Good point.

I know some writers have suggested that speed, which is Bourn's main offensive tool, tends to go early. So I thought I'd see how we can compare him with Kenny Lofton (stats of course being my way of evaluation)

Interesting similarities. Both Lofton and Bourn became regulars at age 25. At ages 25-29 Lofton's steals ranged from 20-54-60-66-75. Bourn's over those five years ranged from 41-42-52-61-61. Lofton stole 79% of his tries; Bourn a little over 80%.

At age 30 each was traded to the other league. Lofton's totals for the Braves: 27 steals, 20 caught. Bourn for the Indians: 23 steals, 12 caught.

Then what? Kenny never stole fewer than 2/3 of his tries thereafter. His steal total didn't reach 30 for four years, but at 36 he stole 30, at 39 he stole 32 and at age 40 he totaled 46! Which obviously doesn't tell us what will happen with Bourn, but Lofton's annual totals after 30 became much erratic and clearly were not at top of the league levels any more.

Good work Civ.

Always nice when opinions are backed by facts and stats rather than opinions backed by personality.

An opinion backed by personality would be difficult for you, Lou.

Just saying.............

"crickets chirping"

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ

Looks like our opening day lineup starting today against the Chisox.

Santana as DH?

No, at 3B. I was following on Gameday2-1 Chisox, have to leave now after 3 innings

We win another, on a 2-out bottom of the 9th rbi hit by I don't remember at the moment.

McAllister with 2 shutout innings. Tomlin worked 3, 2 runs in the first, no more. Axford and Barnes surrendered leadoff homers. Bryan Price with a shutout ninth for the win. Shutout inning too by Rpczenskyi, I left out some letters.

That was Joe Wendle with the game winning hit, bringing in Naquin who had walked to lead off the 9th and moved to second on an Aguillar walk. The 2014 RubberDucks win it for the Tribe.

NOT the Indians opening day lineup out there today.
Elliot Johnson SS
Raburn DH
Francoeur RF
Chisenhall 3B
Carson LF
Aguillar 1B
Adams 2B
Morgan CF
Treanor C
The great Travis Banwart is for some reason starting but he won't be out there long. The first man up for the Mariners homered; then he gave up a double; then a single. Banwart's chances to make the Clippers roster is even uncertain.

Other pitchers scheduled include Aardsma, Atchison, Adams, Hagadone and I missed the other names. Mariners announcers are the only ones available today.

Banwart walks the next guy to load the bases with none out. I will check back later.

Checking the pbp, I note that Banwart then
1) settled in and fanned two with the bases loaded but
2) reached his pitch count and left with 3 on and 2 out and
3) was succeeded by the Indians most inconsistent highly talented pitcher, Nick Hagadone who
4) walked in a run and then
5) allowed a 2-run single and then
6) threw a wild pitch and then
7) walked the bases loaded again and
8) after a coaching visit, retired the side on a ground out.

Carson with a leadoff double. Nothing more, as Aguillar strikes out again and Adams and Morgan leave him on.

Good old Nick Hagadone then with a nice easy 1-2-3 2nd inning featuring a strikeout.

Lefty candidate Colt Hynes with a successful 3rd inning, getting 3 ground outs from 3 hitters. 4-0 deficit entering the 4th.

Easy inning for Scott Atchison.

Brandon Maurer hits Matt Treanor and Ryan Raburn, but nothing else happens. 4-0 mid 5th. Bryan Shaw enters.