Here's what we know. Jeanmar Gomez needs to get better and preferably return to the form that he showcased in 7 of his first 8 starts of 2012 (3-2, 3.19). Since that point Gomez is 1-3 with a 7.84 ERA. Now, I agree that tonight's start was a step in the right direction as he allowed just one earned run. Still, he put 10 guys on in 5 innings and threw just 48 of 92 pitches for strikes. Jeanmar is a pitch to contact guy, so he thrives when he can hit his spots within the zone and ensure that said contact is of the not so solid variety. He hasn't had that sort of command in a about a month. Now, we heard recently that pitcher formerly known as Fausto Carmona (now Roberto Hernandez) could be back in the fold by the All-Star break. Unfortunately, that seems to be wishful thinking. Two days ago, Mark Shapiro shared that the organization has absolutely no idea when Hernandez could be back. If Roberto was just around the corner, there might be some logic in allowing Jeanmar Gomez to work through his issues until such a security blanked was delivered. As it stands, I have to contend that Gomez is one more bad start away from being swapped out with Zach McAllister. Of course, the Indians' leadership seems to make its decisions like a pack of baboons at play, by throwing shit at a wall. So who the hell knows...
And who the hell knows why the team pulled the trigger on acquiring right-handed reliever Esmil Rogers from the Rockies today. Remember Jairo Asencio (I know I wish I didn't)? Same guy. This season, Rogers has posted an 8.06 ERA and 2.10 WHIP. His career numbers (6.77, 1.82) are little better. In 184 innings, dude had allowed 243 hits and 93 walks! He's been tagged with 21 homers, 13 hit batters and 15 wild pitches! Yes, please, sign me up! Put this guy in the bullpen! In 2012, right handers are batting an even .400 off of Rogers with an OPS of 1.087! There is no logic on the face of the Earth to justify such an idiotic addition. I would say that the only rational reason for making the trade (they actually purchased Rogers, but that kind of lingo isn't PC these days) is that someone held the cold steel barrel of .45 magnum to Chris Antonetti's clammy forehead and forced him to choose between making the trade and taking a dirt nap. Even then, it's a coin flip.
The only, and I do mean only, upside to the Rogers acquisition is that it likely means the end of the leash for Tony Sipp. Tony (6.65 ERA), who allowed another 2 run homer today, cannot be allowed to continue. Opponents are batting .389 with runners in scoring position and .392 with runners on base against the Gas Man. Again, watch the Tribe send out Scott Barnes, who has been outstanding (4 hitless innings), instead.
For anyone out there who thinks that there is any offensive help coming from AAA, please seek help in a drug treatment program as soon as possible. The offense in Columbus is atrocious. I watched them last night and I don't think there's a true Major Leaguer among them. We will probably see Jason Donald again sometime soon, but, outside of different utility infielder, the biggest upside from the Clippers is Jared Goedert. Goedert had a 9 RBI game last week and has some legitimate right-handed power (.592 SLG in 2012). He also has a lot of holes in his swing (154 K's in 183 AAA games). What he could do is sit on the bench just as well as Matt LaPorta, who has not played in a week.
Oh well. I saw a piece today that called Cleveland the worst sports city in America because we have simply lost hope. So I'm going try to visualize the fullness of the glass.
We'll get 'em tomorrow.
Roll Tribe.
Cheers.
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