FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Well, a season to remember has now become a season we all just want to forget. But there have been some bright spots in this season, like Grady Sizemore, and some painful sights, like Franklin Gutierrez. But this disaster can't be all of their faults. So I'm giving out a grade to each of the starters. I try not to be the tough teacher, but I am. So now, some grades.

Kelly Shoppach: B. Hey, not bad for a backup. He hasn't hit for that bad of an average, and he's exhibiting some good power. Good defensive player, too. Can't ask for much more from a backup.

Victor Martinez: B. We'll give that for the part he actually played. Sure, his average was pretty good, but no home runs? Come on, that's unacceptable. But can't complain about the team's leading average hitter.

Ryan Garko: D-. What happened? He used to have great power, and was a solid average hitter. Now, he's on pace for 11 homers and 75 RBI. Woo! And no making "he's still young" excuses. Talent just doesn't disappear.

Asdrubal Cabrera: C. Sure, he didn't hit, but I think he just got hot at the right time last year and we got unrealistic expectations. At least he's showing promise in Buffalo.

Jhonny Peralta: C+. All right, the .250 average is unacceptable, but at least he has some power, which few of these other guys are doing. His defense has been solid, too. I think he's still a solid hitter, especially for a SS.

Casey Blake: B+. What more can you ask for? He's been on fire of late, and I've never seen anyone this ridiculous with runners in scoring position. He's having one of his best seasons, even in a tough year for the vets.

Franklin Gutierrez: F. I am SO tired of him. .221? 3 home runs? 18 RBI?!?! 18 RBI, are you f8cking kidding me? HIs average is down 45 points from last year, and he's on pace for 7 last home runs than last year, despite another year of experience. He's a disgrace to the uniform. When the hell did he forget how to hit?

David Delucci: C-. Well, he can't hit for average worth a crap, but what did you really expect? He was a terrible hitter last year, he was a terrible hitter 3 years ago, and he'll always suck. At least he has a couple of home runs, if that helps.

Grady Sizemore: A+. This is what he was supposed to become, an all around star. He's leading the league in home runs, and he should clear 100 RBI. Sure, his average isn't quite up to par, but he's the best hitter on the team by a long shot.

Ben Fransisco: B+. Ya know, I really like this kid. He's showing some good power, and his average is solid. Can someone please tell me why he wasn't here all season?

Travis Hafner: D. I never thought I'd say this, but we have exhibit #453 for what steroids can do for a baseball player's career. It ]'s a wonder how his numbers tanked right around when steroid rules were tightened. If it isn't then there is something seriously wrong with him, and he needs help.

C.C. Sabathia: A-. Sure, he had a rough start, but everyone does sometimes. Since then, he has been completely lights out. He's leading the league in K's, and his ERA is solid. Sure, no Cy Young this year, but he can't do it every year. And now we wave goodbye to him.

Fausto Carmona: B. He was good before he got injured. I MISS HIM!!!!!! Don't worry, he'll be great when he comes back.

Paul Byrd: D. I just don't know. He just can't get his groove back. He was a solid 4th starter last year, but the home runs have to stop. Hasn't lived up to what we thought.

Joe Borowski: C-. Ya, he was terrible this year, but last year's numbers just didn't add up to his save total. We expected too much.

Eric Wedge: F-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------. Sorry, I ran out of room for more minuses. What does he have to do to get fired? As this team hopelessly falls apart and nosedived into last place, Eric Wedge sits there, doing absolutely nothing. A manager has to be able to right the sinking ship. There's a reason why the White Sox are able to bounce back from hard times: they have a manager who can whip them into shape. If you replaced Eric Wedge with a blow up doll for 5 games, the Indians would probably put up a winning streak. But they couldn't do any worse, cause there manager is "passive". Passive, my asz.

So, there you go. If you add up the totals, thats 2 A's, 5 B's, 3 C's, 3 D's, and 2 F's (with one "Super F"). So maybe that one big F is telling you something.

So how many days till Browns training camp?