Did anyone else hear TribeTalk on 3/17 ?

[MadThinker88]

There was a chat with Russ Atkins about the kids that had been sent down to the minor leauge camp.

I was surprise they announced that Astrubal Cabrera was being sent to Akron to play SS (he has been at the AAA level for 1.5 seasons). In retrospect I have to say the idea has a lot of merit. Astrubal has skipped the AA level entirely so getting him back with players closer to his age might help his hitting to come around. It also gives the Indians the opportunity to play Inglett and the runner-up in the backup infielder competition (Rivas/ Rouse) the opportunity to play SS on a regular basis in AAA.

The thing that nearly had me drive off the road was when they started talking about the Buffalo rotation. Swuabbe pressed Atkins to list the Buffalo rotation with Carmona in (since Lee will only be out for a little bit he said). As such Carmona, Slocum, Stanford, Rafael Perez and Jeff Harris were listed (the last name surprised Swuabbe). No mention of Adam Miller.

Pardon me: What is afoot??

Was anyone else listining to the show????

[consigliere]

I didn't hear the show, but I do know the Buffalo rotation is going to be Carmona, Miller, Slocum, Stanford, and a Perez/Francis combo. With Carmona in Cleveland, both Francis and Perez will be regular starters. Atkins not mentioning Miller was just a slip.....

Also, I was going to mention the Asdrubal situation in my Spring Happening piece this week, but decided to save it for this Saturday's edition. Yes, they are going to start Cabrera in Akron. This is not necessarily an indication that he has fallen in the eyes of the org, but the reason is two fold.

One, the likely losers of the utility battle will most likely go to Buffalo as the SS and 2B combo. Looks like it could be a combo of Luna, Rivas and Inglett at this point. Rouse is going to win the job because he is out of options, and they kept him on the 40-man this offseason and lost Goleski and Warden because of it...so they are not about to lose Goleski and those guys for nothing. Rouse also deserves the spot. Rivas has an out clause on March 28th if he does not wish to remain with the Indians and hopes to land with another club.

Second, Cabrera has never played in AA as he was forced through the system in Seattle. Still only 21, he could use a half a year in AA to work on his offense before being moved up to AAA where he can hopefully finish things off and be ready to contribute to the major league squad in 2008.

I applaud this move, and it was something I hadn't thought about prior to the season starting. This could be a great way to get his offense going, although an argument can be said you face better pitching in AA than AAA.

[Dozen]

Miller may be up here before seasons end. How did he look live T?

[consigliere]

I only saw Miller the last day of camp on Friday. He pitched in the both road games while I was down there, and he didn't particpate in morning workouts on other days. He and A-Cabrera were the two I was most disappointed that I had little chance to see. In fact, I didn't see AsCab at all.

But, even without seeing Miller.....the buzz was present. From fans and media down there, he is one of the hot topics in camp. He'll be here at some point this year as long as he stays healthy. In a strange way, the Cliff Lee injury might be the best thing that happened to the Indians as they get an early look at Carmona and potentially Miller later in the year.

[Dozen]

I think Miller will end up being better than Carmona, that sux you didnt get to see him much.

[consigliere]

Oh yeah, Miller should be better.

It is very possible your 2008 rotation may end up being Sabathia, Sowers, Lee, Carmona and Miller. If they could ever extend Sabathia, that rotation has sick potential, and would be together for the next 3-4 years at least.

[Dozen]

If they could ever extend Sabathia,

Whats up with CC? Ive seen you post an extension is looming and then you say he's gone? Does he want to test the market?

[consigliere]

An extension is looming, but I am pretty certain it is not Sabathia. Sabathia is going to be the hardest one to resign since he is going to command helli-jack. And, I've already set myself up for the realization he is gone.

Hafner is staying.....but the question does come down to which one of the two in Sabathia or Westbrook they can keep. Both will be hard to keep. I think it would be wise to let Westbrook go as we have many options within who can fill his #2 or #3 role, plus we have two very good starting options in Carmona and Miller to replace his vacant spot in the rotation with. But, with Sabathia, we have no one who is ready to assume the ace role. That said, I just see no way we shell out $15-18M per on a 5-6 year deal to keep him. They could surprise us all, but I doubt it.

[Dozen]

Isnt Westbrooks agent also Shapiro's dad or is that bs?

[consigliere]

Yes, Westbrook's agent is Ron Shaprio, Mark's dad. But, because it is a conflict of interest Antonetti does the negotiating and someone else from his dad's office does too.