So what's the feeling on Giambi? Is he going to make it?

Benny The Jet;1402531 wrote:So what's the feeling on Giambi? Is he going to make it?

I hope not. Give the spot to someone who will be alive in ten years

From what I read, Francona REALLY likes his veteran presence. He was almost a managerial hire, and they feel he is a great help with the younger players. That said, I would prefer a guy that was more useful than just a DH/PH against right handed pitchers.

HitsRus;1402834 wrote:From what I read, Francona REALLY likes his veteran presence. He was almost a managerial hire, and they feel he is a great help with the younger players. That said, I would prefer a guy that was more useful than just a DH/PH against right handed pitchers.

The way Francona talks about him (like you mentioned) it's almost guaranteed he will be on the roster. He loves his presence.

I am really happy that we got Francona.

Sheldon Ocker, in today's Akron Beacon Journal, analyzes the competition for roster spots....and comes to this conclusion. After the every day players, there are 4 reserve spots open on the team, with 2 of them already belonging to Mike Aviles and Lou Marson. That leaves everybody else to battle for the two remaining spots. With Ryan Raburn knocking the ball all over the yard, most assuredly he has one of the spots. Terry Francona continues to gush over Jason Giambi....so it's hard to to believe that he won't make it.

Many of the other guys can be stashed at AAA, but one guy who can't is Zeke Carrera who is out of options....not sure about Matt Carson who, next to Raburn is also hitting the ball hard....batting over .300 with 3 HRs. I don't think either of those guys will slide thru waivers. Not that any of us will lose sleep over this, but Ben Francsico is also having a good spring, battig over .400. Is Jason Giambi and his limited fielding ability worth losing one of these guys for? I'm thinking that in the end, the Tribe deep thinkers will decide "no" despite Tito's man crush. He might be a guy to give a front office job to.

The other thing that concerns me is Yan Gomes who can be sent to AAA. But Gomes has looked impressive and shown he is willing to work hard, and Lou Marson well, is Lou Marson. Here is a situation where a trade might come in handy. Teams are always looking for extra catching...here's hoping the Tribe pulls the trigger and gets a decent prospect.

On the pitching side, it looks like Scott Kaczmir has won the #5 spot in the rotation behind Justin, Ubaldo, Brett and Zach. Carrasco will be sent to start the season at AAA. Dice K hasn't been bad, but looks to an odd man out.
Out in the pen, Cody Allen and Matt Capps seem logical candidates to join the BP Mafia of Perez, Pestano, and Smith. Hagadone and Albers are the favorites for the other 2 spots.

It's a nice problem to have. When you have depth and good competition, it's always a plus.

Here's something that most would not have foreseen...Rich Hill has been moved to the 40 man roster, clearing his way for him to break camp in the bullpen. To clear the spot, Blake Wood was placed on the 60 day DL. Hill, who underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2011, has not allowed an earned run this spring in 6 innings of work. Matt Capps is still non roster.

The Tribe, as expected optioned a number of players to AAA. Ben Francisco( who I noted in a post above was batting over .400) was given his unconditional release.

HitsRus;1404070 wrote:
The Tribe, as expected optioned a number of players to AAA. Ben Francisco( who I noted in a post above was batting over .400) was given his unconditional release.

And immediately picked up by the Yankees.

Kazmir 4 shutout innings today. Velocity was 89-93 with good command.

2nd hand info. I did not personally watch. Info was from some guy named Peter Gammons.

TBone14;1404080 wrote:Kazmir 4 shutout innings today. Velocity was 89-93 with good command.

2nd hand info. I did not personally watch. Info was from some guy named Peter Gammons.

I think they've found their 5th starter.

This is pure gold.

http://tribevibe.mlblogs.com/2013/03/13/harlem-shake-tribe-town-216-edition/

hangonsloopy;1405068 wrote:This is pure gold.

http://tribevibe.mlblogs.com/2013/03/13/harlem-shake-tribe-town-216-edition/

Hahahaha that's awesome

I'm so glad we hired Francona

ohiobucks1;1405220 wrote:I'm so glad we hired Francona

Reps

ohiobucks1;1405220 wrote:I'm so glad we hired Francona

I love our off-season, but that was the best move we made. By far.

This could be a fun team to watch...in more ways than one.

Zero substance in this thread lately...

Feel free to jump in....It's hard to keep talking to myself.

Mike McDade s having an impressive spring. He is among the team leaders in RBI's and hits, batting .400.... Difficult to see him making the team if Giambi is on the roster.

Meanwhile Zeke Carrera has dropped off the map. He is batting only .192. Carrera is out options.

Vinnie Pestano gave up two runs, and let an inherited runner score without recording an out as Team USA was eliminated at the WBC.

Cody Allen has officially been given a bullpen roster spot.

HitsRus;1405444 wrote:Feel free to jump in....It's hard to keep talking to myself.

Mike McDade s having an impressive spring. He is among the team leaders in RBI's and hits, batting .400.... Difficult to see him making the team if Giambi is on the roster.

Meanwhile Zeke Carrera has dropped off the map. He is batting only .192. Carrera is out options.

Reps for keeping thread going.

Commander of Awesome;1407120 wrote:Reps for keeping thread going.

No substance to this post....

wes_mantooth;1407128 wrote:No substance to this post....

True, just like a Laporta at bat.

HitsRus;1407114 wrote:Vinnie Pestano gave up two runs, and let an inherited runner score without recording an out as Team USA was eliminated at the WBC.

Cody Allen has officially been given a bullpen roster spot.

I saw this game. He definitely isn't commanding the strike zone this spring like we're used to seeing. He was all over the place. Hopefully he gets this straitened out. And Cody Allen making the roster is not surprising. He deserves it.

Carrasco went 5 innings last night giving up 2 hits 1 run 0 walks and 5 Ks. His best start this spring. Druby and Giambi went deep.