Sad Day @ the Clip Joint

Before we dig into some numbers, let us bid a fond farewell to Wes Hodges.  Wes, a former top 5 prospect in the system who struggled with injuries last season and poor production this, was released to create a AAA roster spot for the rehabbing Nick Johnson (1-for-3, R last night).  Hodges was hitting just .219 with a .601 OPS this year and was mired in a 2-for-20 slump prior to his dismissal.  A player who always had a smile and an autograph for anyone who approached him, I wish the very best of luck to Wes on latching on with another organization and getting to the show.

Among the Clippers that are riding high are former Indians Luis Valbuena and Jeanmar Gomez.  Valbuena is in the midst of a 17-game hit streak raising his season average from .254 to .311.  He is batting .443 with 12 RBI over the span and his OPS sits at a healthy 1.050.  Gomez (2.36) dazzled for the 4th straight start in chalking up his 5th victory on Tuesday.  His seven innings of six hits, one run, two walks and seven strikeouts has come to be the expected.  Since May 19th, Jeanmar is 2-0 with a 1.50 ERA and a .198 OBA.

A couple of troubling numbers at the dish go as follows -- left handed hitting Lonnie Chisenhall (.265) is batting .299 with an .848 OPS against right handers, but just .185 with a .593 OPS against lefties.  This is the kind of dichotomy that will have to be rectified prior to a promotion.  His .338 average with runners in scoring position is nice though.  Also, in 14 games since his demotion, Ezequiel Carrera (.277) is batting just .183 with an hellish .441 OPS.  I know that it must be a let down, returning to meaningless games, but Zeke has to get his head on straight.

David Huff starts tonight at 7:05p as the Clips host Rochester and Twins #1 prospect, RHP Kyle Gibson.

Cheers.