Steinbrenner got beginning, ending right
July, 13, 2010 Jul 134:55PM ETEmail Print Comments6 By Rob Neyer
I've been reluctant to write about George Steinbrenner today. I'm intimidated, just as so many of his employees were intimidated for so many years. Steinbrenner's personality -- not to mention his accomplishments -- seem so large as to crowd out some distant writer's quick summary. Some years ago, I wrote a biographical article about Steinbrenner that consisted solely of quotations, presented chronologically, without any attempt to link them with my own words. That's how big he was, and (in my mind, apparently) still is.
Instead of trying to summarize his 37 years as Yankees owner, let me instead focus on the beginning and the end, because frankly I think that's when George Steinbrenner did his best work. All that ugliness in the middle, including his suspensions -- during which, it might be said, the Yankees were best-ministered -- has been written about before and will be written about again, but perhaps today's not the day.
In 1973, anyone could have bought the Yankees for a song. But it was George Steinbrenner who cut a deal to purchase one of the world's greatest sports franchises for $8.8 million. Sure, it seems obvious now, just as drafting Albert Pujols in the 13th round seems obvious now. But if it was so obvious, why didn't someone else do it? Why didn't someone draft Albert Pujols in the 12th round? Why didn't somone offer CBS $9.8 million for the Yankees? Wouldn't that have been one of the great investments, ever?
So maybe it wasn't so obvious. Maybe George Steinbrenner, for whatever reason, was one of the few men able to see not only what the Yankees had been, but what they could be. That was 1973.
Steinbrenner was suspended in 1974. By the time of his reinstatement in 1976, the pieces were in place and the Yankees won four division titles, three American League pennants and two World Series in five years.
Steinbrenner was suspended again in 1990. By the time of his reinstatement in 1993, the pieces were in place and the Yankees would, in 1994, begin a brilliant run of success that hasn't let up and shows no signs of letting up.
It's not hard to conclude that the Yankees have always been best-served when Steinbrenner's hands were tied ... Or, as in the middle 1990s, when he chose to take a less active role.
Now, about the end. When it became clear that George Steinbrenner, though obviously a force of nature, might not live forever, thoughts naturally turned to King Lear and the perils of succession. Which son-in-law or daughter or son could possibly fill the Boss's gigantic loafers? Who could possibly drive the franchise the way he had driven it?
Nobody, perhaps. But perhaps that sort of driving isn't actually necessary. Perhaps unlimited financial resources combined with steady and intelligent management can accomplish just as much. More, perhaps. Whether George Steinbrenner understood this or not, the fact remains that as he made his slow and steady exit, he somehow left his beloved Yankees in the capable hands of his sons.
George Steinbrenner's been called a lot of things, over the years. But "Boss Lear" will never been one of them. He got the ending right.Share
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
University School revives Opening Day tradition
University School revives Opening Day tradition
By Pat Galbincea, The Plain Dealer
April 12, 2010, 9:00PM
US.jpgThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerUniversity School students enjoy the Indians home opener Monday at Progressive Field. From left are: Morgan Karon, Sandy Cohn, Spencer Krantz, Stefan Leonard and Eli Weisblat.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Even before the first pitch, the day was made for a group of first-graders taking in Monday's Indians home opener.
The traditional Opening Day pageantry of reds, whites and blues etched on the field of green is what the youngsters from University School will remember.
Jay Jarvis, 7, couldn't stop talking about the giant American flag carried onto the field.
"I loved that flag and the stars that were also there," said Jay, of Cleveland. "I thought I'd be happy just seeing Slider [the Indians mascot]. What I wonder is how they got that flag cut out."
The patriotic colors presented in a different form got to Nicholas Nordell, 7.
"I go crazy over balloons," said the Gates Mills resident, "and it was cool when they launched them."
Nicholas had a great perch from which to watch the balloons drift out of Progressive Field. The 15 pupils sat in Section 575, way up and out in left field, in the general direction the wind carried the balloons.
The first-graders were at the game in part as a revival of a University School tradition. From 1890 to 1926, the school was on Hough Avenue, on Cleveland's East Side. Nearby was League Park, where the Indians played.
Starting in 1909, the school closed on Opening Day to let students and teachers attend the game. The practice continued even after both the Indians and the school moved out of the neighborhood. The Indians went downtown, and the school headed for Shaker Heights. In 1969 -- the year before US added a campus in Hunting Valley for its older students -- the school changed its policy and required staffers and students to have game tickets to get the day off, said Dick Parke, a University School math teacher and graduate.
The trip to Progressive Field was folded into the integrated theme curriculum the all-male private school has in its lower grades, said teacher Diane Meister. The first grade's current theme is Cleveland, with a focus on how sports developed as the city grew.
The idea on Monday was to participate as the community came together for a common goal -- to cheer the home nine to victory, and to see that it takes a whole lot of workers to make a sports team successful.
It was the first field trip for the kids. "We didn't have to twist any arms for them to go," said teacher Madeline Yano.
They took the rapid transit to the game, and had several interesting experiences.
Those sitting in Row R had to scramble in the third inning when a fan behind them spilled his beer. Luckily, nobody got an unwanted baptism.
Student Spencer Krantz, of Pepper Pike, was chewing on nachos at the end of the first inning, and lost a baby tooth that he was quick to display. Could that have prompted another tradition Monday night -- a visit from the tooth fairy?
By Pat Galbincea, The Plain Dealer
April 12, 2010, 9:00PM
US.jpgThomas Ondrey, The Plain DealerUniversity School students enjoy the Indians home opener Monday at Progressive Field. From left are: Morgan Karon, Sandy Cohn, Spencer Krantz, Stefan Leonard and Eli Weisblat.CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Even before the first pitch, the day was made for a group of first-graders taking in Monday's Indians home opener.
The traditional Opening Day pageantry of reds, whites and blues etched on the field of green is what the youngsters from University School will remember.
Jay Jarvis, 7, couldn't stop talking about the giant American flag carried onto the field.
"I loved that flag and the stars that were also there," said Jay, of Cleveland. "I thought I'd be happy just seeing Slider [the Indians mascot]. What I wonder is how they got that flag cut out."
The patriotic colors presented in a different form got to Nicholas Nordell, 7.
"I go crazy over balloons," said the Gates Mills resident, "and it was cool when they launched them."
Nicholas had a great perch from which to watch the balloons drift out of Progressive Field. The 15 pupils sat in Section 575, way up and out in left field, in the general direction the wind carried the balloons.
The first-graders were at the game in part as a revival of a University School tradition. From 1890 to 1926, the school was on Hough Avenue, on Cleveland's East Side. Nearby was League Park, where the Indians played.
Starting in 1909, the school closed on Opening Day to let students and teachers attend the game. The practice continued even after both the Indians and the school moved out of the neighborhood. The Indians went downtown, and the school headed for Shaker Heights. In 1969 -- the year before US added a campus in Hunting Valley for its older students -- the school changed its policy and required staffers and students to have game tickets to get the day off, said Dick Parke, a University School math teacher and graduate.
The trip to Progressive Field was folded into the integrated theme curriculum the all-male private school has in its lower grades, said teacher Diane Meister. The first grade's current theme is Cleveland, with a focus on how sports developed as the city grew.
The idea on Monday was to participate as the community came together for a common goal -- to cheer the home nine to victory, and to see that it takes a whole lot of workers to make a sports team successful.
It was the first field trip for the kids. "We didn't have to twist any arms for them to go," said teacher Madeline Yano.
They took the rapid transit to the game, and had several interesting experiences.
Those sitting in Row R had to scramble in the third inning when a fan behind them spilled his beer. Luckily, nobody got an unwanted baptism.
Student Spencer Krantz, of Pepper Pike, was chewing on nachos at the end of the first inning, and lost a baby tooth that he was quick to display. Could that have prompted another tradition Monday night -- a visit from the tooth fairy?
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Pitching coach Belcher says Fausto Carmona deserves credit for strong start: Indians Insider
Pitching coach Belcher says Fausto Carmona deserves credit for strong start: Indians Insider
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
April 12, 2010, 10:29PM
Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer“In my first game, I was too quick [in the delivery]," said Fausto Carmona after Monday's game. "I know I’ve struggled against this team, so I tried to throw more strikes.” CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pitching coach Tim Belcher says he's an innocent bystander in a productive spring training and two good starts in the regular season by Fausto Carmona.
"To be honest with you, I stand behind Fausto when he's throwing his bullpens and count pitches," said Belcher. "When he's got good tempo, when he's got good mechanics as far as staying back over the rubber, I say, 'Good boy.' When he doesn't, I don't say anything.
"He's done a good job self-correcting himself. He's done most of it himself."
The Indians lost Monday's home opener to Texas, 4-2, in 10 innings. Carmona was not involved in the decision, pitching eight strong innings. He held the Rangers to two runs on five hits in 111 pitches. He did walk four, giving him 10 for the season, but he was the first Tribe starter to reach eight innings.
"I felt good today," said Carmona, 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA. "In my first game, I was too quick [in his delivery]. I know I've struggled against this team, so I tried to throw more strikes."
The Rangers are 6-2 against Carmona.
Out again: Grady Sizemore missed his second straight game with a stiff back Monday. The back tightened Sunday in Detroit while he was hitting in the cages.
It was a fast ball: Hall of Famer Bob Feller, the winningest pitcher in Indians history, threw out the first pitch to first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. Feller and the Indians were celebrating the 70th anniversary of his opening day no-hitter on April 16, 1940.
No dice: Indians went 0-3 in home openers in the first seven games of the season. They lost openers in Chicago and Detroit before losing their own.
Fast start: Catching prospect Carlos Santana finished his first week at Class AAA Columbus by winning the International League's Player of the Week Award. Santana, in his first four games, hit .438 with four homers and eight RBI.
More ice, please: Catcher Mike Redmond is not going to feel good on Tuesday morning. Redmond, Carmona's personal catcher, was hit above the left knee cap and right thigh on foul tips off the bat of catcher Taylor Teagarden in the fifth inning.
In the seventh inning, Teagarden hit him in the right shoulder with a foul tip.
"I told him, 'What did I ever do to you?'" said Redmond.
Wild pitches: When Manny Acta was asked before Monday's game about closer Chris Perez criticizing catcher Lou Marson for not stopping a wild pitch in the ninth inning Sunday against Detroit, Acta said, "My energy is focused on today's game, not comments from [Sunday]."
In Sunday's 9-8 loss, Perez wild-pitched the winning run home in the ninth.
Keep it short: When asked if Shin-Soo Choo forgot how many out there were when he took off from first on Travis Hafner's routine fly ball with one out in the third, Acta simply said, "Yes."
Homecoming: Former Indians first baseman Ryan Garko returned to Progressive Field for the first time since the Tribe dealt him to San Francisco last season. He pinch-hit in ninth inning with the bases loaded and popped up to second.
Since then Garko has been on the move, signing with Seattle in February before being claimed off waivers by Texas on April 1.
"It's good to be back," he said before Monday's opener. "I had a lot of great memories here. I loved it here. I played hard, felt I left it on the field, you know, but it'll be weird coming out of the other dugout, that's for sure."
Finally: Actor Corbin Bernsen, who, among other roles, played third baseman Roger Dorn in "Major League," will throw the ceremonial first pitch before Saturday's game against Chicago. He's in town producing a film to help save the financially struggling Soap Box Derby. ... After addressing a throng of reporters in his office after Monday home opener, Acta said, "I expect to see each and everyone of you back here Wednesday." There will be significantly fewer reporters and fans for Wednesday's game.
Staff writer Bill Lubinger contributed to this
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
April 12, 2010, 10:29PM
Chuck Crow / The Plain Dealer“In my first game, I was too quick [in the delivery]," said Fausto Carmona after Monday's game. "I know I’ve struggled against this team, so I tried to throw more strikes.” CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Pitching coach Tim Belcher says he's an innocent bystander in a productive spring training and two good starts in the regular season by Fausto Carmona.
"To be honest with you, I stand behind Fausto when he's throwing his bullpens and count pitches," said Belcher. "When he's got good tempo, when he's got good mechanics as far as staying back over the rubber, I say, 'Good boy.' When he doesn't, I don't say anything.
"He's done a good job self-correcting himself. He's done most of it himself."
The Indians lost Monday's home opener to Texas, 4-2, in 10 innings. Carmona was not involved in the decision, pitching eight strong innings. He held the Rangers to two runs on five hits in 111 pitches. He did walk four, giving him 10 for the season, but he was the first Tribe starter to reach eight innings.
"I felt good today," said Carmona, 1-0 with a 3.21 ERA. "In my first game, I was too quick [in his delivery]. I know I've struggled against this team, so I tried to throw more strikes."
The Rangers are 6-2 against Carmona.
Out again: Grady Sizemore missed his second straight game with a stiff back Monday. The back tightened Sunday in Detroit while he was hitting in the cages.
It was a fast ball: Hall of Famer Bob Feller, the winningest pitcher in Indians history, threw out the first pitch to first base coach Sandy Alomar Jr. Feller and the Indians were celebrating the 70th anniversary of his opening day no-hitter on April 16, 1940.
No dice: Indians went 0-3 in home openers in the first seven games of the season. They lost openers in Chicago and Detroit before losing their own.
Fast start: Catching prospect Carlos Santana finished his first week at Class AAA Columbus by winning the International League's Player of the Week Award. Santana, in his first four games, hit .438 with four homers and eight RBI.
More ice, please: Catcher Mike Redmond is not going to feel good on Tuesday morning. Redmond, Carmona's personal catcher, was hit above the left knee cap and right thigh on foul tips off the bat of catcher Taylor Teagarden in the fifth inning.
In the seventh inning, Teagarden hit him in the right shoulder with a foul tip.
"I told him, 'What did I ever do to you?'" said Redmond.
Wild pitches: When Manny Acta was asked before Monday's game about closer Chris Perez criticizing catcher Lou Marson for not stopping a wild pitch in the ninth inning Sunday against Detroit, Acta said, "My energy is focused on today's game, not comments from [Sunday]."
In Sunday's 9-8 loss, Perez wild-pitched the winning run home in the ninth.
Keep it short: When asked if Shin-Soo Choo forgot how many out there were when he took off from first on Travis Hafner's routine fly ball with one out in the third, Acta simply said, "Yes."
Homecoming: Former Indians first baseman Ryan Garko returned to Progressive Field for the first time since the Tribe dealt him to San Francisco last season. He pinch-hit in ninth inning with the bases loaded and popped up to second.
Since then Garko has been on the move, signing with Seattle in February before being claimed off waivers by Texas on April 1.
"It's good to be back," he said before Monday's opener. "I had a lot of great memories here. I loved it here. I played hard, felt I left it on the field, you know, but it'll be weird coming out of the other dugout, that's for sure."
Finally: Actor Corbin Bernsen, who, among other roles, played third baseman Roger Dorn in "Major League," will throw the ceremonial first pitch before Saturday's game against Chicago. He's in town producing a film to help save the financially struggling Soap Box Derby. ... After addressing a throng of reporters in his office after Monday home opener, Acta said, "I expect to see each and everyone of you back here Wednesday." There will be significantly fewer reporters and fans for Wednesday's game.
Staff writer Bill Lubinger contributed to this
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Manager Manny Acta inspires with action and words: Indians Insider
GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Manager Manny Acta threw a curveball to reporters Thursday when he said he was going to give his "Vincente Lombardo" speech to his players before the Indians first full-squad workout Friday.
Vincente Lombardo, translated, is a reference to football coaching legend Vince Lombardi.
"I just dropped that name on you guys," said Acta after Friday's workout. "I'm not a Vince Lombardi-type guy. I'm a John Wooden-type of guy. I've never met him personally, but coach Wooden has made the most impact on my career as a coach. I read his biography and a lot of other books."
Acta's said he's used Wooden's pyramid of success theory wherever he's won in the minors and winter ball.
"He believes good things happen to good people. It worked for him. You have to admire a guy who has lived the way he has lived. And a guy who had the patience to lose for 14 years in a row and then became the greatest [men's college basketball] coach ever in this country."
Wooden is the former UCLA basketball coach who won 10 NCAA championships.
The Indians have been picked to finish last or close to last in the AL Central this year. The Sporting News ranks them as the worst team in the big leagues. Acta touched on that in his speech.
"It's freedom of speech here," he said. "We respect all of your opinions, we just don't have to believe it. You have to be positive and believe you can do it."
Acta was a blur for most of practice. He sprinted from one field to the next. He hit grounders to infielders. At the end of one drill, he grabbed an empty bucket and sprinted to short left field to help coaches and players pick up baseballs.
It's safe to say no other Indians manager in the past 28 years has done that.
"I've always done that," said Acta. "I used to be an infield instructor and third base coach. I'm not going to stop instructing and [coaching] just because I'm manager."
The only thing Acta can't do is throw batting practice. He had surgery on his right shoulder in September, the result of throwing batting practice for 20 years. He could be back in the mound in a couple of months.
"I just don't like to be standing behind the batting cage," Acta said.
As for his speech, Indians outfielder/first baseman Matt LaPorta said, "It fired me up
Where do I fit? LaPorta, who worked out with the team Friday, says he tentatively will be able to play in Cactus League games starting March 10. He's recovering from surgery on his left big toe and left hip.
He'll keep taking grounders at first base, but once he gets on a running program, he'll gradually move to left field. He's still a man without a position, knocked loose of his moorings at first base by the acquisition of Russell Branyan.
"I can't worry about positions until I'm 100 percent healthy," LaPorta said.
Acta said LaPorta or Michael Brantley will bear the brunt of Branyan's presence with a probable trip to Class AAA Columbus.
"If Matt is healthy, he's going to get 500 at-bats somewhere," Acta said. "We've still got 40 days to go. Let's see what happens."
Old friend: Carlos Baerga, doing games for ESPN Deportes, stopped by the Indians' complex Friday.
"You might see me coaching next year," Baerga said.
Good tracking: Indians hitters looked, but didn't swing at the offerings from their pitching teammates Friday. They'll do the same thing today before starting to swing Sunday.
Hitters "track" pitches instead of swinging at them. Acta believes batters are at a disadvantage this early in camp and could fall into bad habits by swinging so early in camp. He did it last year with Washington.
Finally: Jeremy Sowers (left shoulder), who threw a bullpen session Friday, could get into a Cactus League game before the end of spring training. . . . Acta said second base is "Luis Valbuena's job to lose." . . . Brian Bixler, competing for a utility infielder's job, could get a look in center. The Pirates played him there last year.
Vincente Lombardo, translated, is a reference to football coaching legend Vince Lombardi.
"I just dropped that name on you guys," said Acta after Friday's workout. "I'm not a Vince Lombardi-type guy. I'm a John Wooden-type of guy. I've never met him personally, but coach Wooden has made the most impact on my career as a coach. I read his biography and a lot of other books."
Acta's said he's used Wooden's pyramid of success theory wherever he's won in the minors and winter ball.
"He believes good things happen to good people. It worked for him. You have to admire a guy who has lived the way he has lived. And a guy who had the patience to lose for 14 years in a row and then became the greatest [men's college basketball] coach ever in this country."
Wooden is the former UCLA basketball coach who won 10 NCAA championships.
The Indians have been picked to finish last or close to last in the AL Central this year. The Sporting News ranks them as the worst team in the big leagues. Acta touched on that in his speech.
"It's freedom of speech here," he said. "We respect all of your opinions, we just don't have to believe it. You have to be positive and believe you can do it."
Acta was a blur for most of practice. He sprinted from one field to the next. He hit grounders to infielders. At the end of one drill, he grabbed an empty bucket and sprinted to short left field to help coaches and players pick up baseballs.
It's safe to say no other Indians manager in the past 28 years has done that.
"I've always done that," said Acta. "I used to be an infield instructor and third base coach. I'm not going to stop instructing and [coaching] just because I'm manager."
The only thing Acta can't do is throw batting practice. He had surgery on his right shoulder in September, the result of throwing batting practice for 20 years. He could be back in the mound in a couple of months.
"I just don't like to be standing behind the batting cage," Acta said.
As for his speech, Indians outfielder/first baseman Matt LaPorta said, "It fired me up
Where do I fit? LaPorta, who worked out with the team Friday, says he tentatively will be able to play in Cactus League games starting March 10. He's recovering from surgery on his left big toe and left hip.
He'll keep taking grounders at first base, but once he gets on a running program, he'll gradually move to left field. He's still a man without a position, knocked loose of his moorings at first base by the acquisition of Russell Branyan.
"I can't worry about positions until I'm 100 percent healthy," LaPorta said.
Acta said LaPorta or Michael Brantley will bear the brunt of Branyan's presence with a probable trip to Class AAA Columbus.
"If Matt is healthy, he's going to get 500 at-bats somewhere," Acta said. "We've still got 40 days to go. Let's see what happens."
Old friend: Carlos Baerga, doing games for ESPN Deportes, stopped by the Indians' complex Friday.
"You might see me coaching next year," Baerga said.
Good tracking: Indians hitters looked, but didn't swing at the offerings from their pitching teammates Friday. They'll do the same thing today before starting to swing Sunday.
Hitters "track" pitches instead of swinging at them. Acta believes batters are at a disadvantage this early in camp and could fall into bad habits by swinging so early in camp. He did it last year with Washington.
Finally: Jeremy Sowers (left shoulder), who threw a bullpen session Friday, could get into a Cactus League game before the end of spring training. . . . Acta said second base is "Luis Valbuena's job to lose." . . . Brian Bixler, competing for a utility infielder's job, could get a look in center. The Pirates played him there last year.
Former Cleveland Indians pitcher Jim Bibby dead at 65
Former Cleveland Indians pitcher Jim Bibby dead at 65
By Plain Dealer staff
February 17, 2010, 5:00PM
UPDATED: 5 p.m.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hard-throwing right-hander Jim Bibby, who pitched for the Indians from 1975-77, died at age 65 on Tuesday night in Lynchburg, Va.
The cause was not disclosed. The family said a statement would be released later.
The 6-5 Bibby went 111-101 with a 3.76 earned run average for four teams in a major league career that began in 1972. The Indians traded Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry to the Texas Rangers for Bibby, pitchers Rick Waits and Jackie Brown and $100,000 on June 13, 1975.
Bibby compiled a 30-29 record in the next 2 1/2 seasons with the Indians, with four saves, a 3.36 ERA and 63 starts among his 95 appearances.
The way the Indians lost Bibby was symbolic of that era's financially-strapped Cleveland franchise. Bibby's 1977 contract with the Indians included a $10,000 bonus if he made at least 30 starts. He pitched in 37 games, making exactly 30 starts. The Indians failed to pay Bibby the money on time, and while the team was in spring training for the 1978 season, an arbitrator ruled that Bibby be declared a free agent.
Bibby signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He helped them win the 1979 World Series, going 12-4 with a 2.81 ERA, then posting a 2.08 ERA in three postseason starts -- including two in the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles -- although he wasn't credited with a decision.
Bibby pitched the first no-hitter in Rangers history, a 6-0 win over Oakland in 1973. He had a 19-19 record with Texas in 1974, and went 19-6 and made the National League all-star team with the Pirates in 1980.
Bibby's brother, Henry, 60, played nine seasons in the NBA.
By Plain Dealer staff
February 17, 2010, 5:00PM
UPDATED: 5 p.m.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Hard-throwing right-hander Jim Bibby, who pitched for the Indians from 1975-77, died at age 65 on Tuesday night in Lynchburg, Va.
The cause was not disclosed. The family said a statement would be released later.
The 6-5 Bibby went 111-101 with a 3.76 earned run average for four teams in a major league career that began in 1972. The Indians traded Hall of Fame pitcher Gaylord Perry to the Texas Rangers for Bibby, pitchers Rick Waits and Jackie Brown and $100,000 on June 13, 1975.
Bibby compiled a 30-29 record in the next 2 1/2 seasons with the Indians, with four saves, a 3.36 ERA and 63 starts among his 95 appearances.
The way the Indians lost Bibby was symbolic of that era's financially-strapped Cleveland franchise. Bibby's 1977 contract with the Indians included a $10,000 bonus if he made at least 30 starts. He pitched in 37 games, making exactly 30 starts. The Indians failed to pay Bibby the money on time, and while the team was in spring training for the 1978 season, an arbitrator ruled that Bibby be declared a free agent.
Bibby signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He helped them win the 1979 World Series, going 12-4 with a 2.81 ERA, then posting a 2.08 ERA in three postseason starts -- including two in the World Series against the Baltimore Orioles -- although he wasn't credited with a decision.
Bibby pitched the first no-hitter in Rangers history, a 6-0 win over Oakland in 1973. He had a 19-19 record with Texas in 1974, and went 19-6 and made the National League all-star team with the Pirates in 1980.
Bibby's brother, Henry, 60, played nine seasons in the NBA.
Former Cleveland Indians shortstop and manager George Strickland dies at 84
Former Cleveland Indians shortstop and manager George Strickland dies at 84
By Plain Dealer staff and wire reports
February 23, 2010, 3:33PM
ToppsIndians shortstop George Strickland's 1958 Topps baseball card.By Nakia Hogan
The Times-Picayune
George Strickland, the slick-fielding shortstop for the Indians in their historic 1954 season and a two-time interim manager for the team, died on Sunday at 84.
The Indians acquired Strickland in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 18, 1952. Playing in an era when the value of middle infielders was determined by their fielding and not their hitting, Strickland batted .233 with 22 home runs and 213 runs batted in for the Indians before he was released on Aug. 3, 1960.
For much of his time with the Indians, Strickland's glove ably backed the Indians' famed "Big Four" starting pitchers: Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Bob Lemon and Early Wynn, and all-star Mike Garcia.
Strickland played 112 games, batting .213 with six homers and 37 RBI, in 1954, when Cleveland set what was then an American League record for wins, finishing 111-43 before being swept in the World Series by the New York Giants.
Strickland was an Indians coach from 1963-69, usually stationed at third base. His first stint as Cleveland's interim manager began on April 2, 1964, one day after manager Birdie Tebbetts suffered a heart attack, and days before the start of the season. The Indians went 33-39 with Strickland at the helm, before Tebbetts returned on July 5.
Cleveland began the 1966 season 27-10, but had slumped to a 66-57 record when Tebbetts was dismissed as the manager on Aug. 19. Strickland took over, and Cleveland went 15-24 the rest of the way to finish 81-81. Strickland went back to his duties as the third base coach when Joe Adcock was hired as the manager.
Strickland, a New Orleans native who was a standout baseball player at S.J. Peters High School in the early 1940s and played two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans of the Southern Association, was one of that city's more celebrated players.
Nicknamed "Bo," Strickland was one of the more provocative speakers among a group of retired athletes in the New Orleans area who met once a week for lunch and some good-old-days conversation.
Strickland often was the life of the party.
"Everybody wanted to sit near George at those things," said local baseball historian Peter Barrouquere, a former Times-Picayune reporter. "He told the most amazing stories. When (Hall of Fame pitcher) Bob Lemon passed away, he kept us going for 3 1/2 hours with Bob Lemon stories. He had us in stitches."
Mel Parnell, a former All-Star pitcher with the Boston Red Sox and a high school teammate of Strickland, agreed.
"It was great getting together like that because we had a mixture of athletes," Parnell said. "We have baseball, football, basketball, a boxing referee and a race horse trainer. And we all talked about our profession. We would bring up stories about our playing days, which were interesting."
Strickland had much to talk about.
After graduating from high school, Strickland served in the Navy in 1944 and '45. He then spent five years in the minor leagues, including two seasons with the Pelicans, before making his major league debut in 1950.
Strickland made the Pirates in 1950, and including his time with them, he had a career batting average of .224 with 36 homers and 284 RBI.
By Plain Dealer staff and wire reports
February 23, 2010, 3:33PM
ToppsIndians shortstop George Strickland's 1958 Topps baseball card.By Nakia Hogan
The Times-Picayune
George Strickland, the slick-fielding shortstop for the Indians in their historic 1954 season and a two-time interim manager for the team, died on Sunday at 84.
The Indians acquired Strickland in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Aug. 18, 1952. Playing in an era when the value of middle infielders was determined by their fielding and not their hitting, Strickland batted .233 with 22 home runs and 213 runs batted in for the Indians before he was released on Aug. 3, 1960.
For much of his time with the Indians, Strickland's glove ably backed the Indians' famed "Big Four" starting pitchers: Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Bob Lemon and Early Wynn, and all-star Mike Garcia.
Strickland played 112 games, batting .213 with six homers and 37 RBI, in 1954, when Cleveland set what was then an American League record for wins, finishing 111-43 before being swept in the World Series by the New York Giants.
Strickland was an Indians coach from 1963-69, usually stationed at third base. His first stint as Cleveland's interim manager began on April 2, 1964, one day after manager Birdie Tebbetts suffered a heart attack, and days before the start of the season. The Indians went 33-39 with Strickland at the helm, before Tebbetts returned on July 5.
Cleveland began the 1966 season 27-10, but had slumped to a 66-57 record when Tebbetts was dismissed as the manager on Aug. 19. Strickland took over, and Cleveland went 15-24 the rest of the way to finish 81-81. Strickland went back to his duties as the third base coach when Joe Adcock was hired as the manager.
Strickland, a New Orleans native who was a standout baseball player at S.J. Peters High School in the early 1940s and played two seasons with the New Orleans Pelicans of the Southern Association, was one of that city's more celebrated players.
Nicknamed "Bo," Strickland was one of the more provocative speakers among a group of retired athletes in the New Orleans area who met once a week for lunch and some good-old-days conversation.
Strickland often was the life of the party.
"Everybody wanted to sit near George at those things," said local baseball historian Peter Barrouquere, a former Times-Picayune reporter. "He told the most amazing stories. When (Hall of Fame pitcher) Bob Lemon passed away, he kept us going for 3 1/2 hours with Bob Lemon stories. He had us in stitches."
Mel Parnell, a former All-Star pitcher with the Boston Red Sox and a high school teammate of Strickland, agreed.
"It was great getting together like that because we had a mixture of athletes," Parnell said. "We have baseball, football, basketball, a boxing referee and a race horse trainer. And we all talked about our profession. We would bring up stories about our playing days, which were interesting."
Strickland had much to talk about.
After graduating from high school, Strickland served in the Navy in 1944 and '45. He then spent five years in the minor leagues, including two seasons with the Pelicans, before making his major league debut in 1950.
Strickland made the Pirates in 1950, and including his time with them, he had a career batting average of .224 with 36 homers and 284 RBI.
Breaking down the big questions as the Cleveland Indians prepare for spring training: Analysis
Breaking down the big questions as the Cleveland Indians prepare for spring training: Analysis
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
February 20, 2010, 8:08PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Spring training is here. Where did the winter go?
There's still evidence of it on neighborhood streets and roofs, but in Goodyear, Ariz., a snowflake doesn't stand a chance. Maybe the winter has been hidden from view because of the frantic pace of the Indians' off-season maneuvering.
Excuse me, there was no maneuvering.
Seattle maneuvered. So did the Angels, Rangers, A's, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Orioles. The Twins were busy. The same with Detroit, the White Sox and Royals. The Pirates, Nationals, Reds, Astros, Giants and Diamondbacks had people coming and going at a rapid rate.
The Indians opted to strike it rich through a bevy of non-guaranteed, minor-league contracts. Maybe it will work in one or two instances, but it's not the recommended way to build a team.
Then again, the Indians say they're beyond the rebuild stage. The 162-game season, which begins April 5 in Chicago, will test a portion of that belief.
Right now new manager Manny Acta and his new coaching staff, starting Sunday, have six weeks -- 43 days, to be exact -- to discover the beginnings of what kind of team they have.
Every team, be they World Series champion or also-ran, enters a new season with unanswered questions or key issues to be resolved. Some of the answers will come in spring training. Others won't be determined until well into the season. Injuries, roster moves and a player's talent will take care of the rest.
Here are the key issues facing the Indians.
WHAT KIND OF MANAGER IS MANNY ACTA?
Best-case scenario: Acta is able to repeat the small miracle he worked with the Nationals in his rookie season of 2007 when he built a starting rotation from scratch. The Nationals, picked to lose 100 games, went 73-89 and finished fourth in the NL East.
The Indians have given Acta better arms to work than he had in 2007. He still needs to find the right mix.
Worst-case scenario: The Indians resemble the uninspired Nats that some scouts saw under Acta in 2008 and 2009.
What will probably happen: Acta, the first Tribe manager to actually manage somewhere else in the big leagues besides Cleveland since John McNamara in 1990, uses that experience to establish a pressure-free teaching environment where young players can take a deep breath and relax. How many games they win is another question all together.
WHO WILL BE IN THE STARTING ROTATION?
Best-case scenario: Jake Westbrook's right elbow stays sound and he assumes the No. 1 spot. Fausto Carmona gets his head out of the clouds, his feet back on the ground and has his first winning season since 2007. Justin Masterson proves he's more starter than reliever. David Huff makes it two years in a row with double-digit victories. Aaron Laffey throws more strikes and stays strong the whole season. Carlos Carrasco, Mitch Talbot, Jeremy Sowers and Hector Rondon provide a safety net.
Worst-case scenario: The direct opposite of the above.
What will probably happen: A couple of starters will do well. A couple won't. Consistency and innings pitched will be a problem. The pen, which pitched the third most innings last year in the AL, will once again be overworked.
WHAT SEVEN PITCHERS WILL BE IN THE BULLPEN?
Best-case scenario: Closer Kerry Wood and set-up men Chris Perez, Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp and Joe Smith win the first five jobs. Jensen Lewis, Jamey Wright, Jason Grilli, Mike Gosling, Saul Rivera, Jess Todd, Talbot and Sowers will be the main competitors for the last two spots. There will be more competition in the pen than anywhere else in camp, except for the race to the players' cafeteria for breakfast and lunch.
Worst-case scenario: GM Mark Shapiro gets a deal he can't refuse and trades Wood before opening day. The bullpen, without a pressure-tested closer, is in a state of flux all year.
What will probably happen: Wood will be traded by midseason so he doesn't finish 55 games on the Tribe's watch to vest his $11 million option for 2011. Chris Perez takes over as closer, but he needs time to make the transition. Rafael Perez and Smith have bounce-back seasons, while the revolving door on the pen spins for the second straight year.
WHO'S GOING TO CATCH?
Best-case scenario: Veteran backup Mike Redmond pairs with rookies Lou Marson or Wyatt Toregas to keep the position warm until Carlos Santana -- scheduled to play some Cactus League games after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand in winter ball -- arrives from Class AAA Columbus. This is the thinnest the Indians' catching position has been in years.
Worst-case scenario: Marson and Toregas can't handle the everyday job. Santana, meanwhile, stalls in his first year at Class AAA. That means Redmond, 38, has to catch more than anticipated, but as Acta said in January: "I don't worry about his age. He's fresh. When you back up Joe Mauer, you don't play that much."
What will probably happen: Whichever rookie wins the job out of spring training does a decent job with the staff, but doesn't hit much. Redmond gets a chance to earn some of his games-played performance bonuses. Santana makes his big-league debut, but his impact won't be felt until 2011.
WHO'S GOING TO PLAY LEFT FIELD?
Best-case scenario: Michael Brantley picks up where he left off in September with a great spring to win the job. He gives Acta a speed element to put at the bottom of the lineup and link with Grady Sizemore in the No.1 spot. Trevor Crowe will back up Brantley as the fourth outfielder.
Worst-case scenario: Brantley isn't quite ready and needs more time at Columbus. Left field rotates among Crowe, Austin Kearns and Matt LaPorta. Even Shelley Duncan and Jordan Brown get into the act.
What will probably happen: Brantley opens the season in left, struggles and gets optioned to Columbus. He returns and takes over the job.
CAN GRADY SIZEMORE AND MATT LAPORTA STAY HEALTHY?
Best-case scenario: Sizemore (left elbow, left groin) returns to his All-Star, Gold Glove form in center field. LaPorta (left big toe, left hip) establishes himself as an every-day first baseman with the ability to play left or right field.
Worst-case scenario: Sizemore and/or LaPorta break down in spring training and aren't ready for the regular season. Indians scramble to replace them.
What will probably happen: From all reports, Sizemore and LaPorta should have the green light in spring training. They'll be handled carefully, but should be ready to open the season. If not, the Indians' depth will be tested.
IS LUIS VALBUENA AN EVERYDAY SECOND BASEMAN?
Best-case scenario: Despite the Indians' efforts to sign veteran second baseman Orlando Hudson this winter, Valbuena shows he can hit left-handers (.205 last year), improves his on-base percentage (.298) and maintains his extra-base hit ability (38 extra-base hits out of 92 overall last year).
Worst-case scenario: The AL adjusts to Valbuena, but he doesn't adjust back. Hello sophomore jinx.
What will probably happen: Mark Grudzielanek, Brian Bixler, or one of the other utility infielders the Indians have signed will play second when Valbuena needs a break against a left-hander.
WHEN DO NICK HAGADONE AND JASON KNAPP GET TO THE BIG LEAGUES?
Best-case scenario: The left-handed Hagadone, 24, could be banging on the door of Progressive Field by the middle of the 2011 season if he gets through this season healthy and with no performance setbacks. Obtained in the Victor Martinez trade, he's 6-5, 230 and typically throws between 93-94 mph. He can touch 98 mph and is projected as a front-of-the-rotation starter or closer.
Knapp, 19, is coming off right shoulder surgery and it's going to take him longer. The top prospect in the Cliff Lee deal is 6-5, 215 and throws between 93-95 mph. The Indians think he can be a top starter or closer.
Hagadone and Knapp will probably start at Class A Kinston this year, but while Hagadone could progress quickly, Knapp will be on a slower track because of his age and injury. He's got a chance to be in Cleveland late in the 2012 season, but more likely sometime in 2013.
Worst-case scenario: Hagadone and Knapp turn into the second and third coming of Adam Miller.
What will probably happen: Perhaps one of the two gets to Cleveland and pitches well. If they both make it, and pitch to expectations, it will make the Martinez and Lee deals easier to live with.
By Paul Hoynes, The Plain Dealer
February 20, 2010, 8:08PM
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Spring training is here. Where did the winter go?
There's still evidence of it on neighborhood streets and roofs, but in Goodyear, Ariz., a snowflake doesn't stand a chance. Maybe the winter has been hidden from view because of the frantic pace of the Indians' off-season maneuvering.
Excuse me, there was no maneuvering.
Seattle maneuvered. So did the Angels, Rangers, A's, Red Sox, Blue Jays and Orioles. The Twins were busy. The same with Detroit, the White Sox and Royals. The Pirates, Nationals, Reds, Astros, Giants and Diamondbacks had people coming and going at a rapid rate.
The Indians opted to strike it rich through a bevy of non-guaranteed, minor-league contracts. Maybe it will work in one or two instances, but it's not the recommended way to build a team.
Then again, the Indians say they're beyond the rebuild stage. The 162-game season, which begins April 5 in Chicago, will test a portion of that belief.
Right now new manager Manny Acta and his new coaching staff, starting Sunday, have six weeks -- 43 days, to be exact -- to discover the beginnings of what kind of team they have.
Every team, be they World Series champion or also-ran, enters a new season with unanswered questions or key issues to be resolved. Some of the answers will come in spring training. Others won't be determined until well into the season. Injuries, roster moves and a player's talent will take care of the rest.
Here are the key issues facing the Indians.
WHAT KIND OF MANAGER IS MANNY ACTA?
Best-case scenario: Acta is able to repeat the small miracle he worked with the Nationals in his rookie season of 2007 when he built a starting rotation from scratch. The Nationals, picked to lose 100 games, went 73-89 and finished fourth in the NL East.
The Indians have given Acta better arms to work than he had in 2007. He still needs to find the right mix.
Worst-case scenario: The Indians resemble the uninspired Nats that some scouts saw under Acta in 2008 and 2009.
What will probably happen: Acta, the first Tribe manager to actually manage somewhere else in the big leagues besides Cleveland since John McNamara in 1990, uses that experience to establish a pressure-free teaching environment where young players can take a deep breath and relax. How many games they win is another question all together.
WHO WILL BE IN THE STARTING ROTATION?
Best-case scenario: Jake Westbrook's right elbow stays sound and he assumes the No. 1 spot. Fausto Carmona gets his head out of the clouds, his feet back on the ground and has his first winning season since 2007. Justin Masterson proves he's more starter than reliever. David Huff makes it two years in a row with double-digit victories. Aaron Laffey throws more strikes and stays strong the whole season. Carlos Carrasco, Mitch Talbot, Jeremy Sowers and Hector Rondon provide a safety net.
Worst-case scenario: The direct opposite of the above.
What will probably happen: A couple of starters will do well. A couple won't. Consistency and innings pitched will be a problem. The pen, which pitched the third most innings last year in the AL, will once again be overworked.
WHAT SEVEN PITCHERS WILL BE IN THE BULLPEN?
Best-case scenario: Closer Kerry Wood and set-up men Chris Perez, Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp and Joe Smith win the first five jobs. Jensen Lewis, Jamey Wright, Jason Grilli, Mike Gosling, Saul Rivera, Jess Todd, Talbot and Sowers will be the main competitors for the last two spots. There will be more competition in the pen than anywhere else in camp, except for the race to the players' cafeteria for breakfast and lunch.
Worst-case scenario: GM Mark Shapiro gets a deal he can't refuse and trades Wood before opening day. The bullpen, without a pressure-tested closer, is in a state of flux all year.
What will probably happen: Wood will be traded by midseason so he doesn't finish 55 games on the Tribe's watch to vest his $11 million option for 2011. Chris Perez takes over as closer, but he needs time to make the transition. Rafael Perez and Smith have bounce-back seasons, while the revolving door on the pen spins for the second straight year.
WHO'S GOING TO CATCH?
Best-case scenario: Veteran backup Mike Redmond pairs with rookies Lou Marson or Wyatt Toregas to keep the position warm until Carlos Santana -- scheduled to play some Cactus League games after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand in winter ball -- arrives from Class AAA Columbus. This is the thinnest the Indians' catching position has been in years.
Worst-case scenario: Marson and Toregas can't handle the everyday job. Santana, meanwhile, stalls in his first year at Class AAA. That means Redmond, 38, has to catch more than anticipated, but as Acta said in January: "I don't worry about his age. He's fresh. When you back up Joe Mauer, you don't play that much."
What will probably happen: Whichever rookie wins the job out of spring training does a decent job with the staff, but doesn't hit much. Redmond gets a chance to earn some of his games-played performance bonuses. Santana makes his big-league debut, but his impact won't be felt until 2011.
WHO'S GOING TO PLAY LEFT FIELD?
Best-case scenario: Michael Brantley picks up where he left off in September with a great spring to win the job. He gives Acta a speed element to put at the bottom of the lineup and link with Grady Sizemore in the No.1 spot. Trevor Crowe will back up Brantley as the fourth outfielder.
Worst-case scenario: Brantley isn't quite ready and needs more time at Columbus. Left field rotates among Crowe, Austin Kearns and Matt LaPorta. Even Shelley Duncan and Jordan Brown get into the act.
What will probably happen: Brantley opens the season in left, struggles and gets optioned to Columbus. He returns and takes over the job.
CAN GRADY SIZEMORE AND MATT LAPORTA STAY HEALTHY?
Best-case scenario: Sizemore (left elbow, left groin) returns to his All-Star, Gold Glove form in center field. LaPorta (left big toe, left hip) establishes himself as an every-day first baseman with the ability to play left or right field.
Worst-case scenario: Sizemore and/or LaPorta break down in spring training and aren't ready for the regular season. Indians scramble to replace them.
What will probably happen: From all reports, Sizemore and LaPorta should have the green light in spring training. They'll be handled carefully, but should be ready to open the season. If not, the Indians' depth will be tested.
IS LUIS VALBUENA AN EVERYDAY SECOND BASEMAN?
Best-case scenario: Despite the Indians' efforts to sign veteran second baseman Orlando Hudson this winter, Valbuena shows he can hit left-handers (.205 last year), improves his on-base percentage (.298) and maintains his extra-base hit ability (38 extra-base hits out of 92 overall last year).
Worst-case scenario: The AL adjusts to Valbuena, but he doesn't adjust back. Hello sophomore jinx.
What will probably happen: Mark Grudzielanek, Brian Bixler, or one of the other utility infielders the Indians have signed will play second when Valbuena needs a break against a left-hander.
WHEN DO NICK HAGADONE AND JASON KNAPP GET TO THE BIG LEAGUES?
Best-case scenario: The left-handed Hagadone, 24, could be banging on the door of Progressive Field by the middle of the 2011 season if he gets through this season healthy and with no performance setbacks. Obtained in the Victor Martinez trade, he's 6-5, 230 and typically throws between 93-94 mph. He can touch 98 mph and is projected as a front-of-the-rotation starter or closer.
Knapp, 19, is coming off right shoulder surgery and it's going to take him longer. The top prospect in the Cliff Lee deal is 6-5, 215 and throws between 93-95 mph. The Indians think he can be a top starter or closer.
Hagadone and Knapp will probably start at Class A Kinston this year, but while Hagadone could progress quickly, Knapp will be on a slower track because of his age and injury. He's got a chance to be in Cleveland late in the 2012 season, but more likely sometime in 2013.
Worst-case scenario: Hagadone and Knapp turn into the second and third coming of Adam Miller.
What will probably happen: Perhaps one of the two gets to Cleveland and pitches well. If they both make it, and pitch to expectations, it will make the Martinez and Lee deals easier to live with.
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