Actually, I heard that he already misses Cleveland.
As to the Tribe, they’ll miss Manny, but Juan Gonzalez and Ellis Burks should mitigate his loss (though I’d rather have one great hitter than two good ones, one of whom is really old and the other of whom doesn’t get on base enough).
The Indians have more pitching than they’ve had in years. They made need it, though, because I’m not sure their hitting is as good (though, did you see that shot that Russ Branyan launched?). Also, their division is a bit tougher than the cakewalk it’s been before last year.
Although I can’t see the close calls from way up here in the upperdeck, I DO get the big picture. And the cost? You can’t beat it. One gripe for the idiot fan at the Sox vs Indians game at Cleveland: David Wells (or anyone who has suffered a personal loss) does not need some heckler getting close enough to the players to ask, “Hey Wells - where’s your Mother?” (Wells’ Mother passed away a year ago)in hopes of getting a rise or an advantage. Show some class. And enjoy the game. Go Sox!
I think Branyan might very well homer 30 plus times AND threaten the K record…
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*Originally posted by Frannie *
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Frannie, one interesting thing to look for will be to see if the Indians monitor his pitch counts. Like many young pitchers with good “stuff” but limited control, Sabathia often makes a lot of pitches per inning. Hopefully, the Indians will limit him to 100 pitches per game–if they’re smart.
Actually, that’d be Omar Vizquel;), but on the Branyan note: Through yesterday, he’s played in 11 games, had 40 at bats, four HRs, and 19 strikeouts. (Gosh, being “one of the guys” is fun!)