Yardbarker: Travis Hafner

Blogging the Offseason: Cleveland Indians

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:00:00 -0500

Blogging the Offseason is a 30 team series in which I ask a blogging representative from each MLB team a series of ten questions about their desires and thoughts surrounding the offseason. Check out all of them here.

Today's AL team is the Cleveland Indians and our guest is Scott Sargent from the Cleveland Blog Waiting For Next Year.

1. What are you thoughts on the Manny Acta hire? Were you hoping for someone else?
I think the Acta hire makes sense. For one, he's used to working with a team that continually disappoints. Secondly, he's a very solid coach that I think gets a bum rap due to the record that continually hangs over his head. The down side is that if we revisit this number in a year or two, it won't be much better. I know that I a lot of Tribe fans wanted a big name. Don Mattingly would have been nice, but when you have a cheap owner that will already be paying Eric Wedge for another year, you're not getting the big name. If anything, Acta will be able to connect with the Latino contingent that Wedge seemingly just could not do after firing Luis Isaac. Couple all of this with his reputation for developing young talent, and it works for me. I just hope that our youth is actually talented...

2. Fausto Carmona has been a disaster the past two seasons, is there anyway he can be salvaged?
Take out the 19-game, Cy Young worthy season and Carmona has been a disaster essentially every year. His issues seem to be mental more than anything, so I definitely think he can be salvaged. If the staff can get Carmona to have a short-term memory and focus on his mechanics when things start to go awry, he could be right back where he was in 2007. The big question will be on who the pitching coach will be as this may be his primary goal.

3. Grady Sizemore is still just 27 years old but it appears as if the Indians might be in a rebuilding mode, would you entertain the thought of trading him this offseason?
Next to Shin-Soo Choo possibly having to serve military time in South Korea, this is the million dollar question. When the Lee/Martinez trades went down, I could have put money on the fact that Sizemore would have wanted out. He was promptly shut down with his elbow issues, and really hasn't been heard from since. He's signed through 2012, so his bat (and hopeful leadership) could definitely be used. However, as you said, the team needs to make a deicsion. If Sizemore is in the long term plans, they need to extend him yesterday. If not, he may need to be dealt as the team shouldn't expect to compete until his contract is about to be up. But that's just the Cleveland way, no?

4. What do you think is the Indians biggest area of need for the Indians to address in the offseason?
Hands down the starting rotation. As of now, Carmona or Jake Westbrook look to be opening day starter. Westbrook and Anthony Reyes are coming off of Tommy John's. Aaron Laffey has a ton of potential, but seems to get bit by the injury bug every season. Last year's fifth starter Scott Lewis was hurt for the majority of the year. Carlos Carrasco was lit up like a Christmas tree after his call-up. Alas, most of the Indians starters wouldn't be more than a fourth or fifth option on the majority of other MLB teams. I guess that's what happens when a team trades away to Cy Young winners for bats and bullpen options...

5. Who are a few logical free agents that you think the Indians will target in the offseason?
Jamey Carroll is a free agent, so the team may need a utility type infielder. Assuming that Andy Marte makes the squad, I can see Shapiro trying to squeeze out one or two more years out of someone like a Felipe Lopez or (ex-Indian) Johnny MacDonald. On the pitching front, I think that the team will try to nail down at least one starter, but tossing a name out would just be silly at this point as the front office could totally surprise and just roll with what they have. I could see another gamble a la Carl Pavano - so if I had to take a stab, I'd say Mike Hampton just for ***** and giggles. Odds are, though, that it will be someone more like Kip Wells.

6. Watching Cliff Lee and Sabathia in the World Series had to suck but from the assets you garnered in both deals, whom do you think will have the biggest impact to the Indians in 10? Beyond?
The year 2010 will likely only feature Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley, Carlos Carrasco and (likely) Lou Marson. If I can add in Chris Perez/Jess Todd - from the Mark DeRosa deal - they too will have a sizable role. But of the four, I'd really have to say Brantley. In a small sample size, Brantley looked to be the leadoff guy that the Tribe have longed for since the days of Kenny Lofton. If Manny Acta realizes what countless fans do, then he will start things off with Sizemore batting third behind Asdrubal Cabrera. LaPorta could be the 35-40 HR guy that many had forecasted, but I'm still a bit cautious given his lack of progression to this point coupled with his age.

Beyond 2010, I'd put Brantley right up there with Jason Knapp. After all, Knapp better produce if the Indians were willing to get rid of Cliff Lee (with a year still left on his deal) for a raw 20-year old with an alleged killer fastball. Of course, he's the same 20-year old that had to be shut down with shoulder issues, so I could be left with Brantley at the top of the list.

7. You've gassed your owner and have convinced him to spend like the Yankees, which three free agents do you sign?
Gassing the owner would be enough for me.

But if I also were able to convince him to pick three free agents... Matt Holliday, John Lackey and Chone Figgins. I was all about Holliday when the talks were swirling towards the end of 2008. Lackey could be signed and slotted at the top of the rotation just like that. Figgins would bump Brantley to the nine-hole which would take off some of the pressure and give Acta a very versatile infielder. I salivate thinking about a Figgins-Cabrera-Sizemore-Holliday lineup. And then I realize that we're talking about the Indians.

8. Which Indian prospect yet to find himself in a game are you most looking forward to in 2010?
Hands down, Carlos Santana. He'll likely start the season off in Columbus, but there's a solid shot that this kid can make the fan base forget about Victor Martinez. Leadership skills aside, Santana can flat out rake at the plate. I know that a lot of fans are still miffed that we traded Sabathia and Lee for perceived no-names, but they'll also need to remember that Santana came mid-year for Casey Blake. This is going to wind up being one hell of a deal in the favor of Shapiro. Let's just hope he can capitalize on it.

9. I'm giving you the option to cut players without any salary repercussions, which Indians do you part way with?
Travis Hafner and Jake Westbrook. Both players were extended around the same time, both make a ton of money, and both just can't seem to stay healthy. Hafner has committed grand larceny over the last three seasons - we (WFNY) still feel that the only way that Victor should have been traded was if the other team was willing to take Hafner as well; sort of like the NBA. Obviously, that didn't happen and one of the highest paid players on the Indians has absolutely zero trade value. I don't even think he owns a glove....

10. Final Question, you've got a crystal ball, the Cleveland Indians will make the playoffs in ________.
The fan in me says 2012. Mark Shapiro did it before in a three-year period (after the Bartolo Colon deal). However, Sabathia was here and the players he traded for consisted of Grady Sizemore and Cliff Lee. By 2012, Knapp should be ready. Nick Hagadone will be ready. Carrasco will still be young. It will take all of those named panning out along with LaPorta and Brantley turning into this decade's version of Albert Belle/Kenny Lofton for that mark to be met. Otherwise, we will be looking well beyond this date - especially if the Dolans are the ones cutting the checks at said date.

What the Hell Were You Thinking? Travis Hafner Edition

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0500

*Over the next couple of weeks, Jorge Says No! will take an in depth look at some of the worst contracts in baseball. We'll evaluate why the player was signed, what went wrong, and future implications of the contract. Behind every bone head decision, there has to be a reason for it...right?*Why Re-Sign Hafner: There are plenty of reasons why the Indians wanted to give Hafner a contract extension. From 2004-2006, Hafner was one of the best hitters in the AL and gave the Indians fantastic p...

BBA AL MVP Award

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 08:37:00 -0500

So the Cleveland Indians haven't had a legit MVP candidate since Travis Hafner's awesomeness a few years ago.

If Grady Sizemore is healthy and this team can contend, he'd be up there.

But I can't really make any Indians comparisons here, so let's just get into the voting.

Here is the final award for the Baseball Bloggers Alliance award voting.

In a landslide, Zack Greinke took home the AL Cy Young Award. As if you didn't see that coming.

The MVP voting is a different animal as we get ten slots. I'll keep the remarks brief.

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10. Asdrubal Cabrera, CLE

What? I have ten votes, why not spend one on an Indian? This team would realistically suck even worse without Cabrera.

9. Miguel Cabrera, DET

Despite getting drunk and getting into an argument with his wife, he really was the Tigers core player on offense.

8. Bobby Abreau, LAA

You know this team really took on a different sort of identity with his addition. I'll throw him a bone.

7. Aaron Hill, TOR

Dude went from having a concussion and possibly a lost career to being an absolute mammoth. And he's some shrimp that plays second base? How does someone like him hit 36 home runs? Makes me think I'm almost good enough to make a minor league roster somewhere, anywhere. I love baseball.

6. Evan Longoria, TB

I think eventually, maybe as soon as next year, Longoria will be a lock for the top five year in and year out.

5. Jason Bay, BOS

There was one point in the season that J-Bay was hitting everything insight and knocking in all the runners ahead of him.

4. Derek Jeter, NYY

I'd like to barf now.

3. Kendry Morales, LAA

Who saw this coming? Apparently the Angels as they had the balls to let Tex walk and replace him with this stud for a way cheaper price.

2. Mark Teixeira, NYY

Offensively and defensively he really changed the Yankees. Perhaps his offensive presence also has enabled A-Rod to be the jerk he has been in the playoffs.

His defense though has boosted that team way up.

1. Joe Mauer, MIN

I might riot if this guy doesn't win the real MVP award. He missed a month and still managed to lead the free-world in average, OBP and hit his career high in home runs and RBI.

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There is way too much I want to talk about for the manager job, so check out the other post.

Travis Hafner, Homeruns and Andy Marte

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 11:44:06 -0500

More photos » by Tony Dejak - AP Travis trots. Browse more photos » The argument has been made that September statistics are fundamentally different than statistics from the rest of the year. There's an obvious logic to this: as rosters expand and teams are eliminated, more, worse players begin to both pitch and hit as team's evaluate young players, give starts to AAA veterans and everyone general...

Aeros Take on Reading in EL Divisional Round

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:00:16 -0500

After finishing the season Monday afternoon with an 89-53 record, the Aeros look to improve upon their second-most successful regular season with another playoff run here in 2009. WFNY was all over the Akron playoff run last September thanks to the help of Travis Hafner and others, and this year features one of the most [...]

Travis Hafner Fatigued, Shutdown Imminent?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:00:58 -0500

Travis Hafner is posting a surprisingly good line thus far in 2009. Aside from the fact that he’s still playing - something that many felt would not be the case at this point in the season - he is hitting .278/.353/.492 (.845 OPS). These numbers are a dramatic improvement off of last season, where he had an [...]

This One’s On You, Pronk

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 09:00:25 -0500

I’d say this season I’ve been pretty patient with Travis Hafner. He is coming off of his worst season as a pro, and offseason shoulder surgery. Sure, the brass can tell me that he is still not 100% healthy, and cannot play in more than two consecutive games. You know what, it doesn’t mean anything [...]

Game Thread: August 13, 2009

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:01:23 -0500

More photos » by Mark Duncan - AP Travis Hafner, a malicious sneer on his face, singles in last night's game. Browse more photos » Texas at Cleveland, 12:05 PM

Book Review: More Tales from the Tribe Dugout

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 12:50:41 -0500

Author Russell Schneider is well known to serious baseball fans around Cleveland from his coverage of the Indians in Cleveland newspapers for so many years. Now a freelance writer, Russell has put together two books of Tales from the Tribe Dugout. In the sequel to his first book, Schneider uncovers some not very well known stories about the Indians from various people who were once in the organization. No one is out of lines for Schneider in his journey to find the best stories on the Tribe as even the sons of former trainers were interviewed for this book.

Just as he did in the first version of this book, Russell does a good job introducing each player while still telling their unique story. The stories are presented in alphabetic order from the tale teller’s last name and come in various lengths. The book is truly a quick read as there are also some pictures intertwined to show fans what these players looked like just in case the readers weren’t around when those people were with the Indians.

Former catcher Andy Allanson is the first former member of the Tribe to have his name in print in this version of Russell’s work. Although his tale is not nearly as humorous as some of the others, it does illustrate why Allanson was not an Indian for very long as Russell accounts how Allanson demanded a larger contract after he was productive for just one season and the Indians were unable to give it to him after just one year’s worth of work.

While there are some unknowns featured in the book there are many fan favorites as well. Carlos Baerga, who became a household name in Northeast Ohio during the 1990s, looks back on the day the Indians traded him to the New York Mets by claiming that he was “shocked.” In retrospect though, Baerga does admit that it was probably the best thing for his life and the Indians’ franchise as he was able to find his footing after he left the Tribe.

Of course a book of Indians tales would not be complete without one from Rocky Colavito. There has been some claims around Cleveland that there is a curse of Rocky Colavito on the Tribe, much like the one Boston Red Sox may have had on them after trading Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. Not surprisingly, one of Colavito’s tales looks back on the situation that happened when he was traded away from Cleveland despite being one of the best offensive talents the Indians had had in years.

One of the best stories in the book comes from coach Jeff Datz who recalls a time when current Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel was the manager of the Indians. Datz claimed that there were many points when Manuel seemed to know what was going to happen next. If only he could have convinced the Tribe brass that he knew how to win, then perhaps he could have won a ring in Cleveland instead of Philadelphia.

It is rare when Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley is not willing to talk openly about part of his career, and his comments in the book are no exception to this rule. Eckersley claims that he truly loved his time in Cleveland and that he actually cried when he was traded to Boston. Despite the fact that he went on to have a great career with the Red Sox and later with the Oakland Athletics, Eckersley stated that he always wondered how things would have worked out for him had he been an Indian for his entire career.

The biggest problem for former pitcher Ed Farmer when he made it to the big leagues was that his father had served as his publicity director. While his dad did not officially have that title, he had filled out all of Farmer’s paperwork and when the media asked what Farmer expected to do that year, he told them huge goals such as winning Rookie of the Year and the Cy Young Award in the same year. Farmer claimed that he is still not sure how his teammates accepted him because of this.

Although former umpire Richie Garcia was never technically a member of the Indians, he is still featured in the book because of one of the players mentioned above. According to Garcia, he and Colavito had some bad blood brewing between them for no good reason at all. Garcia claims to have thrown Colavito from more games than he had ever thrown anyone else. He does however, tell the story of how the two eventually talked their differences out, further illustrating the power of America’s game.

Current Tribe slugger Travis Hafner is also featured in the book and he tells the now well known story of how he was given the nickname “Pronk” when he was in the minor leagues. He also tells a humorous account of a time when he hit for the cycle and he felt like he was flying around the basis for his triple only to claim when he watched the tape that he must be one of the slowest people in baseball history.

Overall, Schneider’s book is interesting for all fans of baseball, but obviously holds true to more of those who know something about the history of the Indians than those who do not. That said, most baseball fans can appreciate entertaining stories about the game of baseball no matter where they are coming from. Even though it is a book about members of the Indians, many of the stories are accounts of players who were from different teams or who played for many different major league franchises.

The Grade: 3.75/5

Bill Jordan is a contributor to BaseballReflections.com. He can be reached by e-mail at BillJordaniv@yahoo.com.

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2009 Cleveland Indians Preview

Sun, 15 Mar 2009 08:08:46 -0500

The Blue Workhorse 2009 Outlook: After coming one game shy of the 2007 World Series, the Cleveland Indians came into the 2008 season hoping to get over the hump and reach the fall classic. Things definitely didn't work out that way as the Indians coasted to an 81-81 finish, traded away ace C.C. Sabathia, and lost sluggers Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez for significant portions of the season due to injuries. AND...more...including why the Hometown feels...The Cleveland Indians WILL win the World Series...

Eric Wedge, Cleveland Indians Manager Speaks Out

Thu, 06 Dec 2007 18:22:37 -0500

Eric Wedge, Cleveland Indians Manager speaks out at the Winter Meetings about the 2007 and what to look for in the 2008 season

Could Some One Clarify The Strike Zone?

Tue, 16 Oct 2007 15:50:20 -0500

As most of you have read my posts you know I am a homer! I love the Red Sox no doubt. So please don't take this is a rant or an excuse. But what was home plate umpire Brian Gorman looking at last night...clearly about 12 pitches to both the Red Sox and Indians were AWFUL calls! Travis Hafner had two pitches called strikes that hung off the plate, and Coco crisp had a pitch that should have been ball four about 1 foot off the plate called a strike. Almost anytime a batter went 0-2 the next pitch regardless was a ball and almost every batter that went 3-0 it was called a strike. And if you don't believe me find a friend who has TIVO and go through the game like I just did and see for yourself. It was horrendous! I would have to say however the plays in the field were called great! The DP the Indians turned in the first was clearly an out and the DP the Red Sox almost turned in the 5th Hafner was safe. It's just sad to see poor pitch calls at the plate...I mean even Tim McCarver saw it and frankly that's a miracle in itself! I will say however the Indians once again took advantage of there opportunities and did things when they needed to. Been a good series so far and I hope my Red Sox can knuckle up here and do a bit better! Peace and Happiness, GO SOX! -Michael http://www.bosoxbuzz.com/ http://bosoxbuzz.blogspot.com/

Was Hafner's Deal a Good One?

Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:09:34 -0500

In the negotiations rankings, I would say the Indians came out on top in this one, but Travis Hafner still has done very very well for himself. On top of the dollars, he has a chance to earn himself a lifelong membership into the Cleveland Sports Legacy Club. Ask Bernie Kosar or Jim Brown how loyal a following that that club has.

Next Time, There Won't Be A Next Time

Fri, 15 Jun 2007 04:11:27 -0500

Major League Baseball doesn't like your fantasy league and wants to put a stop to your unlicensed interest in their sport. Travis Hafner's name and statistics are their property and they will make sure that they can squeeze every last cent of profit out of them. You know, because they care about their fans. Luckily, they are the only people who think they're on the right side of this issue. Originally, baseball sued to have all unlicensed fantasy baseball leagues shut down because they believe that their players and their statistics are their sole property. On second thought, we don't want to get sued for using their names in our posts, so we'll just call Major League Baseball "Phil Leotardo" and refer to their players as "construction and union workers." So Phil Leotardo is upset because certain people are using their construction and union workers without approval from Phil. Phil took the matter to court and, luckily, the judges decided that they don't really have sole control over the construction and union workers' names and statistics. Phil appealed the ruling and the matter was heard today in an appeals court in St. Louis.

Legal or Not? You Decide!

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 18:20:34 -0500

Travis Hafner appears to be always outside of the batters box. Is this legal or no? Rules of the batters box state that if one foot is outside of the box and the ball is hit in play, the batter is out.