Extra Disappointment

There is no denying that Chris Perez has pulled himself together this season.  Following his Opening Day debacle, Perez has converted 11 consecutive saves, leads the league in that category and, coming into last night, had an 0.75 ERA and a .136 OBA since the opener.  Also of note is that two of those appearances were in non-save situations (2 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 3 K), a context in which the 2011 All-Star has not flourished.  In 2011, his ERA (4.18 vs 2.75), WHIP (1.31 vs 1.14) and opponents OPS (.764 vs .570) were all significantly higher under non-save circumstances.  Those numbers become absolutely horrendous when you examine the 10th inning and beyond.  In seven extra inning appearances last season, the man who calls himself "Pure Rage," posted an 8.59 ERA, a 1.77 WHIP and a 1.049 OOPS (Ha!).  Does woManny not have access to there numbers?  I shan't deny that Chris has done some good work this year, but I don't see Vinnie Pestano or Nick Hagadone filling me with my own "pure rage."

Speaking of Nick, he was certainly a highlight from the contest.  I could tell you about it, but I don't have the thousands of words in me to replace the video below.



I suppose that we have to talk about Justin Masterson.  I saw a headline that read, "Masterson limits White Sox to 2 runs."  The choice of words is wildly appropriate.  It is true that, after surrendering 2 runs on 4 hits in the 1st inning, Bat bore down and allowed just two hits over the next 5 innings.  The trouble is that he walked 5 to tie Ubaldo (I hear he might go Bono/Madonna on us) for the Major League lead in free passes.  The 50 bases on balls between the two is obviously the largest sum total of any two teammates, but what is staggering is how far removed the duo is from its nearest competition.  Kyle Drabek and Rickey Romero of the Blue Jays come in second with 41 walks between them.  I can hear you now, "What's he talking about?  That's only 9 walks."  Well, think about it this way.  50 is 22% more than 41 or, if you want to extrapolate an entire season's work, the Tribe's 1a and 1b are on pace to walk 279 men this season, while the Jays tandem would put on 221.  Oh, Drabek and Romero also limit the opposition to a .188 average while Masterson and Jimenez allow a .247 clip.  Soooo.... even the Blue Jays' top 2 are better than the Indians'.

2 more hits for Cap'n Jack Hannahan last night.  Season average: .291.  I cannot wait laugh in the faces of everyone who thinks that his production is not sustainable.

Cheers.

P.s. Dan Wheeler (5.59) allowed a run over 2 innings.  Every appearance can't be as good as Monday's.

P.p.s. Casey Blake has announced his retirement.  Blake was cut by the Rockies in Spring Training after hitting .150 (3-for-20, HR) over 8 games.  Thanks for the memories, Casey.