Scheinfeld’s documentary examines the experience and history of Cubs fans.  Drawing on interviews from sports journalists, celebrities, prominent Chicagoans and everyday fans, Scheinfeld tells the story of the love for the Chicago Cubs. Using the 2008 season and weaving in the team’s history, he paints an emotional and accurate picture of what it means to be a fan of the Cubbies.  The 2008 season sets a perfect, even if unintentional, setting for recreating the common Chicago fan experience of extreme loyalty and optimism as well the all too often despair and misery surrounding an almost inevitable let down.

John Scheinfeld’s look at the unique experience of Chicago Cub fans will certainly inspire and pull at the heart strings of fellow Cubs fans (as a Cubs fan please excuse me if I have been waxing poetic), but the passion described is something that resonates well with the faithful of any team.

I was given the opportunity to speak with John Scheinfeld to get his perspective on his film and even his predictions for the Cubs in 2010.

Andrea Betts: In your past documentaries you haven’t always focused on sports.  Why the Cubs?

John Scheinfeld: I was born in Chicago so the Chicago Cubs have always been on my radar.  It was a labor of love.

AB: What was your inspiration for the film and how you told the story?

JS: I didn’t want to make a film just about the history of the team.  I wanted to tell the story of what makes Chicago different, what makes the people and the fans different.  Why we continue to cheer.  Fans grow up watching the Cubs, there’s a strong generational component to being a fan.  When I was first pitching the idea of the film to the chairman I remember this photograph in the conference room taken during the 1932 World Series.  It is shown at the end of the film.  The photo shows several fans sitting on various branches of the tree, watching the game from outside the park.  That is the spirit of this film.

AB: Who’s your favorite Cubs player of all time?

JS: Ernie Banks.  He represents the best of “Cubs-ness.”  He was all about loyalty and giving your all.  He was terrific.

AB: Are you a believer in the Billy Goat curse?

JS: I’m not a believer in curses.  I think you’ll see that in the film.  In the documentary the legend of the curse is discussed briefly and dismissed with a good sense of humor.

AB: Your film features lots of famous faces from sports journalists, players, actors, famous Chicagoans and even Gary Sinise as the narrator.  Why Gary and the others?  How did they react to the project?

JS: Gary is, of course, a Chicagoan and a Cubs fan, but he also has an understated authority when he speaks.  People believe what he is saying.  His voice was able to lend a quiet authority to the story.

We were able to get many great people to participate.  They all agreed to appear because of their love for this team.  Even with the music, we were able to get Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen and others to agree to allow their music to be included, which is not often an easy task, because they both loved the idea of hope and faith in the film.

AB: What do you think 2010 has in store for the Cubs?

JS: I think the Cubs will have a very good year. Cubs fans are relentless optimists.  I think the quote in the film by Michael Wilbon explains it well.  “We (Cubs fans) see the glass as 4/5 full.”

AB: What would you want non-Cubs fans to walk away from this film understanding?

JS: I want them to learn that Cubs fans are rather unique.  It doesn’t seem to matter to them whether they win or lose, who’s in charge or who the players are.  It’s a love affair.

AB: Any final thoughts for BDD readers?

JS: Just that I’m so proud of this film.  I think it really focuses on Chicago and the Cubs and that unique love for their team.  The film is really dedicated though to anyone who loves their team and their city.  The faith, hope and optimism associated with that love is universal.  I think they will see things here that they recognize in themselves.

To find out more about the film, visit www.webelievethemovie.com.

How did you begin writing for Baseball Daily Digest?

I began writing my own general sports Tumble blog awhile back.  After expressing interest in expanding my writing my colleague, Joe Hamrahi introduced me to BDD.

What is your favorite team?

The Chicago Cubs.  I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and both my parents were Cubs fans, so I grew up rooting for the Cubbies.

What other teams do you follow/root for?

I am also an avid Yankees fan.  This may seem to be a bit of a conflict of interest, but it has not been an issue as of yet.  The cynic in me tells me that I won’t have to worry about a Yankees/Cubs World Series for some time.

Who was your favorite player growing up and who is your current favorite player?

My favorite player growing up was Mark Grace.  He was the first individual baseball player to grab my attention and expanded my appreciation for the sport beyond just the teams.  My favorite current player is Robinson Canó.  He is just a fun player to watch.  He had a fairly solid year at bat, aside for a bit of small stretch of trouble with runners in scoring position and I excited to see how he does this year.  The thing that I appreciate about his style of play the most is that he is one of those players who always looks like he’s having a good time which sometimes gets lost in professional sports.

What baseball writer do you consider “can’t miss” material?

I don’t really have a specific writer that I go to for everything.  I’m typically all over the place with my search for material.

Do you own any baseball memorabilia? Tell us about it.

I have a ball that was actually in play at a Yankees game their last year in the old stadium.

What’s your favorite baseball memory (from an event you attended)?

My favorite memory is actually a fairly recent one.  I attended the second ALCS game at Yankees Stadium against the Angels.  The Yankees won in a 13 inning heart-stopper in the rain and I don’t know if anything will ever top that feeling of exuberance.

What is your favorite ballpark?

Wrigley Field, hands down.

What is your favorite baseball movie?

A League of Their Own.  A little cheesy I realize, but I have got to represent for the ladies.

Do you play fantasy/roto/Strat-O-Matic/Scoresheet/video game baseball?

I haven’t as of yet, but plan on playing in a fantasy league this season.

Did you play baseball as a kid/for how long?

I didn’t play as a kid aside from in gym, but I do play intramural softball during the summers now.

What is your “dream job”?

I would love to be an on-field broadcast reporter for any sport, but especially baseball or football.

If you were allowed to run ESPN for a day, what would you change?

I think that ESPN has become a little bit sensational at times.  There are some moments when it almost seems like entertainment sports.  I would like to see a return to some more hard-hitting delivery of sports news.

I would also give more women more serious reporting roles.  They have done a bit of this so far, but I would like to see more.

How do you feel about the Baseball Hall of Fame?

I think that in theory, the Baseball Hall of Fame is a terrific thing.  As I think many people will agree the execution is a bit off.  Recent voting seems to demonstrate that many are not looking past traditional statistics.  I feel that if we have additional data available with which to evaluate players, it should be incorporated more.

Tell me one player who should and one player who shouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame?

There are hundreds of arguments for various players who should or shouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame.  Strictly speaking from looking at all the walks he gave up, I think there could be an argument made that Nolan Ryan wasn’t quite the ace that everyone said he was.  One player that I would like to see in the Hall of Fame is Bert Blyleven.  He was certainly snubbed this year, hopefully next year will be different.

Who is the best GM in baseball and why?

My pick of the moment would be Jack Zduriencik.  He’s just coming out of his first year in Seattle, not to mention his rookie year as a general manager and the Mariners look good!  Building the team defensively has proven to be successful to date and if the Mariners do as projected for the season, it will certainly demonstrate Zduriencik’s ingenuity and foresight.  He was great in Milwaukee and has proven great so far in his new role.

How long would it take you to get the Kansas City Royals to the playoffs and what would your first three moves be?

I think they need a solid three years or more.  They have already amassed some good future talent, now they need to develop that further.  I can’t say what my first three moves would be , but I think that for now they need to find or develop a more well-rounded pitching rotation.  Grienke needs to have another stellar year and Gil Meche needs to stay healthy, but they need to find more consistently solid people to round-out the rotation.

Do you consider yourself a Sabermetrician and how can Sabermetricians and “traditional” baseball followers better communicate?

I consider myself a student in the school of Sabermetrics.  I enjoy studying Sabermetrics to better understand the sport and the abilities of various players, but I am not solely devoted to it. I have always been from the school of thought that the more ways there are to look at the situation the better and believe that Sabermetrics provides this.

The two schools of thought can better communicate through understanding.  Rather that looking at which is better or worse overall, perhaps it would be better to accept that both has its place in baseball and let the situation dictate which makes more sense.

What aspects of baseball analysis do you find interesting and want to study further?

I’m particularly interested in Pitch f/x. I’m also excited to see what Bloomberg Sports does with its foray into analytics.

What can BDD readers expect from you this year?

I think that BDD readers can expect writing that provides the analytics that they look for, but also demonstrates a love for the game.  I hope to deliver detailed information in a fresh and exciting way.

CLEVELAND INDIANS

‘09 Record: 65-97, 4th in AL Central
Pythagorean Record:  73-89 (-8 differential)
Current PECOTA Projection: 79-83 (3rd in AL Central)
———————-

2009 Review

2009 was not the year for the Cleveland Indians. It was the team’s worst finish since 1991. In a division many felt was the Indians to win, they fell far short. The pitching was abysmal, giving up the second most earned runs, second most walks and lowest VORP in the AL. Cleveland’s offense was better, scoring 773 runs and batting .264, but standard producers did not live up to standard expectations. With an 11 game losing streak in September, the Indians had one of those seasons fans would rather forget.

2010 Outlook

2010 looks to be brighter for the Indians, but a playoff-worthy year? Let’s not get ahead of ourselves! Heavy competition from the Twins, White Sox and Tigers will likely hold the Tribe to the 4th spot in the AL Central. Their already decent offense has improved and a full season from a healthy Matt LaPorta may produce big dividends. The addition of Russell Branyan will certainly help, but Branyan will almost certainly add his fair share of strikeouts, something the Indians were already fine at amassing. Pitching will likely be the biggest spot of trouble for the Indians, however, with a shaky starting rotation and a lot of young talent.

New Indians manager Manny Acta looks to turn around a team that struggled horribly last year. Will Acta be able to replicate the magic he worked with the Washington Nationals in 2007?

2010 Team

Catcher

Lou Marson starts at catcher in 2010, but expect the Indians to add top prospect Carlos Santana by June. Marson will be the man behind the plate for early spring, but essentially is keeping the spot warm until Santana arrives. Marson, one of the top prospects from the Phillies farm system, delivers at the plate but not power.

Infield

With the February addition of seasoned veteran Russell Branyan, the Indians bought themselves a power hitter and at least average defensive player. The move to place Branyan at first base will push Matt LaPorta to the outfield.  In 2009, arguably Branyan’s best season offensively, he produced 31 home runs and 76 RBIs for the Mariners. However, he also struck out 149 times. Branyan’s 2009 season ended early due to a herniated disk; he is currently healthy, but it will be an injury that is closely watched.

In 2009, Luis Valbuena proved he could bounce back from his rocky Major League debut with the Mariners in 2008. Valbuena will likely be the primary second baseman for the Indians after spending a majority of his time there last year, managing a .985 fielding percentage and 6 errors. He is still young so don’t expect stellar numbers, but his power is slowly improving, and the Tribe can expect to get slightly more run production (2009 Avg. 250, RBI 31, Runs 52) in 2010.

Asdrubal Cabrera is the Indians starting shortstop, a position he moved to last year after playing second base. Cabrera, projected by many to be an eventual Golden Glove candidate, will need to demonstrate he can have the same range and capabilities he did at second, but this should come as he gets comfortable. Cabrera takes over the lead-off spot in the batting order from Grady Sizemore who was shifted to the second spot in the lineup. Cabrera had a 0.799 OPS last year and a 0.340 OBP while batting lead-off for Cleveland in 2009. He was the leader for the Indians in doubles with 43 in 2009.

Jhonny Peralta takes his place in the starting lineup at third base. A more natural shortstop, Peralta was moved to the position in June 2009, and it seemed to subsequently affect his offensive production; his OBP (0.316), SLG(0.375) and OPS (.690) were all below his career numbers of 0.331, 0.425 and 0.756 respectively. His strong arm and glove may help him overcome the challenges of the new position, but he likely won’t be a standout player in the infield.

Outfield

With the decision to play Branyan at first base it looks like Matt LaPorta starts in left field and Michael Brantley starts in AAA. LaPorta has shown versatility and has become comfortable in outfield.  Still recovering from hip and toe surgeries in October, LaPorta is expected to be 100% for opening day. If healthy, the Indians can expect solid production from him.

The Indians are hoping that center fielder Grady Sizemore is able to bounce back from his worst offensive season to date. The Tribe recently announced his move to second in the batting order. The move will hopefully provide more RBIs (64 in 2009, a SLG of 0.445 and OPS of 0.788) and generate better run production. The two-time Golden Glove winner will no doubt be a defensive asset in center field. Sizemore is coming back from elbow surgery and an additional procedure to fix a hernia last fall.

Shin-Soo Choo goes to battle for the Tribe in right. An above average fielder and developing power-hitter, Choo means run production and safety in right. 2009 was terrific for Choo at the dish, last year he delivered a 0.394 OBP and .489 SLG. He is quick (21 stolen bases last year) and can create offensive opportunities. He will likely bat third.

Designated Hitter

Provided Travis Hafner stays healthy, the Indians can rely on him to be productive as the team’s designated hitter. Hafner has long been an effective mainstay in Cleveland’s batting order, and while he only played in 94 games last season, he still racked up 16 home runs and a .862 OPS. A full recovery is expected from shoulder injuries that hampered him last year.

Bench

Mike Redmond is the likely backup at catcher. Redmond was signed as a free agent in January and the 12-year vet offers solid experience to the young team.

Andy Marte provides a solid bench option at the corners. His offensive numbers, while not impressive, did show a glimpse of power in 2009.

Mark Grudzielanek is strong against left-handers so expect to see him filling in for Valbuena who has struggled against lefties. Grudzielanek brings more leadership to the team and can fill in anywhere in the infield.

Expect to see Austin Kearns as an outfield replacement. Although his batting average last year was below the Mendoza line (.195), Kearns has proven to, at least, be an asset in the field.

Starting Rotation

It is clear pitching coach Tim Belcher has his work cut out for him. This season, pitching will be where the Indians should struggle the most.  The starting rotation should be Jake Westbrook, Fausto Carmona, Justin Masterson, David Huff and Aaron Laffey. The first three spots are locked up by Westbrook, Carmona and Masterson, but four and five are still up for grabs. This is a young rotation, and clearly many of these starters still need time to develop. They are going to need to rely on Westbrook and Carmona to pitch well, but the rest of the rotation still remains shaky.

Westbrook returns from nearly two years off due to Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Listed as the opening day starter, it is unclear if Jake can step into the number one role as a team leader Cleveland so desperately needs. Westbrook becomes a free agent at the end of the season so a long-term contract is on the line. The Indians are hoping he can perform like he did before surgery (1.15 WHIP and 3.12 ERA).

Carmona returns from a dismal season that saw him go just 5-12 with a 6.32 ERA and 1.76 WHIP before being sent down to A-ball. The Indians hope to help get him back to his performance level of 2007 (3.06 ERA). Belcher needs to focus on making Carmona into the ace that he was originally projected to be. Success means a solid number two option.

Masterson is the likely number three man. Acquired in the Victor Martinez trade, Masterson recorded a 4.52 ERA  and 1.45 WHIP, primarily as a reliever last year. Belcher needs to ensure Masterson is starter-ready in spring training. His endurance will be tested this season.

Huff is on track for the # 4 spot. He registered 11 wins, a 5.61 ERA, and 1.56 WHIP, and needs to give up less hits this season if he wants to secure his starting spot.

Laffey earned his spot last year but consistency remains an issue. Last season he was up and down with a 4.44 ERA and 1.62 WHIP. A repeat is exactly what the Indians do not need.

Bullpen

Kerry Woods once again is the closer. The Indians look to get what they paid for. With a weak rotation, the Indians will rely heavily on Woods and the bullpen. Kerry could find himself on the trading block if the Indians find themselves out of the playoff race.

Chris Perez was traded from St. Louis last July and pitched 32 innings for the Indians during the second half of the season. His solid 1.08 WHIP looks like it will ensure Perez has a vital (possibly late-inning) role.

Right-hander Joe Smith has a firm grip on a bullpen spot. Smith came to the Indians last year from the Mets and put up respectable numbers in limited innings.

Lefty Tony Sipp, who signed last February, was called up to the Indians’ mid-season. Upon arrival from Columbus, Sipp whiffed 48 and notched 10 holds with a WHIP of 1.30.

Rafael Perez, a member of the Indians squad since 2006, is likely to be another set-up guy for the Tribe. Rafael was sent down to the minors and recalled last year, ending with a scary 7.31 ERA in the majors. Perez showed some life in Winter Ball (0.33 era) and should get another look this spring.

Right-handed pitcher Saul Rivera played for the Nationals under Manny Acta. Last year, Rivera struggled with a 6.10 ERA in 38.1 innings. In years past, his ERA hovered around the 3.4 to 3.9 range. If Saul can get back on track, expect to see the Indians utilize him more often than he was in ‘09.

With the bullpen spots nowhere near locked up, another solid option is right-hander Jensen Lewis. He has struggled off and on with Indians, especially after moving to the set-up role, but he is another guy who has been in the system awhile. If he can perform as he did in the closer’s role in 2008, Lewis could be a solid addition to the bullpen.

AROUND THE HORN WITH THE CLEVELAND INDIANS…

Breakthrough Performance…

Asdrubal Cabrera

Now that it appears Cabrera is going to own the shortstop position, expect him to start living up to the hype. I’m expecting him to have a breakout year both offensively and defensively. His batting stats were on the rise last year, and his new spot at the top of the order demonstrates the Tribe’s faith in him. Perhaps it’s the lucky necklace made by his wife, but I see big things for Cabrera in 2009.

Ready to Rebound…

Grady Sizemore

Last year, Grady was just not the Grady that Indians fans had come to count on. Batting. .242, well below his average for his career (.275), Grady disappointed before an elbow injury interrupted his 2009. The new order which places Sizemore second gives Grady ample opportunity to create and drive in runs for his team.

Ready to Disappoint…

The Starting Rotation

There isn’t an individual to be blamed or named here, it’s a group effort. While individually each pitcher in the starting rotation seems somewhat respectable, five respectable pitchers do not make a whole.  Without aces to rely on, this group will struggle through the season and rely heavily on relief from the bullpen, which fortunately, does have some young talent. It’s also a young group, aside from Westbrook, with a seemingly bright future. Just not in 2010.

Don’t Be Surprised If…

Jake Westbrook does not immediately return to the Jake Westbrook of old. Out of the game nearly a year and a half, Westbrook played some rehab games in Puerto Rico, but time has yet to tell if he will fully bounce back to his old level of performance. To do so, he would need to remain 100% healthy, and that is more difficult with the weight of a rotation on your back.

Be Shocked If…

The Indians pitching rotation finds its rhythm and is able to produce five guys capable of tossing a quality start each time out. The depth of the rotation is minimal and young, expect a lot of calls to the bullpen.

Rock Steady…

Russell Branyan

There has been a lot of debate as to whether the Branyan addition was a smart move or not for the Tribe. Do I think it was necessary? No. Do I think that Branyan can be relied upon to deliver runs offensively and manage first base effectively? Absolutely. Branyan is coming off a terrific season and returning to a team he knows well. Expect him to contribute consistently. Even if he doesn’t repeat last year, he will be an asset.

Achilles Heel…

Injuries to Pitchers

With an already shaky rotation, an injury to a Westbrook, Carmona or Masterson would be devastating. The Indians have a decent bullpen for backup, but not a ton of options to step into starting roles.

In the Next Three Years…

The Indians are very much a team in development so the next three years look brighter for Cleveland.  With some solid prospects on the way, and not a ton of money locked into long-term contracts, they have talent building and growing in the minors and the majors. Should the Indians continue to grow players organically, they may have a chance for, at the very least, a playoff appearance at the later end of the three year projection.

Goosebumps Moment…

While Indians fans can’t really expect to see a huge amount of W’s, they do have a good chance of being thrilled by some great offensive baseball. With potentials sluggers like Choo, Sizemore, Branyan and LaPorta, fans can get excited to see a lot of hard hit balls, a healthy amount of homers and plenty of runs.

OHIO!

While that arcane reference goes sailing over your head like a pre-glasses Ricky Vaughn fastball, we need to remind you that BDD has been doing these previews all week and will continue until we’re blue in the face (or until all 30 teams are covered!) Tomorrow Michael Street returns from the desert with all the information on this year’s Diamondbacks. Oh! And here are those other previews in case you’re just joining us.

Previous Previews
Washington Nationals
Pittsburgh Pirates
Baltimore Orioles
Kansas City Royals