Tribe pointing to Columbus
In Tuesday's paper, be sure to check out my report on the construction of new Huntington Park in Columbus, which will almost certainly host the Indians' Triple-A team next season. On the Web, we also have a 3 1/2-minute video report and a link to a live webcam of the construction site.
The Tribe is definitely saying sayonara to Buffalo. Two more signs Monday: They signed a four-year deal through 2012 to keep Double-A operations in Akron after extending Class A Kinston, N.C. a couple weeks ago. But Buffalo is a "wait-till-after-the-season" call. Uh-huh. And I love the trade of Aaron Herr to the Reds for a bag of balls (OK, for cash). Sign a washed-up Morgan Ensberg and give away Buffalo's leader in home runs and RBIs to the organization he came from. Thanks a lot.
Herr didn't seem all that interested in being here at times but that's a pretty tough move to take. The kind of thing you do when you don't care about the Triple-A city anymore because you know you're outta here. This whole season is a sad way for the Tribe to go after a terrific run.
---Mike Harrington
If you are a baseball fan, the only thing better than watching a game is talking about it. And there will be lots of talk here, from the Yankees to the Bisons and around the majors. Reporters Mike Harrington and Amy Moritz provide the background and commentary.
John: Don't forget the one-year affiiation with the Tribe in '87, the last year at the Rockpile.
Jay:it's always possible Herr asked for the deal. And today's signing of Tony Graffinino is another sign that could have been the case. But I hate the Tribe signing guys who are going to "work out in Buffalo to get into game shape" We're closing in on July 1. Why sign guys who aren't even in shape?
As for the affiliation, I'm still betting Toronto but regular readers here know my reservations about that call.
Posted by: Mike Harrington | June 24, 2008 at 05:47 PM
Not a fan of Herr. He chases too many bad ballls and can't field a lick.
It is the end of an era, but Buffalo has been thorugh this before.
Since 1979: Pittsburgh (AA)
1985: Chicago White Sox
1988: Pittsburgh
1995: Cleveland
Please correct me if my math is wrong.
I never rooted for Clevelandm but rooted for the Buffalo Bisons, so to me affliation is not that important. Neither is postseason. Let's face it, the AAA playoffs are an exercise in futility these days. The good players get called up and the roster is fileld by A and AA call-ups. It's like two different teams. To me, the regular season pennant winner is the most important stat in AAA baseball.
Posted by: John | June 24, 2008 at 04:16 PM
I'm surprised Columbus did not build a larger stadium (8,000 seats with perhaps room for another 2000 in grass and standing room areas). Columbus is now the largest city in Ohio located at the intersection of two major N/S and E/W interstates in Central Ohio. The area continues to grow in population. The weather is much better than the unpredictable lake conditions in Cleveland. It would seem an ideal location for a major league franchise, perhaps even a move by the Indians some day.
Posted by: Don H | June 24, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Mike, is it possible the trade was a favor to Herr? He wasn't going to start at Buffalo with Ensberg at 3B, Gonzalez at 2B and three guys sharing 1B/DH duties. And the last thing any team wants is a disgruntled vet whining about playing time.
Also, if you were a betting man, what team is the odds' on favorite to relocate their AAA team to Buffalo next year?
Posted by: Jay | June 24, 2008 at 02:59 PM
Jay: No doubt Ensberg is a better potential option for the Tribe than Herr. Ens has shown nothing so far like we both agree. What the Tribe has failed to do the last two years is stock and keep the "4-A" kind of guys like Manto and Lovullo and Bill Ripken that really carried the Bisons and helped the Tribe's younger players in years past. Herr had that kind of career resume even though it didn't work out that well.
All that said, I still have a big problem when you give away the Triple-A team's HR and RBI leader for nothing in June. Can't do that. Period.
Posted by: Mike Harrington | June 24, 2008 at 01:50 PM
Mike, gotta disagree with you. Ensberg has sucked of late, yes, but there's little doubt he's a better potential call-up than Herr. Dude, look deeper at Herr's numbers. Herr led the team with 18 errors (more than twice as many as the next guy). His OPS was below .700 (.697), which ranked him NINTH on the team among current players. The HR and RBI numbers are deceiving. Herr is not very good.
Get real, dude. That move is no insult to Buffalo. It's about what AAA is supposed to be about when it comes to veteran players -- stocking up with guys who could serve a role in Cleveland. Given our weaknesses at 3B and 1B, and given Wedge's premium placed on defense (Herr is a 2B playing out of position at 3B, and has little defensive flexibility, which is why Valendia and Gonzalez have more value in the Bigs), Ensberg is a much better option... though admittedly, still not a great one.
Posted by: Jay | June 24, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Agree Mike. I went to school with Paul Dolan and will have to give him a ration of you know what next time I talk to him. This is kind of remiscent of the Bills leaving Fredonia and going to Rochester. You know why, but tough to take. Too bad they haven't shown a bit more class as they pack their bags. I guess it could have been worse, they could have been the Baltimore Colts!
Posted by: hoopster | June 24, 2008 at 10:25 AM