Yardbarker: Jose Veras

Jose Veras DFA by Indians

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 -0500

The life of a MLB reliever sure is filled with a lot of ups and downs. Last year this guy was a major part of the Yankees pen, now he's pretty much useless. Today he was designated for assignment by the Indians after posting a 7.62 ERA in 13 innings for the Tribe.Would anyone be surprised if he ended up back in the Yankees system?

Morning Update: IT'S TODD TIME!

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 07:17:00 -0500

Called-Up to Cleveland...Five!

Get ready for a new culture of ridiculousness with the addition of Jess Todd.

The nickname within a name is here and with a fictional television character that shares the name, expect nothing less than this.

Jose Veras out, Jess Todd in.

Veras has finally been DFAed and so goes the final awful relief pitcher that this team acquired for no reason this year.

Our bullpen is finally looking not like a safe-haven for flailing AAAA relief pitchers.

Winston Abreu, Jose Veras, Matt Herges, Mike Gosling, Greg Aquino, and Luis Vizcaino. Just awful.

I like Vinnie Chulk so I'm not throwing him in there. You cannot hate Chulkamania.

This is good though. Let the movement continue. The Todd Time is now!

Bullpen Improvement Five!

Jose Veras said that if he does pass through waivers, he'll report to Columbus, if the Indians want him to that is.

Speaking of Bullpen, Justin Masterson's stay in it might be a rather short one.
"It could be as early as next time around [the rotation]," Wedge said. "We'll have him work out of the bullpen at least one more time and work from there." Masterson said he's been blessed with a rubber arm in his opinion. And if you saw the pregame interview he did yesterday before the game, you could just imagine the facial expression he had when he said that. He's' a great interview, a real funny guy. Easy-going and very confident in my eyes. I really think we got a winner here. Heck with Buchholz, I'll take this kid and the prospects we got.

With Masterson and Carlos Carrasco though, they are both being looked at to be short-term answers to not only help ease the loss of Cliff Lee, but also add to a suspect rotation.

"We've gone out and added some plus arms and some guys already developing Major League pitches," Willis said. "We like the people that are going to make the crowd."

"I'm never going to be comfortable, pitching wise," Shapiro said. "But I am much more comfortable now than I was a month ago. I think we will continue to infuse more pitching talent and add more pitchers, maybe via free agency."

Hey I'll give Shapiro his due. He's always said that about not being comfortable about his pitching staff and the one year he said he was remotely comfortable with the bullpen, look what happened.

Now Eric Wedge is on record that he is going to give Marte a shot. He talked about his rookies, but also mentioned Marte and Trevor Crowe specifically.
"They're going to get regular work," said Wedge. "I'm hesitant to say they're going to play every day because everything is subject to change."

"He's been more under control at home plate," said Wedge. "This time, more than at any point in time for him, he really went down and got better. He approached some of the things that he learned up here, applied them down there, and got back up here."

"I just want to see Marte a little bit more," said Wedge, when asked to compare this year's version to last year's. "I've seen him take some good swings. I just want to see how consistent he can be and how he handles the pitching up here.

If you want to see Marte a little bit more, you better play him consistently. I've got a strict eye on that. If he isn't in the lineup tonight, expect a lashing.

Crowe has said that the awe of being in the big leagues never got away from him the first time around and he thinks that's why he was the way he was in the first go-around.

Ok let's get to last night... Which I don't even remember.

Five hits, two by Peralta and Hafner, one by Marte. Yikes...

David Huff was just... Bad.. Period, he was bad... Not good, yukkie, crud, stanky, just bad.

If David Huff is going to be good though, this is a learning experience he needs, because every pitcher, at least in my mind, needs to be humbled as a major league player before they can be successful.

"I didn't do my job," Huff said. "I need to be more efficient with my pitches. I'll learn what I can from this and go from there."

"It wouldn't be three, four or five [rough starts in a row in the Minors]," he said. "It would be one, then I'd figure it out and come back the next time. It happens. It's a learning process."

And nothing helped matters that Scott Baker always seems to have the Indians number. Those types of pitchers always seem to do. Baker was on his game last night.
"Baker was really good," said Wedge. "He did a great job of coming right after us and moving that fastball around up in the zone. He puts the ball in spots where it's tough to lay off of."And we're now brought back to the realization that the Indians are starting three rookies at times and have guys like Marte in the lineup.

And there are still some rational fans out there.

A new Indians Inbox is up and AC lead off with a fantastic e-mail.

Why are all these "fans" so vindictive of the trades made by the organization these past few weeks? Sure, Cliff Lee was nails on the mound every fifth day and Victor Martinez was the face of this franchise. But Tribe fans need to ask themselves if they would rather watch Lee win 10 or 12 games and Victor hit .300 for one of the worst teams in baseball for the next year and half, or suck it up, bite the bullet and trust that the organization is trying to build us all a winner over an extended period of time.

Tribe fans are all shouting, "We will never go to a game again!" Well, congratulations for contributing to the reason we cannot keep players, because nobody came to games while Lee and Martinez were here, anyways.

We all have to remember that we are Indians fans first. Don't spite the team for trying to create what you want. Players come and players go, but Chief Wahoo is forever.
-- Andrew, Erie, Pa.

Bravo... Bravo... Couldn't have put it any better myself.

Then we've got comments like this.
I have always loved the Tribe. Please tell me why I should continue to care?
-- Shannon P., Columbus, OhioMAYBE BECAUSE YOU LOVE THE TRIBE AND THE GAME OF BASEBALL?!

Hey, far be it for me to tell you to care, but you know what, if you have to ask, maybe you shouldn't. I don't understand how you can go from loving the Tribe, to thinking, hey maybe I shouldn't anymore.

I've maybe made jokes in the past about killing myself or maybe even said something like, "Maybe I'll be a Pirates fan today!" But never ever ever ever, would I seriously consider doing something like this comment.

I mean really now...

As AC said, It's baseball... And that's all that needs to be said.

It's baseball... Continue to care, because it's baseball and you should care about baseball. And this going to sound slightly Kenny Mayneish..

But if you care about baseball, then you watch baseball. But if you don't care about baseball, then you don't watch baseball.

And as one commenter pointed out in the section of this inbox.. I'm not affiliated with the Indians and I'm echoing everything AC said and really, I'm going to be even more vocal and outgoing about it.

Finally... I just have to laugh that Albert Belle is a angry and bitter man still. Maybe he and the group of Indians fans that don't want to care anymore can be best of friends.

Morning Update: No you got hope, so do we

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 07:42:00 -0500

I didn't realize this until I was going to bed and watching the highlights on ESPN.

But that stupid balk from Veras knocked in an extra run. We had totally scrapped together one run that would have tied it had Veras not been stupid.

"He almost pitched his way out of it, but he really put us and himself in a tough situation by walking those first two guys," Indians manager Eric Wedge said.

"I was trying to catch the sign [from Toregas]," Veras said. "I reached into my glove to get the ball and I shook. It was a balk."

What a dummy... I hate balks. If you balk, I hit you.

Wedge came away as impressed as I did with Justin Masterson. Masterson will continue to work in the bullpen until he's ready to start, but he doesn't mind doing whatever the Indians want him to do. They do want him working on a change-up though, which he will continue to do.
"Very impressive," Wedge said. "Great composure, great stuff, great mound presence."

"It sounds great," said Masterson, who worked three scoreless innings Saturday night in relief of Jeremy Sowers. "I've done both over the last couple of years. In the minors I started.

"It will be nice. It's a challenge I'm excited about."
Carl Willis unveiled the plan for Masterson. The Mastard said there are good things about starting and relief pitching, but he just wants to help the team.
"We're going to bring him out of the bullpen to start with and use him in kind of a scheduled rotation out of the bullpen, with some side sessions in between," pitching coach Carl Willis said. "There was actually one game where he threw 112 pitches. We have to be careful to take our time to build him back up. But because of the frequency he'll be pitching, it shouldn't take long."Jeremy Sowers? Meh.. He had like one quote, let's talk about the rookie who got his first hit, Wyatt Toregas.
"My legs were shaking, and I couldn't even feel myself at the plate," Toregas said of that experience. "Somehow, I got a hit. I don't know how I did it." Toregas will play some... According to Wedge, which isn't good news for Andy Marte considering he'll play Gimenez at first and then it's just a mess, okay? I wanna see more of Toregas too, but not at the expense of the precious time we have with Marte.

Wedge came away impressed with Toregas from spring training and wants to see more of him. I like Toregas' defense and his under-the-radarness... So, we'll see.. I also like Chris Gimenez too.

There is a lot more than the stats from the other night when it comes to Fausto Carmona's start.

If you remember, one of the reasons we speculated that Fausto Carmona wasn't as good as he was in 2007 was because of the fact he didn't have Victor Martinez regularly catching him.

Well now the day Martinez gets traded, Fausto is making his first start back with the Tribe.

Eric Wedge said all things considered, Fausto looked good in the situation.

I'd have to agree... I can't imagine what was on his mind with one of his better friends on the team traded. As AC noted in his latest blog entry, the Indians are trying to reinvent Fausto and make him more of a pitcher. That is why this is going to be a long process.

On that note... A big crowd for Victor Martinez Bobblehead/Hall of Fame Night. 31,000 plus according to both Castrovince and the CPD. Looks like it will probably be the biggest crowd the rest of the year.

And speaking of Hall of Fame night.

It was about the foursome inducted, Bill Veeck, Wes Ferrell, Dick Jacobs and Sandy Alomar.

But really, this night was centered around Sandy Alomar Jr.

A day after the Indians traded the heart and soul of their organization, they inducted the former keeper of that position into their personal Hall of Fame.

With the other three that were inducted no longer with us, it was Sandy's night. I'm sure on a night after the Indians made a move that had 75% of their fan-base ready to rip out their owner's insides, a few people were excited about Dick Jacobs and the reminder of the past, but this was about Sandy.
"I'm not here because of stats," Alomar said. "I'm here because I love to win. If you go by stats, there are many guys that should be here [ahead of me]. But I'm happy, and I feel honored that they reward players that come to play and to win ballgames." Sandy won't get into the Baseball Hall of Fame, because really when it comes down to it, those are about overall numbers. But the Indians Hall of Fame isn't about numbers as so much what it really means to play the game.

That's why a guy like Victor Martinez will one day be in it.

That's why we celebrate Sandy Alomar.. Because he loved to play the game, and he loved to play the game for the Cleveland Indians. He was damn good at it too, but that isn't even part of it.
"My focus was on the postseason," Alomar said. "I was born to win and all those wins and all those postseason games, it was very gratifying to play in two World Series." Sandy might have deflected the attention at some points as noted in the numerous articles about the night. But it was all about him if you ask me. A guy like Sandy may not want it, but he deserves one night to be about him.

Jensen Lewis was called up yesterday and I noted how Wedge totally snubbed him in favor of that loser Jose Veras.

Apparently, according to AC, Lewis "is still not where he needs to be" despite not allowing a run over 18 plus innings in Columbus. Riiiiiiiiight.

And as AC notes, Winston Abreu was suspended for as many games as he appeared in for the Indians. What a mega-failure that was. Mark Shapiro still hasn't explained himself on that one.

Well it's Sunday, which means Hoynes has a new mailbag and the CPD has an opinion piece. Bud Shaw sounds off on the trades. What else would he do?

What continues to baffle me is the constant insistence of fans saying the Indians didn't get any of the Phillies top three prospects.

JA Happ is not a prospect people, he's graduated from that and even if he didn't he isn't top three. If we are going of last year's BA rankings, they got two. If we are going off updates ones, many believe Knapp is right up there with Drabek.

Never mind, there are some smart part people out there.

Hey, Hoynsie: The Indians have acquired Chris Perez (in the majors), Jesse Todd (should be there soon), Jason Donald (scouts from Arizona Fall League said he could be ready this season even though he's been injured), Lou Marson (.300-hitting catcher that can handle a staff), Carlos Carrasco (Phillies' No.l preseason prospect, who would have been in the big leagues if not for J.A. Happ's big year) along with others. Fans continue to complain about not getting major-league ready talent, but there are five guys right there. Do people really think that having Cliff Lee and Rafael Betancourt next year would make the Indians contenders? -- Joe Winnfield, Columbus.

Thank you...

Bud Shaw's article is interesting. He mentions something I forgot. Jayson Stark, I believe, named the Indians as a winner at the deadline and as Shaw points out with a quote, some AL executive told ESPN that the Indians are going to be really good in 2012.

I'll probably be graduating from college by then, Man....

Whatever... Let's finish this.

Jake Westbrook will pitch for Akron on Tuesday. I'm thinking of catching that game with no work the next day. The Indians want him to throw 50 pitches or three innings.

Finally an interesting note here from Hoynes. In fact this entire article is mildly interesting.
Drabek was never in the deal -- the Phillies wouldn't give him up for Roy Halladay either -- but the Indians could have had Taylor or Brown. They said no because they have outfielders and it would have been at the expense of Knapp or Marson. The Indians wouldn't have made the deal without Knapp, who some in the organization value more than Drabek.I'm glad they didn't take Taylor if it would have cost them Knapp. It should also be reassuring to some of you out there that some like Knapp better than Drabek. Like I said, you just don't know with prospects. People could just be dead wrong about the Indians not getting anything in this deal.

And now this part.
Martinez and Lee were the subject of trade rumors for weeks. When they found out, it was hardly a surprise. Lee couldn't wait to join the Phillies. Martinez wore sunglasses so reporters couldn't see his tears. Interesting isn't it? I love what Cliff Lee did here, but that doesn't surprise me. I mean, I'm sure Hoynes is a little bit on the exaggerating side, but it doesn't surprise me that Cliff doesn't feel the same emotion that Victor did, hell no one did. But still, Lee probably isn't too heartbroken about the fact that he got traded.

Drop the garbage, and do it now

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 21:50:00 -0500

Really, there is one piece to this team left after today's moves that doesn't fit.

Jose Veras.

He might have been a fit on the old Indians of last week, the one that was just a complete mess.

Not this one.

I'm not saying this team isn't a mess.

But if you look at the roster, everyone, just about everyone but him and Tomo Ohka belong. They are either major leaguers or young kids looking for a chance.

Jose Veras is not, he is indeed garbage.

I'd even take Ohka off that list, he's had success and at least this year, he's had success as well as he throws strikes.

Jose Veras is garbage.

Get rid of him.

Bring up Frank Herrmann or The Todd.

I mean he's' the reason we lost this game tonight.

Eric Wedge had Jensen Lewis warming up at one point in time and I wondered why he didn't have him up and ready to come in when he brought Veras in.

Why he didn't bring him in, is beyond me.

Oh that's right, he hates him.

Anyway...

Jeremy Sowers, actually pitching decent. He had worked himself into trouble several times after starting the game very efficient, but ended up giving up just the two runs through six innings. Six is the number he needs to get to for me to tolerate him, as long as he keeps the runs down to 2-3.

The four walks, is a no... He was doing so good early and then he just started losing it. It just further proves though, he's destined for a middle relief role sooner or later. Obviously they won't move him there if he pitches like this, but I'm just saying.

Justin Masterson could very well be the guy that forces Sowers out though, especially if he pitches like that as a starter.

Mambo Number Five.

Those three innings were very impressive by Masterson. His fastball is electric in the mid 90's with movement. Then I think his slider or whatever that pitch was he was throwing was in the high 80's.

Whatever he was doing, his stuff was awesome. I like him already.

We couldn't do much with Porcello on the mound. He pretty much had things on lock down, but the time came late after he was out and they couldn't capitalize.

Cabrera's triple got things in position to tie and just about every inning after that there was a threat.

Unfortunately, we suck.... So there goes that.

Congrats to Wyatt Toregas for his first career hit in his first career at-bat as well as his first RBI in the 12th.

Any curiosities with Andy Marte not playing again? He plays, he sits, he plays, he sits. Not going to establish much ground there with that strategy Eric. With an off-day scheduled for Monday, even if he plays tomorrow, will have another day off.

Upside, Carl Pavano is 2-0 against the Tigers this year. He's pitched real well against the boys from Detroit. He goes against Armando Galarraga tomorrow in the finale. Series win maybe?

[BOXSCORE]

Jose Veras added, Jensen sent down

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:58:40 -0500

Jose Veras added, Jensen sent down Up seven runs ... two lead-off walks ... yeah, we've seen enough of that this season. A little surprising to see them burn Jensen's option at this late date, when it seems like he probably should have been sent down weeks ago. Jose Veras is ... well, he just is.

Brian Cashman on Cash Considerations

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 09:34:08 -0500

Tyler Kepner of The New York Times mentioned this little snippet about cash considerations, having spoken to Brian Cashman: Brian Cashman did not say how much the Cleveland Indians paid for reliever Jose Veras, only that it was over the $20,000...

Yankees trade reliever Veras to Indians for cash

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:28:57 -0500

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Reliever Jose Veras was traded by the New York Yankees to a Cleveland Indians team seeking to bolster an overworked and ineffective bullpen.

Indians acquire RHP Veras from Yanks for cash

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:28:57 -0500

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Reliever Jose Veras was traded by the New York Yankees to a Cleveland Indians team seeking to bolster an overworked and ineffective bullpen.

Yankees, Facing Financial Woe, Trade Veras for $$

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:23:00 -0500

The Cleveland Indians aquired Yanks RHP Jose Veras for cash. Righties have a .180 average against Jose. Veras has allowed no runs in nine of his final 12 appearances. Brilliant. Full story: http://www.bobsblitz.com

Indians acquire reliever Veras from Yanks for cash

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:12:30 -0500

Reliever Jose Veras was traded by the New York Yankees to a Cleveland Indians team seeking to bolster an overworked and ineffective bullpen. The Yankees received cash in Wednesday's deal.

Veras To The Indians

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:45:00 -0500

Tom Rock is reporting that the Yanks have traded Jose Veras to the Indians for cash.According to the Beacon Journal, the team announced that Veras will join Cleveland's 25-man roster in the next few days.I bet you he does well in Cleveland.Good luck Jose.

Jose Veras Designated For Assignment

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 15:20:55 -0500

Peter Abraham reports that the Yankees designated Jose Veras for assignment.

Molina Lineage Threatened

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:32:47 -0500

Yankees relief pitcher Jose Veras got crossed up with Jose Molina last night against Texas. Molina was looking for a breaking ball and Veras threw a heat-seeking fastball. The result? Roasted Nuts. Yup, he took it right in the catcher-creator. Evidence, amateur porn, below.

Captain Clutch

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 08:41:56 -0500

The captain blasted his 199th home run last night to give the Yankees the lead over the pesky Astros. Veras threw two strong innings and I think he overtook Farnsworth role as the 8th inning man. Since Mariano pitched five of the pervious six days the Yankees had to bring the Farns and he got his first save since 2006. Now the Yankees are 2 games over .500 and are sitting in third place.