This team reminds me of the Indians of my youth.

[underdogfan]

I remember going down to Municipal stadium often when I was a kid. You could just decide in the morning that you wanted to go and just go. Getting a good seat was never a problem except for Opening Day (which we attended often). The teams always stunk. I remember guys like Joe Charboneau and Cory Snyder who were supposed to be superstars. I remember guys like Jerry Dybzinski(sp?) who only Cleveland fans could love. Jerry would get like 20 base hits a year, but he seemed to get most of them when my sister and I were there. She thought that if we could afford to go more often he would have been a Hall of Famer.

Now I see a lot of the same things in this current crop of players. I see Milton Bradley who will never be nearly as good as he thinks he is. And Ricky Guitierez(sp?) who never passes up an opportunity to hit into a double play and has the range of a catcher (which wouldn't be bad, except he plays second base). I see Charlie Nagy trying to pitch with no cartilledge in his arm. You gotta love his guts, but I think I could take him deep at this point.

What's next? Could a return of "Nickle Beer Night" be coming soon?

[PissedPrincess]

Isn't Bradley the STUD who hit a GS off Mariano? I think the Injuns have some decent young talent. Good Luck!

[Trots]

I hear you underdog. It's tough watching a team that used to be amongst the best fall so fast. However, many people seem to think the Indians have some top flight minor league talent on the way, so perhaps your guys will round into form more quickly than you think.

[underdogfan]

I hope these prospects they have picked up live up to their potential. That would be nice. But, I am actually getting nostalgic lately. That old stadium was a complete dump. Half of the time the toilets didn't even flush. And the smell was hard to describe. But, it just felt more like baseball than The Jake does.

By the way, the guy who hit that grand slam off of Rivera was the immortal Bill Selby. He is pretty much a career minor leaguer who was cut by the Dodgers (I'm pretty sure it was them anyway) last year and re-signed with the Indians. Even a blind squirrel finds an acorn once in a while.

[imgreat95]

I remember those Indians teams of the late 80s and early 90s... teams with Cory Snyder, Bud Black, Joe Carter... and even when Mike Hargrove was playing. The Indians have long been my 2nd favorite team. Which is odd from a Pittsburgh fan.

However, I be;lieev that this team is long from that team. In the past several months, the Indians have acquired no less than 19 top prospects from other teams. I think this will just be a down year before they rebound next season. Although, I still am upset about the Colon trade. I guess it will all depend on wehat they decide to do with Jim Thome after the season is over.

[underdogfan]

I hear ya IM...

But, I can't help but wonder if Larry Dolan can afford to own a contender. If and when these prospects do pan out, I have seen no evidence that Larry Dolan can or will step up to the plate and pay to keep them. I hope they don't turn into the Yankees farm team they were back in the days of Craig Nettles, etc.

[imgreat95]

I honestly believe that Dolan will step up when it is time to contend again. I have no idea what I am basing that on, aside from just a feeling that I have.

[underdogfan]

I hope you are right.

[Special_K19]

I have a feeling the Tribe will be alright. Call it a hunch, But I honestly think Thome will stay in Cleveland and take less money.

[imgreat95]

Originally posted by underdogfan
I hope you are right.


I usually am...:biggrin:

[Tigers#1]

Thome needs to be resigned IMO. He means way too much to that team, than the stats show. He's an excellent leader, he's not too old, and he puts up great numbers. He'd be a great guy to build around.

As for the prospects, i'm not sure how many of these guys will be franchise players, but there is a lot of depth on this organization now. That Colon trade added several future everyday players.