Nooner At the Clip Joint

Jared Goedert

So I was all geared up for Shin Soo Choo (maybe a bit too much).  Primped and primed to head to the ballpark, all I needed was some official confirmation that he would, indeed, be suiting of for the Clippers today.  After checking all of my online sources and finding a big pile of bupkis, I rang the Clips office.  The chickadee on the other end enlightened me that the front office had no knowledge of Choo coming to town.  Clinging to hope, I checked the LCC site again only to discover a large display promoting that the Tribe's right fielder would be appearing tonight at Classic Park.  Damn.

At least I did my diligence and was not forced to needlessly sit through another Columbus loss.  Jeanmar Gomez (10-5, 2.45) turned in a reasonable start (6 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 3 K) as the offense remained stagnant.  Only a fifth inning solo shot from Jared Goedert (.232) put the Clips on the board.  Goedert has been raking of late (.367, 3 HR, 9 BB in his last 10) and remains a fringe prospect in the organization.  We should no longer expect him in Cleveland, but he does provide nice depth at the corner infield positions and some solid power from the right side of the plate.  Luis Valbuena (.308) added 2 hits and a walk.

The Clippers head to Rochester tomorrow.  Up at 5:05p is the resumption of the suspended game from June 10th, followed by Zach McAllister on the hill in the regularly scheduled game.  Choo might make the trip.

Other Minor Points of Interest --

Drew Pomeranz and Abner Abreu are long gone, but here are a few quick updates on the little Indians.

Toru Murata - As Murata is already 26 years old with three years of experience under his belt in the Japanese leagues, conventional wisdom would suggest that he would produce well at Kinston and so he has.  After struggling to a 5.52 ERA through mid-May and sitting out six weeks with a lat injury, Toru (1-2, 2.61) has rebounded with 16.1 scoreless innings over 10 appearances.  The organization had experimented with him as a starter, but he had now firmly cemented his position as a short man.  In seven games since returning from the DL, Murata has pitched 11 innings and allowed just one hit and two walks while striking out 14.  If there is a shuffling of relievers at the higher levels, he may see a late promotion.  Otherwise, expect him at Akron to begin 2012.

Giovanni Soto - The good news is that you did not miss anything.  The bad news is that he has been on the shelf since early June with a left (pitching) elbow injury.  Soto did throw a simulated game over the weekend and, while the organization will exercise great caution, he is likely close to returning to action.  Before landing on the disabled list, Giovanni's numbers were excellent (4-4, 3.02, .232 OBA, 9.21 K/9).  Look for the 20 year old at AA next season.

Jesus Aguilar - I was reluctant to give the big (6'3", 241) 21 year old his due until his name started swirling at the trade deadline.  In addition, his power is hard to ignore.  Aguilar's production at Lake County (.292, 19 HR, 69 RBI, .915 OPS) earned him a promotion to Kinston and a place on the radar.  Although Jesus has shown some growing pains at High-A (.205 in 44 ABs), last night brought a pair of hits including his first home run.  He still has a great deal to prove in order to become an elite prospect, but this season has certainly been an excellent start.

Anthony Gallas - While he is not truly a prospect, Gallas grew up in Strongsville and smashed 49 home run at Kent State, so we will pay attention for the time being.  His statistics for the Captains (.314, 6 HR, 21 RBI, .910 OPS) were a pleasant surprise, just as his line at Kinston has been a disappointment.  In 35 games, Anthony has batted just .203 with a .619 OPS, although he has driven in another 21.  Despite sitting out since the end of July, Gallas has earned himself a third year in the system, at the least.  Not too shabby for an undrafted free agent.

Manana, Los Capitanes.

Cheers.