A Quest Called Tribe

At approximately 7:02pm I turned to my lady and said "I predict a great start from Mitch Talbot."  Now I am unsure whether Mitch's line (6.2 IP, 6 H, R/ER, 3 BB, 3 K) qualifies as great but thank that deity (what's his name?) that it was at least in the ballpark. ;-j  Following a stretch of games during which the Indians played exactly how everyone expected them to this season, a win tonight was paramount to set up a chance to win the series tomorrow.  In fact, so much went right tonight that I am a bit scared that the left shoe is coming back down on Wednesday.

First off, Talbot.  On a night that many described as a make-or-break for his career with the Tribe, he stepped up and delivered the sort of performance that we all know he is capable of.  I have read a bunch of blather that his outing was "ok," was "acceptable" and that defense bailed him out.  Huh, I am fairly certain it was basically the same defense (exactly on the infield and that is what is being referenced) behind Fausto Carmona last night.  Weird how the Jays scored all of those runs with that miracle D out there.  Why does it never work for Chad Durbin?  Wait, I forget... is this a team sport?  Does a pitcher only do well when he strikes out every man he faces?  Maybe, just maybe, Talbot (4.50) threw an excellent game and Jack Hannahan did exactly what he is being paid to do at third base to balance his .229 batting average.  I am going to give Mitch his due and expect similar results each and every time he steps to the mound.

Oh, yeah, speaking of striking out everyone he faced, say it with me: Vinnie...  Pestanoisnasty.

And the offense woke up?  WTF?  Carlos Santana had three hits including a pair of doubles.  Carlos Santana.  He who built a condo on the Mendoza line.  If you had asked me before the game I would have deemed it more likely that the singer had a better chance to crack three hits.  Regardless, it was Santana's first three hit contest since opening day and drove in a pair.  He is up to .228.  Two doubles and 2 RBI for Grady Sizemore (.255), three hits (2B, 3B) for Michael Brantley (,287) and a wicked delayed steal by M-F'in Hanahan.  It is all almost too much.  I think that I will just sit back and enjoy it.

Tonight, I will dream of the bullpen mafia mowing down Philadelphia Phillies in October.

Cheers.