Best Of the Clip Joint

Scott Barnes

The wait is over!  The ballots are in!  The International League announced its all-star roster today!  Manager Mike Sarbaugh heads to Salt Lake City with four of his best in tow.  Starters Zach McAllister (8-2, 2.93) and Jeanmar Gomez (8-2, 2.49) are joined by 2B Jason Kipnis (.301, .907 OPS, 11 HR, 50 RBI, 10/10 SB) and UT Luis Valbuena (.309, .909 OPS, 11 HR, 51 RBI).  Congrats to all.

Scottie Barnes was not tabbed an all-star, but he sure did pitch like one tonight.  Just two Mud Hens (H, BB) reached base over the first seven innings and Scott might have made it through 8 except a Jason Donald error opened the door for two Toledo runs.  Barnes (7-2, 3.40) ended up allowing three hits and an earned run while striking out five.  Yeah, I would say he has settled in to AAA.

The offense was the very definition of balance as every hitter reached base via hit or walk and none did more than twice.  Jerad Head launched his 11th home run.  Recently, there has been a lot of chatter about why Head (.303) is not patrolling the outfield corners at the Jake.  At nearly 29 years old, he has had ample opportunity to distinguish himself from the herd and he has not.  Make-up wise, he is a line-drive hitter with gap power who lacks both plus speed and defense.  This sounds a lot like former farm hand Jordan Brown... except Brown had two MVPs and a batting title in his pocket.   Obviously, given that Brown, 27, was traded for oatmeal in April, that sort of player does not interest the club at the big league level.  Put it out of your head.

The Clipper ship stays anchored on the Maumee for one more night.  Zach McAllister takes the hill at 7p sharp, looking for win #9.

Other Minor Points of Interest --

Adam Everett officially cleared waivers on Thursday and has been released by the Indians organization.  No comment.

Nick Weglarz has broken .200!  With a single and a double, Wegz is now clipping at .218 with an .867 OPS.  He is also 5 for his last 7 over three games.  Expect him to move to Columbus as soon as a spot opens up.

2011 3rd round pick, Jake Sisco, the highest Tribe draftee to sign thus far, had his second successful start in the Arizona League.  Jake (1.50) surrendered a run on four hits and two walks in three innings of work.  He fanned a man of inning for the second straight outing.

Cheers.