Clip Joint Promotions?

Corey Kluber

I should be focused on praising Corey Kluber on his best start of the season.  Corey pitched into the 7th (officially 6 IP) and allowed just two runs (1 ER) on 4 hits, a walk and 2 K's.  After an horrific start to the season (0-3, 8.04 ERA) Kluber has found himself in winning his last three starts (3.86 ERA) to even his record.  With some shakeups likely to affect the Clippers pitching staff going forward (cough...Zach McAllister), consistency from Kluber is paramount.

That is where my mind should be.  Instead, all I can see is Ezequiel Carrera with 3 hits (R, RBI, .316).  I am dwelling on Cord Phelps 3 hits (2B, 3 RBI, .315).   Even Jason Kipnis (3B, R, BB, SB, .292) and his blend of speed (9-for-9 SB) and power (.500 slugging percentage) has me distracted.  Why are these kids still marooned at AAA while a gaggle of retread scrubs (you know who you are) are delivering out after meek, pitiful out for the Indians?  Obviously the smart guys with the big paychecks know what they are doing, just look at all of those World Series banners in the outfield. 

Bah.  Grow a set and make the moves.

Other Minor Points of Interest --

Jared Goedert continues to progress nicely in his rehab assignment.  Jared (.276) laced an RBI single, walked and scored a pair in Akron's 9-2 victory tonight.  He played first base tonight and, in addition to his natural third,  has also seen time in left field.  If he can get his timing back quickly enough, he may have an opportunity to take Shelley Duncan's job

Matt Packer was the winner tonight for the Aeros as he pitched brilliantly for his second win of the season.  Packer (3.91) has thrown better than his 2-5 record would indicate and was finally rewarded with a victory after tossing seven innings of four hit ball.  Matt allowed one run and walked three, while fanning four.  He is a contact pitcher who relies on hitting his spots and changing speeds with his four pitch arsenal (FB, CB, SL, CU).  Do not let the fact that he does not get much ink fool you, he the chops to make the bigs.

LeVon Washington has hit one hell of a slump with low-A Lake County.  Washington is 0-for-his-last 20 with 8 strikeouts, dropping his batting average from .250 to .167.  There is some conjecture that he is not yet fully healed from a spring training knee injury and he is certainly still working back to true game form.  No need to worry.

Cheers.