A Quest Called Tribe

I am not going to say anything about the game because, frankly, words can do no justice to it.  I have watched Hafner's shot about 15 times and my skin has prickled at every viewing.  Hell, I have goosebumps right now, just from writing about it.  Then, again, from proofreading it.

Unbelievable.

There is news, though.  After struggling with his command (94 pitches, 56 strikes) over four fitful innings (5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 4 K), Zach McAllister has been optioned back to AAA Columbus.  Luis Valbuena has been recalled in his stead.  This will be Valbuena's second stint with the big club this season, though his first trip lasted about 24-hours and did not include any game time.  Luis has put up some big numbers at AAA in 2011 and the Indians would like nothing more than for him to inject a bit of pop into the lineup.  Look for him there tomorrow.

There is also not news.  While I fully expect Lonnie Chisenhall to spend 15 days on the DL with the "facial contusion" he sustained from a Carlos Villenueva fastball to the skull, no decision will be made until he sees a specialist at noon on Friday.  Clearly, if the Chiz Kid, who clubbed his first MLB homer on Wednesday, does land on the disabled list, Jason Donald will join the squad in his place, but this has not happened yet.  It will likely not happen until late afternoon tomorrow at the earliest, but it will happen.  Write it down.

If you are an observant little sucker, you noticed that Alex White has been in the Indians dugout this week.  Most noticeably, he was onscreen during the congratulatory hand slapping that followed Wednesday's win over the Yankees.  White, sidelined since late May with a strained ligament in his right middle finger, will throw from 120 feet tomorrow and, if all goes well, should be throwing off of a mound following the all-star break.  Given the original prognosis of an 8-12 week recovery, Alex seems to be right on track.  Barring any setbacks, we will the young starter back in big league games before the end of the season.

I was asked today, "Whatever happened to Andy Marte?"  Andy is playing AAA ball in the Pirates organization and doing so poorly.  Marte (.210) is currently hitting .114 over his last 35 AB's and has, on several occasions this season, been removed from the Indianapolis roster to accommodate more productive players.

Go watch the video again.  And enjoy another day in first place.

Cheers. 

Pretty Girl 07.08.11 - Gwyneth Paltrow

Every chick looks better with red hair.  Or with her top off.  ;-j

Clip Joint Jumpin' Late

So, yeah, you all know that the Tribe scored five in the ninth to stun Jays.  If not, the previous post will take care of that.  What you probably do not know is that the Clippers were held scoreless through the first seven before a six run eruption of their own in the 8th.  Highlighted by the 13th long ball for Jerad Head (.294), the Clips turned a 3-0 deficit into a 6-3 win.

Corey Kluber started and turned in a solid outing, allowing three runs over seven innings (6 H, 2 BB, 7 K).  Kluber (4-5, 6.19) was sharp at the beginning, retiring six of the first seven with four K's.  He was also sharp at the end.  After a 6th inning wild pitch brought home Toledo's third run, Corey fanned the next three, en route to disposing of the final five he faced.  While the middle was a bit shaky, Kluber did manage to strand a one-out runner on third in the 5th and prevent the big inning that has doomed him so often this season.

Nick Hagadone pitched the top of the 8th and loaded the bases.  Around a pair of singles, a walk and a wild pitch of his own, Hagadone (4-2, 3.12) K'ed a pair and the Mud Hens left 'em full.

Jason Donald and Luis Valbuena did not have banner games in what is expected to be their last for the Clippers in the foreseeable future, but each did cross home in the 8th.  Donald (.262) walked and came home on Valbuena (.313) fielder's choice.  Luis also had a bunt single.  While the choice was between the two for the utility infielder position, both likely get the call in light of Lonnie Chisenhall's broken face.

One significant reason that minor league baseball appeals to me is the interaction between the players and the fans.  Twice, this evening, I was treated to unique examples of this.  To begin the home half of the fifth, Paul Phillips flew out to Timo Perez in left field.  Perez caught the ball on the run, crossing into foul territory.  As he came to a stop, in front of the wall along the left field line, he opened his glove and seemingly offered the ball to a young boy in the first row.  As the child reached for the prized souvenir, Timo turned the glove away and tossed the ball back to the infield.  Suffice to say, the fans around me in the left field corner were not pleased.  Flashing a huge grin, Perez beckoned to the Clippers' ball boy for another and gently tossed it to the kid, earning a big cheer in the process.  An even more unlikely event took place in the top of the 8th.  As Nick Hagadone warmed, I noticed a white balloon hovering about 30 feet above second base.  The inning began and Will Rhymes took two pitches with the balloon bobbing and weaving in the wind.  At that point it reached eye level and Luis Valbuena grabbed it from his shortstop position.  Instead of popping it, Luis ran to the first row, next to the Toledo dugout, and handed it to yet another delighted young'un.  Sometimes, the game just makes me smile.


Columbus takes on Toledo again tomorrow at 7:05p.  Jeanmar Gomez gets the start.

Other Minor Points of Interest --

Adam Miller (1-2, 3.46) threw another scoreless inning for Akron.  Miller has not been scored on in over a month, a span of nine appearances and eleven innings.  I would surprised if he is not moved up to AAA by the end of the month.

In what very well might be his last single-A start, Drew Pomeranz tossed a beauty and took home his third win.  Pom (3-2, 1.87) went seven shutout, surrendering three hits and 2 walks, while fanning seven.  Pomeranz, who is putting up better numbers than previous first rounder Alex White did last season, might get once more turn for the little Indians, but that, say I, will be all.

Catcher Jake Lowery, the Indians' 2011 4th round pick, hit his 3rd dinger in 16 games for Mahoning Valley.  Lowery (.270), who missed a few games last week to receive the Johnny Bench Award as the nation's top collegiate backstop, is second on the Scrappers with 12 RBI and has posted an .867 OPS.

Cheers.

Wow....

(double click the image to play)


I was at the Clippers game tonight. I walked in the door, turned on the TV and saw a miracle.

A Quest Called Tribe

Zach McAllister makes his long awaited (at least by yours truly) major league debut against the Blue Jays.  Last night, however, was completely owned by an already established starter.

Holy 8 shutout innings, Bat Masterson!

McAllister has been officially added to the roster at the expense of Cord Phelps, who was optioned back to Columbus.  While I do not disagree that Phelps struggled with both the bat and the glove during his 19 games (.196, 5 E), I cannot condone leaving the team without a single backup at either middle infield position.  None of the media outlets like to raise a stink, but this move is plain stupid.  Thank god that we have four corner outfielders and three first basemen (+ a full time DH).  If there is a need to pinch hit for Orlando Cabrera, no can do.  If, heaven forbid, Asdrubal Cabrera (or even O-Cab) injures himself, we are going to see Lonnie Chisenhall playing shortstop for the first time since 2008 at Mahoning Valley.  Sure, neither of these possibilities are likely.  Nor is using seven relief pitchers in the same game.  Could any quartet be more redundant than Matt LaPorta, Travis Buck, Shelley Duncan and Austin Kearns?  I hope the Tribe goes up 12-0 in the second inning at which point both Cabreras come down with the 24 hour flu and the brass looks like the pack of slobbering morons that would take such an unnecessary risk.

Enough.

Roll Tribe.

Cheers.

Maternal Instincts

How long until she gets prego again?  Shouldn't that be a crime?

Pretty Girl 07.07.11 - Heidi Watney

Field reporter for the Red Sox on NESN.  I suggest that Indians trade Katie Witham to Boston for her.  ASAP.

Pretty Girl Update! - Olivia Wilde

Go watch The Black Donnellys, and you too will develop an unhealthy fascination.

Shelley & Me

Who is that dashing stranger cheering on the Clippers' toe-headed right-fielder?  Straight from the Columbus Clippers official web site, that is your gracious host, dressed to put Johnny Cash to shame.  Two pillars to the fair of the foul pole, that's me!  The likeness is amazing!  Neat!

Pretty Girl 07.06.11 - Chelsea Handler

If you have ever watched Chelsea Lately, you probably find it difficult to believe that girl can look this good, but there's the proof.  Nice.