From Left Field

Kansas City 0, Cleveland 6

Friday, 29 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

FINALLY! I actually saw the Indians offense "of old" last night for the very first time this season. Actually, everything clicked for them last night: C.C. Sabathia pitched extremely well, the defense didn't commit an error, and the offense actually poked the ball through holes with runners on base. Could this game mark the beginning of the end for their offensive slump? They get two more games against the Royals before heading to that god-awful Metrodome.

u>where they stand
season record: 9-13 (.409)
division standing: 4th
games back: 6.5

Detroit 3, Cleveland 2

Thursday, 28 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

Yep, the mighty Detroit Tigres swept the Indians at the Jake. Give me a "P", give me an "A", give me a "T", give me an "H", give me an "E", give me a "T", give me an "I", give me a "C". What's it spell? PATHETIC! What's it spell? PATHETIC!! Go Tribe......

KC arrives tonight on their brooms.

where they stand
season record: 8-13 (.381)
division standing: 4th
games back: 7.5

Ivory-billed Woodpecker Found!!

This is seriously the best news I've received so far this year. It has been confirmed that the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, a bird declared extinct some 60 years ago, is clearly not extinct and living in Arkansas.

There are more stories out there than what I can report here. If you go to this Google news link you'll see a list of stories or you can just search on your own for "ivory-billed woodpecker".

Harder to find is the report by the woman, Mary Scott, who actually found the bird last year. This NPR article explains why they didn't release the news to the general public until now.

Detroit 10, Cleveland 3

Wednesday, 27 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

What the hell is wrong with this team? Why can't they hit? I understand a bad pitching outing--it happens to all good pitchers--but why can't the Indians score any runs? Seriously, what the hell is going on?

where they stand
season record: 8-12 (.400)
division standing: 4th
games back: 7.0

Fledgling Has Fledged

The fledgling stayed in the nest box all day being coaxed out by his or her parents. At 4:00 it was still peering out. At 4:30 it was on the ground and Lucy was being literally dive-bombed by Papa. She was also being scolded by a set of Goldfinches and a couple House Finches along with Mama from the overhead wire. Poor Lu! She honestly had no idea what was going on and had this "I've been bad?" look on her face. Just as she saw the reason for the alarm and started heading toward the defenseless little bird, I opened the door and screamed "LU!" which immediately diverted her attention and she came happily inside. I noticed that she was not only covered in mud, but a terribly offensive odor. Bath time, I thought. But there was still the issue of the little one out in the yard.

I was able to keep Lucy contained in the laundry room while I headed out to check on the little one. Large dark storm clouds were approaching as were strong winds and I thought to myself that I needed to get the bird tucked in safely before the storm. I picked up the bird and noticed that not only was it a lot drier than before but also feistier. So, I thought, I'd try out the test that rehabbers do with birds (especially raptors) to see if they can fly. While the bird clings to your finger, and keeping that as your only point of contact, you gently move the bird up and down. The bird will do one of three things. It will just sit there meaning it's not anywhere close to flying. It will spread its wings to take hold of the air, but will not release meaning that it's close to being ready to fly. Or it will spread its wings, take hold of the air, release its grip and fly away. Whether or not it gets very far will depend on its condition as well. So, guess which of the three options happened. Number 3! She started off, flying low and I thought she'd touch down, but no, she started to climb and climb and flew as high as tree limbs. I thought s/he was about to alight on a limb, but s/he kept on going, across the road, dodging a fence and landing in the field. I ran to see if I could find the little one, but didn't, so I got back inside just in time before large raindrops started to fall. It was just bliss holding that bird and then seeing her fly free. I can't express how incredibly moving it was, an object of grace flying from ones hand, hope unleashed and all of that.

The rains have eased up a bit, so I am hopeful that the little one is not drenched and has made it into the shelter of limbs with his/her siblings. I saw Papa just now at the feeder grabbing worms, so they must all be together. In a couple of days, we'll know the final tally of fledged birds. I have hope that those wings are strong enough to keep her safe. I'll write more once there is more to write :)

Fledging Crisis

I just looked outside my laundry room and saw a bluebird fledgling sitting on some patio stones in the pouring rain. I almost didn't notice her (or him) before letting Lucy outside, but since I know that the fledges must be leaving the nest box soon, I've been extra cautious before opening the door.

I went outside to verify that it was a bluebird and sure enough it was. Even if I wouldn't have been able to tell by looking at the bird, Mama was tisking me to high heaven. I didn't move the bird, but I did put some mealworms next to it and returned indoors.

Both Mama and Papa became interested in the worms and protecting their little one. At one point, Papa gathered 5 in his mouth at once and, completely ignoring his little one's gapping mouth, took off with them. This indicated to me that the other 4 birds were somewhere in the trees.

Like I said, it's raining here. Has been since yesterday. The bird looked drowned. I looked like a very concerned and conflicted human being. With all the options presented to me, how was I going to choose the best thing to do?

I don't know if I've done the best thing, but here's what I did. I watched the bird a little while longer and determined that he or she doesn't have tail feather development that lends itself to flying. This was borne out by the fact that he or she gave it a few college tries and couldn't get off the ground. It was then that I decided to return it to the nestbox in clear view of Mama and Papa so they would know where it was. This I did, and in doing so discovered an empty box which supports my hypothesis that the other birds are in the trees somewhere. This 5th bird must be the runt of the litter so to speak and needs another day to develop before venturing out. When I lifted the lid of the box, it very eagerly left my finger and hopped into its home. Before I went inside, I left another bunch of mealworms for the birds.

UPDATE: I just ventured outside again and saw my friend peering out of the box. Soon, Mama appeared and started her "clicking" at me. The bird is obviously wanted to leave the nest box, but I hope that it stays put for awhile longer. Will keep monitoring the situation and checking back in.

Seattle Series

I was in St. Louis this weekend taking in some Cardinals baseball and probably the best game I've ever seen. The chances that I'll once again be in the stands when a pitcher goes 10 innings without giving up a run are very, very slim. The weather was on the nippy side, but I'd rather that than it being on the hot and humid side. Sorry the picture is a bit dark, but it's the best of the lot. Notice the construction of Busch Stadium II in the background.

As far as Cleveland baseball is concerned, they took 2 of 3 games in Seattle. I haven't read one word about the games but know that C.C. got his first win and Belliard hit a 3-run HR in one of the games.

So, at the end of the weekend, here's where they stand:

season record: 8-11
division standing: 3rd (tied with Detroit)
games back: 7.0

Cleveland 5, LA Angels 6

Thursday, 21 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

Everywhere I look it's how Eric Wedge need a lot of patience. Well, I know that what I need is a weekend away from this awful team. Oh, and how fortuitous, I'm going to St. Louis this weekend to see a real team play the game.

where they stand
season record: 6-10
division standing: 3rd (tied w/Detroit)
games back: 6.0

Cleveland 0, LA Angels 2

Wednesday, 20 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

What more can I say about the team's awful offense? I'm absolutely speechless.

where they stand
season record: 6-9
division standing: 3rd (tied w/Detroit)
games back: 5.0

George and the Teddy Bear

I've stayed away from posting anything political lately. Partly this is because I don't feel the need to vent because I'm actually working on a political campaign for a Green Party candidate for Indiana Secretary of State. I'm also planning on helping to reinvigorate the Monroe County Greens. So, this pointed, directed action is helping me to take news in stride because I'm doing things to promote civil liberties, peace, justice and environmentalism. Plus, let's face it the right-wing radicals are just digging their own graves and at this point, it's getting downright laughable.

But the Bolton news is just a complete shocker to me. I think that I'm not the only one who was blind-sided by Senator Voinovich's crisis of conscience. As far as I could understand it, thanks to Democracy Now!, it was going to be up to Sen. Lugar (R-IN) to keep postponing a vote so that more information about Bolton could come to light making it impossible for even the most ardent Bushie to support that man. Voinovich is a very savvy politician, so there must be a larger agenda here--perhaps the first sign that the moderates (they look like liberals) in the party are going to attempt a coup? Is it the shot heard round the Party?

Cursor.org points out that Voinovich is already under attack by the right-wing radical group "Move America Forward". I checked out their website and this picture on their homepage is what prompted this post.

I laughed so hard that I almost peed my pants. Seriously, do they think that dressing up a teddy bear in an American flag constitutes an honest visual representation of America? How on earth can anyone take this group seriously when they have that image on their website? Their money will buy them plenty of time on Ohio airwaves to get the message across that they're gunning for one of Ohio's favorite sons. Yeah, that's smart. Go into your enemy's territory and vilify him.

Chins up progressives. There's a lot more to laugh at now than just The Daily Show.

UPDATE: You can view the committee meeting on C-Span's website. Voinovich starts talking around 1:16. RealPlayer will allow you to go to that spot and watch from there instead of having to sit through and hour of very boring senator jargon. It's not quite as described elsewhere, but very interesting. I'm still trying to figure out what Lugar was up to when he was pushing for a vote that he had to have known would deadlock the committee and sink the nomination. It took Chuck Hagel (R-NE) to request a delay in voting in order for Lugar to agree. Either Lugar was trying to kill it outright while appearing to back the nominee by declaring many times that he was going to vote for him or he was trying to kill it because he knows or suspects that once investigations reveal the full extent of Bolton's misconduct he'll end up being prosecuted.

Cleveland 5, Kansas City 6

Tuesday, 19 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

As I predicted yesterday the game was indeed one of attrition. Between the two teams, they left 24 runners on base. Both teams left loaded bases twice. I think my "favorite" moment was when Victor Martinez, with bases loaded, 1 out and a 3-0 count managed to strikeout on the next 3 pitches. Seriously, this team needs an overhaul. So do the Royals, for that matter, but everyone knew that going into the season. No one predicted such abysmal performances at the plate from Indians especially after they lead the Grapefruit League in offense.

On a happy note, the defense seems to be turning a corner.

On a happier note, the bullpen didn't get overworked in the game since Arthur Rhodes allowed Castillo to homer in the 9th to end the game. I was worried that there wouldn't be enough arms to manage the 2-game series against the Anaheim, er I mean Orange County, er I mean Los Angeles, er I mean........the Angels.

where they stand
season record: 6-8
division standing: 3rd (tied w/Detroit)
games back: 4.0

Another Spring Arrival

I just spotted a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird at the feeder. I quickly replaced the nectar with fresh even though what was out there was only a day old. I just figure it's the least I can do for a bird who has recently travelled up from the Gulf of Mexico!

The bluebirds appear to be just fine. I checked on them yesterday and they are huge now. I can't quite describe the experience of seeing them go from such tiny nestlings into fledglings in less than two weeks. I'm hoping that they fledge on Friday so I'll get to see it. Otherwise, we'll be out of town. While we're gone, their mealworm supply will dry up. I think that it's alright if they fledge and we're not here to give worms since Mama and Papa will be busy teaching them how to catch insects. They won't leave the cover of the trees for a few days anyway.

I'm still wondering what bird the Cooper's Hawk caught two days ago. I am still having a hard time believing that it was a Crow, but I do see them out in that area of the yard. But Grackles are out there, too. And could a Cooper's take down a Crow? They are very large birds.

The pair of Tree Swallows continue to claim the box although they have yet to start building a nest. I'm getting a little frustrated with them; I sure would like to see some efforts being made on their part. I mean, the bluebirds will already have fledged 5 little ones by the time the tree swallows get their act together to nest-build and mate.

Cleveland 5, Kansas City 1

Monday, 18 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

I missed a lot of the game, so I don't have many comments about it. What I saw of Cliff Lee was impressive; he pitched 7 innings posting a 0.00 ERA with 2 hits and 2 walks. His ball-strike ratio of 39-65 wasn't the best, and I think that he's going to have to improve that when they play better teams. I believe that he managed to strike out 5 and keep the Royals scoreless to a big extent because their offense was very shaky.

Bullpen pitching was cursed by the announcers who kept pointing out that Betancourt hadn't allowed a hit in 9 innings pitched. So, of course the Royals were destined to get at least one run off him. Fortunately, it was just that one run. Hey, have I mentioned how great it is not having Scott Stewart, Jose Jimenez and Rick White in the bullpen this year? By this time last year, the bullpen had already blown 4 saves and their ERA was hovering close to 8.00. Of course, the Tribe offense was actually scoring runs and creating save situations for the bullpen to blow. This year, the offense is terrible and the bullpen is great. Go figure.

They play the Royals again today and have a chance to get their record to .500 something that was ever elusive last year as you may or may not recall. The Royals don't have much going offensively this year either, so it may be a long slow battle of attrition this afternoon. It's not being broadcast on TV, so I'll be tuning into the WTAM broadcast.

where they stand
season record: 6-7
division standing: 3rd (tied w/Detroit)
games back: 3.0

Another Vision of....Spring?

A Red-headed Woodpecker was just dining at one of the suet feeders. I haven't seen their kind since early autumn. As I understand it, they left the area because it was devoid of nuts. The cicadas damaged the nut-bearing trees so that they didn't produce them this year. Since they are the main staple in the Red-headed Woodpecker's diet, they found areas that were not affected by the cicadas.

I'm still waiting to see my first Ruby-throated Hummingbird. There have been reports of the birds in Bloomington, so I'm sure I'll be seeing them soon.

Warblers should be coming through the area soon as well. This year I should make more of an effort to see them.

Another Color of Spring Is....Indigo

I just spotted a male Indigo Bunting at the thistle feeder. His blue feathers were all the more brilliant surrounded by the yellow of the American Goldfinches.

I think that the Dark-eyed Juncos have travelled north to find nesting grounds. There were a couple of Purple Finchs still hanging around this weekend, but other than that I've seen all the usual summer companions. We're inundated with Chipping Sparrows who are just adorable (and relatively fearless) little birds. I spotted a Brown Thrasher in some undergrowth yesterday. Red-Winged Blackbirds are abundant and even if you can't see them, you sure can hear them! I've seen masses of Brown-headed Cowbirds, who are undoubtedly on the lookout for vacant nests to deposit their parasitic eggs for an unsuspecting bird to raise. I saw 9 Blue Jays stocking up on cracked corn yesterday, so they must be raising little ones. Oh, and there was the Eastern Phoebe hawking yesterday.

As if on cue, I just witnessed a Cooper's Hawk take down what looked like an American Crow. There was a good deal of flapping, but the Cooper's soon got the bird in its talons and killed it. While standing on the bird, it began to eat it. I managed to get out onto the deck with my binoculars and watched it eat part of the bird, then give a couple of warning "caks!", then fly off with the dead bird in its talons. Again, I'm not sure if it was indeed a crow. It could have been a Common Grackle, but I don't think so because it was too large for one. I suspect that for a Cooper's to go after such a large target, she (or he) has a couple of mouths to feed.

Bird Notes

Everyone seems to be doing just fine in the natural world. I checked the bluebirds and they have really grown lately. They have their pin-feathers now and already look to be needing more real estate. I don't know how those five birds are going to fit in there another week. Mama and Papa are still feeding them copious amounts of worms. For the past few days, they've been feeding them whole worms. When Papa swings by the feeder, he takes up 3-4 worms in his beak, flies to the deck hook, beats the worms senseless and then takes them into the nest box. Mama does the same, but usually only carries one with her.

The Tree Swallows have been the only birds around the old nestbox for the last two days. Hooray! The wicked Weaver Finch is gone. For now. I remain ever watchful. I'll have to check the box today to see if they've begun to build a nest. I should know before I even open the box; they should swoop me if there's a nest in there and leave me alone if there isn't.

Minnesota 1, Cleveland 2

Sunday, 17 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

What a wonder: the Indians don't so much win the game as the Twins lost it. J.C. Romero, a Twins setup guy plunked Pronk thereby walking in the go-ahead run. All it took was a little Wickman magic in the 9th and the game was over.

C.C. Sabathia left the game when it was tied, so he didn't get the win (Howry did). He pitched very well, getting ahead in most counts and putting together pitching sequences that kept Twins batters guessing.

Tribe hitters continue to struggle at the plate, but there are signs of hope. Aaron Boone broke out of his 0-11 hitless streak and Ronnie Belliard went yard for the first time this year.

I feel that picking up Jose Hernandez and Alex Cora were two of the best moves that management has made in the last few offseasons. Both defensively and, to a lesser extent, offensively these guys have been solid. I think that having them will really, really help the team this year. At this point, they're probably scratching their heads over how they're to do that when the rest of the team seems determined to lose games :)

where they stand
season record: 5-7
division standing: 3rd (tied w/Tigres)
games back: 3.0

Minnesota 6, Cleveland 4

Saturday 16 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

I cannot begin to relate my absolute frustration with this team right now. I know, I know it's early. But they are playing division teams right now and this is a golden opportunity to take games away from teams that really count. Looks like they'll be battling from behind all season again this year. I just wonder how far back they'll get before this is over.

Looks like Matt Miller is shuffling off to Buffalo to make room for C.C. Sabathia. He is not at all happy with this turn of events. I feel the same. I think that the bullpen has been the only solid part of the team and I hate to see someone who has pitched well go. Jason Davis is supposed to be the next great reliever/closer/even starter, but I say that they should send him down to get more experience. He was too young to hit the bigs last year as was evident when he'd get behind in the count and just try throwing hard instead of pitching his way out of jams. And he ended up in a lot of jams. I have a feeling that we're going to need lots of relief over the next month or so because the starting pitching just doesn't seem up to speed yet. And I'd sure like to have Matt Miller on the mound facing 1 out, 2 runners on, up by 1 run instead of Jason "blow 'em away" Davis.

where they stand
season record: 4-7
division standing: well, depends on how you look at it. Two teams are tied for first, the other three sit 4 games back. So, they are either tied for 3rd or tied for last place.
games back: 4.0

Minnesota 3, Cleveland 2

Friday, 15 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

The game was not much different from the others so far this year: another close game, another loss, more defensive errors, more quiet bats, more serviceable starting pitching, more great bullpen work.

Victor managed to hit a solo homer which is a small pattern itself since it's happened two games in a row.

Coco's hair gets longer with every game. He looks like he belongs in a '70s band like Sly and the Family Stone.

where they stand
season record: 4-6
division standing: 3rd (tied w/KC)
games back: 3.0

Bird Report

I wasn't home yesterday (perhaps I'll explain why in a separate post), so didn't noticed the goings-on around here. Today, I can happily report that the bluebirds are doing just fine. Five birds are still tucked in the nest and are rapidly growing a good deal of fuzz on their bodies. Mama and Papa continue to supplement the little ones' diet with mealworms. As long as they do this, we'll continue to put out extra for them.

The Tree Swallows have returned, so I'm guessing that the rain put a damper on their nest-building plans. Good thing I killed that female Weaver Finch (the correct name for House Sparrow) because now the male is out there looking for a new mate and a new nesting spot. If I see him around, I'll do my best to dispose of him, of course. I know that they kill both swallow nestlings and adults, so I'd like to kill him before he has the chance to do so.

Chicago WS 8, Cleveland 6

Thursday, 14 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

I missed the first 4 innings, but was able to catch the rest of the game. I'm wondering the following:

• Is Victor Martinez going to start producing offensively now that he's hit his first homer of the season? His average stands at a measly .188. He's struck out 6 times, driven in 4 runs and has crossed home plate himself 4 times. Keeping in mind the homerun, he's responsible for getting 3 of his teammates across home. He hits 4th in the lineup. Cleanup. What exactly is he cleaning up? For a guy with Jesus in his name, he sure isn't blessed at the plate so far this season.


• When is the defense going to lift itself from the cellar? I think that their woes at getting some easy outs is a current clubhouse cancer and everyone is affected. The errors are putting strain on the pitching staff who routinely have to face extra batters and get 4 outs in an inning. So far they haven't suffered too badly, but it will start to wear on them.


• Who from the pen will shuffle off to Buffalo when C.C. Sabathia makes his '05 debut on Sunday? I'm not even going to venture a guess here. Even if I had Wedgie's phone number, I don't think I'd know who they are going to cut. What worries me the most is that the bullpen has been pitching some spectacular games. But this whole time, they've known that they are in precarious spots (except for David Riske, Arthur Rhodes and Bob Wickman). In essence, they've been in extended spring training waiting for the last cut. Once the decision is made, will they relax and start blowing games again?


• When is Juan Gone returning? Er, not really "returning" exactly, more like showing up? I haven't read Indians press yet today, so there might be news.


• How will they fare against the Twins this weekend? Fortunately they are playing at the Jake not that awful Metrodome. But will home field advantage be enough for a couple of wins? 2004 Cy Young winner Johan Santana who is 2-0 takes the mound tonight against Jake Westbrook who is 0-2.

where they stand
season record: 4-5
division standing: 3rd
games back: 2.0

Despite Rain, Nestlings Warm and Dry

I just checked the nest box and counted five safe, dry and warm birds. We have had a good deal of rain for the last two days and it looks like today won't bring anything different. I've been leaving extra mealworms out for Mama and Papa because it's hard for them to find insects in this weather. They have taken advantage of my generosity. I see them stopping by throughout the day, eating a couple, taking one, digesting that on the wire near the box and then feeding the little ones.

On a disappointing note, I haven't see the Tree Swallows around the past two days. Perhaps it is the weather? I don't know enough about the species to understand what's happened. I do know that the damn House Sparrows have "reclaimed" the nest box despite nesting materials left by the swallows. I saw the swallows chase the sparrows away three days ago, so I hope that there wasn't retaliatory action taken by those awful birds. I was able to trap and kill the female yesterday and I'll be attempting to do the same with the male today, but it'll be harder because he doesn't stay in the box long enough for me to get out there and trap him.

If you're curious as to how I did my trapping/killing yesterday, read on. If you don't believe in such active controls on a non-native species which reeks havoc on the environment, stop now.

I fashioned a trap from a 15 oz can by removing the top and bottom and rubber-banding a plastic bag to one end. I snuck up on the nest while I knew the female was in it. I placed the can over the hole and shook the nest a bit. I heard her in there, but she wasn't about to come out into my trap. So, I removed the whole nest box, leaving the can over the hole and brought it inside. I placed the box in a large plastic kitchen trash bag and removed the can trap. Then I reached into the bag with a smaller plastic bag on my hand, opened the trap and grabbed the bird. I slipped her into the bag and secured it with a twist tie. I went outside and smacked it against our walnut tree. There was no blood, no trauma and it wasn't at all inhumane (or inbird, for that matter).

Like I said, I'll be attempting the same on the male. As I type, he's sitting on that nest box looking like a pest. Meanwhile, the bluebirds continue to care for their brood as do all the other species of bird who have nests somewhere nearby.

As a final note, I heard a Whip-poor-will calling last night for the first time this spring. I have a hummingbird feeder outside because they've been spied in the area, but so far no little birds. I did come across this interesting "house" for hummingbirds that looks perfect for them. Unfortunately we don't have an appropriate roof for it.

A Day Off

Thankfully, the Indians are not playing today. I am able to take a breath and assess if my disappointment in the beginning of the season is justified. I know that Paul is frustrated with my apparent lack of perspective ("we've only seen one week"). I understand this, I really do. It's precisely what I have said to others. So why do I feel as I do?

Each year brings with it a fresh start, but it also comes as an extension of years past. Unless they come out of the gates smacking home runs, shutting down opponents bats and making amazing defensive plays, it's hard to not see their defects writ large and to see how over the long haul those defects will keep them from contending (or winning in the playoffs) again. I've been there through some amazingly difficult losses and that heartbreak just doesn't go away. It's like having a relationship with someone and they betray your trust just once. A line is crossed, your heart is broken, you never go back to where you were before it happened. Oftentimes in human relationships, events where you cross that line end up being the death knoll. In sports, its different. You love them, but you can let them go. Or you love them, but you steel yourself from really believing in your team. Or you love them and you just keep getting bruises and flowers, bruises and flowers, again and again again. There is a psychological suffering that is obvious for an outsider, but hard to describe and understand unless you've really experienced it.

In any case, I don't think that I'm the only one gripping my head and moaning when I see quiet bats and amazingly stupid fielding errors. I can forgive as well as the next girl, but those things add up so that each compounds into a large sum. Here's a question for the Indians beat writer Justice B. Hill that could have come from me and many more fans:

The title of Terry Pluto's latest, "Indians Faithful Begging to Believe" is another expression of how Indians fans feel right now. The article, like all of Terry's, is full of perspective and appreciation for the team, while still being honest about the current situation. Terry is a deeply religious guy and his writing reflects this. This comes as no surprise since the relationship we have with the spiritual is similar to our relationship we have with teams: it involves a lot of faith.

While this may explain how I'm feeling about my team, I haven't answered the original implied question in this post: am I justified in taking the perspective of my team as I have done? Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'm right.Perhaps this isn't either up for me to answer or a valid question to begin with. All I know is that I can't answer it right now. I'm just going to have to be patient with myself and my team. I think that we both deserve it.

My Rainy Day

I woke up grump today. Just downright grumpy. Like a person who needs a cup of coffee in order to function at all. Several forces had collided to cause such a sour mood and I was trapped.

So, I got myself a cup of coffee.

And I finally got around to printing letters to oil companies telling them to not drill in the ANWR. A little grassroots activism always makes me feel better.

And then I treated myself to a comfort food, artery-clogging breakfast of a breakfast sausage-cream cheese bagel. Now that I've met or exceeded my calorie and fat intake allowance for the day, I look forward to a long, slow hunger building process which will inevitably give me a killer headache and make me feel like crap. The coffee, of course, will exacerbate the situation as will the barometric pressure of a dense, rainy day. But at the time the sausage was frying in the skillet and while I was consuming the meal, I felt so richly deserving that it was nearly inconceivable that I could live without that exact food.

I just let Lucy in from a squirrel-hunting adventure. Since we're currently experiencing a steady downpour, I spent a couple of minutes massaging the water from her black, shiny fur. She just loves it. While doing this, one of my all time favorite bands came on Radio Paradise. Seriously, if anyone wants to give me a wonderful gift, all I ask for is Vol I (and III if you're feeling particularly generous). There must be lots of copies kicking around online or at your favorite used-music store. I could search for this on my own, but I don't like buying things for myself.

I just realized that I haven't mentioned the greatest streaming music find I've ever made online: Radio Paradise. You can listen without being a member or you can create an account which allows you to vote and comment on songs played. It's commercial-free user-supported radio that is stunning in its variety. I listen to a stream in RealPlayer. RealPlayer acts like TiVo, allowing you to pause the live feed, go back and listen to what came before all the while caching what is currently playing. It's a handy way to replay songs and if necessary, skip songs. But I've found that I enjoy the playlists so much that I hardly ever feel the need to skip a song. I just give it a low rating and look forward to the next one. Right now, I just keep listening to the aforementioned band's End of the Line. Which is apt since for now, I'm out of news.

Chicago WS 2, Cleveland 1

Monday, 11 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

It was a pathetic effort by the Tribe. The only player that showed up today was David Riske. It was their HOME OPENER. You'd think that they'd show a little spunk. If this is how it's going to go in the early series against the central division, they might as well declare it over now. I'm not sure if this team is a contender for the title this year. If they don't start looking more like one and less like their movie counterparts, it's seriously over.

Think I'm going overboard? Check the stats.

where they stand
season record: 3-4
division standing: 4 (tied w/KC)
games back: 2.0

A Remarkable Story

OK, so I know that this is filed under 'baseball' because it involves a baseball player, but for all you non-baseball aficionados out there, don't give up on the post now. This article was passed along to me by Paul and it's worth reading. If only to remind us that we're all just human.

Think of it as my gift to you:

For Pulsipher, Down Doesn't Mean Out
by Bill Pulsipher as told to Alan Schwarz
April 7, 2005

Now go unwrap it!!

Cleveland 7, Detroit 6

Sunday, 10 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

After taking a 6-0 lead in the 1st, the Indians looked determined to fritter it away. But they didn't, only allowing the fierce Tigres to come tantalizingly close.

The bullpen is doing what the starting pitchers cannot: pitch well. The starters are completely imploding, don't get me wrong, but they just haven't looked good since Westbrook's initial outing. Jason Davis got the first win of starting pitchers, but that was due more to the offense in the 1st inning. I like that it was Davis who got a win while pitching worse than the 'pen since it was always the inverse last year. Seems like short-term justice to me :) I never thought I'd say this, but the Indians have showed some very solid relief work. Bob Howry was in command, Arthur Rhodes looked good and Bob Wickman came in for the 2-run save and pitched like well. If not for some bloop singles, and you really can't help that kind of crappy hitting, he would have faced 3 batters.

The offense is definitely coming around. They are looking much better at the plate and aren't stranding so many runners. If I had to watch Aaron Boone pop up with bases loaded again I thought I'd cry.

The defense, on the other hand, looks downright terrible. Balls are bobbling around in gloves out there more than the commemorative dolls they give away. It's ugly, ugly, ugly. It feels like AA ball.

So, the Indians head to the Jake for their Home Opener on Monday at .500. Not shabby for a road record, especially when you consider that the "ace" of the pitching staff is still on the DL. The central division is shaping up to be quite even with good balance. I hope that it stays this way (unless the Indians run away with it in June :)

where they stand
season record: 3-3
division standing: 2nd (tied w/3)
games back: 1.0

Cleveland 1, Detroit 11

Saturday, 9 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

Ooh, that game was ugly. Westbrook looked less-than-sharp and the defense, if this is possible, is getting worse by the game. It's been a rollercoaster of a season already and we're just into the second week. Got seatbelt?

where they stand
season record: 2-3
division standing: 3rd (tied w/2)
games back: 2.0

Hatch!

I checked the nest yesterday expecting to find warm eggs and instead found 4 warm bodies and 1 warm egg. The egg was cracked and while I would have loved to watch the hatch, I didn't want to disrupt things with the birds too much. They were only a day or two old with no feathers and huge, gaping beaks. The sight of four tiny birds with their necks straining upward to get feed is really quite a sight.

I checked the nest again this morning and there was no sign of egg, so I assume that there were 5 bodies in there. They had been recently feed, so I couldn't count the beaks. I'll check them again tomorrow to see if there are indeed 5 of them in there.

We're still putting out generous amounts of mealworms for them and Mama and Papa are most happy with our arrangement. I attribute easy and plentiful food to the successful early hatching this year. Hopefully the eggshells that I added to the bluebird banquet has helped as well.

On a related note, the Tree Swallows continue to guard "their" nest box, but no building has commenced yet.

Tree Swallows

We have observed a new species of bird to our yard the last week: Tree Swallows. They were lured here because of the vacant nest box that the bluebirds used last year. I was unable to trap both of the House Sparrows that were building a nest although I did manage to trap and kill a male who I suspect was the nest builder. So, our yard is now house sparrow free and the Tree Swallows are pressing forward with their plans to build in the box. Papa Blue is not happy with the recent developments since he views that box as his, but he's just going to have to get used to it. Tree Swallows will not attack bluebird nestlings or adults, but they do compete for nest boxes and cavities, so they are natural rivals. I'd love to have the Tree Swallows reproduce using that nest box. They are insect vacuums, are beautiful birds on the wing and have a lovely chirping song. It gives me hope that we can attract Purple Martins to our property next year.

Cleveland 4, Detroit 3

Friday, 8 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

Aaron Boone hit a home run in the 8th to take a 4-2 lead which was nearly blown by the combined effort of himself, Jhonny Peralta and David Riske. Both infielders committed errors that allowed a runner on base and David Riske walked a batter on a full count with bases loaded. Thankfully, he got Higgenson to fly out to Coco Crisp to end the inning. I was fully confident for some reason that the Indians were going to win the game, so when Bob Wickman took the mound with a 1 run lead in the 9th, I wasn't really worried. I wasn't thinking about his last disastrous outing and neither was he apparently. He pitched beautifully, striking out one batter and getting the two other outs on a ground-out and a fly-out.

The funniest moment came when Scott Sauerbeck took the mound to face the left-hander Carlos Pena in the 6th with runners on 1st and 2nd with no outs. He threw his first pitch nearly down the third-base line. It was a wild pitch that was truly wild. Because the runners advanced to second and third, thereby giving up the double-play option and Sauerbeck looked so bad, he had to intentionally walk Pena. So his outing looked like this: wild-ass pitch followed by 3 intentional balls. It was the most amusing outing an Indians pitcher has had this season. The fact that it was his debut as an Indian made it all the more hilarious.

where they stand
season record: 2-2
division standing: 2nd place (tied with 3 teams)
games back: 1.0

Cleveland 11, Chicago WS 5

Thursday, 7 April 2005

recap :: box score :: game log

What an ending! The Indians were down by 3 runs going into the 9th inning. Casey Blake, Coco Crisp and Ronnie Belliard all hit solo home runs to tie the game. Coco was down to his last strike. Yes, the White Sox were one strike away from winning the game and sweeping the series. Instead, a fast ball around the letters came flying across the plate and Coco hit it over the right field fence. On the very next pitch, Belliard, who celebrated his birthday in style today, hit one over the left field fence. Nothing much of note happened until the top of the 11th inning when a rally erupted and the Indians came away with a 6-run lead. The White Sox didn't have anyone in the bullpen to pitch, so they had Chris Widger, a backup catcher, warming up. Who knows what would have happened if he would have taken the mound.

This sets up the Indians nicely for their upcoming series in Detroit. They were looking sluggish, both offensively and defensively, but now they seem to have found some energy. Go Tribe!

where they stand
season record: 1-2
division standing: last place (tie)
games back: 1.0

Cleveland 3, Chicago WS 4

Wednesday, 6 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

This game is almost too painful to recount. Wickman blew a 3-run lead in the 9th with meatball pitches right down the heart of the plate. It brought back so many painful memories of last year's start of the season that the loss was even more heartbreaking. Offensively, the Indians looked pretty good, but they just didn't take advantage of opportunities. The score could have easily been 10-0 going into the 9th.

where they stand
season record: 0-2
division standing: last place
games back: 1.0

Cleveland 0, Chicago WS 1

Monday, 4 April 2005

box score :: recap :: game log

What an Opening Day! You couldn't ask for a better game unless you're a knucklehead "fan" who thinks that home runs are the only exciting thing about the game. Cleveland's Jake Westbrook was nearly perfect. Chicago's Mark Buehrle was ever so slightly better. Anyone who blames Jhonny Peralta's defensive error is an idiot. The Tribe was shut down offensively by a pitching performance that puts Buehrle in the early lead for the 2005 Cy Young Award.

Other performances to note included Aaron Boone's defensive outing at 3rd base. He looked good and if he continues playing like that, I feel that the left side of the infield is shored up a bit from last year. Peralta also made an amazing defensive play, unfortunately before the error, so I doubt that many will remember it. Casey Blake looked uncomfortable in right, but that's to be expected since it was his debut game out there. I enjoyed having Grady Sizemore in the lineup and out in center field. I really like Grady. I'm not a big Juan Gonzales fan, so I hope to see a lot more of Grady this year.

It was a bit strange that Omar Vizquel was not at the shortstop position, something that he's done 11 straight opening days for the Tribe. But I really like Peralta and am happy to see him out there.

where they stand
season record: 0-1
division standing : last place
games back: .5

A Golden Resource for Public Radio Listeners

My mom just called me and told me to tune into the Diane Rehm Show because she is doing a show on cooking with spices and the health benefits of doing so. Since the show isn't broadcast locally, I googled for it. In doing so I found a terrific resource. PublicRadioFan.com is a site that lists radio stations with web feeds and the NPR/PRI shows that air live. So, right now, I'm listening to the Diane Rehm show from a station out of Pullman, Washington.