Man Crush

For the record, I'm not gay (not that there's anything wrong with that). Although I do have a crazy man-crush on Chase Utley.

I mean seriously, is there a better role model in the game of baseball than Chase Utley. I'm a Cleveland Indians fan, but Utley has stolen my heart away from Grady Sizemore (sorry Grady, you're still my boy).

Yesterday, in a series against the Cubs, Utley double clutched before firing to Howard while attempting to turn two in the 10th inning. The ball took a weird hop, eluded Howard and made its way into the dugout, allowing the Cubs runner to score the decisive run. We're all human, nobody's perfect. What impressed me most was post-error, Chase sunk down, putting both hands on his knees and his head down. It's one game, in the middle of April against a non-division opponent. Yet, Chase cares.

As an Indians fan, I've witnessed too many players who didn't care (i.e. Joey Belle and Manny Ramirez). The only thing I ask of a player, is to give your all and CARE. In the post game interview, Chase owned up to his mistake, saying it was completely his fault, he let the team down, etc, etc. All I can say, is what a stand-up guy. No one blames him for the loss. The blown call homerun by Derosa in the 6th had a larger impact than Utley's throw (which, I watched the replay 11 times, I think Howard could have had it).

Chase signed a huge contract before the '07 season and has not let down the city of Philadelphia. His nickname is 'Dirtball' because of his Charlie Hustle style of play. He and his wife are active members in the community and volunteer at animal shelters throughout Philadelphia. Billy Joel may be right in "Only the Good Die Young" but if the good guys win a World Series this year, "Dirtball" will have a large say in it.

3 Worst Words

In February, I wrote a post titled "The Three Greatest Words in Sports". Well this weekend, I was unfortunately able to experience the three worst words in sports. Before I reveal that, it got me thinking what other 3 word phrases are least acoustically appreaciated. This list is not restricted to sports although my favorite ones are.

5. License and Registration
We've all heard it. It's usually accompanied by "Do you know why I pulled you over?" or "Do you know how fast you were going?". Now, if you're reading this from the male perspective you can understand why this phrase is in this category. We never get out of tickets based our flirting abilities.

4. Last Call, People
I've only been 21 for two weeks but it didn't take long for me to dread hearing this phrase. The lights flicker, everyone quiets, it's a depressing moment. The true veterans pace themselves to need another drink at this exact moment. I'm still retaining my amateur status while I pursue my dream to one day drink in the Olympics.

3. How many fingers?
Everyone, at some point or another was knocked to the ground and undoubtedbly a coach or trainer was standing over you with fingers extended, usually four asking the question: How many fingers? You have no doubt been either embarassed, or de-cleated, or any other negative word you may be fond of.

2. You're outta here.
This may be higher on Lou Pinella or Larry Bowa's personal list, but for now, I'll keep it at 2. Officials are human and can kick a call from time to time. In the heat of the moment, coaches may use some magic words that will result in them watching the rest of the game from the locker room.

1. You're still away.
I went golfing over the weekend. My playing partner was much better than myself. On a par 4, I hooked my ball into the rough off the tee. My partner hit a brilliant tee shot. My ball was burried. I grabbed my hybrid 2-iron and took a mighty whack. I was barely able to unearth the ball enough to get it back into the fairway. My partner, sitting in the cart evaluated my shot and replied, "you're still away". I cannot begin to explain the defeated feeling I was experiencing.

I consider myself a superstitious person and with the post, I hope to single handedly put the kay-bash on all my bad luck for years to come. Take that fate.

Expectations

Oh no! It's 2006 again!

In 2005, the youthful Cleveland Indians won 93 games and missed the playoffs by a mere 2 games. Heading into 2006, expectations were high that Cleveland would make its first postseason appearance since 2001. How did they respond? They won 78 games and finished fourth in a division they were largely regarded to run away with.

In 2007, no one knew what to think of the Indians. They had signed their young core to lengthy contracts giving them all financial security and making sure they would be together, through thick and thin. Notoriously slow starters, Cleveland got off to a tremendous start. The division lead changed hands, seemingly every week. The Tigers of Detroit were looking ferocious as ever after their disappointing World Series loss to the Cardinals the previous year.

When September came, Cleveland's inexperience didn't betray them. They won the division, tied the Red Sox for the best record in the Major's and looked poised to capture a World Series title that eluded the dominant Indian teams of the 90's.

The vaunted New York Yankees came into Cleveland and the youngsters said, "The hell with tradition." Without showing any intimidation, the Tribe systematically devoured the Yanks and marched into the ALCS to face the BoSox. After gaining a 3-1 series lead, Cleveland's dual aces showed signs of fatigue and lost the series in seven games.

So as many professional analysts picked Cleveland to win the pennant in 2008, anyone who followed the team knew to be wary.

Here's what Cleveland had going for them: Hafner had, by his standards, a forgettable 2007. No way he stumbled through '08. With Pronk mashing again in the middle of that order, it would take the pressure off of Martinez. Asdrubal Cabrera and Franklin Gutierrez gained valuable experience down the stretch last year and figured to be on the verge of breaking out. David Dellucci's injuries had subsided and his track record pointed to him having a solid year in left field. The starting rotation and bullpen were strengthened during the Spring and all signs pointed to "YES" for this to finally be the Tribe's year.

What no one looked at was what was working against the Tribe: C.C. Sabathia, in the last year of his contract, tables negotiations in order to 'focus' on the season. The 200+ innings thrown by each Sabathia and Carmona figured to have some lingering effect on the duo. Career years out of Peralta, Garko, and a plethora of timely hits seemed to have the forces of balancing leaning towards Cleveland coming back to reality in '08.

So what's happened so far in '08. That rock solid rotation has faltered. Sabathia and Byrd each own ERA's over 11.00. Borowski, blew another save in epic fashion, surrendering a walk-off grand slam to Torii Hunter. Aside from Sizemore, Tribe outfielders are hitting a miserable .147 (10-68) with only 6 RBI. Martinez strained his hamstring on opening day and has been like a UFO since (highly talked about, rarely seen).

Reigning AL Manager of the Year, Eric Wedge needs to refocus the team. Four wins in ten games aren't going to cut it in the American League Central Division. Fortunately for Cleveland, the Tigers can't discern a curveball from an apple pie. After this weekend's series with Oakland, Cleveland hosts two 2-game series with Boston and Detroit. This is where Cleveland can turn it around. I know it's early, but this team has proven that the pressure of expectations can influence them greatly. If they dig a hole too deep, they may never escape.