. Moreover, there is something doubly sinister in elected officials pandering to them in the hopes of returning to the majority party (or to appear "moderate").

The Baseball Season is upon us..

And I am going to predict how many games the Indians are going to win. I am going to go with 90 - 95. If I had to be pinned down on one number I'm going with 95. I think these kids are all going to have breakout years. As always injuries play a big part. Our bullpen is different but I think they will still hold steady. I am very excited what Shapiro and Dolan has done with the young kids and locking em up for the future. It reminds me of '95 when Hart was doing the same thing. I have goosebumps just thinking about it!! Can't wait for the 1st game!!

March Madness!!

#1 Ok - as I watch all the Division Tourney's this week and weekend the question I wonder outloud is this -- when a team is inbounding the ball, why does the defense waste a guy by putting a guy on the ball and not watching for where the ball goes or anticipates where the ball goes - that way they can possibly get a turnover because the offense can't inbound the ball. We did this many times in high school and I think its a good thing - why don't these over paid coaches do this?? Have I missed my calling??

#2 I understand the INDIANS want to make a little more cash this year - but their lack of planning is making me go gray. Will they hurry up their negotiations with my local cable company (who has already raised my rates by the way) and get the deal done so I can watch my team ASAP!!!!

#3 I am so done with germs and colds this season!!! I have had enough runny noses, coughs, and being puked on for one cold season.

Good luck in your brackets. Bartender can I have another???

Today's Soap Box

Two things I have read today have me sitting back and scratching my head.

1) The Bachelor and his girl are no longer together. I never watched this show closely because there was just something there that didn't seem believable. I know the show is edited for TV but I guess I have a hard time believing that a guy or girl is going to find the perfect mate in 8 weeks. I wonder if they like the free pass to date 15 people at once and not getting an slack for it.

2) Madonna's daughter asked if she was gay because she saw the footage of her kissing Brittany Spears. Madonna's response? I was passing on my super star powers. Oh - yea did I mention they play a game guess who is gay?? I hope my sons and I never play that game.