Yardbarker: Casey Blake

Quick Hits: Uribe/Cora, Pirates(not the Pittsburgh kind) Washburn

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:14:35 -0500

-The Uribe-Cora deal between the White Sox and Red Sox is off. The Boston Globe is reporting that the Red Sox are the ones who backed off but other news sources are saying the White Sox needed "something else" to fall into place for this deal to work.
-To whomever is pirating this website, you have done great harm here. Be gone.
-The Jarrod Washburn talks continue between the Yanks and the Mariners. The Yankees want to include Kei Igawa in the deal and Seattle is hesitating. The Newark Star-Ledger is reporting that the Yankees might be willing to part with Melky Carbrera, Brett Gardner or Justin Christian.
-While very interested in Xavier Nady, the Rays are unwilling to pay the Pirates high price and have turned their attention to the Indians Casey Blake.

Quick Hits: What We Missed Today

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:06:04 -0500

*Who, among the Pirates is untouchable going into the deadline? It doesn't seem like anyone. While OF Xavier Nady and reliever Damasco Marte are the big names being dangled, their price tags may be too high for most teams to pay. However, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette is reporting that SS Jack Wilson, OF, Jason Bay and returning pitcher John Grabow are also drawing interest.
*Mets Manager Jerry Manuel said yesterday that he expects the Mets to make a move for a big bat. While Matt Holliday, Xavier Nady and Jason Bay may top their list, they are also lloking at Raul Ibanez and Casey Blake.
*There were more than a dozen scouts at Friday night's game against Tampa Bay, in which AJ Burnett was pitching but GM J.P. Riccardi says he doesn't think there will be a deal for him because of his opt-out clause. He would draw too high a price for a short-term rental to most teams. However, let it be noted that the Yankees had scouts there and they never shy away from overpaying.

Twins Shopping for Third Baseman

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:06:02 -0500

The Twins are serious about upgrading at third base and are working at a deal for Seattle's Adrian Beltre. They have also spoken with the Rangers about Hank Blalock and the Indians about Casey Blake.

Fine, We Admit It.

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:04:02 -0500

I've been reluctant to admit that Kevin Youkilis is more than a poor man's Casey Blake for most of his career. Maybe it's because the boys at the World Wide Leader were always telling us how great he is. Maybe it's because he doesn't look the part of an everyday major leaguer. Maybe it's because the Red Sox shuffle him around from 3rd to 1st to the outfield. Maybe it's because at the plate, he's best known for his on-base percentage. In my head, he's always been an over-glorified utility player.

South Korean Military Awaiting Choo's Arrival?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 14:34:29 -0500

Okay, get ready to mark this one down in the "are you kidding me?" column. It wasn't all that long ago that we were the GM for Shin-Soo Choo, where more than 80 percent(!) of you said to either let him ride, or give him a contract extension. He's since started hitting the ball very well; getting on base and driving in runs. But with that said, would this force you to change your mind? Choo, a South Korean, must serve two years in the military. He says the deadline for entering the military is 2010. "I try not to think about it," he said before the Indians' 14-11 loss to the Angels on Wednesday. Two years. By 2010. Meaning that one of our young, run-producing outfielders may have to forgo his peak seasons as a professional baseball player? Unreal. Apparently, there is a clause that allows South Korean athletes to be excused from service if they win any Olympic medal. But hold the phone. Choo's problem is South Korea won't take baseball players for its Olympic team if they're on the 25-man roster of a big-league club. And assuming that isn't enough of a groin kick… "The Indians couldn't send me to the minors [to be on the Korean team] because I'm out of options," said Choo, who added "There's too much stress to worry about it now." This blurb has been out there for a few hours now, and I'm surprised it hasn't picked up more steam. You have to wonder how much consideration that the Tribe is giving this issue, as, let's face it, this is two whole years that we're talking about. Trying to "not think about it" can only last so long. At some point, this will need to be dealt with - and as a fan, I have to say that it is pretty irritating. Surprising? Not at all. Irritating? You bet.

What Do We Want For Blake?

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:52:49 -0500

As the trade deadline looms, baseball writers everywhere have been consuming themselves with the seemingly endless list of players that could be on the move before it is all said and done. Since dealing CC Sabathia, the Indians have fallen out of the trade spotlight a bit, since names like Matt Holliday and Mark Teixeira have vaulted to the top. But while we do not have any power sources like the two aformentioned, we do have a few names that have apparently continued to stir interest among the MLB ranks. From Tim Brown's recent article at Yahoo!: After moving Sabathia, the Cleveland Indians remain in sell mode and are listening to offers for Blake, Paul Byrd and Jamey Carroll, and they could be convinced to discuss shortstop Jhonny Peralta. The Dodgers, who would prefer to acquire a true shortstop and move Nomar Garciaparra to third base, are in on Blake and McPherson, the former Angels prospect who is healthy again and has hit 32 home runs in Triple-A for the Florida Marlins. The Dodgers also need help in the bullpen but are not believed to be interested in Street. The Tampa Bay Rays would love to have Blake cover right field for them, but so far no one has met the Indians' price. Now given the recent play by Peralta (as well as his very, very friendly contract), I would assume that it would take one heck of an offer to pry the (gulp) shortstop from our fingers. But the one part of the above that caught me by surprise is that no one has "met our price" for Casey Blake thus far. What could our price be? Aside from the Rays, the Mets have reportedly expressed interest in the third baseman/right fielder/first baseman. We're obviously not asking for an Evan Longoria in return here, but if the demand for Blake's services continue to rise (read: Twins, Dodgers), we could be seeing a case of last-minute moves with this one even though he did not play in yesterday's game. But given the fact that Blake will be a 35-year old free agent at the end of the season, and would likely demand something more than his current deal of $6.1 million, what sort of market is there? If we hold him, and he walks, we get a first-round supplemental draft selection. But so would any team that would acquire him - increasing his value. He sees over four pitches per plate appearance - something teams love. He can play a bevy of positions - always a plus. Focusing on Tampa Bay, their rotation is going to be full of young, very good arms. Perhaps they would be willing to give up one of their minor league arms? I doubt we can nab Jeff Niemann for Blake, given the whole one-year thing. Other names that have been floated around message boards and rumor mills have been Reid Brignac (a 22-year old shortstop) and Justin Ruggiano (a 26-year old outfielder with speed). Ruggiano fits the "lower level prospect" mold that could garner someone like Blake. Brignac is typically considered a top-five prospect within the Rays' system, so that may be a bit tougher to pull off without adding a few more pieces on our side. What's good to see is that Shapiro isn't just shelling out chips to anyone who makes a phone call. While the Indians are definitely on the sell-side of things, we continue to look for the best offer out there.

Morning Update: Choo's Military Problem Could Halt Career

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:05:41 -0500

Why Shin-Soo Choo's military commitment could interrupt his career with the Cleveland Indians, plus more Casey Blake chatter and could Aaron Laffey be sent down come Saturday? And Paul Byrd's battle with the HGH controversy.

Morning Update: Deadline Looming For Blake Deal

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:17:09 -0500

Who are the prime suitors for Cleveland Indians everything man Casey Blake? Is Jhonny Peralta available? Fausto Carmona gets cleared to start on Saturday and Paul Byrd's unusual gift to closer Masahide Kobayashi.

Morning Update: Carmona To Start Saturday

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 10:44:31 -0500

Fausto Carmona is slated to come off the Disabled List on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. Casey Blake's interest heats up with New York Mets' GM Omar Minaya and Kelly Shoppach could be the full-time catcher to Cliff Lee even when Victor Martinez returns from an injury.

There Something About Marte, Tribe Win Again

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:06:30 -0500

Andy Marte has some magic working as the Cleveland Indians defeated the Los Angeles Angels for their 6th win in the last 7 games. Casey Blake continues his road dominance and Masahide Kobayashi shuts it down in the ninth.

Jhonny Peralta: The most-talked about man in Cleveland sports

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 20:43:05 -0500

The most talked about man in Cleveland sports these days spells his name incorrectly. But he is swinging a hot bat, and many Tribe fans are having second thoughts about their earlier call for a trade of shortstop Jhonny Peralta. Should the Tribe trade their hottest hitter and the A.L. home run leader among shortstops?

Morning Update/Game Recap: Laffey Struggles After ASB

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 09:58:55 -0500

The Cleveland Indians returned from the break and things did not go well for Aaron Laffey. Eric Wedge has an idea for the All-Star game, the real reason behind Shin-Soo Choo's double ear flapped helmet, and Grady Sizemore returns to his old stomping grounds.

MLB Trade Rumors and their Fantasy Impact

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:06:41 -0500

The Roster Doctor takes a look at the louder trade rumors out there and how they might affect managers, especially those in NL- or AL-only leagues. After CC Sabathia dropped like a bomb on NL-only leagues, it only pays to be prepared for the next potential move.

Tribe's first half offense - God awful but getting better

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:39:55 -0500

I could sum up the Tribe's first-half offense with one five-letter word. S-U-C-K-S !! But since you came to this Web site for info, I assume you are looking for a little more than that. So here goes.

You Are The GM…..For Casey Blake

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:25:00 -0500

WFNY readers have been playing GM for the Cavaliers since the playoffs ended. Well Tribe fans, the 'off-season' has come early for this year's team. So we want your help. We will take a look at the Indians roster and determine who we should try and trade, who deserves an extension, and who we should simply 'let it ride'. Franklin Gutierrez, Ryan Garko and Jhonny Peralta's fates have been voted on, now it's time for Blake… It's funny, Casey Blake seems to be one of those love 'em or hate 'em kind of players. This should be an interesting discussion/vote. Contract Information- Unlike the players that we have discussed already, Blake will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. His current contract is for $6.1 million. Blake was a little frustrated with the Indians for only offering him a one year deal in the winter, and I would not be surprised if he decided he wanted to pursue other offers. Casey Blake has never been part of the Indians long term plans, and yet he has been here since 2003. As prospects (Broussard, Phillips, Gerut, Michaels, Marte) and has beens (Lawton, Boone, Gonzalez, Hollandsworth) have come and gone, Casey Blake has always been here playing whatever role the Indians needed. He is incredibly consistent, but he is not a star or a power hitter. That is what conventional wisdom tells you is needed at 3B, 1B or the corner outfield positions. Casey is not a Gold Glove winner, though his defense has not been terrible. Nobody works harder on the team at defense than Casey Blake. Casey is also very durable, having spent only 30 days in his 5+ years here on the DL. Even so, Casey is just an average major league player. At 34, you don't expect that Casey will be improving any of his numbers. In fact this year is probably Casey's career year. Waiting in the Wings- It is hard to say that Casey is blocking Andy Marte or Ryan Garko's playing time when Blake is easily the Tribe's most consistent hitter this year. However, with the team's situation being what it is, Blake will probably need to sit or DH more in the second half of the season. Third base should belong to Wes Hodges or Beau Mills down the road, assuming that Andy Marte doesn't become Brooks Robinson anytime soon. Marte will get his chance to prove he belongs on the roster, and will get his own post later on. Casey is getting plenty of playing time right now because he is producing, and I have to imagine the Indians are showcasing him to the rest of the league. If Casey isn't in their plans for '09, then he should be dealt for whatever prospects the Indians can get. Casey would be a valuable utility player for a playoff team this season. So what do you say WFNY readers? Would you like to see the Indians bring Blake back next year? It would more than likely have to be a two year deal at least, for roughly $6 or $7 million per season. Perhaps you would like to see what we can get for Casey in a trade? Would you rather see Casey finish out the season here in Cleveland trying to get as many wins as possible this year, and let him move on in the off season? The vote is yours…