Tribe Talk Installment 18

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2. As frustrating as the situation with Sizemore has been, on September first, some small good finally came of it. Tribe fans were given a first look at young outfielder Michael Brantley, who has been impressive in his debut, hitting in each of his first six games, batting .391 with two RBIs and 4 runs and even escaping a rundown on Sunday.

What do you think of Brantley thus far? Has his success merely been beginners' luck, or do you think he can keep up this caliber of play?

Do you see Brantley as part of the Tribe's outfield in 2010? Has Matt LaPorta's possible move to first freed up a starting job in the outfield for Brantley next year? How important is Brantley's speed to his value, especially given that this is a team that could certainly stand to be faster and smarter on the basepaths as a group?

As frustrating as the situation with Sizemore has been, on September first, some small good finally came of it. Tribe fans were given a first look at young outfielder Michael Brantley, who has been impressive in his debut, hitting in each of his first six games, batting .391 with two RBIs and 4 runs and even escaping a rundown on Sunday. What do you think of Brantley thus far? Has his success merely been beginners' luck, or do you think he can keep up this caliber of play? Do you see Brantley as part of the Tribe's outfield in 2010? Has Matt LaPorta's possible move to first freed up a starting job in the outfield for Brantley next year? How important is Brantley's speed to his value, especially given that this is a team that could certainly stand to be faster and smarter on the basepaths as a group?

3. After stubbornly refusing to shut down Grady Sizemore since it first became evident that he was injured, the Indians have finally pulled the plug and ended Sizemore's season.

Sizemore is scheduled to undergo surgery on both his inflamed elbow and on his injured abdomen over the next two weeks.

Fans have lambasted the Indians' brass for allowing Sizemore to continue to play hurt for so long. What do you think? Should the Indians have shut down Sizemore back when it first became evident that he needed surgery? Would your opinion be different if the team were in a pennant race?

How much say do you really think Sizemore had in the matter, and if the decision WAS mostly his, do you think he was foolish to lobby to finish the season?

After stubbornly refusing to shut down Grady Sizemore since it first became evident that he was injured, the Indians have finally pulled the plug and ended Sizemore's season. Sizemore is scheduled to undergo surgery on both his inflamed elbow and on his injured abdomen over the next two weeks. Fans have lambasted the Indians' brass for allowing Sizemore to continue to play hurt for so long. What do you think? Should the Indians have shut down Sizemore back when it first became evident that he needed surgery? Would your opinion be different if the team were in a pennant race? How much say do you really think Sizemore had in the matter, and if the decision WAS mostly his, do you think he was foolish to lobby to finish the season?

4. For the most part, Indians pitching in 2009 has been abominable, but one definite bright spot has been reliever Tony Sipp.

Sipp has allowed just one run and five hits in his last 15 appearances, striking out 17. He is 2-0 with a 3.30 ERA on the season in 36 appearances. What do you think the future holds for Sipp? Can he continue to be as dominant as he has been for the rest of the season and for the foreseeable future?

Have any other Tribe pitchers greatly impressed you as the season is winding down?

For the most part, Indians pitching in 2009 has been abominable, but one definite bright spot has been reliever Tony Sipp. Sipp has allowed just one run and five hits in his last 15 appearances, striking out 17. He is 2-0 with a 3.30 ERA on the season in 36 appearances. What do you think the future holds for Sipp? Can he continue to be as dominant as he has been for the rest of the season and for the foreseeable future? Have any other Tribe pitchers greatly impressed you as the season is winding down?

5. So far the Cliff Lee trade has produced mixed results and a lot of question marks. As we discussed last week, Carrasco's value remains to be determined, but what of golden boy Jason Knapp, who has been shut down for the season?

The Indians have not directly laid any accusations, but whispers persist that Knapp may have been damaged goods upon his arrival from Philadelphia. Do you think this is true? If so, were you the Indians, would you file a complaint with the league against the Phillies?

How do you feel about filing such grievances in general? How much responsibility should the player's previous owner assume if he shows signs of some sort of existing injury condition within his first few months with his new team?

So far the Cliff Lee trade has produced mixed results and a lot of question marks. As we discussed last week, Carrasco's value remains to be determined, but what of golden boy Jason Knapp, who has been shut down for the season? The Indians have not directly laid any accusations, but whispers persist that Knapp may have been damaged goods upon his arrival from Philadelphia. Do you think this is true? If so, were you the Indians, would you file a complaint with the league against the Phillies? How do you feel about filing such grievances in general? How much responsibility should the player's previous owner assume if he shows signs of some sort of existing injury condition within his first few months with his new team?

6. Fun Question of the Week: As the end of the 2009 season draws near, it's time to start giving out some awards. Who do you see as your 2009 MVP for the Tribe? How about the Tribe's CY Young for the season?

Regardless of performance on the field, who is your favorite player or players on the 2009 Indians' roster? How about your least favorite(s)?

Fun Question of the Week: As the end of the 2009 season draws near, it's time to start giving out some awards. Who do you see as your 2009 MVP for the Tribe? How about the Tribe's CY Young for the season? Regardless of performance on the field, who is your favorite player or players on the 2009 Indians' roster? How about your least favorite(s)?