I am out of town at a store, proudly wearing my Cleveland Indians shirt. The guy working there stops me and says,
"Are you an Indians fan?
I say, Yes, I am.
He says, "sorry" and walks away.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Why the Indians Attendance is Down
The Indians are near the bottom in Major League attendance, and the total numbers are well off from the glory days of the 1999s and 2000s. Certainly, the teams lackluster record and second half crashes have a played a role. Fans are waiting to be convinced this team is really competitive before the come down to Progressive Field in droves.
Revenue Maximization
However, this is only part of the story. I want to introduce you to a concept called Revenue Management, or Revenue Maximization. It is used by airlines and hotels, and now Cleveland has brought it to baseball. The team started with the concept a few years ago by charging more for individual tickets to premium games.
Premium games being any game that they could charge higher ticket prices for.
For instance, if the Yankees were coming in, or the Tigers had a weekend series in July, the Tribe increased the price of those series. This year, the team has taken it a step further, and the prices of individual game tickets fluctuate by game, and vary by substantial amounts.
For example, I went to a weekday game and was able to buy Viewbox seats (those in the first rows of the upper deck) for $30. I went back for a Saturday night with fireworks and those seats were selling for $58!! Almost double the price. Other sections showed similar jumps. The team has made a decision to sell fewer tickets at higher prices.
As a matter of fact, they are choosing to not sell lower priced seats in the upper deck. (See picture). There are good reasons for this, but it does force fans into the higher priced seats.
Is it a good idea? Team management will have to make that judgment, but for every fan that decides to skip the game because of the high prices, the team loses out on potential concession revenues along with the ticket price.
So, next time the players, announcers or management laments the low attendance, remember that the team is doing their part to keep fans from the park.
Revenue Maximization
However, this is only part of the story. I want to introduce you to a concept called Revenue Management, or Revenue Maximization. It is used by airlines and hotels, and now Cleveland has brought it to baseball. The team started with the concept a few years ago by charging more for individual tickets to premium games.
Premium games being any game that they could charge higher ticket prices for.
For instance, if the Yankees were coming in, or the Tigers had a weekend series in July, the Tribe increased the price of those series. This year, the team has taken it a step further, and the prices of individual game tickets fluctuate by game, and vary by substantial amounts.
For example, I went to a weekday game and was able to buy Viewbox seats (those in the first rows of the upper deck) for $30. I went back for a Saturday night with fireworks and those seats were selling for $58!! Almost double the price. Other sections showed similar jumps. The team has made a decision to sell fewer tickets at higher prices.
As a matter of fact, they are choosing to not sell lower priced seats in the upper deck. (See picture). There are good reasons for this, but it does force fans into the higher priced seats.
Is it a good idea? Team management will have to make that judgment, but for every fan that decides to skip the game because of the high prices, the team loses out on potential concession revenues along with the ticket price.
So, next time the players, announcers or management laments the low attendance, remember that the team is doing their part to keep fans from the park.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Is Nick Swisher a Good Addition to the Tribe
My friends and I have spent a fair amount of time discussing Nick Swisher. He brings a fair amount of power, averaging 23 home runs a season throughout his career.
It's one thing to say he hit them in Yankee Stadium, which favors lefties and offers an otherwise stacked lineup. But he has been pretty consistent even in his days in Oakland and Chicago. He doesn't drive in a lot of runs, but he walks a fair amount, and has a good OPS.
Some players drastically fall off after 35, but most good players don't crash. They may see a slow dropoff as they near 40, but at 35, without major injuries, a player will likely not lose more than 10% off the average.
It's different for power hitters than fast players. Guys that depend on speed can go all at once. I remember Brady Anderson, who the Tribe picked up at the end of his career. When his speed went, he had nothing left.
The rest of the outfield doesn't scare me. The pitching scares me, but that's as a Tribe fan. More later.
It's one thing to say he hit them in Yankee Stadium, which favors lefties and offers an otherwise stacked lineup. But he has been pretty consistent even in his days in Oakland and Chicago. He doesn't drive in a lot of runs, but he walks a fair amount, and has a good OPS.
Some players drastically fall off after 35, but most good players don't crash. They may see a slow dropoff as they near 40, but at 35, without major injuries, a player will likely not lose more than 10% off the average.
It's different for power hitters than fast players. Guys that depend on speed can go all at once. I remember Brady Anderson, who the Tribe picked up at the end of his career. When his speed went, he had nothing left.
The rest of the outfield doesn't scare me. The pitching scares me, but that's as a Tribe fan. More later.
Monday, October 15, 2012
The Yankees and Bad Umpire Calls
Two words: Jeffrey Mayer
In Game 2 of the ALCS, the umpire blew a call against the Yankees that led to a Tigers 2-Run eight inning. The Tigers were already leading and the Yankees never did score, so the runs were not really important. Girardi made the weak case that the insurance runs changed the tone of the game, taking pressure off the Tiger relievers. Still, Detroit handled the pressure fine in the first seven innings of the game.
The Yankees are imploding, and all non-New York fans are likely pretty happy. As a Cleveland fan, I certainly have no love for Bronx Bombers. We lost a whole lot of games to their high priced line-ups.
I still like CC Sabathia, by the way. He was traded away (for very little) and he likely would left through free agency, anyway.
No doubt Yankee fans will spend half the time bemoaning this call, along with skewering the overpriced Alex Rodriguez. They quickly forget the calls that go the Yankees way, including the one referenced above from 1996 when a fan interfered in the game and no call was made. Just last week against Baltimore there was another questionable call on a home run that went to the Yankees.
So, no tears here for the Yankees. A blown call, yes. But it made no difference in the game.
In Game 2 of the ALCS, the umpire blew a call against the Yankees that led to a Tigers 2-Run eight inning. The Tigers were already leading and the Yankees never did score, so the runs were not really important. Girardi made the weak case that the insurance runs changed the tone of the game, taking pressure off the Tiger relievers. Still, Detroit handled the pressure fine in the first seven innings of the game.
The Yankees are imploding, and all non-New York fans are likely pretty happy. As a Cleveland fan, I certainly have no love for Bronx Bombers. We lost a whole lot of games to their high priced line-ups.
I still like CC Sabathia, by the way. He was traded away (for very little) and he likely would left through free agency, anyway.
No doubt Yankee fans will spend half the time bemoaning this call, along with skewering the overpriced Alex Rodriguez. They quickly forget the calls that go the Yankees way, including the one referenced above from 1996 when a fan interfered in the game and no call was made. Just last week against Baltimore there was another questionable call on a home run that went to the Yankees.
So, no tears here for the Yankees. A blown call, yes. But it made no difference in the game.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Terry Francona Named Indians Manager
I guess he will be an OK hire. He shouldn't have to deal with all the prima donnas he had in Boston. Just a bunch of extras and chorus girls.
My issue is, what is the big hurry? They interview two guys over two days and make their decision? When a business hires a upper level leadership position, it takes months, and they interview at least a half dozen candidates.
As far as whether a manager can make a big difference, I would come on the yes side of that. Not so much in game decisions. Maybe a genius can gain a game or two based on replacing the pitcher at the exact right time. Chances are the new pitcher that comes in will do no better or worse than the guy he replaced.
The difference is in talent evaluation. A good manager can see quickly that a player doesn't have it. In working with the GM and front office, they can get the better players. The GM can work to bring them in, but the manager makes the decisions on playing them or getting them out. The best example here was the Hargrove-Hart tandem. They didn't like each other, but worked well together.
Friday, October 5, 2012
Why Does Baseball have an Infield Fly Rule?
In baseball, if there are men on first and second and less than two out, an umpire can rule that a pop fly to the infield is subject to the infield fly rule. In this case, the batter is automatically out. The fielder does not have to catch the ball. It is played as if the ball was caught. In that case, the runners can advance after tagging up.
The reason for this is that a fielder doesn't attempt to get a cheap double play. If there were no such rule, a fielder could intentionally drop a an easy fly and double up the runners at third and second, who would be at risk for being doubled off if they strayed any distance from the base. It is to protect the integrity of the game by letting a fielder gain an advantage by intentionally dropping the ball.
In the Cardinals - Braves Playoff game on October 5, 2012, the extra right field umpire called the infield fly rule for that purpose. However, it really wasn't a good call, as this wasn't an easy catch, and the fielder was so deep that he could not have easily doubled up any runner. The call was made late, but before the catch was made. So there was no way they could have overturned it. It is possible that the shortstop heard the umpire call the runner out, and thought it was the outfielder calling him off.
That game is being played under protest, but it is unlikely to be upheld.
The reason for this is that a fielder doesn't attempt to get a cheap double play. If there were no such rule, a fielder could intentionally drop a an easy fly and double up the runners at third and second, who would be at risk for being doubled off if they strayed any distance from the base. It is to protect the integrity of the game by letting a fielder gain an advantage by intentionally dropping the ball.
In the Cardinals - Braves Playoff game on October 5, 2012, the extra right field umpire called the infield fly rule for that purpose. However, it really wasn't a good call, as this wasn't an easy catch, and the fielder was so deep that he could not have easily doubled up any runner. The call was made late, but before the catch was made. So there was no way they could have overturned it. It is possible that the shortstop heard the umpire call the runner out, and thought it was the outfielder calling him off.
That game is being played under protest, but it is unlikely to be upheld.
Friday, September 28, 2012
No More Manny Acta to Kick Around
Manny Acta was fired yesterday. It's almost always too bad when a manager gets fired, but usually it's not his fault, it's a matter or not enough talent to fulfill the expectations fans have for the team. For the Indians, expectations wouldn't have been very high except for the great starts that the team had in the last few years.
The total collapse in those years, particularly this year, have to blamed on someone, and it seems to fallen onto Acta. It is a bit surprising that Mark Shapiro continues to be coated in Teflon. No criticism is allowed for him. Even I have a hard time blaming him, because he clearly is strapped for cash to invest in players.
It is a vicious cycle. As the team gets worse, fewer fans come out, and that means less money to spend on good players, so that team gets even worse. All that allowed, the choices that the team made this year, like resigning Grady Sizemore, and picking up Derek Lowe did nothing to help the team. If they are going to commit to the future, what is Jack Hannahan doing here? Chisenhall should have been playing for the whole year.
As for Chris Perez, you do have to admire how Eric Wedge would have handled that. Perez would have shut up or been pitching elsewhere by midseason.
So, wishing all luck to Sandy Alomar, but if we don't either get some cash or superior ability to judge talent, the team is going to continue to be stuck at the bottom of a weak division.
The total collapse in those years, particularly this year, have to blamed on someone, and it seems to fallen onto Acta. It is a bit surprising that Mark Shapiro continues to be coated in Teflon. No criticism is allowed for him. Even I have a hard time blaming him, because he clearly is strapped for cash to invest in players.
It is a vicious cycle. As the team gets worse, fewer fans come out, and that means less money to spend on good players, so that team gets even worse. All that allowed, the choices that the team made this year, like resigning Grady Sizemore, and picking up Derek Lowe did nothing to help the team. If they are going to commit to the future, what is Jack Hannahan doing here? Chisenhall should have been playing for the whole year.
As for Chris Perez, you do have to admire how Eric Wedge would have handled that. Perez would have shut up or been pitching elsewhere by midseason.
So, wishing all luck to Sandy Alomar, but if we don't either get some cash or superior ability to judge talent, the team is going to continue to be stuck at the bottom of a weak division.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Indians beat Angels 9-5
A strong offensive performance on a warm and rainy night in Cleveland carried the Tribe to a comeback win. on July 3 against the Angels.
Despite the nine runs, the story was the pitching. Zach McAlister had four shutout innings, blew up in the fifth (with the help of shoddy defense) and recovered.
The focus really should be on the continuing strong performance of the bullpen. Vinnie Pestano continues his great, unheralded setup work. When they get them, the Tribe can hold a lead.
A decent attendance number of 29,000. Not good for a July night, but there wasn't going to be a walk-up crowd with the questionable weather. Not in Cleveland.
By the way, does everyone have the trouble that I do getting the Indians website to load. It takes forever. Yuck.
Despite the nine runs, the story was the pitching. Zach McAlister had four shutout innings, blew up in the fifth (with the help of shoddy defense) and recovered.
The focus really should be on the continuing strong performance of the bullpen. Vinnie Pestano continues his great, unheralded setup work. When they get them, the Tribe can hold a lead.
A decent attendance number of 29,000. Not good for a July night, but there wasn't going to be a walk-up crowd with the questionable weather. Not in Cleveland.
By the way, does everyone have the trouble that I do getting the Indians website to load. It takes forever. Yuck.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Indians lose to Angels 3-0
Another rough night for the Tribe offense as they amass five hits against Jerod Weaver and the Angels on July 2. The warm weather hasn't perked up the Tribe bats.
A quick look at the batting averages in the lineup reveals the problem. The first four hitters have respectable, if not great averages, but the last five are low. The 5 through 8 spots are flirting with .200 (the Mendoza line, for those that have been around a while) and Jack Hannahan is in at .250 in the nine spot.
The team is without a true leadoff hitter, and has been for many years. Grady Sizemore had some fine years, but his power was mostly wasted at the top of the order.
The team wasted a fine pitching performance by Ubaldo Jimenez. It really can't afford to do that, as he has been very inconsistent.
A quick look at the batting averages in the lineup reveals the problem. The first four hitters have respectable, if not great averages, but the last five are low. The 5 through 8 spots are flirting with .200 (the Mendoza line, for those that have been around a while) and Jack Hannahan is in at .250 in the nine spot.
The team is without a true leadoff hitter, and has been for many years. Grady Sizemore had some fine years, but his power was mostly wasted at the top of the order.
The team wasted a fine pitching performance by Ubaldo Jimenez. It really can't afford to do that, as he has been very inconsistent.
Where are the Ex-Indians?
The Indians went through a dry period from 2002 to
2011. They did contend in 2007, as it
turns out, a one year wonder.
Looking at the All-Star ballot for this year, I got an
inkling why. My usual habit is to grab a
ballot, choose all the Indians in the American League and flip to the National
League and pick ex-Indians for the Senior Circuit.
According to tradition, I held my nose (in some cases) and
picked our current Tribe players. When I
turned to the NL, I had trouble finding any ex-Indians to choose. Eventually I found Brandon Phillips and Ryan
Ludwig. If there are others, I missed
them.
I took a quick look at the American League: Two or three ex-Indians there. The All-Star ballot includes one player from
each time, the projected starter from when the ballots are chosen early in the
season.
Therefore, there are only a few Indians from the last few
years still starting with any other team in the Majors. Only a few of the players are still with the
Tribe, so most of players who were on hitters on the squad over the last decade
are either:
- not starting with a team
- in the minor leagues
- out of baseball
which explains to me why the team has been well out of
contention for most of the period. Where
are guys like Ryan Garko, David Dellucci and Andy Marte? Did I just miss Ben Francisco?
In Major League Baseball, you can’t win without talent. And the lack of it is evident in the few
ex-Indians players that are still around after just a few years.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Tribe Attendance - The Manager Doesn't Make the Difference
It seems like a fair time to compare the last two Cleveland Indians managers: Eric Wedge and Manny Acta. The team's performance has been polar opposites, except they end up in the same place.
With Wedge, the team started slowly every year. It was a constant complaint, and was used often as a reason the team's attendance was down. The team was pretty much out of contention every year by May because of the slow starts.
Even in 2007. the team started slow and then really put it together, compiling the best record in baseball over the last two months of the year to take the division, only to fall one game short of the World Series.
Acta's teams have been the exact opposite, starting fast, and fading quickly when the weather got warm. We will see if they can recover this year, but the same things that led to last year's collapse are still evident. And attendance is the lowest in the majors.
The roster is paper thin. They have only one star player, Asdrubal Cabrera, and he plays at a position, shortstop, that isn't going to carry a team. The other talented players, Choo and Santana, are still young and subject to long slumps. The rest of the team is young and barely talented enough to be in the majors.
They aren't any budding Thomes or Mannys in this group. The pitching has shown promise, but lacks much depth. Any injuries at all on this team means that role players like Jason Donald are going to get significant playing time.
So, Wedge vs. Acta? Though they are different, the results are pretty much the same.
With Wedge, the team started slowly every year. It was a constant complaint, and was used often as a reason the team's attendance was down. The team was pretty much out of contention every year by May because of the slow starts.
Even in 2007. the team started slow and then really put it together, compiling the best record in baseball over the last two months of the year to take the division, only to fall one game short of the World Series.
Acta's teams have been the exact opposite, starting fast, and fading quickly when the weather got warm. We will see if they can recover this year, but the same things that led to last year's collapse are still evident. And attendance is the lowest in the majors.
The roster is paper thin. They have only one star player, Asdrubal Cabrera, and he plays at a position, shortstop, that isn't going to carry a team. The other talented players, Choo and Santana, are still young and subject to long slumps. The rest of the team is young and barely talented enough to be in the majors.
They aren't any budding Thomes or Mannys in this group. The pitching has shown promise, but lacks much depth. Any injuries at all on this team means that role players like Jason Donald are going to get significant playing time.
So, Wedge vs. Acta? Though they are different, the results are pretty much the same.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Baseball Gift Ideas and Great Presents for the Major League Fan
Fans of Major League Baseball teams are proud to wear clothing and other items from their favorites. MLB.com has all the standard jerseys and jackets along with more unusual gift ideas for Christmas presents.
Baseball Jerseys and Team Clothing
Official team websites, specialty sports stores and even general merchandise retailers carry specific team clothing during the holiday shopping periods. Fans can find jerseys, sweatshirts and caps for their local teams year round. Merchandise featuring nationally popular teams like the New York Yankees is available just about everywhere.Advice on buying clothing items for baseball fans:
- Buy a bigger size than you might normally. T-shirts and sweatshirts tend to be made of cotton and shrink when washed.
- Stick to general team merchandise, rather than a specific player. Players tend to change teams quickly these days. It is possible that a player may change teams between the time the present is bought and given.
Baseball Tickets as Christmas Gifts
Baseball, more than most sports, is best enjoyed at the ballpark. Days are warm, the action is leisurely, food and opportunities to buy it are plentiful, and a fan gets a much larger perspective in person than just watching the pitcher and catcher on television.Tickets to a major league game are a great gift idea for fans. Prices of tickets can be fairly expensive, but great seats can provide a winter’s worth of anticipation. Buying seats in a club section like those in Citi Field in New York or other major league parks can help ensure that the game will be enjoyable even if the weather is less than great.
Be sure that the game doesn’t conflict with family vacations or big events like reunions. A safer choice is buying a voucher for tickets and allowing the fan to select their own game.
Minor league baseball tickets are also a good choice. Less expensive than the majors, minor league games are still a lot of fun. Plus, it is a chance to see young players before they become famous. Fans love to be able to say about a major leaguer, “I saw him down at Double AA, and I knew he was going to be good.”
Other Baseball Holiday Gift Choices
Along with clothes, anything that enables a fan to show off his loyalty for his favorite team can be a good choice:- Duffel bags and totes with the team insignia
- Watches and jewelry, especially for women fans
- Travel mugs and glassware, particularly beer mugs.
- Portable chairs, seat cushions and even household items such as shower curtains.
Those buying gifts for fans may want to avoid expensive items not likely to be used often, such as team neckties or dress watches. A businessman may love his team, but will still want to maintain a professional image at work.
Fans who love baseball will enjoy getting a useful gift as a Christmas present. A little bit of planning can make the experience even more enjoyable on the holiday.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Is Grady Sizemore Worth It?
The Indians have resigned Grady Sizemore to a one year
contract worth $5 million with incentives up to $9 million. Grady is a very popular player, but has been
missing in action due to injuries for the better part of the last two
seasons.
The Tribe had an opportunity to allow Grady to walk and
focus their attentions on other outfielders, including the very talented
Michael Brantley.
Brantley had a mediocre year in 2011 on an offensively
challenged team. He batted .266 with 7
HRs and 46 RBI. As a leadoff hitter, he
had a fairly weak 63 runs scored with only 34 walks.
Is He Worth the
Money?
The big question is whether the Tribe should have gone with
Brantley in center and spent the big money on someone who can help them
more. There is the issue of Grady’s fan
appeal. Will he sell additional tickets?
Even if he does, it has to be a lot of tickets to justify
the salary on that basis. I am guessing
because of all the discounts the Tribe throws around, but if the average ticket
price is $25, it means Grady has to sell 200,000 tickets to justify that minimum
salary.
Yes, I know a lot more goes into the calculation (TV,
concessions, those Grady’s Ladies T-shirts) but it still means that Grady has
to be either very productive, or very popular.
It might have been a lot smarter moneywise to go with Brantley.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Grading the 2011 Indians
The Tribe ended up with an 80-82 record in 2011, finishing in second place in the mostly woeful AL Central (although some solace can be gained by the Central winning Tigers booting the hated Yankees.)
Still, it was year that exceeded expectations, if only because of the way the team performed early in the year. If they had been lousy early and came on later (as was so common in the Eric Wedge years) there may be more hope for next year.
It does seem like a good foundation is being built for the future. The pitching is young, but strong. The mid-season call-ups of Chisenhall and Kipnis offers promise of a very good young infield for several years.
Overall, a definite B, despite the sub-.500 record. The team provided some excitement for the few fans that attended, and hope for the future.
Google+
Still, it was year that exceeded expectations, if only because of the way the team performed early in the year. If they had been lousy early and came on later (as was so common in the Eric Wedge years) there may be more hope for next year.
It does seem like a good foundation is being built for the future. The pitching is young, but strong. The mid-season call-ups of Chisenhall and Kipnis offers promise of a very good young infield for several years.
Overall, a definite B, despite the sub-.500 record. The team provided some excitement for the few fans that attended, and hope for the future.
Google+
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Akron Aeros at Canal Park
I got a chance to attend the Akron Aeros game at Canal Park, against the Harrisburg Senators. A high scoring affair, that took a very long time to play on a warm and rainy night.
Canal Park is a nice little ballfield in Downtown Akron. It wasn't very crowded. No matter what the announced attendance, I figure there weren't more than 400 fans in the park, many of them from Tuslaw School.
Ticket prices at Canal Park are reasonable, $9 for a great seat, $8 for seniors. It's a single deck, and no seats are far from the field. It was two-fer Tuesday, where you get two seats for the price of one.
Concessions are pretty steep in price, not what the Major Leagues call for, or even what movie theaters charge. $2 for a small hot dog, $3.50 for a larger one. You can pay for more for a pizza dog, whatever that is. A nice selection of ballpark food.
Popcorn is $4, it takes good, but mine was the saltiest thing I have ever eaten in my life. Maybe that's intentional, to get you to buy the $6 beer or pop that ranges from $3 to $4.50.
It was a nice time. Minor league baseball lacks the star power, but it does put you close to the action at a reasonable price. It's dangerous work for the players, though. There were three batters hit by a pitch in the first inning. The umpire may have been considering warning the pitchers, but it appeared they were just wild.
Check it out, or other minor league ballparks near you.
Canal Park is a nice little ballfield in Downtown Akron. It wasn't very crowded. No matter what the announced attendance, I figure there weren't more than 400 fans in the park, many of them from Tuslaw School.
Ticket prices at Canal Park are reasonable, $9 for a great seat, $8 for seniors. It's a single deck, and no seats are far from the field. It was two-fer Tuesday, where you get two seats for the price of one.
Concessions are pretty steep in price, not what the Major Leagues call for, or even what movie theaters charge. $2 for a small hot dog, $3.50 for a larger one. You can pay for more for a pizza dog, whatever that is. A nice selection of ballpark food.
Popcorn is $4, it takes good, but mine was the saltiest thing I have ever eaten in my life. Maybe that's intentional, to get you to buy the $6 beer or pop that ranges from $3 to $4.50.
It was a nice time. Minor league baseball lacks the star power, but it does put you close to the action at a reasonable price. It's dangerous work for the players, though. There were three batters hit by a pitch in the first inning. The umpire may have been considering warning the pitchers, but it appeared they were just wild.
Check it out, or other minor league ballparks near you.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Information on Progressive Field
A couple of articles on how to get to Progressive Field and what to do when you get there.
http://www.suite101.com/content/baseball-at-jacobs-field-a26597
http://www.suite101.com/content/visiting-jacobs-field-part-1-a24116
Yes, they are bit older, since the titles references Jacobs Field, but it's still good.
http://www.suite101.com/content/baseball-at-jacobs-field-a26597
http://www.suite101.com/content/visiting-jacobs-field-part-1-a24116
Yes, they are bit older, since the titles references Jacobs Field, but it's still good.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Hot Dogs at Progressive Field
A review of the hot dogs available at the Indians Ballpark
I attended my first Cleveland Indians game of the year on May 11, 2011. The Tribe went into the game on a 14 game home winning streak. That all ended this night, when the Indians got shellacked by Tampa Bay. David Price was outstanding, and there was little excitement until the home team scored 2 runs in the eighth.
I attended my first Cleveland Indians game of the year on May 11, 2011. The Tribe went into the game on a 14 game home winning streak. That all ended this night, when the Indians got shellacked by Tampa Bay. David Price was outstanding, and there was little excitement until the home team scored 2 runs in the eighth.
It did give me the opportunity to sample the fine cuisine at the game. Most everything is the same as the prior year. The team has cut back on some of the food choices at the stands, and brought back the fan favorite (?) chicken waffle. Really, who eats a waffle with chicken in it? No one in Cleveland, for sure. I predict this is disappear again as fast as it did the first time. It's actually hard to find, at only one stand I could see, and barely noted on the sign.
As befitting a ball game, hot dogs are the most prominent feature, with several choices: The standard Sugardale dog, at $3.25. This are the franks that are a buck on Dollar Dog Night, I was told this is the most popular theme nights along with fireworks. Pretty small, they pretty much stretch to fill the bun, which appears to be smaller than past years.
Next up is the All-Beef Hot Dog. It does make you wonder what the lower priced option is made of, but better not to think about it. At $4.25, it's not a great value, but it is a major league baseball game and you can expect to pay up. There is a footlong hot dog, and one stand that has Kosher Dogs.
The new feature is the Slugger Dog (pictured). At $8.50, it is essentially a foot long All Beef version, with some extra toppings available. $8.50 for a hot dog? Is this New York City? Fortunately, no, it's Cleveland, and the Stadium Mustard is free.
After the indigestion subsides, I will definitely be back.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Tribe vs. Tampa Bay
After a successful split of a six-game road trip, where the team could have won all the games they lost (or lost all the ones they won) the Tribe comes home to face Tampa Bay in a three game series.
Crowds are likely to be better, as the weather is looking good for the series.
I am planning to attend the Wednesday game. Should be fun.
Crowds are likely to be better, as the weather is looking good for the series.
I am planning to attend the Wednesday game. Should be fun.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Indians PItcher Kerry Wood
You have to wonder why the Indians would spend what little free agent money they had last year on Kerry Wood. It didn't make much sense to think that a group of has-beens, never were's and never gonna be's could get enough games to the late innings with an Indians lead for him to save.
Now that he is injured, there really doesn't seem to be much difference. The team still blows the games late. Somebody has to win the close games, but it doesn't seem like it will be the Tribe very often. The big bucks they paid to him wouldn't have helped the team much anyway.
He won't put anybody in the seats, either, since no one knows when he's goint to get into the game. At least fans would turn out when Cliff Lee was pitching.
On a funny note, I would following the game on Yahoo Sports and they have pictures of the players as they come to bat. Ryan Garko was still wearing his Indians hat. Players move around quickly these days.
Now that he is injured, there really doesn't seem to be much difference. The team still blows the games late. Somebody has to win the close games, but it doesn't seem like it will be the Tribe very often. The big bucks they paid to him wouldn't have helped the team much anyway.
He won't put anybody in the seats, either, since no one knows when he's goint to get into the game. At least fans would turn out when Cliff Lee was pitching.
On a funny note, I would following the game on Yahoo Sports and they have pictures of the players as they come to bat. Ryan Garko was still wearing his Indians hat. Players move around quickly these days.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Why Cold Weather Baseball Teams Lose
The Tribe played it's first 6 games on the road, and they will be on the Road for 15 or their first 21. Yes, it will help attendance in that more games will be played in warmer weather, but since away teams have a worse record, it is going to make it more likely that they have a poorer record when they play all those games at home.
Which, as things work, means they are going to have poorer attendance, since fewer fans go to teams with lousy records. It is possible to overcome that, but with this teams prospects (and I mean that in two ways) it isn't likely.
2-4 in those first 6 games, and they have lost in different ways, bad starting pitching, a poor bullpen, and no hitting.
Which, as things work, means they are going to have poorer attendance, since fewer fans go to teams with lousy records. It is possible to overcome that, but with this teams prospects (and I mean that in two ways) it isn't likely.
2-4 in those first 6 games, and they have lost in different ways, bad starting pitching, a poor bullpen, and no hitting.
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