Tribe Prospect Countdown: #23 RHP Bryce Stowell

6'2", 205 lbs, 25 in 2012

2011 Stats (A- Mahoning Valley/ A Lake County/ AA Akron): 1-1, 2.09, 1.09 WHIP, .159 OBA, 4.9 BB/9, 13.3 K/9

You want heat?  Stowell can b-ring it.  Consistently in the mid-to-high 90s, he has been known to hit triple digits with startling regularity.  Bryce also offers a heavy slider that causes a truck load of swinging strikes.  Check out those K numbers.  The issue with Stowell, who progressed all the way to AAA in 2010, is one of health.  Over the past three season he has missed time with bicep tendinitis, an elbow strain and, most recently, shoulder fatigue, all in his pitching arm.  The shoulder issue came to a head during last season's spring camp and led to a horrible outing (IP, H, 2 ER, 2 BB) with the MLB squad that included a mammoth home run.  The combination of injury and ineffectiveness contributed to an extended absence due to "personal issues."  Reading between the lines, the dude was dealing with some psychological issues.  No judgment or shame, but recurrence is a concern.  Some may point to Bryce's control (4.8 BB/9 for his career) as an opportunity area and I would agreed, but only in an academic sense.  The guy allows few enough hits (.208 career OBA, .174 over the past 2 years) that his WHIP (1.28 career) remains reasonable.  Should he transition to the bigs in the same manner, I have no worries about the number of men he puts on base.  If Stowell can stay healthy (he has pitched just one full season as a pro), then he will be a viable relief option for the Indians as soon as 2012.  If not, he will go down as another huge arm that could never harness his massive potential.

Up Next: #22 OF Nick Weglarz

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #24 Jordan Henry

6'3", 175 lb, 23 in 2012
Bats: Left, Throws: Right

2011 Stats (AA - Akron): .256, 33 RBI, 33 SB, .633 OPS, 1.09 K/BB

Yeah, Jordan Henry does not hit for a lot of power.  In fact, he has compiled 1363 professional PAs without jacking a single long ball.  Over that same span, he's rapped just 31 doubles and 6 triples.  No, Jordan Henry does not really tear the cover off of the ball.  What he does do, and with surprising regularity prior to 2011, is get on base and set the table for the hitters behind him.  More precisely, in 183 career games, Henry hit .317, scored 125 runs and stole 51 bases.  That includes a half season at Akron in 2010, during which Jordan went right ahead and hit an even .300.  Now, he won't put butts in the seats and he likely won't find too many gaps, but, if Scott Podsednik can have a 10+ year MLB career then so can Henry.  What is simply unacceptable in the .280 slugging percentage that he posted last season.  If Jordan is going to be Jordan and do it in a way that can help a big league team, that .280 needs to be his batting average.  Now, if he can produce at that level then the path to the lake front is fairly clear for this true leadoff hitter.  If you accept, as I do, that, even if he can regain his health, Grady Sizemore will never again be a reasonable #1 guy, then only Ezequiel Carrera stand between Henry and the bigs.  While Zeke does have a bit more power, that is not the true concern.  First off, Henry is freaky fast, having been timed at 6.5 seconds in a 60 yard dash.  More importantly, and in stark contrast to Carrera, Jordan has tremendous bat control and is quite selective at the plate.  The result is an excellent bunter.  Henry is clearly proficient at what he does.  If his numbers return to form, he will be an MLB option by the second half of 2012.

Up Next: #23 - RHP Bryce Stowell

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #25 IF Cord Phelps

6'2", 200 lbs, 25 in 2012
Throws: Right, Bats: Switch

2011 Stats (AAA Columbus): .294, 14 HR, 63 RBI, .868 OPS, 1.75 K/BB
2011 Stats (Indians): .155, HR, 6 RBI, .494 OPS, 2.13 K/BB

When the Indians called Cord up on June 8th, a full month and a half before Jason Kipnis, it was not because the organization felt that he was more Major League ready.  It was not because Phelps could theoretically fill-in at any of the three infield positions.  He played only second for the Tribe.  The rationale was to prevent happening to Kip exactly what has befallen the young Mr. Phelps.  Coming off of his first 35 MLB games, Cord has shown a complete inability, both offensively and defensively (5 E, -4 Runs Saved, -0.4 Defensive WAR), to play the game at the highest level.  He now finds himself squarely behind the 8-ball, entering a make or break season.  I still have confidence in Phelps offensive approach and his intangibles.  Notice the small difference between his K/BB ratios despite the catastrophic drop in all of his other metrics.  This confirms something that we already knew: Cord is an intelligent batter who swings at good pitches.  Obviously, the guy has some work to with squaring up the ball, but this is often the last piece to fall for big league success.  He is a hard-nosed player who always gives the proverbial 110%.  Cord is a ballplayer's ballplayer, an asset in the clubhouse, the kind of guy for whom you want to find a roster spot.  Still, with Kipnis firmly entrenched at second (hopefully for the next 15 years), Phelps will be fighting for a utility spot.  This is a battle that I believe he will ultimately lose to Jason Donald.  The deciding factor is defense.  Donald is capable at all three infield spots and showed great promise in the outfield during the Arizona Fall League.  Cord, on the other hand, adventured away from second for the first time in his pro career in 2011.  While he performed serviceably at short, the handful of innings he tried at the hot corner were less than stellar.  With the game trending toward 13 man pitching staffs (I kid you not, Tony LaRussa did it en route to the World Championship), the utility spots lose all discretion.  You need a back-up catcher, a pinch-hitter and a defensive sub/pinch-runner.  The ability to effectively cover both infield and outfield spots will become increasingly desirable in a bench player.  Again, advantage Donald.  Even if the Tribe carries 13 hitters, it will likely take an injury to get Phelps back to lakefront.  Long story short (too late), when this happens, Cord has to show up with the stick or a once promising future will descend in the dreaded purgatory of the failed prospect.

Up Next: #24 - OF Jordan Henry

P.s. I had to type this twice because Blogger crashed.  My brain hurts from remembering.

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #26 RHP Jake Sisco

6'3", 185 lbs, 20 in 2012

2011 Stats (Rk Arizona): 2-4, 5.24, 1.66 WHIP, .303 OBA, 4.5 BB/9, 8.1 K/9

The Indians selected Sisco in the 3rd round of the 2011 draft after he dominated the JUCO level (11-1, 1.66, .189 OBA, 10.3 K/9).  Jake features a 92-95 mph fastball and a secondary arsenal (slider/curve/change) that he worked hard to develop this past summer.  That sort of tinkering led to some elevated walk totals during his half season in the Rookie league.  Although Sisco was drafted as a starter, he did make four relief appearances last season and actually projects better out of the 'pen.  The word on the street is that he will likely advance to A- Lake County to begin 2012 and do so as a reliever.  His solid 1-2 punch (fastball-slider), combined with above average velocity (which should continue to increase as he adds bulk to his lanky frame), would allow Jake to a better opportunity to separate himself from the herd of excellent right handers in the Indians organization.  While his numbers last year leave something to be desired, they are not cause for worry.  The myriad of transitions that Sisco has undergone over the past 18 months allow him some leeway, plus his groundball ratio (1.23 GO/AO) was solid and, hey, you gotta love his strikeout totals.   In case you have noticed a difference in tone here, youth breeds hope and Jake's ceiling is pretty damn high.

Up Next: #25 - IF Cord Phelps

Tribe Prospect Countdown #27 RHP Toru Murata

6'0", 175 lbs, 27 in 2012

2011 Stats (A+ Kinston): 3-2, 2.36, 0.95 WHIP, .208 OBA, 1.8 BB/9, 10.5 K/9

I struggled with the inclusion of Murata.  Does a fully formed, 26 year old foreign import truly rate as a prospect?  In the end, I decided not to think too hard about it.  Toru, who will begin 2012 in AA, will certainly be an option for the Indians in 2013, if not this coming season.  His 2011 numbers speak for themselves, although they were against younger competition and he did miss much of the middle months with right arm soreness.  Murata's fastball velocity is a pretty standard 92, but this is no four-seamer.  In fact, it's not even a this, it's a these.  Toru features both a forkball and a cutter, complimented with the usual curve/slider/change mix.  As he progresses towards the bigs, he will likely play as a reliever and two or three of these will become afterthoughts as the organization hones his focus on his best offerings.  You may wonder about his delivery, since he hails from the Far East.  Not to worry, the motion is compact and, frankly, reminds me of former Seattle closer Kaz Sasaki.  BIP wise, Murata does allow quite a few fly balls (0.73 GO/AO), you have to respect limiting the opposition to just 2 home runs in nearly 50 innings pitched.  Perhaps his most marketable skill is his pinpoint control, exemplified by a 58:10 strikeout-to-walk ratio.  With an effective US season under his belt, truncated as it may have been, Toru now needs to show the ability to stay healthy and maintain his performance against more polished hitters.  His age is the only reason that Murata is so far down this list.  Thus, if he can advance quickly next season, he will become a much more heralded asset.

Up Next: #26 RHP - Jake Sisco

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #28 RHP Kyle Blair

6'2", 236 lbs, 23 in 2012

2011 Stats (Rk Arizona/ A- Lake County): 3-5, 5.16, 1.48 WHIP, .259 OBA, 4.4 BB/9, 7.9 K/9

2011 was a lost season for this 2010 4th round pick.  Kyle came out of the University of San Diego as a nearly fully formed product and expectation were high.  Although his fastball has a somewhat pedestrian velocity (90-92), Blair effectively uses three off-speed pitches.  His slider is the true out pitch and, without getting into minutia, is seen by most as a Major League ready swing-and-miss offering as of now.  In addition to the plus slide piece, Kyle employs a change that has plus potential and a 12-6 curve that can be simply devastating at times.  Given all of the polish, he was expected to make a brief stop in Eastlake last spring before joining the Kinston starting rotation.  Unfortunately, injury and inconsistency intervened.  After being sidelined with a right knee issue, Blair did not start again after June 26th, the Indians organization choosing to reduced his workload and pitch him from the pen.  Even before the stint on the DL, he was not performing to expectation, with his lack of command the greatest concern (15 WP & 40 BB in in 82 IP).  Kyle has had a history of injuries, as an oblique strain at USD retarded the development of his fastball control.  As a high-floor, low-ceiling kind of guy (by that I mean that he is about as good as he is going to get); he must produce now.  Despite his underwhelming 2011, Blair will likely start next season with the newly affiliated Carolina Mudcats (replacing Kinston).  The formula for success is simple: stay healthy, spot the fastball and get that WHIP down (by this I mean reduce walks, there is nothing wrong with 81 H in 82 IP).  If Kyle can follow the script, there is no reason that he cannot be at AAA by the end of 2012.  If not, his future will become quite limited.

Up Next: #27 - RHP Toru Murata

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #29 C Alex Lavisky

6'1", 200 lbs, 21 in 2012
Bats: Right, Throws: Right

2011 Stats (A- Lake County/ SSA Mahoning Valley): .203, 13 HR, 52 RBI, .621 OPS, 4.72 K/BB

I have to say that I expected more from Alex in 2011.  The St Ed's grad caught the fireballer Stetson Allie in Lakewood and graduated at about 19 and a half years of age.  Based on thereon, one would think that Lavisky would come into the pros a bit more seasoned than your your average high school draft pick.  He has certainly not shown such maturity thus far.  Alex was given every opportunity to be the everyday catcher for the A- Captains and responded with 184 ABs that included 38 hits (.207), 9 walks and 66 punch-outs.  Ouch.  I mean ouch!  When short season Mahoning Valley opened play in June, Lavisky was sent down.  The move obviously affected him mentally as he batted just .173 to close out the month.  Overall, his numbers in Niles did not show much improvement (K/BB better @ 3.55 vs 7.33, OPS worse @ .604 vs .643).  Perhaps most troubling of all was the degradation of his defensive work.  At Lake County, he caught an abominable 7% (3/42) of basestealers and allowed 8 passed balls.  While his caught stealing percentage improved to a solid 33% for the Scrappers, Alex committed 7 errors and allowed 10 more passed balls.  His season numbers (23% CS, 18 PB, .986 FPCT) are pretty freakin' awful.  To tie a bow on it all, 2011 was an awful season for the young backstop.  Still, the kid is only 21.  Given his defensive struggles and the emergence of 2011 pick Jake Lowery, I would expect Lavisky to spend more time at DH in 2012.  He took the role for 40 games last season and a more consistent placement would allow him to focus more on delivering consistent contact than getting beaten up behind the dish.  Alex still has huge power potential.  If he can shorten his stroke a bit and reduce his swinging strikes, Lavisky is a solid offensive prospect, if still 2-3 years away.

Up Next: RHP Kyle Blair

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #30 LHP Matt Packer

6'0", 200 lbs, 24 in 2012

2011 Stats (AA Akron): 9-12, 4.31, 1.23 WHIP, .269 OBA, 1.8 BB/9, 6.9 K/9

The first left-handed pitcher on our countdown is a starter.  So, how is he this far down the list?  Well, that's mostly because I have already described his two best attributes.  Packer, while athletic, is in no way overpowering.  His fastball runs in the 90-92 range, complimented by a middle of the road slider and a curveball that has not developed quickly enough to enable notable success.  Matt's best metric is his control.  In eating 169.1 innings in 2011, he walked just 33, while fanning 129.  The salient truth is that a lot of balls get put in play against Packer.  He allowed 16 home runs, which is not too bad and the 1.23 is not an issue.  The problem is that Matt is inconsistent.  He had an awful June (0-3, 10.17), but finished strong (6-3, 2.78, .236 OBA after the All-Star Break).  This is likely due to the inability to repeat his delivery that led to a sub-par senior season at UVA.  Packer then dropped to the 32nd round and has bounced between the bullpen and the rotation ever since.  He was projected to earn a promotion to AAA in 2011, but that didn't happen until the post-season and he never made it to the hill.  Given the depth of starting pitching in the organization, Matt will have to earn that call-up, rather than simply being next in line.  He throws the ground balls (1.71 GO/AO) that the Tribe brass likes, drawing comparison to former rotation members Jeremy Sowers and Scott Lewis.  Packer now has to produce.  He needs to show a mastery of AA and move to Columbus quickly or risk getting lost as the next wave of young starters advance toward Major League readiness.

Up Next: C Alex Lavisky

Bienvenido A Miami

Los Marlins, y'all.

Waddya Say, Waddya Know?

The MLB hot stove has gone from zero to 451 in the blink of an eye.

Already Done --

The Tribe has lost OF Travis Buck to the Astros and DH Jim Thome (1-yr, $1.25mil) to the Phils.  Believe it or not, you will probably see Big Jim in the field in 2012.

This first big signing was CL Jonathan Papelbon to the Phils (5-yrs, $50mil).

Former Indian Jamey Carroll has inked a deal with the Twins (2-yr, $7mil) to be their starting shortstop.  The closest the 37-year old came to an everyday job was 109 games at second for the Rockies in 2006, his best offensive season.  In the four years since a disastrous 2007 (including 146 at 2B & SS for the Dodgers in 2010), Carroll has batted .284 with a .362 OBP.

After running through six starting catchers in 2011, Pittsburgh hopes to stabalize the position by adding Rod Barajas (1-yr, $4mil), late of the Dodgers.  

In the Works --

Word on the street is that former Indian CF Grady Sizemore will get a a one year contract worth slightly less than the $9mil option that the Tribe turned down.  He is expected to sign with a big market team that could afford the loss should he not regain form.  The first name I heard was Boston.  Ughhh...  Others rumored: A's, Nationals, Mets and... Indians?

The Marlins seem to be ready to buy another World Series to coincide with their new digs and Angelic renaming to the Miami Marlins.  Miami has made "substantial" offers to 1B Albert Pujols, SS Jose Reyes and SP Mark Buehrle.

Indians now-bench coach Sandy Alomar Jr has interview for the vacant managerial slots with both the Red Sox and Cubs.  While it would be a shame to Santos again, I will always wish him the best and his departure would, again, open a spot for Mike Sarbaugh at the big league level.

Btw...

Far eastern players are such a crap shoot, I shall not discuss them here.  We don't know who they are anyway.

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #31 3B/1B Jared Goedert

6'1", 205 lbs, 26 in 2012
Bats: Right, Throws: Right

2011 Stats (AAA Columbus/ AA Akron) - .272, 18 HR, 48 RBI, .858 OPS, 1.74 K/BB

If anyone has been reading this blog since last December (impossible) or March (still unlikely) then you know that I am a huge Jared Goedert supporter.  Coming off of the disgusting third base play of 2010 (see Jayson Nix) and with Lonnie Chisenhall destined to begin 2011 at AAA, I thought that Goedert, with his 40-man addition and his 27 2010 long balls, had an excellent shot at opening the campaign as the Indians' starting third bagger.  Many had maligned his defense (we'll return to this in a bit) and few agreed that he was the best option, especially after the acquisition of Jack Hannahan.  While I have grown to love (I do not use the word lightly) Captain Jack, I will readily admit that I was one of his harshest pre-opening day critics.  Thus, when Jared went down with an oblique strain 3 days into spring camp, I saw the injury as a big loss, not just just for Goedert, but for the Tribe as well.

Jared took quite some time to return from the disabled list and suffered a pair of setbacks during his rehab at AA Akron.  It was, in fact, nearly June before he saw his first PT for the Clippers.  Goedert, admittedly, stuggled.  He sputtered to a 1-for-15 starts, although it was a homer, en route to a .198 pre-all-star batting average.  The second half was a different story, as Jared mashed .333 with 11 dingers and a mad 1.030 OPS.  Let us not forget that Goedert is a right-handed power option (with improving discipline) for an organization that is sorely lacking such at the big league level.

All of this is roses and ice cream, but, Jared, 27 in May, has yet make an ML appearance.  With Chisenhall, barring a trade, now entrenched at third (with Jack second in line) and the Tribe toying with idea of carrying two DH-only guys, Goedert has to show the ability to play another position.  The thought originally arose out of the organization's opinion that he was a sub-par defender at the hot corner.  I have said it before and I will say it again: he might not be Brooks Robinson, but he is by no means a liability either.  In fact, having seen the man (Goedert not Brooks) play live about 20 times, I would put him on par with Chiz glove-wise and with a far more accurate arm.

Still, this is all irrelevant.  Unless Jared can prove himself to be useful at first base (or, less likely, in the outfield), he will be precluded the opportunity to hit for the Indians.  2011 saw 28 errorless AAA games at first and that's good enough for me.  Sadly, the braintrust seems deadset against giving the man a shot.

I like Goedert because his ceiling is incredibly high (like Adam Dunn high, bad example coming off of this past season, but you know what I mean).  Additionally, he is a hard worker and a good locker room guy.  Facts need be faced though, a lot of things will have to go right to get him to the lake and management sure isn't going to do him any favors.

Up Next: #30 - RHP Kelvin De La Cruz

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #32 RHP Bryan Price

6'4", 210 lbs, 25 in 2012

2011 Stats (AA - Akron): 2-3, 2.79, 1.26 WHIP, .258 OBA, 2.6 BB/9, 5.7 K/9

As our cavalcade of right-handers rolls on, we come to the forgotten piece of the Victor Martinez trade.  Originally selected #45 overall by the BoSox in 2008 out of Rice, Price was converted back to a reliever by the Indians organization in 2010.  A right shoulder injury stranded him at AA for the second consecutive season and limited him to 28 appearances in 2011.  While his strikeout numbers were down (8.3 K/9 career), Bryan posted career lows in ERA and WHIP.  He recovered from a rocky start with a 1.99 ERA after April and proved himself particularly effective against RHBs, holding same-side hitters to a .209 OBA and surrendering just one gopher ball.  Stuff-wise, Bryan throws a fastball that has touched 97 MPH and is consistently clocked around 93.  His secondary offering is a plus slider that easily qualifies as a swing and miss pitch and was consistently utilized as a two-strike hammer.  Last season's shoulder trouble limited the effectiveness of the breaking ball and resulted in the drop in strikeouts.  It may, however, been a blessing in disguise as Price was forced to rely more heavily on his heater and an emerging split, developing the ability to get contact outs without his best pitch.  Bryan is basically the check plus version of Matt Langwell and Langwell's future may well be tied to Price's.  If Bryan can stay healthy, he will likely see time on the lake before mid-2013, throwing a roadblock in front of Langwell.  Just like Matt, Bryan projects as a 7th-ish inning guy, coming on to get get three outs or to retire a specific right-handed hitter.  While the ceiling is not espceially high, Price has the tools and body to become a productive big league bullpen contributor.

Up Next: #31 3B/1B Jared Goedert

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #33 RHP Steven Wright

6'1", 200 lbs, 27 in 2012

2011 Stats (A, A+, AA, AAA): 4-8, 4.58, 1.61 WHIP, .284 OBA, 4.6 BB/9, 6.5 K/9)

Oh, good, another right-handed pitcher and this one's 27 with crappy numbers.  What's the deal?  As recently as 2009, Wright was a reasonable and traditional prospect.  At 24, he put up a 10-0 record and 2.32 ERA for AA Akron.  So, what happened?  As he pitched at four different levels last year, one might suspect that Steven is recovering from an injury.  That would be entirely incorrect.  After two unsuccessful stints with AAA Columbus (6.61 ERA), Wright traded in his 94 MPH fastball and hard slider for the hard-knock life of a knuckleballer.  Following extensive work with former Indian Tom Candiotti during the off-season and through spring camp, he built his repertoire from around 60% knucklers in his first 2011 start to around 90% as the season wound down.  The BB/9 average describes the predictable control issues and the 18 home runs he allowed over 133 innings are indicative of his overall lack of feel for the notoriously touch-oriented pitch.  Still, Steven has a lot going for him.  Given the the recent renaissance of knuckleballers (R.A. Dickey anyone?  Even Charlie Haeger), he will likely get a shot at the big league level if he can show even moderate command.  With the Candy Man in his corner, Wright has a leg up on those without easy access to one of the fraternity's select few.  Unlike many prospects, his success is a true coin flip.  Neither age, nor injury, and not even middling minor league statistics will hamper his advance.  Wright is completely committed to the new school 72-76 MPH knuckler and if he can continue to advance his mastery of Uncle Knails, then a big league call is truly just a knuckle's length away.

Up Next: #32 - RHP Bryan Price

Lowe Point

On the same day that the Indians declined their $9mil option on former face of the franchise Grady Sizemore, the organization also made two moves to "bolster" the starting five.  Frankly, neither move makes any sense whatsoever to me.

In a hotly debated decision, the Tribe picked up Fausto Carmona's $7mil option for 2012.  I could have done without that.  In an even more bizzare transaction, the Indians have acquired veteran RHP Derek Lowe from Atlanta for incosnsequential LHP Chris Jones.  The Braves will pick up $10mil of the $15mil owed to the 38-year old in the final year of his contract.

You might recall Lowe for his career 2.45 ERA against the Tribe, their struggles against him the '98 and '99 postseasons or, more recently, the rotten egg he laid for the Braves in September.  Derek posted 0-5 with an 8.75 as the Bravos mailed in the season's final month and ceded the Wild Card to the eventual World Champion Cardinals.

I can just hear my father now, ranting on about how the Indians feel like they can rehabilitate any formerly successful big league pitcher.  I can imagine him conjuring the names of Jim Johnson or Brendan Donnelly, of Carl Pavano.  I'll respond with Kevin Millwood and Paul Byrd.  And Manzo will just say "Another shit-ass move by a shit-ass team."  Still, $5mil for your 4th starter is not bad.

We'll see...

Cardinals 6, Rangers 2

Unreal.  Analysis to come on one of baseball's most unlikely champions ever.

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #34 RHP Matt Langwell

6'2" 225 lbs, 25 in 2012

2011 Stats (Akron - AA/ Columbus - AAA): 5-1, 3.01 ERA, 3 SV, 1.31 WHIP, .237 OBA, 3.7 BB/9, 9.3 K/9

So, I bet that you're asking "Why is Langwell ahead of Cory Burns?"  Thanks to his gaudy saves numbers, you might have heard of Burns, while Langwell is a virtual unknown.  Then, taking a look at the statisitcs, Burns beats Langwell across the board, yet I consider Matt a better prospect.  Let me explain why. 

(1) True MLB stuff - Burns has been incredibly successful as a finesse/deception pitcher.  This does not often translate to the bigs.  Langwell, on the other hand, has a solid low 90's fastball, which he can consistently command in a variety of situations.  Even more importantly, Matt possesses a true plus pitch: his heavy slider.  In the minors this repertoire yielded a bunch of strikeouts and a 1.10 GB/FB rate.  While 1.10 does not seem a large number, when you pair it with his K's, Langwell allowed just 35% flyballs in 2011.  As he progresses towards the majors, more and more hitters wil make contact with his best pitch, but the swinging strikes will likely translate to grounders, keeping that flyball rate down and encouraging success out of the pen. 

(2) Body/Delivery - Although Burns' 6'1" 180 lb frame is not a hinderance, Langwell's physique projects much better to the next level.  Combine this with the more conventional delivery that Matt utilizes and concern for injury is much lower. 

(3) Head/Mentality - I have already stated that it is unlikely that Burns will close for the Indians.  Over this past year, it had become painfully evident that there is a stark contrast between the mindset of closing and that of setting-up.  Langwell has a head start in this respect, having two full season of 7th and 8th inning work under his belt.  Thereby, he is better mentally prepared for the role he would likely serve in the big leagues. 

All of this being said, there is a rather low ceiling for Matt Langwell.  While he could spend several years at the Major League level, sliding into a middle reliever spot, he just as easily might come up shy altogether.  And he will turn 26 in May, so time is a-wastin.  I do not expect him to challenge for a opening day roster spot.

Up Next: #33 - RHP Steven Wright

Cardinals 10, Rangers 9 (11 innings)

The Cards became the first team in World Series history to score in the 8th, 9th and 10th innings.  Oh, and the 11th.  Win to Jake Westbrook, forever an Indian in my heart.

Cheers.

Sit Down Joe Dimaggio

Honestly, I have not paid a great deal of attention to the MLB post-season.  The spectral gloom the World Championship trophy spending its "every year of my life"-th year off of the North Coast has been mostly insurmountable.  Still, I do have to give a quick shout to Cardinals third bagger David Freese, who has put together a 12 game October hitting streak.  While this does not sound tremendously impressive, recognize that the single post-season all-time record is 14 in a row.  In fact, only 3 players have ever gone further than 12 consecutive: Mark Lemke (13 in 1996), Marquis Grissom (14 in 1995) and Manny Ramirez (14 in 2004).

As I typed this, Texas mounted their improbable 9th inning rally to take Game 2, which guarantees a 5th game and guarantees Freese the opportunity to break the record.  I love history.

Cheers.

Tribe Prospect Countdown: #35 RHP Cory Burns

6'1" 180 lbs, 24 in 2012

2011 Stats (AA - Akron): 2-5, 2.11, 35/37 SV, 1.04 WHIP, .220 OBA, 2.3 BB/9, 10.6 K/9

It is always difficult to project the MLB success of AA closers.  While Burns' numbers for the Aeros were spectacular (he was 2nd in all of MiLB in saves and broke the Akron franchise record) and he pitched well enough for Columbus in the post-season (2 G, 1.1 IP, BB, K), there is simply no consensus on how his stuff will translate to the major league level.  Indians' Director of Player Development Ross Atkins notes that Burns "he is exceptionally competitive or he would not be so successful in that closer’s role," but "the challenge or limitation for him [at the big league level] will be fastball usage and command of that fastball and being aggressive with it."  I am not aware of many closers out there with fastball command issues.  This likely slots Burns (and his 88 saves over the past 2.5 seasons) into a set-up role and right-handed set-up men with below average fastballs are a dime a dozen.  This, by no means, suggests that Cory could not make it to the bigs and perform well.   In fact, some believe that he is the closer in waiting (Baseball America rated him the best reliever in the Eastern League).  Until Burns proves that he can dominate AAA hitters, we should be cautiously optimistic at best.

Up Next: #34 - RHP Matt Langwell

Who Says Castro Didn't Play Ball?

If I were supreme dictator, I would credit myself with 23 perfect games ervry day.

Oooh, Trivia!

With the 2011 Major League regular season at an end, all sorts of obscure occurrences have become official.  Let's take a gander:

Dodgers infielder Eugenio Velez finished the year 0-for-37.  37 at-bats.  0 hits.  That, my friends is a record.  Velez eclipse the late, great Hal Finney, who had held the mark for the 75 years since he failed in all 35 of his AB's for the 1935 Pirates.  Not only does Eugenio take home that record, but, as a lovely parting gift, he also set a new mark for futility over multiple seasons.  Velez is hitless over his past 46 trips to plate.  Another record, this one is still live.  Should an organization give him a shot in seasons to come, Eugenio has the rare opportunity to further perfect imperfection.  SB Nation's Grant Bisbee had this to say on Velez --

If you're not Giants or Dodgers fan, you might not have heard of him until just now, but he's amazing. He's fast, but he can't run the bases. He certainly can't bunt. You might think Steve Carlton holds the all-time record for pickoffs with 144. You'd be wrong. Velez has about 167 (rough estimate). He can't play second base or the outfield, which makes him like a Jack Cust but one who is routinely stuck at second base, or in the outfield. When Velez plays baseball, Hunter Pence stops to say, "My word, that Velez fellow is gangly and awkward."

Thought you had heard everything about the Red Sox perdition and the Rays glory?  How's about this one:

The odds that Rays would erase their September deficit, then overcome the Yankees 7 run 8th inning lead and that the Sox would blow their game against Baltimore?  1-in-278,000,000.  That is 1 in 278 million.  A little context:  According to the bookofodds.com, any of the members were more likely to get struck by lightning (1 in 835,000), win a Powerball drawing (1 in 195,000,000)  or die in a shark attack (1 in 250,800,000).

All of that still does not excuse this gaff by Boston Globe beat writer Dan Shaunessy --



Those self same Rays sent top pitching prospect Matt Moore (nice guy, nice outing) to the mound to start game 1 of their ALDS against Texas.  Moore had made 1 MLB start and would not have even been eligible for the post-season roster had Jeff Niemann not suffered an injury.  Both the single start and his 9.1 career innings pitched coming in are the lowest ever for a Game 1 SP.  7 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 2 BB, 6 K.  Not too shabby.

As always, more to come.

Cheers.

P.s.  Oops again Boston.  Good times never seemed so good.  So good.

Dan Johnson, Robert Andino & Bryce Harper?

It has been a season of colossal collapses.  Shortly after the Braves tied the 1964 Phillies for the greatest squandering of a September lead (8.5 games), the Red Sox, in truly dramatic fashion, finished frittering away a 9 game cushion.  If you do not know about Johnson and Andino, I shall allow the good people from MLB.com to edify you below.  So, why the heck is Bryce Harper's name on the list?

On August 18th, the Harrisburg Senators played the last game of a three game set against the Aeros in Akron.  Jonesing for Harper's signature on a baseball, I bought the first row seats right next to the visitor's dugout.  Long story short, Bryce signed for a bunch of yahoos that were spilling over from the three rows back and, literally, signed for the retard next to me before sauntering into the dugout, leaving my desires unrequited.  I know that it seems utterly inconsequential.  I recognize that, in the grand scheme of things (whatever the hell that is), my lack of Bryce Harper's autograph is about on par with whether you trimmed your toe nails today.  Still, examined outside of a vacuum (I'll tell you later), the incident threw me into a spiral of despair.  As I struggled with the notion that life is comprised of only pain and disappointment, most other aspects of my life suffered.

One of those affected acitivities was... wait for it... my fantasy baseball team.  As I journeyed north for the long weekend that would undoubtedly include my acquisition of a prized sovereign, my fantasy team, The Long Ball (cuz chicks dig it), held a 29.5 point advantage.  As I utterly neglected my team, 20 points bled away in a week.  By the time that I finally regathered myself, it was too late.  Even as frantic transactions stabalized the situation, the lead continued to trickle into oblivion.  In mid-September, I relinquised 1st place for the first time since April.  Similar to Boston and Atlanta, I came into the final day still with an opportunity to avoid disaster.  I trailed by 3.5 and I had Matt Cain going.  Then Cain got scratched.  Crap.  In the end, the 120 transactions that shuffled my roster over the course of the 162 game schedule were inadequate and The Long Ball finished 2nd, 2 points behind.

To Jonathan Papelbon, to Craig Kimbrel.  To Derek Lowe and Daniel Bard.  To the fans on Yawkey Street and in Fulton County, as the long, cold winter begins, I will quote from from the Gospel of Baldwin, the prophet Stephen, the book of The Usual Suspects, "Bad day... fuck it."

Cheers.





P.s. Nice recap piece here.  Or as I said about 32 times, "Are you kidding me?"  Best night of regular season baseball that I have ever seen.  Maybe that has something to do with the fact that I had the Braves on the big screen, the Sox on my laptop and the Rays on an iPhone.  ;-j

A Quest Called Tribe

I was not going to write tonight.  Then, Jim Thome laced an opposite field RBI double to draw him to within 2 ribs of 25th all-time.  This led me to look up Jimmy's numbers.  Turns out that the two-bagger pushed his average with the Tribe to an even .300.  Awesome.  Since September 6, Thome is batting .417 with an OPS of 1.167.  Forever humble, the Indians' all-time home run leader has stated that he might play one more year, but he "has to wait for the phone to ring first."  Ha.

I could sit here, bitch & moan.  I bet you thought I was going to start ranting on how Jeanmar Gomez squandered all of his positive momentum going into the off season.  I'm sure you pictured me down on my knees, thanking the almighty that I shall never have to watch C.H.U.D. Durbin throw another pitch for the Indians.  Sure, all of that is true.  Instead, I'll focus on the impressive work of Nick Hagadone.  Tonight, Nick did absolutely everything that you want a left-handed relief pitcher to do.  After entering with a runner on second and one out, Hagadone proceeded to retire All-Star catcher Alex Avila (a lefty) and Ramon Santiago (switch-hitter) to escape further damage.  In the seventh he was more dominant still, striking out a pair and picking off Ryan Raburn, whom he had walked, on an excellent move to first.  Now, he still has some control issues (16/29 pitches for strikes today, 6 BB in 11 IP), but his OBA is .118.  .118!  Given some of Tony Sipp's problems down the stretch (4.25 ERA since the end of June, 10 HR allowed in 62.1 IP), fully expect Hagadone to challenge for a bullpen spot next spring.

There is not much else to say, except that the boys fanned 13 more times and have a real shot to overtake the Mariners for the AL lead if they continue swing and miss tomorrow.  Huh, #1: Injuries, #2: Strikeouts.  It's startin' to come together, Pepper.

Here's to going out with a bang (and a .500 season).

Cheers.

P.s.  Here's a picture of Ty Cobb (just right of the dude in the straw hat) in an Indians uniform from the Addie Joss Benefit Game at League Park in 1911.  Never heard of it?  Before today, neither had I.  The Georgia Peach's trunk never arrived, so he had to borrow a uni.  Check out an excellent piece on the game here.

A Quest Called Tribe

On August 15th, the Twins placed Delmon Young on waivers.  He was quickly claimed by the Tigers and we have all heard the anecdotes about Delmon taking the Twins bus to Comerica Park and his new Detroit teammates struggling to comprehend his presence in their locker room.  From seemingly every babbling voice in the peanut gallery, I heard such cries as "Why didn't the Indians claim him?" or "Couldn't the Indians have at least blocked Detroit?"  At the time, I noted Young to be a "non-factor" as he had posted a .662 OPS and just 32 RBI for Minnesota.  I further explained that the Tribe would get a similar boost when Shelley Duncan came back from an overnight in AAA forced by a numbers crunch.

Well, I suppose that I mildly underestimated Young, who has put up 26 RBI in 37 games for the Tigers.  Recognize, though, that his OPS since the trade is still a lowly .693.  For means of comparison, think Matt LaPorta (.710).  Duncan has matched Delmon every step of the way.  Young's numbers (.258/.280/.413, 6 HR) are actually worse than Shelley's (.298/.374/.606, 7 HR, 23 RBI) and the fact that the latter has 50 fewer PA's allows for the staggering difference in OPS.  Oh, did I forget to mention?  Duncan's OPS (do the math) is .980.  So, for all of y'all that are whining about how the Tigers' addition of Delmon Young caused the Tribe's downfall, perhaps it's time to stop playing WoW and regain some understanding of reality.

Speaking of reality, here's some harsh for ya.  The Indians have exactly 2 players (Asdrubal Cabrera, Carlos Santana) with more than 114 games played and just five in triple digits period.  If you were to organize the team's season line-up by most games at each position, the second base (Orlando Cabrera) would digging his own grave on the left coast and the center fielder (Grady Sizemore) would have appeared in fewer than half (71) of the games played.  Additionally, only one starter (Justin Masterson) has pitched every fifth day for the length of the season.  If you're wondering what derailed the dream... yeah, one word: injuries.

Hey, I'm not so pissed at Tony Sipp (though his propensity to serve up the gopher ball is troubling).  Instead, I plan to pour my bubbling cauldron of rage all over Fausto Carmona.  You see, the game should have never gone to extras and it would not have, had Carmona had the ability to shut down a bunch of scrubs.  Seriously, despite fielding their most respectable line-up of the entire series, the Twins featured just three honest-to-goodness major leaguers.  Could Fausto, he of the 15 losses and 5.25 ERA, limit Minnesota to three runs or fewer?  Hell, no!  $7mil for 2012.  Should the Tribe pick up the option?  HELL!  FREAKIN!  NO!

The boys need to take one of three from Detroit to finish .500 and two of three for the tantalizing 82-win plateau.

Then there's this...




Here's to making the Tigers squeal like pigs.

Cheers.

A Quest Called Tribe (Storybook Edition Part 2)

No words tonight. Just enjoy it.

Cheers.

A Quest Called Tribe (Storybook Edition)

I have never seen players shake hands at the plate.  High five, bump the rock, bash brothers, even the butt slap, but never the respect that Shelly & Kip gave to Thome.

A Quest Called Tribe

Wow, I am in a much better mood tonight.  I guess that the complete thrashing of a division rival will do that. 

Let's talk 40-man roster.  As of today, two men (Josh Tomlin, Shin-Soo Choo) are on the 15-day disabled list. Of the remaining 38 players eligible for work in the bigs, 34 of them are active with the Indians right now.  That number will go to 35 of 39 by Saturday when Mitch Talbot is activated to make the start against Minnesota.  Most likely, the Tribe will transfer Tomlin to the 60-day DL to open the spot, as the young right-hander has been shut down for the season. 

In the 11-2 victory that brought the boys back to within a game of .500 (I am still fervently hoping for 82-80, which would require a 5-2 finish), we were treated to players thirty two, three and four on the depth chart.  #34 is, of course, Zach Putnam (8.31 ERA, 1.62 WHIP).  For a lengthy rant on Putnam, see yesterday's post. 

#33 would be Cord Phelps.  Phelps, who came in to pinch run for Travis Hafner after Pronk knocked his 1000th career hit, went 0-for-1 to drop his season average to .138.  Cord was considered "more major league ready" than Jason Kipnis when the former was promoted in early June.  Oh, how the tables have turned.  Phelps has not cracked a hit in almost three months, a span of 24 at-bats.  He has been allowed just 2 AB's since September 3rd.  Kipnis, on the other hand, launched his 7th homer tonight and has produced a staggering .917 OPS during his debut season.  Phelps' OPS is about half of that.

#32 belongs to Corey Kluber.  The low ranking has much more to do with his season numbers at AAA (7-11, 5.56), than the two appearances that he has made for the Indians.  Despite putting five men on his 2.1 innings, Kluber has pitched his way out of trouble.  Corey has not surrendered a run, while fanning three.  He will get a look for the fifth rotation spot, or even the long man role, next spring.

Speaking of which, it's so early, but I cannot resist.  Who will be the Tribe's starting five in 2012?  Three guys are in for sure.  Justin Masterson, Ubaldo Jimenez and Josh Tomlin will form the top 3.  Who's out?  Well, Carlos Carrasco is lost for the season after Tommy John surgery.  Although he started quickly and drew rave reviews from many (including me), David Huff is 0-4 with a 7.11 (.306 OBA, .912 OOPS) in September.  Manny Acta has obviously lost confidence in the lefty and Huff (4-17 over the past two seasons) would have to dazzle in Goodyear, if he even makes it that far.  So three are in, two are out and everyone else is in play.  Jeanmar Gomez looks to have cracked the code of MLB pitching (5-0, 1.80, 0 HR since his last recall) and should have the inside track on the #4 spot, although that is far from a sure thing.  Zach McAllister (especially if he can add another quality start this season), the aforementioned Kluber and Mitch Talbot will all be in the mix.  What's that huge elephant over there?  Oh, yeah.  Him.  In my opinion, the organization should thank him for 2007 and cut ties with Fausto Carmona.  This will probably not happen, so Fausto (34-58, 5.05 ERA, 1.50 WHIP excluding '07) will be in contention as well.  We shall look at this more as the off-season progresses, but do not place any money on Carmona making the 2012 opening day roster.

Here's to seeing #31 (Luis Valbuena) tomorrow.

Cheers.

A Quest Called Tribe

I am utterly and completely sick of Manny Acta.  While it has been a long, roller-coaster season for both the players and the manager, Acta honestly seems to have lost his freakin' mind.  True, there is not much left to quest for (the Tribe can officially no longer meet my 85 win projection), but there is still pride, second place and a winning season.  Manny is utterly oblivious to all of this.

Yesterday, with a Game 1 win and a 4-3 lead after 6 innings (props to Zach McAllister) of Game 2, who did the "Former Montreal Expos" (his words) call on to hold the lead?  Zach Puntnam.  Zach Putnam?  Zach.  Mother.  Fucking.  Putnam.  The non-prospect went right ahead and handed the game to the ChiSox by allowing hits to 3 of the first 4 and then unceremoniously plunking Paul Konerko before taking his 10.80 ERA and first big league loss to the showers.  Weird that Nick Hagadone (a man with an actual future in the majors) came in and tossed 1.2 scoreless.  With all of the options available to him with expanded rosters, after playing the 7-8-9 game perfectly in the top half of the twin bill, Acta looked like a colossal idiot in gifting Chicago with a victory.

"Oh," you say, "Manny was just testing the young talent in a key situation."  Hmm.  Even if we disregard the fact that Putnam does not qualify as "talent," Acta went right ahead and did himself one better (worse?) this evening.

Hang on, I have to breathe.

First, Manny refused to pull Ubaldo Jimenez.  He refused to pull him after six 1-run innings and a 2-1 lead.  He refused to pull him as U hit 100 pitches and allowed the Sox to tie the game.  He refused to pull him following 2 seventh inning walks and a wild pitch.  Jimenez remained in the game long enough to serve up a two run single to Alejandro De Aza on pitch 116.

Not so bad, right?  4-2?  The Indians, back in the hole, still clung to a chance for a late inning comeback.  In fact, the bats put up two in the bottom of the 8th.  The game goes to the 9th knotted at 4.  What?  Really?

Yeah, I forgot about the most compelling piece of evidence that Acta has gone off of the reservation.  With his team trailing by two, with so many goals left to play for, with that huge fucking stable of arms in the 'pen...

I might not be able to say this...

Acta brought in Chad Durbin (FUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) to pitch the 8th.  Durbin was able to retire three hitters, that much is true.  Around those outs, though, the White Sox scored four runs on three long balls.  Yes, three home runs.  I have not the lexicon to explain the intense level of apathy and misjudgment that might allow this to happen.

Bah.

I will delve in to personnel issues when the season is done.  For now, let me say this...

Priority #1 for 2012 MUST be adding Mike Sarbaugh to the major league coaching staff.  My preference would be for him to replace Crack-ta, but I shall remain realistic (for now).  For those who do not know, allow me to briefly detail Sarbaugh's resume.  He has managed for 8 seasons (2004-2011) and has risen from SS-A (Mahoning Valley) to AAA.  He has never had a losing season (worst @ .522, career .585).  In those 8 years, he has won FIVE league championships.  In each of the past two years with the Clippers, Mike's team has taken both the Governor's Cup as the IL Champion and the AAA National Championship.  During his 22 consecutive years within the Indians organization, Sarbaugh has won championships as a player, coach and manager.  He has already managed 22 of the 40 man roster (excluding rehab stints).  Enough is enough.  If for no other reason than to change culture, Mike Sarbaugh needs to be with the Tribe in 2012.

Here's to Acta getting crushed by a falling piano.

Cheers.

A Quest Called Tribe

Not much of a quest anymore, eh?  The last month has been tough, the last 2 weeks tortuous and now, the horror of it all, simply unbearable.  One month ago (08.18) the Tribe was 62-58, 1.5 games out going into a critical series with the Tigers.  They were, of course, swept in that series and have never recovered.  Since August 18th, the Indians are 10-17.  11 days ago, the Tribe still had hope.  At 70-67, they sat 6.5 out with a "must sweep" home series coming against Detroit.  Another 3-game drubbing later and the kids seem to have finally collapsed under weight of an injury plagued and luckless season.  Since September 4th, our Indians are 2-8.  Just when we though it could not get any more disheartening, the Tribe traveled to Texas.  Like a dessicated plow horse, the good guys gasped and died in under the Lone Star sun and were delivered a serious beating as the Rangers outscored them 26-9 in a three game annihilation.  None were ever in question.

Perhaps most deflating has been how little hope for the future that the young talent has shown as the season has begun to rot.  In 5 games since returning from the disabled list, Jason Kipnis (strange how the beginning of the disastrous descent coincides with Kip's injury) has an OPS of .616.  Since 08.18, Asdrubal Cabrera is batting an abominable .144 with an OPS of .470 and nearly twice as many K's (23) as hits (13).  Over his last 11 games, Ezequiel Carrera has struggled to a .163 average with a .433 OPS.  How about the underwhelming work of the five pitchers not named Alex White (wait, where did he go again?) to make their MLB debuts in 2011?  7.33 ERA, 1.74 WHIP, .293 OBA, while surrendering 4 HR, 3 HBP and 2 WP in 27 innings.  How does this translate into that window that we acquired the one-year wonder for?

How about some more established players?  Since his third stint on the DL, Grady Sizemore is 3-for-23 with 7 strike outs.  Jim Thome's much ballyhooed return to lakefront?  One home run and 18 K's.  Travis Hafner has shed 70 point from his batting average since early July by knocking .203 with a .584 OPS.  Since his latest bout with frailty the Glass Donkey has 2 singles and 4 punch outs in 12 at-bats.  The team has its heart ripped out when Captain Jack Hannahan went down with an injury.  It is all too much.  I would give you more, but, in all sincerity, I am about to become physically ill.  To be fair, I am pretty pissed off about a lot of things right now, so I am likely not giving the guys a fair shake.  Still, the numbers are hard to argue with...

And now comes the worst news of all.  According to this 247wallstreet.com report, 12 "Big 4" franchises have dropped 20% or more in attendance over the past decade.  Included on the list are such disastrous organizations as the Oakland Raiders (21.32%), Detroit Lions (25.18%) and Pittsburgh Pirates (33.78%).  Given the context of this piece, there is no suspense as to who is at the top (bottom) of the list.  The number itself is shocking.  Since 2000 the Indians have lost 56.08% of their paying customers, the only franchise over 50% and 12 points higher than the second place Orioles (44.00%).

We have all been aware of the painfully empty stadium this season, despite the team's hot start, but the situation that the Tribe finds themselves in has become critical.  With such paltry income, talk of offering Prince Fielder a 5-year, $160mil contract will remain simply that... talk.  Unless the fans come out to support the franchise, there will be no free agent signings and, instead, more soul crushing trades of both the Cliff Lee and Ubaldo Jimenez variety.

Buy some tickets.  God knows I will if I ever get a real job.

Here's to keeping the Indians in Cleveland.

Cheers.

P.s. Drew Pomeranz made his Rockies debut on Sunday.  He earned the win by giving up 2 hits and zero runs in 5 innings.  Great...

St. Hannahan

I like to pretend that I'm Irish.

Talk About A Pujols!

Apparently, the word on the street is that it's funny and cool to tease adult fans. They don't matter.  Perhaps Albert should have nailed him in the nuts too, that's always good for a laugh.

A Quest Called Tribe

TGFO.  Thank God For Oakland.  The Athletics make our Indians look like the '27 Yankees meet the '95 Braves.  Where to begin...  You all know that I am a bit biased toward Captain Jack Hannahan.  So, we are going to take a look at this.



Jack is now clipping at .447 since August 15th, including the above moon shot and 10 RBI.  I heard Manning say what a great swing Carlos Santana put on his home run.  What we all know is that Big Smooth swings from his heels every time that he bats left-handed and just happened to contact a Trevor Cahill mistake.  Still, Santana is hitting .293 with 6 HR and 20 RBI since July 30th and has joined Asdrubal Cabrera, Travis Hafner and Jason Kipnis as the only Indians with an .800+ OPS.

Guess who sports an OPS of .694?  I will give you a hint: he now plays for the Columbus Clippers.  That is correct, sir!  Everyone's favorite failed prospect, Matt LaPorta, was optioned down to AAA to make room for Jeanmar Gomez.  Manny Acta was very careful to explain that Matty was not demoted because of his poor production, but, rather, because he played the only position that the Indians are healthy at.  Hmmmm, they do seem to have two third basemen, one of whom has the exact same batting average (.238) as LaPorta.  The brass tacks are that the Tribe preferred to keep Lonnie Chisenhall and his left-handed bat amidst the sea of sinister hitters rather than stick with Matt's right-handed stick.  Allow me to translate: Matt LaPorta was sent down because he was not helping the team.  Sure, he will be back in 2-10 days (no one can confirm for me if the ten day rule still applies in September), yet one would imagine that this is highly indicative of the organization's valuation of a player who was projected as a superstar.

Nice.  Now that I have exhaled, I shall give Jeanmar Gomes the proper respect for a start that I really did not think that he had in him.  The key tonight for Gomez was that he recognized the poor quality of Oakland's lineup and pitched accordingly.  Jeanmar did not mess around, did not nibble.  Rather, he dared the A's to hit and they did not.  Nice coincidence that this spot start (will there be a 2nd?) came against a team that has very little ability to produce runs.  Hopefully, today's outing will give Gomez the confidence and momentum to win a few for the club in September.

Oh, by the way, Grady Sizemore will DH tomorrow for Akron, then play 7 innings in the field on Thursday.  Grady will be re-evaluated on Friday and, if all goes well, will join the Tribe no later than Monday.  Awesome.

And for those who might have missed it, Zeke Carrera is pretty fudgin' fast.  It is a good thing that Jim Thome was not on base ahead of him or Ezequiel likely would have passed him on Kosuke Fukudome's 2 run double.

Here's to beating up on those weaker than us. ;-j

Cheers.

A Quest Called Tribe

Maybe next time Manny Acta will choose not to eff up a huge start against Detroit by forcing a starting pitcher to enter in the 14th inning.  Opinions abound (Manning thinks David Huff was "pitching scared" against the Tigers) and mine is that Huff was completely out of rhythm.  Numbers do not lie.  Huff in his screwy 08.20 start: 0-1, 19.29 ERA, 3.43 WHIP, .444 OBA.  The sum total of his other four starts: 2-1, 0.38 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, .184 OBA.  Feel like arguing that the A's have an anemic offense?  Recall that two of the other three opponents were the Red Sox and Angels.  Detroit lost, the Indians sit 5.5 back and, if there is any hope of a September surge, David will have to continue his tremendous work.  Good lookin', man, keep it goin'.

What to say about the bats?  Cord Phelps is 0-for-12 since coming back from Columbus and is down to .155.  I would suspect him to be optioned out when Jeanmar Gomez is added to start tomorrow.  Also, supposedly, Matt LaPorta is a hitter.  You could have fooled me.  Matty is now hitting a meek .238 with a sub-.700 OPS and a 79/20 K/BB ratio.  Are there positives about the offense?

Although he has trouble bunting and generally catching the baseball, Zeke Carrera is pretty damn fast.

Oh, and Vinnie Pestano is back to nasty.  Love it.

Here's to Chris Perez holding onto that 1-2-3 feeling.

Cheers.

A Quest Called Tribe

Jerad Head made his major league debut on Sunday.  In his very first AB he was credited with a base hit.  Very much like the Indians' season, it was mostly a Pyrrhic victory.  Just as the Tribe's 30-15 start and .500 record mean virtually nothing as they will almost surely miss the post-season, Head's 75 foot dribbled counts as a single, but in no way assures that he can hit big league pitching.  I guess it is kind of cool that Jerad (a 28 year old former undrafted free agent) will go down in the annals with at least one hit.

Space was made for Head on the 40-man roster by transferring Michael Brantley to the 60-day DL, his season is over.  Nick Hagadone was sent back to Columbus, without making an appearance, to open an active roster spot.  Not to worry, Nick will be back in September.  Brantley has dealt with what has now been revealed as a broken hamate bone for several weeks.  The injury is such that it does not inhibit movement, but causes an enormous amount of pain.  With Shin-Soo Choo out for several days with his core issues, the decision was made for Michael to get surgery.  Thereby, the Indians were able to add Head without having to DFA a player.  Recovery time for hamate surgery is 6-9 weeks, so Brantley could be back for the World Series.  ;-j

Strangely, having abandoned all hope of the Tribe overtaking the Tigers, the pain of Sunday's loss was not nearly as acute as the first 64 of 2011.  Well documented is my intense hatred of losing.  Losing, nothing but losing, for as long as I can freakin' remember.  While the defeat still stings, viewing it solely as an L and not as the daily indication that life is pain, sort of takes the venom out of the snake bite.  Although there are plenty of building blocks for next season (especially if Tim Belcher can rebuild Ubaldo Jimenez's delivery), 2012 is a year away and I need a GD win.

Here's to remembering how to hit with runners in scoring position.

Cheers.

A Quest Called Tribe

Something that you may not know about baseball writers is that they begin composing their pieces in the 6th or 7th inning and if something happens late then they pretty much have to scrap it and start over.  While I am not delusional enough (close) to count myself as one of the brethren, I have been forced to rewrite this about six times.  The first draft led with Hammerin' Jack Hannahan, the middle few with the paragraph below and now, well, I am sure that you agree that Asdrubal Cabrera has earned it.  Breaking out of an 0-for-13 skid AzCab delivered three hits including the game winning shot, on cue from Underwear.  Take a second and drink it in.


(double-click to play)

I do believe that Jim Thome simply being on the field makes it feel like a playoff game and nothing is better than a playoff win.  It took Jimmy seven Indians plate appearances to make solid contact for the first time, but the result was, simply, beautiful.  The sixth inning solo home run, #602 for Thome, tied the game at four and commanded a curtain call from the future Hall of Famer.

Hannahan came through twice with two outs, an RBI single in the second and a two run triple in the 4th.  Since August 12th Jack is rapping at .429.  He also gained the ignominious distinction of becoming the 1000th Tribe hitter to strike out this season.  That leads the league.  Lou Marson quickly followed with #1001 as the Wahoo's squandered a fantastic opportunity to take the lead in the bottom of the 6th.  Or was it the 7th?  Yeah, no, the 7th was two K's and a pop-up to strand ducks on the pond.  Classy.

And if you want the textbook definition of ignominious ("deserving or causing public shame") just look at the top of the 7th.  HBP + E3 + "Gas Man" Sipp = 7-4 Royals.  I know Tony has been solid all season, but 8 gopher balls in 53 innings?  Good grief.

Shin-Soo Choo left the game in the middle of the 5th inning after aggravating his strained back or maybe it is "left side soreness."  Regardless, Choo is currently listed as the infamous "day-to-day."  We should all hope that Choo can play again soon, as the Indians have exactly zero additional healthy outfielders left on the 40-man roster.  With September 1 right around the corner, I would not expect him to land on the DL.  Should Choo be sidelined for an extended period the organization will be forced to DFA someone and add an extra outfielder.  Unless Grady Sizemore would be ready (doubtful), either Jerad Head or Travis Buck could be called on with Luis Valbuena the probable odd man out.

In case you missed it earlier, Jeanmar Gomez was scratched from his scheduled start at AAA.  The Clippers brought Paolo Espino back on 3 days rest, so the change was not on a whim.  All signs point to Gomez getting the start on Tuesday against Oakland.  Should Zach McAllister take the ball for Columbus tomorrow, this becomes a foregone conclusion.

Best game of the season.

Here's to PFP.

Cheers.