So, when Asdrubal Cabrera came up in the top of the 8th inning (Right before the Boston fans started singing that F'ing Neal Diamond song that everyone forgets is an F'ing Red Sox song and sings wherever their dumb asses are even if that is at the Jake. Come to think of it why do they play that shite at the Jake? It's a GD Red Sox song!) and Matt "My IQ is" Under-wood chimes that "his batting average is much higher from the right hand side of the plate, but most of his pop is from the left. In fact, 16 of his 19 home runs have come batting left handed," I want to punch him in the mouth. Of course, most of his home runs are going to be batting left handed! Because most of the pitchers are right handed! Now, if you look at AzCab's splits, it turns out that his slugging percentage is 75 points higher as a lefty. Cool, I can dig it, but, for the love of Pete guys, stop treating us like maroons and talk about the game like professionals.
Whew.
While I have been quite critical of Manny Acta over the past few weeks, the skipper made a statement today that I am in total agreement with. Acta declared that Ubaldo Jimenez and Justin Masterson will start every five days for the rest of the season. That means the other three starters will, if necessary, get skipped to accommodate the top two. This is old school... and awesome.
Speaking of Jimenez, he will join the Indians in Boston tomorrow, prior to making his debut in Texas on Friday. With Ubaldo reporting, space had to be cleared on the active roster (Mitch Talbot was DFA'ed to open a slot on the 40-man). To accomodate this need, the Tribe has optioned David Huff and his 0.51 ERA back to Columbus. At first glance, this seems exceptionally stupid. Strangely, it is not. Based on the standard that Manny Acta set earlier in the day, the Tribe will not need a 5th starter again until August 13th. By this time, Carlos Carrasco will have started tomorrow, dropped his appeal and severed the 6-game suspension that he earned for throwing at the head of Billy Butler on Friday. Assuming Car-Square delivers something less than a perfect game tomorrow, he will then be optioned to the Clippers on the 13th and recall Huff. Next, the Tribe will bring Carlos back when rosters expand on September 1. Here is the best part. Since Carrasco will have been in the minors for less than 20 days, this does not count as an option! Love it.
If you feel like reading the most incisive and well constructed piece that Terry Pluto has written all year (and one I happen to agree with), go here.
I wanted to be done with this, but pictures of the game have yet to be posted, so on I go.
While I was sminking a bunch went down that I have yet to discuss.
#1 - Orlando Cabrera traded to the Giants for OF Thomas Neal. Given the fact that the Indians are committed to Jason Kipnis at second base (and with good reason after he became the first Indians rookie to homer 3 times in his first 9 games since Luis Medina in 1988), the fact that they got something reasonable for O-Cab is downright awesome. Now, Neal is having a down year, but he was #7 on San Francisco's prospect list coming into the season and was #96 on the Baseball America top 100 prior to 2010. He is a toolsy guy who needs to rebound to make the bigs, that is why we got him for a washed up scrub. For O-Cab, though, Neal is a great return.
#2 - Jason Donald takes Cabrera's spot on the active roster. Good for JD, who has had a tough season injury wise and has been absolutely destroying the International League. A true utility guy, I hope that he hangs around Cleveland forever.
Tonight was a tough one to swallow. Maybe I'll dig into it tomorrow. Maybe not.
Cheers.
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