Another game at Goodyear Stadium and a win for the Indians 4-2 over the Reds. Today was a home game for the Indians with yesterday being the home game for the Reds. Each team has a seven full field complex with a huge indoor training facility. The teams share the main stadium for games. The teams mascots, Slider for the Indians, and Gapper for the Reds, had a friendly dance competition.
In my post game interview Manager Manny Acta said "Sandy Alomar deserves a great deal of credit for the catchers doing so much better at throwing out runners". Previously Cleveland was one of the worst. Today I observed Sandy working with the five catchers in camp for over an hour. They worked on their stance, blocking the ball, and getting rid of the ball quicker and more accurately. Alomar still looks to be in good enough shape to catch a few games himself.
I like the infield of JhonnyPeralta at third, Asdrubal Cabrera at short, Luis Valbuena at second, and right now it looks like Russell Branyon at first. Andy Marte hit a home run today and as much as I have complained about him the last two years, he really looks pretty sharp so I would not rule out Marte playing first base. I hope that Matt Laporta is given a position and can finally know where and if he is going to play.
Tim's tips for today....
Keep an eye on Grady Sizemore in the next few weeks as I spotted he and the head trainer and team doctor heading out to an isolated practice field early this morning. I followed them and observed Grady working at throwing with the doctor then looking and feeling his arm. This went on for over half an hour so I will keep an eye out and ask a few questions to see what is going on. This type of injury is usually "top secret" as they don't ever want to have early public knowledge of a potential injury to a team leader and star.
AAA batting leader from 2009 Jordan Brown had a pop in his knee yesterday as he ran an outfield drill and the report is a torn meniscus. Free agent pitcher Jason Grilli also has suffered, most likely, a season ending injury as he ran sprints yesterday.
Justin Masterson has more movement on his pitches than any pitcher I have ever seen. Standing behind the catcher as he pitches is an experiment of faith as you never know how the ball is going to break.
Michael Brantley has not looked too sharp yet while newcomer Nick Weglarz has had 4 hits in the first two games. Both are only 23 years old but are names that could become more familiar.
Manny Acta will not put up with mental errors as he stopped a drill today and lectured about looking like major leaguers and that if they want to earn big money they need to play like they know how to play the game right. He is a real "stickler" on basics and anticipating the next move. I like his attitude and appreciate the change in the team attitude.
Early and still undefeated and with each hour that passes, the Tribe looks just a little closer to a competitive team.
Chance of some Arizona showers on Sunday but hope to play the Rangers. Tuesday the plan is o head to Peoria (30 minutes away) to see the Tribe play Seattle Mariners who include Cliff Lee and Ryan Garko. Later next week we plan to take a day away from baseball and go to Sedona and take a ride on the "pink jeeps" which was a wonderful Christmas present from our children.
74 degrees with sun again today... the old bald head could use a cloudy day, but no complaints!
In my post game interview Manager Manny Acta said "Sandy Alomar deserves a great deal of credit for the catchers doing so much better at throwing out runners". Previously Cleveland was one of the worst. Today I observed Sandy working with the five catchers in camp for over an hour. They worked on their stance, blocking the ball, and getting rid of the ball quicker and more accurately. Alomar still looks to be in good enough shape to catch a few games himself.
I like the infield of JhonnyPeralta at third, Asdrubal Cabrera at short, Luis Valbuena at second, and right now it looks like Russell Branyon at first. Andy Marte hit a home run today and as much as I have complained about him the last two years, he really looks pretty sharp so I would not rule out Marte playing first base. I hope that Matt Laporta is given a position and can finally know where and if he is going to play.
Tim's tips for today....
Keep an eye on Grady Sizemore in the next few weeks as I spotted he and the head trainer and team doctor heading out to an isolated practice field early this morning. I followed them and observed Grady working at throwing with the doctor then looking and feeling his arm. This went on for over half an hour so I will keep an eye out and ask a few questions to see what is going on. This type of injury is usually "top secret" as they don't ever want to have early public knowledge of a potential injury to a team leader and star.
AAA batting leader from 2009 Jordan Brown had a pop in his knee yesterday as he ran an outfield drill and the report is a torn meniscus. Free agent pitcher Jason Grilli also has suffered, most likely, a season ending injury as he ran sprints yesterday.
Justin Masterson has more movement on his pitches than any pitcher I have ever seen. Standing behind the catcher as he pitches is an experiment of faith as you never know how the ball is going to break.
Michael Brantley has not looked too sharp yet while newcomer Nick Weglarz has had 4 hits in the first two games. Both are only 23 years old but are names that could become more familiar.
Manny Acta will not put up with mental errors as he stopped a drill today and lectured about looking like major leaguers and that if they want to earn big money they need to play like they know how to play the game right. He is a real "stickler" on basics and anticipating the next move. I like his attitude and appreciate the change in the team attitude.
Early and still undefeated and with each hour that passes, the Tribe looks just a little closer to a competitive team.
Chance of some Arizona showers on Sunday but hope to play the Rangers. Tuesday the plan is o head to Peoria (30 minutes away) to see the Tribe play Seattle Mariners who include Cliff Lee and Ryan Garko. Later next week we plan to take a day away from baseball and go to Sedona and take a ride on the "pink jeeps" which was a wonderful Christmas present from our children.
74 degrees with sun again today... the old bald head could use a cloudy day, but no complaints!
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