Thread: 2008-09 MLB Hot Stove

Originally Posted by Jimbo

You want Manny back in Cleveland ? Wow.



You just got a great pitcher, well maybe, I see the Yankees dumped Pavono on you guys, so you get to deal with his injuries daily.

Wouldn't it be quite ironic if the mid-market Indians sign Pavano for a mere $1 million (formerly making $40 million with the Yanks) and outperforms Sabathia who makes $1 Billion?!

I know that's a reach, but if Pavano can stay healthy, he's a very decent pitcher. He flashed those signs at the end of last year. Plus, the risk is well worth it. After all, he will be competing with 4-5 other guys for our 5th starting pitcher.

Originally Posted by HD MM

Wouldn't it be quite ironic if the mid-market Indians sign Pavano for a mere $1 million (formerly making $40 million with the Yanks) and outperforms Sabathia who makes $1 Billion?!

Although unlikely, I can't tell you how much I would enjoy that!!!

Originally Posted by Mets82

I guess you had a change in tune?

Not a channge of tune in my eyes. THAT was a comment taken out of frustration because he use to wear a Angels uniform....no big deal in my eyes. Mark Teixeria said all the nice things HE IS SUPPOSED to say after you sign a powerball lottery sized contract.

Originally Posted by HD MM

Wouldn't it be quite ironic if the mid-market Indians sign Pavano for a mere $1 million (formerly making $40 million with the Yanks) and outperforms Sabathia who makes $1 Billion?!

I know that's a reach, but if Pavano can stay healthy, he's a very decent pitcher. He flashed those signs at the end of last year. Plus, the risk is well worth it. After all, he will be competing with 4-5 other guys for our 5th starting pitcher.

One of the BIG digs against Pavano ...and from his teammates and coaches...is his desire to perform. He has a lackluster personal history which has somehow always seemed to seep into the clubhouse. Moose was a big anti-Pavano man and didn't hold back about it. Torre even publicly asked where Carl's fire and determination were.

Can the tiger change his stripes or the leopard his spots? All eyes are on the mound in Cleveland in '09.

Originally Posted by KCK_Halo

One of the BIG digs against Pavano ...and from his teammates and coaches...is his desire to perform. He has a lackluster personal history which has somehow always seemed to seep into the clubhouse. Moose was a big anti-Pavano man and didn't hold back about it. Torre even publicly asked where Carl's fire and determination were.

Can the tiger change his stripes or the leopard his spots? All eyes are on the mound in Cleveland in '09.

Oddly I've only heard those negative digs against him while he was in NY. Signing a $40 million contract and flaming out in the Big Apple certainly brought out the nasty critics. When he was wining 18 games with the Marlins, I didn't hear such things.

I now see the Indians starting rotation as this:

1. Cliff Lee
2. Fausto Carmona
3. Anthony Reyes
4. Aaron Laffey
5. Carl Pavano

*Remember, Jake Westbrook is on the DL until the All-Star Break with Tommy John surgery. He is a solid #2-#3 when healthy. If we can get a half a year out of Pavano to fill the void until Westy comes back, I'd be thrilled. I also expect Carmona to improve. His stuff in '07 was nasty good! (See the "Bug Game"). Suddenly this rotation isn't looking as average as we feared...

HD MM,

You're even more of a homer than me. That rotation scares the crap out of me! (I hope I'm wrong)

Cliff Lee had a career year last year. I expect his numbers to go back down to earth next year (12-14 Wins, 4.20 ERA 1.4 WHIP)

Reyes is unproven. In 2006 & 2007, (the years in which he pitched the most innings) his ERAs were 5.06 and 6.04. While he looked very good in his brief stint last year, I don't feel comfortable counting on him.

Laffey and Pavano (if healthy) are decent.....nothing more.

Carmona is the X factor. He has the stuff to be an ace, but can he harness it? Lets hope so.

The rotation isn't horrible, but I sure don't see it carrying the team. We're going to need big years from our bullpen and offense (I'm looking at you, Pronk!)

Originally Posted by Skyhi

HD MM,

You're even more of a homer than me. That rotation scares the crap out of me! (I hope I'm wrong)

Cliff Lee had a career year last year. I expect his numbers to go back down to earth next year (12-14 Wins, 4.20 ERA 1.4 WHIP)

Reyes is unproven. In 2006 & 2007, (the years in which he pitched the most innings) his ERAs were 5.06 and 6.04. While he looked very good in his brief stint last year, I don't feel comfortable counting on him.

Laffey and Pavano (if healthy) are decent.....nothing more.

Carmona is the X factor. He has the stuff to be an ace, but can he harness it? Lets hope so.

The rotation isn't horrible, but I sure don't see it carrying the team. We're going to need big years from our bullpen and offense (I'm looking at you, Pronk!)

I certainly don't think our starting pitching is our strength anymore, but I do think our deficiencies will be offset by the improved bullpen. I think the most important aspect is the closer position. If Kerry Wood can maintain that spot, we have Raffey Betancourt, Raffey Perez, Jenson Lewis then Wood to hold down the 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th.

Also, we were without V-Mart and Pronk for the majority of last year. If they come back strong and contribute as expected, I think we have reason to be optimistic in '09. Remember, last year after we traded Sabathia and Westbrook was injured, we were one of the hottest teams in Baseball.

Originally Posted by Skyhi

HD MM,

You're even more of a homer than me!!!

Understatement of the year!!!