Looks like it's not only the White Sox's turn to have a late-season skid, but also the Royals. And here we are to be a part of it - yay! It also could not be a better time for Sandy Alomar to take over as manager. Not because Manny Acta was running the team into the ground or anything - we all know he wasn't to blame - but because our team is on a little upswing and the last 2 teams we're facing here are on a bit of a downswing. Also the fans have been calling for Sandy since uhm...last year so it's nice for him to start off at home.
I got a baseball with Sandy and Manny's autographs on it last week. How about that? I can't tell if it's lucky or unlucky for anyone...
So, on to the game.
Our new favorite guy, David Huff, is now 3-0 with a 2.86 ERA. He went 6 solid innings today giving up only 3 runs and striking out 5. Yeah he gave up a homer but to Billy Butler who is dying to get #30 (it was #29). Huff only threw 89 pitches but Sandy was following Manny's lead - get your quality start and get the guy out of there before it goes south!
Cody Allen was back to his old self today. He threw an inning and gave up nothing. Scott Maine had the opposite fate - he didn't even get an out but gave up 2 runs on 3 hits. NOT COOL!
Even Sandy recognizes the value of Joe Smith and put him out there to finish the 8th. Chris Perez rocked the 9th and got his 39th save. Awesome - still 5 more chances to get his 40th!!!
The top of the order was solid tonight but there were so many hits, the bottom of the order got in on the act too!
CHOOOO went 2 for 4 with his 41st AND 42nd double - both of them packaged with an RBI! That puts him tied for 4th in the league with 2 other dudes for doubles! He also walked and scored a run. He's got an 8-game hitting streak with 13 hits in those games!
If Choo wasn't exciting enough, ol' Cord Phelps was shoehorned in the 2-hole (Asdrubal out with wrist again I guess) and went 3 for 5 with an RBI. Gotta love the new guys having a good September!
Kipnis was knocked down to 3rd, and kept up his hitting streak (10) going 1 for 4 with a walk. His one hit was pretty awesome, though - it was a 2-out bases-loaded single that scored 2. Choo and Phelps couldn't get anything done but The Kid came through! He got another RBI on a force-out, earlier in the game, for a total of 3 plus he got his 31st stolen base!
Santana didn't get a hit tonight - Ended his little hitting streak but he does have a 4-game walking streak. And his OBP for September is .389, so not bad. And look - we managed to win without Santana having a multi-hit game!
How is Russ Canzler doing? Just fine, thanks! He went 2 for 5 tonight with a run and is keeping his average over .300 (.313). So he's got a 5-game hitting streak with 10 hits in those games.
The Chiz Kid had no hits against lefties in 22 at-bats so far this year. Then tonight all of a sudden he's 3 for 5 against lefties. Bam! One of them was even a RBI double (his 4th double). It'd be pretty nice if something has "clicked" for him and he suddenly is hitting lefties like a champ. Heck it'd be good for any of our guys to hit lefties like a champ so it might as well start with him!
Brent Lillibridge was at short today and made ZERO errors AND he went 2 for 3, got hit by a pitch and scored 2 runs. A red letter day for Brent!
Zeke continues to be on the ball there in the 9th spot. Today he went 3 for 4 with an RBI and came around to score 3 runs. Incredible! He's got a 6-game hitting streak with 10 hits in those games, plus he's scored 7 runs and gotten 4 RBI! Who knew that goddamn Ezequiel Carrera would be such a useful addition to our team?? Now if only he were 50 lbs. bigger and had an arm we could put him in right - I hear there's an opening in 2013!
Still tied with Minnesota for last place. That blows! But we've got 5 more games against teams we've got no problem with all of a sudden.
Here's something nice - we won't lose 100 games this year! If you're curious we're 66 and 91. Pretty crummy, I agree. But hey at least the problem (Acta) is gone now - right?! (Woah, slow down, sarcasm)
Tomorrow is another one at 7:05 against the Royals at home. It might be rainy...but I hope people come out to the game anyway. Winning baseball! Go see who's on tap for next year!
I just sold my last two Perfect 10 Vouchers (for half price, yech!) but never fear, I've still got 2 more games on my slate. Monday I'm going to a special Social Media meeting which is swell, considering they keep passing me by for visiting their Social Media Suite. This seems like a pretty good consolation prize. And perhaps if Mark Shapiro is there I will plead with him to not get rid of Perez.
I'm going Wednesday too with some primo seats from StubHub. I've gone to the last 4 years final games so I've decided it's a tradition now and I made my friend go this year (she's been to 3). Gonna be cool. Free stuff!
Anyway, that's then, this is now. Tomorrow another rout of the Royals? Maybe! Tomorrow is Jeanmar (ack) versus RHP (5.06) that we had a good game against last week. Should be a good game...
See you there!
Sorry about the lack of Radio Chatter today. It was sort of solemn with Manny being gone, and sort of pro praising Sandy. I did what I could!
Radio Chatter:
"David Huff trying to make a statement this year. Basically 'Don't forget about me, I'm still here.'"
- Tom Hamilton
"There won't be any hugs after that ceremony."
- Tom Hamilton on Omar's retirement after blasting the Toronto club in the press
Showing posts with label Brent Lillibridge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brent Lillibridge. Show all posts
Friday, September 28, 2012
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Return of the Chiz
Today you get a song with your blog post because a background song is going to make this short post more exciting, and an embedded video is going to make it display longer. Play.
Lonnie Chisenhall is back! He's back to rock the show, apparently. There were only 3 hits by Indians in the game today and one was a homer by The Chiz Kid! He got 1/3 of the hits, 1/3 of the walks, scored 1/2 of the runs and hit 1/2 of the RBI tonight. Ha!
If you don't remember, he got beaned in the hand, or rather, in the bone just above his hand. That was June 29 - just 73 days ago - and he has had surgery, had a plate and some screws placed, healed up and gotten back into playing order in that time. It was his 4th homer of the year, in the 24 games he's played. He's here vying for the 3rd base spot and I gotta say the kid has heart!
Justin Masterson pitched today. He gave up 6 earned runs but at least he went 6 2/3 innings. Still...blah. I said he needed to hold them and I was right, cuz our offense was all "Wut?" He left the game with 5 runs (and only 3 runs going in to the 7th) but he left a dude on base and Scott Maine made his second appearance to let the dude score.
Frank Herrmann came in for the 8th and he gave up a home run. Bad Frank.
Cousin Michael got a hit because, hey man, it's no big deal for him.
Russ Canzler didn't get a hit. That's a bummer - no longer 100% for games in September.
Brent Lillibridge is the other guy with a hit, because no one expects Brent Lillibridge!
The other run was scored by a Choo walk, Brantley's single and a sac fly by Santana.
That was the ballgame today. We're tied for last place now. We go on to play Texas and they go on to play Kansas City. We do meet the Twins one more time so hopefully by then we're ready to crawl up their backs and land in 4th place alone. Yeah.
Tomorrow we're IN Texas so it's another 8:05 start. Ubaldo versus LHP (3.37). Yikes.
I'll see you there anyway.
Lonnie Chisenhall is back! He's back to rock the show, apparently. There were only 3 hits by Indians in the game today and one was a homer by The Chiz Kid! He got 1/3 of the hits, 1/3 of the walks, scored 1/2 of the runs and hit 1/2 of the RBI tonight. Ha!
If you don't remember, he got beaned in the hand, or rather, in the bone just above his hand. That was June 29 - just 73 days ago - and he has had surgery, had a plate and some screws placed, healed up and gotten back into playing order in that time. It was his 4th homer of the year, in the 24 games he's played. He's here vying for the 3rd base spot and I gotta say the kid has heart!
Justin Masterson pitched today. He gave up 6 earned runs but at least he went 6 2/3 innings. Still...blah. I said he needed to hold them and I was right, cuz our offense was all "Wut?" He left the game with 5 runs (and only 3 runs going in to the 7th) but he left a dude on base and Scott Maine made his second appearance to let the dude score.
Frank Herrmann came in for the 8th and he gave up a home run. Bad Frank.
Cousin Michael got a hit because, hey man, it's no big deal for him.
Russ Canzler didn't get a hit. That's a bummer - no longer 100% for games in September.
Brent Lillibridge is the other guy with a hit, because no one expects Brent Lillibridge!
The other run was scored by a Choo walk, Brantley's single and a sac fly by Santana.
That was the ballgame today. We're tied for last place now. We go on to play Texas and they go on to play Kansas City. We do meet the Twins one more time so hopefully by then we're ready to crawl up their backs and land in 4th place alone. Yeah.
Tomorrow we're IN Texas so it's another 8:05 start. Ubaldo versus LHP (3.37). Yikes.
I'll see you there anyway.
Radio Chatter:
"It's a thing of beauty to see all of the people in their mid-70s in colorful shirts, bright white socks and shorts."
- Tom Hamilton on the people of Minneapolis
"The Indians should be losing the rest of the year. I can say that - nobody else can say that."
- Tom Hamilton on the 2013 draft
"The last thing in the world they need is to be no-hitted by somebody named Sam Deduno."
- Tom Hamilton
"The Indians lineup tonight has combined to hit 55 home runs. Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham have hit 52."
- Tom Hamilton
"The worst defense in the American League - you'd never know it when they play the Indians."
- Tom Hamilton
"The way he laid out there, it looked like a sniper hit him."
"Now watch him take off for third."
"The way some of these guys go...they're headed straight for Broadway."
- Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus
"It's a thing of beauty to see all of the people in their mid-70s in colorful shirts, bright white socks and shorts."
- Tom Hamilton on the people of Minneapolis
"The Indians should be losing the rest of the year. I can say that - nobody else can say that."
- Tom Hamilton on the 2013 draft
"The last thing in the world they need is to be no-hitted by somebody named Sam Deduno."
- Tom Hamilton
"The Indians lineup tonight has combined to hit 55 home runs. Justin Morneau and Josh Willingham have hit 52."
- Tom Hamilton
"The worst defense in the American League - you'd never know it when they play the Indians."
- Tom Hamilton
"The way he laid out there, it looked like a sniper hit him."
"Now watch him take off for third."
"The way some of these guys go...they're headed straight for Broadway."
- Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Oh Neau...
I said yesterday that if we couldn't beat this pitcher today or at least make it a good game, we deserve to be in last place. Glad I threw that corollary in there else I'd be damning our boys to the basement right now.
We're still not in last place [scared smiley] but we're only one game ahead of the Twins.
Oh and did you see the football today? Yeah.
The baseball game was actually a good one with lots of runs being scored and stuff. A "see-saw battle" if you will. I don't think either team is known for pulling it out in the last moment this year but they're both known for not being able to hold on to a lead so something had to give by the end.
Manny Acta fielded 19 players today, 6 of them being pitchers. Kluber couldn't get out of the 4th, going just 3 2/3 innings and giving up 4 runs. Mauer and Morneau, man. Those guys must be married to women with ties to our organization or something because those dudes never have any problem trouncing us. Kluber gave up runs to those two in the third then came in and gave up 2 more runs in the 4th after a wild pitch and an error. Five runs were on the board to our 3, and he was gone.
Seddon made an appearance again and fared much better than yesterday, getting out Mauer to end the painful 4th and then Morneau to start the 5th. He had a 1-2-3 inning and, not to be trusted, was not asked back for the 6th.
Enter Esmil Rogers who is getting the buzz as the guy who will replace Perez (LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU) did us all a favor by looking sharp but then looked not-so-sharp. He mowed 'em down in the 6th and in the 7th had a lovely unassisted put-out on the field but got the bases loaded with the help of Mauer and Morneau and that was the end of his day.
Except of course when his day was slightly extended by Sipp letting 2 of his remaining guys score. Then Sipp had a 1-2-3 inning so I don't know what the hell everyone was up to. Good, bad, good, bad. Makes for ugly relief.
Vinnie was up for the 9th and we were tied and Morneau had not yet hit the homer part of the cycle when he came up to bat with two outs. Then he did hit that home run part of the cycle and everyone was very excited and the Twins won.
It was a 3-and-a-half-hour game, by the way. We mustered 8 hits, 6 walks and 7 runs in that time. Pretty cool but still not enough.
Choo didn't hit today but he ended up going 0 for 2 due to 2 walks. He also got a sac fly with an RBI.
Kipnis and Cabrera are no Mauer and Morneau. They were shut down except for a walk by Kipnis. Asdrubal left early due to something wrong with his hand. He was only DH-ing so it wasn't too hard to replace him with LaPorta - who got a hit! Hey hey! He went 1 for 2...but is still not batting .200 yet.
Cousin Michael of course got a hit because like, hey man, that's how he rolls. He also walked and came in to score both times he was on base...
...Because Santana was totally locked in today! After leaving EIGHT on base the other day, today he went 3 for 5 and got 2 RBI. Finally! He actually hadn't hit in this series for some reason, but he busted out in his first at-bat with a leadoff homer in the 2nd. BAM! He also had a double and a single.
Russ Canzler! Still "perfect" in September now with hits in all 7 games he's played here, which encompasses all of September thus far. Today he went 1 for 3 with an RBI but they pulled him in the 6th for Zeke. I don't know why - perhaps he complements Matt LaPorta in the lineup? Zeke didn't hit anything. I'm glad they at least waited for Canzler to get a hit before yanking him!
Brent Lillibridge was a bit of a surprise hero tonight! He went 1 for 2 with a double, an RBI and 2 runs. He scored on his double and also after being hit by a pitch. Then later on he had a sac fly for his RBI. Seeing Jamey Carroll play makes me miss having Jamey Carroll on our team but I think Lillibridge is a good approximation of him. Equally as funny-looking as well as unassuming and utilitarian. Except Jamey Carroll is hitting almost 70 points higher.
Donald was a bit of a surprise tonight too - he got a triple! An RBI triple! He also scored a run earlier in the game. Way to go, greasemonkey!
You know Manny Acta was serious about winning this game when he pulled Marson (R/R) for Kotchman (L/L) in the 8th, having to shuffle around catchers and stuff. Doesn't matter - neither dude hit anything today. Oh well.
Tomorrow is the decider. To decide if we are 2 games less bad than the Twins or equally as bad. The game's at 8:10 and it's Masterson versus RHP (3.36).I predict the game will rest on Masterson's shoulders if he can keep them to a run or two while we hope our bats eke out a few runs. If Masterson doesn't do well I don't think it's gonna happen for us.
Enjoy the extra hour off - see you there!
We're still not in last place [scared smiley] but we're only one game ahead of the Twins.
Oh and did you see the football today? Yeah.
The baseball game was actually a good one with lots of runs being scored and stuff. A "see-saw battle" if you will. I don't think either team is known for pulling it out in the last moment this year but they're both known for not being able to hold on to a lead so something had to give by the end.
Manny Acta fielded 19 players today, 6 of them being pitchers. Kluber couldn't get out of the 4th, going just 3 2/3 innings and giving up 4 runs. Mauer and Morneau, man. Those guys must be married to women with ties to our organization or something because those dudes never have any problem trouncing us. Kluber gave up runs to those two in the third then came in and gave up 2 more runs in the 4th after a wild pitch and an error. Five runs were on the board to our 3, and he was gone.
Seddon made an appearance again and fared much better than yesterday, getting out Mauer to end the painful 4th and then Morneau to start the 5th. He had a 1-2-3 inning and, not to be trusted, was not asked back for the 6th.
Enter Esmil Rogers who is getting the buzz as the guy who will replace Perez (LA LA LA I CAN'T HEAR YOU) did us all a favor by looking sharp but then looked not-so-sharp. He mowed 'em down in the 6th and in the 7th had a lovely unassisted put-out on the field but got the bases loaded with the help of Mauer and Morneau and that was the end of his day.
Except of course when his day was slightly extended by Sipp letting 2 of his remaining guys score. Then Sipp had a 1-2-3 inning so I don't know what the hell everyone was up to. Good, bad, good, bad. Makes for ugly relief.
Vinnie was up for the 9th and we were tied and Morneau had not yet hit the homer part of the cycle when he came up to bat with two outs. Then he did hit that home run part of the cycle and everyone was very excited and the Twins won.
It was a 3-and-a-half-hour game, by the way. We mustered 8 hits, 6 walks and 7 runs in that time. Pretty cool but still not enough.
Choo didn't hit today but he ended up going 0 for 2 due to 2 walks. He also got a sac fly with an RBI.
Kipnis and Cabrera are no Mauer and Morneau. They were shut down except for a walk by Kipnis. Asdrubal left early due to something wrong with his hand. He was only DH-ing so it wasn't too hard to replace him with LaPorta - who got a hit! Hey hey! He went 1 for 2...but is still not batting .200 yet.
Cousin Michael of course got a hit because like, hey man, that's how he rolls. He also walked and came in to score both times he was on base...
...Because Santana was totally locked in today! After leaving EIGHT on base the other day, today he went 3 for 5 and got 2 RBI. Finally! He actually hadn't hit in this series for some reason, but he busted out in his first at-bat with a leadoff homer in the 2nd. BAM! He also had a double and a single.
Russ Canzler! Still "perfect" in September now with hits in all 7 games he's played here, which encompasses all of September thus far. Today he went 1 for 3 with an RBI but they pulled him in the 6th for Zeke. I don't know why - perhaps he complements Matt LaPorta in the lineup? Zeke didn't hit anything. I'm glad they at least waited for Canzler to get a hit before yanking him!
Brent Lillibridge was a bit of a surprise hero tonight! He went 1 for 2 with a double, an RBI and 2 runs. He scored on his double and also after being hit by a pitch. Then later on he had a sac fly for his RBI. Seeing Jamey Carroll play makes me miss having Jamey Carroll on our team but I think Lillibridge is a good approximation of him. Equally as funny-looking as well as unassuming and utilitarian. Except Jamey Carroll is hitting almost 70 points higher.
Donald was a bit of a surprise tonight too - he got a triple! An RBI triple! He also scored a run earlier in the game. Way to go, greasemonkey!
You know Manny Acta was serious about winning this game when he pulled Marson (R/R) for Kotchman (L/L) in the 8th, having to shuffle around catchers and stuff. Doesn't matter - neither dude hit anything today. Oh well.
Tomorrow is the decider. To decide if we are 2 games less bad than the Twins or equally as bad. The game's at 8:10 and it's Masterson versus RHP (3.36).I predict the game will rest on Masterson's shoulders if he can keep them to a run or two while we hope our bats eke out a few runs. If Masterson doesn't do well I don't think it's gonna happen for us.
Enjoy the extra hour off - see you there!
Radio Chatter:
"Anybody that is breathing and can throw will get a chance to pitch for the Twins in September."
- Tom Hamilton
"Why in the world is he throwing Lou Marson a 3-2 change up? He's your number nine hitter for a reason."
- Tom Hamilton
"The organ player is on her nineteenth cup of coffee."
- Tom Hamilton
"Between Vasquez's pitching and Doumit's catching, this game looks like it could be played in Fort Meyers or Goodyear."
- Tom Hamilton
"There might not be a worse staff in baseball at holding runners than the Indians' [staff]."
- Tom Hamilton
"How about this - the Minnesota Twins have the worst record in the American League and their fans are on their feet here for bases loaded."
- Tom Hamilton
"I tell you what the Indians have little guys that swing like they're 40 homer a year guys - Carrera, Donald, Lillibridge. That's the problem. Know thyself."
- Tom Hamilton
"Anybody that is breathing and can throw will get a chance to pitch for the Twins in September."
- Tom Hamilton
"Why in the world is he throwing Lou Marson a 3-2 change up? He's your number nine hitter for a reason."
- Tom Hamilton
"The organ player is on her nineteenth cup of coffee."
- Tom Hamilton
"Between Vasquez's pitching and Doumit's catching, this game looks like it could be played in Fort Meyers or Goodyear."
- Tom Hamilton
"There might not be a worse staff in baseball at holding runners than the Indians' [staff]."
- Tom Hamilton
"How about this - the Minnesota Twins have the worst record in the American League and their fans are on their feet here for bases loaded."
- Tom Hamilton
"I tell you what the Indians have little guys that swing like they're 40 homer a year guys - Carrera, Donald, Lillibridge. That's the problem. Know thyself."
- Tom Hamilton
Monday, September 3, 2012
The Devil You Know
What is it that makes it seemingly so easy for the Indians to beat the Tigers this year? On paper they are very good. Their record agrees with the paper. We have losing streaks encompassing some of the worst teams in baseball this year but yet are 8 and 5 over the Tigers so far. Huh.
It's almost like they try that extra bit harder against Detroit, because the fans call for it. Just like the Browns and Steelers. I hope that's not true, though - because they need to be trying that extra bit harder EVERY DAY.
It does seem that they feel the most comfortable against the Tigers. The Tigers are the devil they know.
Corey Kluber got his first win today yay! He also had a quality start! He went 6 and only gave up 2 runs off 6 hits, with 4 strikeouts. He looked so sharp!
Cody Allen, Esmil Rogers and Vinnie Pestano were the lucky three tapped to hold the game. And they did! They gave up one walk and one hit between them. No runs! Only two strikeouts in their 3 innings but whatever. Vinnie was total closer material today, too. He only had a 1-run lead and he did what he usually does in the 8th, and shut them down.
The relievers had some key help from the defense today! Rogers and Pestano at least. Good stuff!
Since we actually had a chance to beat these Tigers (unlike the Rangers), Manny wasn't messing around with the lineup today. No n00bs, just Real Men today. Well and Russ Canzler who might as well be Travis Hafner.
Choo back at leadoff (they had Donald in there when Choo was sitting). He went 1 for 2 with THREE WALKS! Leadoff gold or what?? Thanks to being on base so much, he was able to come around to score one of our 3 runs. Oh and he stole a base too. Fighting!
Kipnis had a grrrrrreat day going 2 for 5 and scampering home on a passed ball to score our first run. And of course the aforementioned 150% effort play! He has hit in the last 3 games (all in September) and has 5 hits in 13 at-bats.
OMG ASDRUBAL!!! Ok not a home run but big big things today for him. He did not swing at crap, or when he did it was to stay alive and foul one off. Well his first at-bat he flew out on the third pitch but then he had a 12-pitch at-bat which resulted in a RBI single. Then his next at-bat he got 5 pitches and a single, then he waited another 5 pitches for a RBI sac fly. He went 2 for 3 today with 2 RBI! Not bad for a dude who hasn't had a hit since last TUESDAY.
Dr. Smooth was on duty, going 1 for 4 today. Canzler also went 1 for 4 so he's got 4 hits in his 12 at-bats as an Indian. Oddly enough, nobody hit for extra bases today. However, we had 4 stolen bases which was a season high for the team, effectively giving us 4 doubles, but leaving the pitcher more rattled. Ha!
Kotchman was the only guy who didn't get a hit today, which is a bummer because I really wanted to add to the collection and Kotchman is so sort-of reliable. Oh well.
Other than Choo it was Zeke, Lillibridge (PH for Hannahan in the 7th) and Sweet Lou who all had stolen bases to go with their singles. I like that Lillibridge, I do. He genuinely seems happy to be an Indian. And he seems way too scrawny to ever have been a Tiger. Just seeing him chatting with Miggy seemed awkward!
We won without Carlos Santana's hot bat. What do you think about that? I imagine he'll be in tomorrow with Lou sitting. Canzler seems to be keeping the heat up during his transition into the bigs. Although I guess it comes down to who catches Masterson better, Santana or Lou? If it's Lou we'll see Santana at first I'm sure.
Who cares - it's baseball and we looked good today and we could look good tomorrow too! It's Justin Masterson versus RHP (4.57). Masterson knows his place against the Tigers, and his place is to at least give us the Tigers this year. So I have a feeling he'll handle it with aplomb and we'll be left shaking our heads saying "Why can't he pitch like this every 5 days??"
Back to normal 7:05 - I'll see you there!
Oh no Radio Chatter today, like I said. I watched the game on TV without the radio as I watched my niece buzz around the house. Afterwards I did this:
It's almost like they try that extra bit harder against Detroit, because the fans call for it. Just like the Browns and Steelers. I hope that's not true, though - because they need to be trying that extra bit harder EVERY DAY.
It does seem that they feel the most comfortable against the Tigers. The Tigers are the devil they know.
Corey Kluber got his first win today yay! He also had a quality start! He went 6 and only gave up 2 runs off 6 hits, with 4 strikeouts. He looked so sharp!
Cody Allen, Esmil Rogers and Vinnie Pestano were the lucky three tapped to hold the game. And they did! They gave up one walk and one hit between them. No runs! Only two strikeouts in their 3 innings but whatever. Vinnie was total closer material today, too. He only had a 1-run lead and he did what he usually does in the 8th, and shut them down.
The relievers had some key help from the defense today! Rogers and Pestano at least. Good stuff!
 |
| Sad Kipnis no more! |
Choo back at leadoff (they had Donald in there when Choo was sitting). He went 1 for 2 with THREE WALKS! Leadoff gold or what?? Thanks to being on base so much, he was able to come around to score one of our 3 runs. Oh and he stole a base too. Fighting!
Kipnis had a grrrrrreat day going 2 for 5 and scampering home on a passed ball to score our first run. And of course the aforementioned 150% effort play! He has hit in the last 3 games (all in September) and has 5 hits in 13 at-bats.
OMG ASDRUBAL!!! Ok not a home run but big big things today for him. He did not swing at crap, or when he did it was to stay alive and foul one off. Well his first at-bat he flew out on the third pitch but then he had a 12-pitch at-bat which resulted in a RBI single. Then his next at-bat he got 5 pitches and a single, then he waited another 5 pitches for a RBI sac fly. He went 2 for 3 today with 2 RBI! Not bad for a dude who hasn't had a hit since last TUESDAY.
Dr. Smooth was on duty, going 1 for 4 today. Canzler also went 1 for 4 so he's got 4 hits in his 12 at-bats as an Indian. Oddly enough, nobody hit for extra bases today. However, we had 4 stolen bases which was a season high for the team, effectively giving us 4 doubles, but leaving the pitcher more rattled. Ha!
Kotchman was the only guy who didn't get a hit today, which is a bummer because I really wanted to add to the collection and Kotchman is so sort-of reliable. Oh well.
Other than Choo it was Zeke, Lillibridge (PH for Hannahan in the 7th) and Sweet Lou who all had stolen bases to go with their singles. I like that Lillibridge, I do. He genuinely seems happy to be an Indian. And he seems way too scrawny to ever have been a Tiger. Just seeing him chatting with Miggy seemed awkward!
We won without Carlos Santana's hot bat. What do you think about that? I imagine he'll be in tomorrow with Lou sitting. Canzler seems to be keeping the heat up during his transition into the bigs. Although I guess it comes down to who catches Masterson better, Santana or Lou? If it's Lou we'll see Santana at first I'm sure.
Who cares - it's baseball and we looked good today and we could look good tomorrow too! It's Justin Masterson versus RHP (4.57). Masterson knows his place against the Tigers, and his place is to at least give us the Tigers this year. So I have a feeling he'll handle it with aplomb and we'll be left shaking our heads saying "Why can't he pitch like this every 5 days??"
Back to normal 7:05 - I'll see you there!
Oh no Radio Chatter today, like I said. I watched the game on TV without the radio as I watched my niece buzz around the house. Afterwards I did this:
 |
| Hope this makes up for it! |
Saturday, August 18, 2012
A Little Fight Left
I don't mean Bartolo Colon, although he's got a little fight left in him doesn't he? One earned run in 8 innings. I'm surprised we managed 5 hits and only 3 strikeouts.
We had another one of those innings where a bunch of runs scored after an error. Only damn...was it much of an error? I didn't see it but the way they described it, Asdrubal worked his ass off to get a ball then had a shaky throw to first that Kotchman couldn't get. But it led to steals and then hits and then runs and the game was 4-0 A's by the time Kluber left after the 5th.
Not sure why Herrmann sucked. He gave up 2 runs in 1 2/3 innings. I don't remember him sucking but then they did send him down to the minors and brought in Accardo instead so I guess he had some stuff to work out. And didn't get it worked out yet.
Cody Allen, though - He had another 2/3 of an inning today so that makes 12 whole innings, something like 4 hits and still no runs. So that's pretty fun, right?!
Chris Seddon closed it out today. Looked like a "throw your hands up" move on Acta's part. He gave up a run too. Because, whatever.
Our boys did eke out 10 hits and 5 runs. No walks, though.
Asdrubal had another good night, his 3rd 2-hit game in a row. Third game with a double in a row, too! OMG!!
He managed to score a run because Choo was awake tonight, also going 2 for 4 with his team-leading 15th homer!! It was a 2-run dinger, too! For some reason, Tom Hamilton was extremely un-interested in calling it with any emotion. Perhaps that Oakland ballpark is just so big he gets bored waiting for the ball to get over the wall?
Santana had a homer tonight and better yet it was off Colon! His average is rockin' steady at .237. It doesn't seem to want to move.
Kotchman went 1 for 3 and was pulled in the 9th for Lillibridge. Cabrera had started off the inning with a single and Choo followed up with a 2-run homer. Brantley singled but Santana and Duncan made for two outs when Lillibridge came in. And with the help of the Lord he got himself a 2-run, 2-out homer!
That's 3 homers and 5 RBI for Lillibridge in 16 games with us - and not all of them starts. He's no Lopez that's for sure (and dear God he is definitely no shortstop) but do you guys like him? Can always use a utility infielder!
Speaking of utility guys, Jason Donald came off the bench in that 9th inning to get a 2-out single and keep the game alive - now only 3 runs down! He extended his hitting streak to 6 games. He's got 10 hits in 28 at-bats since he got back. I don't know what to make of him, really. I don't know why Lillibridge seems to excite me more than Donald, even though Donald is doing better in about the same time here. I guess because Lillibridge is "proven"? I also don't know what Donald means in terms of Lonnie Chisenhall. I think there was some back-and-forth with Kipnis's and Donald's permanence last year, where Kipnis won out. Which little guy might land at third?
I guess if Chisenhall comes back and does well and Donald continues to do well, it's a good problem to have!
Anyway, sad beginning to the game but a hopeful ending. REALLY great to see them score late and hit some homers in a relatively low-on-the-hitters-scale home run park. It's 3rd in the league for fewest home runs this year.
Here's an interesting stat, though. As of right now, according to the ESPN Home Run Tracker, Travis Hafner has this year's second furthest hit homer in the AL. His 481-foot bomb in KC. He's got the 3rd longest this year overall, behind the one hit at Coors Field (naturally) and the one at Angel Stadium. So there you go.
Tomorrow is a 4:05 start, Masterson versus RHP (3.71). The guy hasn't won since July 21 while Masterson had a fantastic outing last time. Is it meant to be?!
See you tomorrow, we'll find out together!
We had another one of those innings where a bunch of runs scored after an error. Only damn...was it much of an error? I didn't see it but the way they described it, Asdrubal worked his ass off to get a ball then had a shaky throw to first that Kotchman couldn't get. But it led to steals and then hits and then runs and the game was 4-0 A's by the time Kluber left after the 5th.
Not sure why Herrmann sucked. He gave up 2 runs in 1 2/3 innings. I don't remember him sucking but then they did send him down to the minors and brought in Accardo instead so I guess he had some stuff to work out. And didn't get it worked out yet.
Cody Allen, though - He had another 2/3 of an inning today so that makes 12 whole innings, something like 4 hits and still no runs. So that's pretty fun, right?!
Chris Seddon closed it out today. Looked like a "throw your hands up" move on Acta's part. He gave up a run too. Because, whatever.
Our boys did eke out 10 hits and 5 runs. No walks, though.
Asdrubal had another good night, his 3rd 2-hit game in a row. Third game with a double in a row, too! OMG!!
He managed to score a run because Choo was awake tonight, also going 2 for 4 with his team-leading 15th homer!! It was a 2-run dinger, too! For some reason, Tom Hamilton was extremely un-interested in calling it with any emotion. Perhaps that Oakland ballpark is just so big he gets bored waiting for the ball to get over the wall?
Santana had a homer tonight and better yet it was off Colon! His average is rockin' steady at .237. It doesn't seem to want to move.
Kotchman went 1 for 3 and was pulled in the 9th for Lillibridge. Cabrera had started off the inning with a single and Choo followed up with a 2-run homer. Brantley singled but Santana and Duncan made for two outs when Lillibridge came in. And with the help of the Lord he got himself a 2-run, 2-out homer!
That's 3 homers and 5 RBI for Lillibridge in 16 games with us - and not all of them starts. He's no Lopez that's for sure (and dear God he is definitely no shortstop) but do you guys like him? Can always use a utility infielder!
Speaking of utility guys, Jason Donald came off the bench in that 9th inning to get a 2-out single and keep the game alive - now only 3 runs down! He extended his hitting streak to 6 games. He's got 10 hits in 28 at-bats since he got back. I don't know what to make of him, really. I don't know why Lillibridge seems to excite me more than Donald, even though Donald is doing better in about the same time here. I guess because Lillibridge is "proven"? I also don't know what Donald means in terms of Lonnie Chisenhall. I think there was some back-and-forth with Kipnis's and Donald's permanence last year, where Kipnis won out. Which little guy might land at third?
I guess if Chisenhall comes back and does well and Donald continues to do well, it's a good problem to have!
Anyway, sad beginning to the game but a hopeful ending. REALLY great to see them score late and hit some homers in a relatively low-on-the-hitters-scale home run park. It's 3rd in the league for fewest home runs this year.
Here's an interesting stat, though. As of right now, according to the ESPN Home Run Tracker, Travis Hafner has this year's second furthest hit homer in the AL. His 481-foot bomb in KC. He's got the 3rd longest this year overall, behind the one hit at Coors Field (naturally) and the one at Angel Stadium. So there you go.
Tomorrow is a 4:05 start, Masterson versus RHP (3.71). The guy hasn't won since July 21 while Masterson had a fantastic outing last time. Is it meant to be?!
See you tomorrow, we'll find out together!
Radio Chatter - Bartolo Colon edition:
"Bartolo Colon is still great at pitching. You just won't ever have him running sprints."
- Tom Hamilton on Colon's weight
"I think all 80 pounds is in his chin."
- Jim Rosenhaus on Colon's weight
"There are a lot of guys in the Major Leagues who look like Brad Pitt, and pitch like him too."
- Tom Hamilton on Colon's weight
"Now, I don't want to go overboard here but GOLLY WHIZ, he is putting on a clinic here!"
- Tom Hamilton on Colon's pitching
"Word on the street is completely fabricated - I don't eat hot dogs. Unless they are Indians' Dollar Dogs."
- Tom Hamilton
"Our engineer Mike has put his winter coat on. [...] It's 65 degrees and he looks like Nanook."
- Tom Hamilton
"You should see the crowd here. They are bundled up in coats, hats, gloves. Good lord - it's 65 degrees!"
- Tom Hamilton
"No double play since the ball looked like a wet grape coming out of the hands of Jemile Weeks."
- Tom Hamilton on Carrera's hit in the 8th
"Those hot dogs were first put on the grill when Charlie Finley owned the ball club."
- Tom Hamilton does not trust the hot dogs
"Bartolo Colon is still great at pitching. You just won't ever have him running sprints."
- Tom Hamilton on Colon's weight
"I think all 80 pounds is in his chin."
- Jim Rosenhaus on Colon's weight
"There are a lot of guys in the Major Leagues who look like Brad Pitt, and pitch like him too."
- Tom Hamilton on Colon's weight
"Now, I don't want to go overboard here but GOLLY WHIZ, he is putting on a clinic here!"
- Tom Hamilton on Colon's pitching
"Word on the street is completely fabricated - I don't eat hot dogs. Unless they are Indians' Dollar Dogs."
- Tom Hamilton
"Our engineer Mike has put his winter coat on. [...] It's 65 degrees and he looks like Nanook."
- Tom Hamilton
"You should see the crowd here. They are bundled up in coats, hats, gloves. Good lord - it's 65 degrees!"
- Tom Hamilton
"No double play since the ball looked like a wet grape coming out of the hands of Jemile Weeks."
- Tom Hamilton on Carrera's hit in the 8th
"Those hot dogs were first put on the grill when Charlie Finley owned the ball club."
- Tom Hamilton does not trust the hot dogs
Monday, August 13, 2012
Fun For Everyone!
There we go, boffins! Back on top again! And by "on top" I mean "on top of our game" for the Tribe! Pitching, hitting, defense - we had it all going on again today.
Justin Masterson started and he had his second quality start in a row! In fact it was a 6-inning shutout! He gave up just 6 hits and 3 walks, and struck out 4. He's only had 3 other shutouts this year - oh man let's hope this is a permanent state for him!
Masterson couldn't reproduce his 9-inning shutout from June, but he tried. In the 7th he got a little shaky and gave up 2 singles then they pulled him. Joe Smith came in and got the next guy to pop out then struck out the next two. BAM!
Vinnie Pestano had a bad outing! And by bad outing I mean he didn't get the hold (he's about to break the team record of 31) but he still didn't give up the game. What he did was give up a 2-run homer to Pujols. Well, someone had to do it, right?
The Tribe got back some runs int he 9th, making it a non-save situation, so they brought in Rogers instead of Perez. Then Rogers sort of sucked for some reason and gave up 2 singles before they pulled him for The Man Himself. He only struck out the next 3 on 14 pitches, including wunderkind Mike Trout, and got his 100th career win. BALLGAME!
Kipnis was still out today and Jason Donald still was doing well! Kipnis did take BP and tweeted something about Wally Pipp so he seems to be slightly scared of the grease monkey. Pretty sure he's safe - although Donald went 2 for 4 today with an RBI! He's gotten 5 hits in his 5 games here filling in for Kipnis. But Kipnis climbed in in the 9th with bases loaded and no outs. Not sure how that came about...surely a nice pressure-free way to make a comeback I suppose, but I also get the feeling that everything Kipnis does is intense. And this was intense as he hit one pretty good that made Trout flounder out there in center (YES I DID!) and almost got himself a multi-RBI double. But it was merely a RBI sac fly. Sounds good, Kip.
Asdrubal was having fun tonight, going 2 for 5 with an RBI. He also was his old self in the field, making the barehanded play to end the first. Holy Omar!
The boys in the middle were surprisingly silent, with just 1 hit between Choo, Santana, Brantley and Duncan, and no walks. The one hit was Santana getting a single then testing the arm of Torii Hunter [blush] who, of course, put him out.
Carrera came in for Duncan in the 7th and got himself a hit, which he's done 3 days in a row now. Making me nervous, no doubt. Because Shelley's not doing shit! And Zeke is doing lots of shit! Today he even came around to score. Perhaps this part-time arrangement is too hard on old Shel's brain.
The rest of the bottom of the order was on it tonight, though! Five hits, 2 walks, 2 RBI and 5 runs for the lot of them!
Brent Lillibridge had another great night, going 2 for 4 with a solo homer! He also came around to score twice more. Something's up - he's totally happy here. He said on the post-game that he really liked the guys and they were all "real," compared to other guys he's worked with. That means the Red and White Sox. Go good quality guys!! I think also it's got to do with the huge Christian faction here but whatever. Seriously, if Jesus is going to bring good things to the team WE WILL PRAY EVERY DAY!!
Kotchman had another good night, also going 2 for 4 and scoring a run. Marson was back to his sweet self and went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, a RBI and a run. It was Zeke, Lillibridge and Kotchman who got on in the 9th to load 'em up for Lou who walked in a run. Then Kipnis sac'd in Lillibridge moving Kotchman to third, and Kotchman strolled in on a wild pitch, giving us a 3-run 9th inning to put the team up by 4!
It was really nice facing a crummy bullpen, though. Seems like our old method of breaking down the starter and jumping all over the relievers doesn't work for too many teams this year. That's why we were toast so many times when we didn't score early. Tonight we got the lead, kept it, and then ADDED to it! Fun!
Tomorrow is more in Anaheim and again at 10:05. It's Jiminez versus RHP (5.68). I think we've got this one covered.
Not sure why I had so little Radio Chatter tonight. I sat here and listened to the whole thing. I am thinking Hammy and Rosie were jetlagged. They were probably also cautiously optimistic - sort of sounding the whole game like we could just implode at any moment. Hopefully tomorrow they'll be a little more perked up and we can get some good quotes.
See you there!
Justin Masterson started and he had his second quality start in a row! In fact it was a 6-inning shutout! He gave up just 6 hits and 3 walks, and struck out 4. He's only had 3 other shutouts this year - oh man let's hope this is a permanent state for him!
Masterson couldn't reproduce his 9-inning shutout from June, but he tried. In the 7th he got a little shaky and gave up 2 singles then they pulled him. Joe Smith came in and got the next guy to pop out then struck out the next two. BAM!
Vinnie Pestano had a bad outing! And by bad outing I mean he didn't get the hold (he's about to break the team record of 31) but he still didn't give up the game. What he did was give up a 2-run homer to Pujols. Well, someone had to do it, right?
The Tribe got back some runs int he 9th, making it a non-save situation, so they brought in Rogers instead of Perez. Then Rogers sort of sucked for some reason and gave up 2 singles before they pulled him for The Man Himself. He only struck out the next 3 on 14 pitches, including wunderkind Mike Trout, and got his 100th career win. BALLGAME!
Kipnis was still out today and Jason Donald still was doing well! Kipnis did take BP and tweeted something about Wally Pipp so he seems to be slightly scared of the grease monkey. Pretty sure he's safe - although Donald went 2 for 4 today with an RBI! He's gotten 5 hits in his 5 games here filling in for Kipnis. But Kipnis climbed in in the 9th with bases loaded and no outs. Not sure how that came about...surely a nice pressure-free way to make a comeback I suppose, but I also get the feeling that everything Kipnis does is intense. And this was intense as he hit one pretty good that made Trout flounder out there in center (YES I DID!) and almost got himself a multi-RBI double. But it was merely a RBI sac fly. Sounds good, Kip.
Asdrubal was having fun tonight, going 2 for 5 with an RBI. He also was his old self in the field, making the barehanded play to end the first. Holy Omar!
The boys in the middle were surprisingly silent, with just 1 hit between Choo, Santana, Brantley and Duncan, and no walks. The one hit was Santana getting a single then testing the arm of Torii Hunter [blush] who, of course, put him out.
Carrera came in for Duncan in the 7th and got himself a hit, which he's done 3 days in a row now. Making me nervous, no doubt. Because Shelley's not doing shit! And Zeke is doing lots of shit! Today he even came around to score. Perhaps this part-time arrangement is too hard on old Shel's brain.
The rest of the bottom of the order was on it tonight, though! Five hits, 2 walks, 2 RBI and 5 runs for the lot of them!
Brent Lillibridge had another great night, going 2 for 4 with a solo homer! He also came around to score twice more. Something's up - he's totally happy here. He said on the post-game that he really liked the guys and they were all "real," compared to other guys he's worked with. That means the Red and White Sox. Go good quality guys!! I think also it's got to do with the huge Christian faction here but whatever. Seriously, if Jesus is going to bring good things to the team WE WILL PRAY EVERY DAY!!
Kotchman had another good night, also going 2 for 4 and scoring a run. Marson was back to his sweet self and went 1 for 2 with 2 walks, a RBI and a run. It was Zeke, Lillibridge and Kotchman who got on in the 9th to load 'em up for Lou who walked in a run. Then Kipnis sac'd in Lillibridge moving Kotchman to third, and Kotchman strolled in on a wild pitch, giving us a 3-run 9th inning to put the team up by 4!
It was really nice facing a crummy bullpen, though. Seems like our old method of breaking down the starter and jumping all over the relievers doesn't work for too many teams this year. That's why we were toast so many times when we didn't score early. Tonight we got the lead, kept it, and then ADDED to it! Fun!
Tomorrow is more in Anaheim and again at 10:05. It's Jiminez versus RHP (5.68). I think we've got this one covered.
Not sure why I had so little Radio Chatter tonight. I sat here and listened to the whole thing. I am thinking Hammy and Rosie were jetlagged. They were probably also cautiously optimistic - sort of sounding the whole game like we could just implode at any moment. Hopefully tomorrow they'll be a little more perked up and we can get some good quotes.
See you there!
Radio Chatter:
"You know it's a legitimate base hit if Mike Trout doesn't make the catch."
- Tom Hamilton on Asdrubal's hit in the first
"You know it's a legitimate base hit if Mike Trout doesn't make the catch."
- Tom Hamilton on Asdrubal's hit in the first
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Brent Lillibridge - Amen!
Back to great starting pitching and great defense, and good-enough hitting for the win! Literally - a win!
Zach McAllister starter today and he totally shook off that "zomg that was awful!" start against Minnesota (where he only had 2 ER but there were like 10 runs in the 2nd inning) and pitched a beauty! He went 8 innings. EIGHT! Not only did he win the game but he saved the bullpen. In his 8 innings he struck out 4 and only gave up 3 hits and 2 runs. He's our new rotation stud! So nice to have someone reliable around.
Speaking of reliable, ol' Smooth Face Perez came up for the 9th and just wasn't having any of it. He got 2 outs really quick then got Pedroia to 2 strikes then gave up a single. Then he was like "Yo, Justin, I'm really happy for you. Imma let you steal that base but I just want to say that Ezequiel Carrera is the best left fielder we've had this year." BALLGAME!
Zeke wasn't the only defensive highlight today. Asdrubal was hot stuff, natch. Not just once but twice! Brantley and Lillibridge teamed out for a super sexy outfield assist, as did Duncan and Lillibridge. Plus there was some baserunning going on - double steal!
Man did you hear the "Let's go Red Sox!" chants at one point? Who ARE these people? I think Red Sox "fans" are just IRL griefers. They probably go home and steal kids' money on World of Warcraft. That shit didn't last too long beyond the 6th inning. "Red Sox fans" are fickle as hell.
The hitters were totally chipping away at the score today. They scored in 5 out of 8 innings, albeit 1 run at a time. They only got 6 hits but coupled that with 4 walks and then of course, as I said, double steal!
Kipnis was out again today. I guarantee he is aggravating his neck by being upset about his neck. He needs to relax his TMJ muscle. Too bad our friend Jen is on vacation - she's got the magic touch when it comes to massage, I'd totally get him an appointment with her. Everyone send him well wishes on Twitter! Oh, looks like he's got a Facebook page now. And he's really stepping out into the community, which Kenny Lofton urges all players to do. Bravo!
Jason Donald was leadoff today and he continued his hot streak (work with me here) going 1 for 4. Unfortunately that didn't translate in to any runs or RBI.
Asdrubal's only appearance on base was from a walk, but he made the best of it. Choo also didn't get any hits but he was on after Asdrubal when he got hit by a pitch. That's when they did the double steal! Then Santana gets put on and Brantley hits a sac fly to score Asdrubalfor the go-ahead run.
Santana went 1 for 3 with a double in the 8th inning. He came around to score when Zeke came in to bat in Shelley's spot and got an RBI single. He's hitting .385! (Not Santana - he's only hitting .240)
The man of the night was Brent Lillibridge. In fact he was one of Head & Shoulders' Mane Men tonight and they made a whole video about it! He went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs. Plus he had that sweet play to get Ellsbury at 3rd. Oh and he was a triple shy of the cycle. Yeah, he got a homer in the 3rd inning, his first of the year! If you didn't know, we got him from Boston, but he only played 10 games with them (they were "renting" him?) They got him from the White Sox, where he hit under .200 and he hit .125 with Boston. So far he's hitting .300 with us in 11 games. I am, without a doubt, coming around fast on this guy!
Oh crap - I just decided to see if he had a Twitter account (@BSLillibridge) and he does and uh it's uh...well he loves Jesus. Don't get me wrong - Jesus is just all right with me. But Brent is sort of enthusiastic about it on his Twitter account. But what the heck, I'll give him a chance. Maybe that's why he's thriving here? A good chunk of our team is Crazy4Christ. Those heathens in Boston did not jibe with his exuberance for the Lord and today Brent and the Lord made them pay.
Sweet Lou executed a perfect suicide squeeze today, to score Lillibridge after Kotchman moved him over to 3rd. Praise be!
Nice game all around today and Brent Lillibridge played a big part, no doubt. Kind of fun seeing some new faces when those new faces are doing well and making a difference. Unlike when we saw Johnny Damon's stupid old face and he ruined everything.
Tomorrow is the 4th and final game against the Red Sox at 1:05. It's Corey Kluber versus LHP (5.36). If we can score another 5 we'll be golden. Have a nice fresh bullpen waiting too if Kluber can't hack it but his last start was great so I'm hoping to have a nice Sunday win for a change! Of course I'll be out kid wranglin' at a first birthday party so you'll have to wait for my witty and clever commentary, and over-abundance of exclamation points.
See you there!!
Zach McAllister starter today and he totally shook off that "zomg that was awful!" start against Minnesota (where he only had 2 ER but there were like 10 runs in the 2nd inning) and pitched a beauty! He went 8 innings. EIGHT! Not only did he win the game but he saved the bullpen. In his 8 innings he struck out 4 and only gave up 3 hits and 2 runs. He's our new rotation stud! So nice to have someone reliable around.
Speaking of reliable, ol' Smooth Face Perez came up for the 9th and just wasn't having any of it. He got 2 outs really quick then got Pedroia to 2 strikes then gave up a single. Then he was like "Yo, Justin, I'm really happy for you. Imma let you steal that base but I just want to say that Ezequiel Carrera is the best left fielder we've had this year." BALLGAME!
Zeke wasn't the only defensive highlight today. Asdrubal was hot stuff, natch. Not just once but twice! Brantley and Lillibridge teamed out for a super sexy outfield assist, as did Duncan and Lillibridge. Plus there was some baserunning going on - double steal!
Man did you hear the "Let's go Red Sox!" chants at one point? Who ARE these people? I think Red Sox "fans" are just IRL griefers. They probably go home and steal kids' money on World of Warcraft. That shit didn't last too long beyond the 6th inning. "Red Sox fans" are fickle as hell.
The hitters were totally chipping away at the score today. They scored in 5 out of 8 innings, albeit 1 run at a time. They only got 6 hits but coupled that with 4 walks and then of course, as I said, double steal!
Kipnis was out again today. I guarantee he is aggravating his neck by being upset about his neck. He needs to relax his TMJ muscle. Too bad our friend Jen is on vacation - she's got the magic touch when it comes to massage, I'd totally get him an appointment with her. Everyone send him well wishes on Twitter! Oh, looks like he's got a Facebook page now. And he's really stepping out into the community, which Kenny Lofton urges all players to do. Bravo!
Jason Donald was leadoff today and he continued his hot streak (work with me here) going 1 for 4. Unfortunately that didn't translate in to any runs or RBI.
Asdrubal's only appearance on base was from a walk, but he made the best of it. Choo also didn't get any hits but he was on after Asdrubal when he got hit by a pitch. That's when they did the double steal! Then Santana gets put on and Brantley hits a sac fly to score Asdrubalfor the go-ahead run.
Santana went 1 for 3 with a double in the 8th inning. He came around to score when Zeke came in to bat in Shelley's spot and got an RBI single. He's hitting .385! (Not Santana - he's only hitting .240)
The man of the night was Brent Lillibridge. In fact he was one of Head & Shoulders' Mane Men tonight and they made a whole video about it! He went 3 for 4 with 2 RBI and 2 runs. Plus he had that sweet play to get Ellsbury at 3rd. Oh and he was a triple shy of the cycle. Yeah, he got a homer in the 3rd inning, his first of the year! If you didn't know, we got him from Boston, but he only played 10 games with them (they were "renting" him?) They got him from the White Sox, where he hit under .200 and he hit .125 with Boston. So far he's hitting .300 with us in 11 games. I am, without a doubt, coming around fast on this guy!
Oh crap - I just decided to see if he had a Twitter account (@BSLillibridge) and he does and uh it's uh...well he loves Jesus. Don't get me wrong - Jesus is just all right with me. But Brent is sort of enthusiastic about it on his Twitter account. But what the heck, I'll give him a chance. Maybe that's why he's thriving here? A good chunk of our team is Crazy4Christ. Those heathens in Boston did not jibe with his exuberance for the Lord and today Brent and the Lord made them pay.
Sweet Lou executed a perfect suicide squeeze today, to score Lillibridge after Kotchman moved him over to 3rd. Praise be!
Nice game all around today and Brent Lillibridge played a big part, no doubt. Kind of fun seeing some new faces when those new faces are doing well and making a difference. Unlike when we saw Johnny Damon's stupid old face and he ruined everything.
Tomorrow is the 4th and final game against the Red Sox at 1:05. It's Corey Kluber versus LHP (5.36). If we can score another 5 we'll be golden. Have a nice fresh bullpen waiting too if Kluber can't hack it but his last start was great so I'm hoping to have a nice Sunday win for a change! Of course I'll be out kid wranglin' at a first birthday party so you'll have to wait for my witty and clever commentary, and over-abundance of exclamation points.
See you there!!
Radio Chatter:
"New floormats are nice this time of year."
"Why don't you purchase them for Andrew?"
"You brought it up - just making suggestions from the accessories department."
- Jim Rosenhaus and Tom Hamilton on what could be given away instead of a Nissan for a grand slam
"Ellsbury probably still can't believe that wasn't a home run!"
- Tom Hamilton on Brantley's outfield putout of Ellsbury in the 6th
"If you can't turn your head, it makes it tough in baseball."
- Tom Hamilton on Kipnis' stiff neck
"He's got 106 pitches now and he looks like one of those olympic runners staggering to the finish line."
- Tom Hamilton on Franklin Morales before he's taken out
"Good to hear John Adams banging the drum in the bleachers. When the Indians were in a losing streak he was banging his head in frustration."
- Tom Hamilton
"New floormats are nice this time of year."
"Why don't you purchase them for Andrew?"
"You brought it up - just making suggestions from the accessories department."
- Jim Rosenhaus and Tom Hamilton on what could be given away instead of a Nissan for a grand slam
"Ellsbury probably still can't believe that wasn't a home run!"
- Tom Hamilton on Brantley's outfield putout of Ellsbury in the 6th
"If you can't turn your head, it makes it tough in baseball."
- Tom Hamilton on Kipnis' stiff neck
"He's got 106 pitches now and he looks like one of those olympic runners staggering to the finish line."
- Tom Hamilton on Franklin Morales before he's taken out
"Good to hear John Adams banging the drum in the bleachers. When the Indians were in a losing streak he was banging his head in frustration."
- Tom Hamilton
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
WAHOO!!
WAHOO!! The chief is grinning!
FINALLY all of the pieces were in place! The pieces we all know we had showed up at Progressive field today and won them a good baseball game.
Starting pitching was there. Yes you knew we had it but it hasn't been here most of this year - only in little flashes, rarely two games in a row. Hitting was there. You know all these guys can hit. Even the guys who aren't known for their hitting (Lillibridge!) were hitting. Defense was there. Defense is the only thing we actually had around all year but when it failed it failed miserably. The defense was crack today, even guys who aren't known for their fielding (Lillibridge!) were making great plays! And most importantly they were all making the routine plays.
We had what seems like a perfect game, pitching-wise. Masterson went 7 and struck out 7, only giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. He gave up 22 runs in July and 7 runs last week. Just amazing he was able to turn that around today!
Vinnie came in for the 8th and did what Vinnie does. A whole line of goose eggs capped with a 1.26 ERA. We didn't need Perez today so Rogers came in to finish it off, giving up 1 hit but otherwise shutting them down. BALLGAME!
It seemed like all of the batters were really relaxed today. They built up hits and ran hard and scored their 6 runs over 3 innings. I'm sure them relaxing is a big part of scoring runs. We didn't have any homers today and it suits what we need. Don't swing for the fences, just swing for the ball.
Kipnis is still struggling at the plate but he is taking his role as leadoff man very seriously. Since August 3, in the 6 games he's hit first, he's gotten 4 hits, 3 walks and 1 HBP. Of those 7 times on base he's come around to score 6 times. He's also had a sac fly and a sac bunt, and today he had his first stolen base as leadoff. He may not be playing up to Kipnis-level greatness but the kid is clearly doing everything he can during this slump to make a difference.
Asdrubal was getting it done in the field again today, and he went 1 for 4 at the plate with an RBI. You can tell he is still trying to carry the weight of the team on his shoulders and get everything done for everyone at the plate. His at-bats were 1-, 2- and 3-pitch appearances. He wants his hits and is not waiting around. Still - a 2-out RBI, I won't complain.
Choo had some short at-bats too (his final at-bat was an 8-pitch) but he completely turned last night's performance on its head by going 4 for 4 instead of 0 for 4! CHOOOOOOO! He didn't leave anyone on base (natch) and got 2 RBIs and one run out of it. He got his 34th double!
Santana and Brantley each went 1 for 4 today. I know I usually say that we need a multi-hit game from Santana to win, and look we finally win and he's got one hit and no walks. Well...it's turnaround time, right?!
Shelley has sealed a spot in the lineup now that Lopez is gone. He's gotten 3 hits in his last 3 games, yo! What's really neat is having Zeke around to pinch run for him and do stuff like come in to score a run.
Casey Kotchman, after thoroughly disappointing my friend last night AND making a critical error, came back swinging today (literally!) to go 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 runs and a RBI. Absolved!
Brent Lillibridge, waaaat? That was Hannahan of him! Not only that but he went 1 for 4 and scored a run! I still don't know what to make of him, whether or not I like him being here or what. I do like that he was a perfect replacement for Jack today so that gives him super extra points. Now, if only he didn't bring our team average down so low...
Couple quotes from Manny Acta on the post-game:
Shelley Duncan, when asked if the Tribe would ever win during their losing streak:
Casey Kotchman on how to stop the losing streak:
We can all laugh about this now, right? Ha ha! And the win couldn't have come soon enough, since not only is Chris Gocong hurt, now Trent Richardson is flying out of town to see a knee specialist and Joe Haden failed a drug test. Sad times ahead - brace yourselves.
Ok 1 win down and now 1 to go. Yes, just 1. Gotta win the next one we can, set your sites low. Next up is those creepy old guys, the Boston Red Sox. Prepare for a packed weekend of knuckleheads from Parma and Chardon with their BoSox hats and t-shirts. Whee!
Tomorrow is a 7:05 game, Jiminez versus LHP (4.56). We're totally on a roll! I feel it!
Can't wait for more baseball - see you there! (Except I totally won't be there because I can't stand the nasty Red Sox "fans" - I'll be at home.)
FINALLY all of the pieces were in place! The pieces we all know we had showed up at Progressive field today and won them a good baseball game.
Starting pitching was there. Yes you knew we had it but it hasn't been here most of this year - only in little flashes, rarely two games in a row. Hitting was there. You know all these guys can hit. Even the guys who aren't known for their hitting (Lillibridge!) were hitting. Defense was there. Defense is the only thing we actually had around all year but when it failed it failed miserably. The defense was crack today, even guys who aren't known for their fielding (Lillibridge!) were making great plays! And most importantly they were all making the routine plays.
We had what seems like a perfect game, pitching-wise. Masterson went 7 and struck out 7, only giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. He gave up 22 runs in July and 7 runs last week. Just amazing he was able to turn that around today!
Vinnie came in for the 8th and did what Vinnie does. A whole line of goose eggs capped with a 1.26 ERA. We didn't need Perez today so Rogers came in to finish it off, giving up 1 hit but otherwise shutting them down. BALLGAME!
It seemed like all of the batters were really relaxed today. They built up hits and ran hard and scored their 6 runs over 3 innings. I'm sure them relaxing is a big part of scoring runs. We didn't have any homers today and it suits what we need. Don't swing for the fences, just swing for the ball.
Kipnis is still struggling at the plate but he is taking his role as leadoff man very seriously. Since August 3, in the 6 games he's hit first, he's gotten 4 hits, 3 walks and 1 HBP. Of those 7 times on base he's come around to score 6 times. He's also had a sac fly and a sac bunt, and today he had his first stolen base as leadoff. He may not be playing up to Kipnis-level greatness but the kid is clearly doing everything he can during this slump to make a difference.
Asdrubal was getting it done in the field again today, and he went 1 for 4 at the plate with an RBI. You can tell he is still trying to carry the weight of the team on his shoulders and get everything done for everyone at the plate. His at-bats were 1-, 2- and 3-pitch appearances. He wants his hits and is not waiting around. Still - a 2-out RBI, I won't complain.
Choo had some short at-bats too (his final at-bat was an 8-pitch) but he completely turned last night's performance on its head by going 4 for 4 instead of 0 for 4! CHOOOOOOO! He didn't leave anyone on base (natch) and got 2 RBIs and one run out of it. He got his 34th double!
Santana and Brantley each went 1 for 4 today. I know I usually say that we need a multi-hit game from Santana to win, and look we finally win and he's got one hit and no walks. Well...it's turnaround time, right?!
Shelley has sealed a spot in the lineup now that Lopez is gone. He's gotten 3 hits in his last 3 games, yo! What's really neat is having Zeke around to pinch run for him and do stuff like come in to score a run.
Casey Kotchman, after thoroughly disappointing my friend last night AND making a critical error, came back swinging today (literally!) to go 2 for 3 with a walk, 2 runs and a RBI. Absolved!
Brent Lillibridge, waaaat? That was Hannahan of him! Not only that but he went 1 for 4 and scored a run! I still don't know what to make of him, whether or not I like him being here or what. I do like that he was a perfect replacement for Jack today so that gives him super extra points. Now, if only he didn't bring our team average down so low...
Couple quotes from Manny Acta on the post-game:
This is not college. You’re dealing with professionals, elite athletes that make more money than their boss.
When we’re winning, I’m labeled as calm, cool and collected. When we’re losing, I’m not showing enough fire and passion.
Shelley Duncan, when asked if the Tribe would ever win during their losing streak:
Of course, we weren't going to lose 70 in a row.
Casey Kotchman on how to stop the losing streak:
We need to score more runs than the other team.
We can all laugh about this now, right? Ha ha! And the win couldn't have come soon enough, since not only is Chris Gocong hurt, now Trent Richardson is flying out of town to see a knee specialist and Joe Haden failed a drug test. Sad times ahead - brace yourselves.
Ok 1 win down and now 1 to go. Yes, just 1. Gotta win the next one we can, set your sites low. Next up is those creepy old guys, the Boston Red Sox. Prepare for a packed weekend of knuckleheads from Parma and Chardon with their BoSox hats and t-shirts. Whee!
Tomorrow is a 7:05 game, Jiminez versus LHP (4.56). We're totally on a roll! I feel it!
Can't wait for more baseball - see you there! (Except I totally won't be there because I can't stand the nasty Red Sox "fans" - I'll be at home.)
Radio Chatter:
"When you're going bad, even your best players make mistakes."
- Tom Hamilton
"This is like a Griswold vacation for Bob if he's gotta be with us."
- Tom Hamilton on the engineer missing a vacation to work the game
"This is the walk that says 'Guys in the bullpen, get loose.'"
- Tom Hamilton on Marson visiting the mound in the 5th
"'Why aren't you coming out here with a new second baseman? There's nothing wrong that I'm doing.'"
- Tom Hamilton on a coaching visit to the mound after a few bad plays by Nishioka
"When you're going bad, even your best players make mistakes."
- Tom Hamilton
"This is like a Griswold vacation for Bob if he's gotta be with us."
- Tom Hamilton on the engineer missing a vacation to work the game
"This is the walk that says 'Guys in the bullpen, get loose.'"
- Tom Hamilton on Marson visiting the mound in the 5th
"'Why aren't you coming out here with a new second baseman? There's nothing wrong that I'm doing.'"
- Tom Hamilton on a coaching visit to the mound after a few bad plays by Nishioka
Thursday, August 2, 2012
'Twas a Good Game
If you didn't tune in until the 4th inning, you wouldn't even have known that this game started off in a black hole of first-day jitters. Corey Kluber was hmm....he was miserable. And he made us all miserable. He probably made Josh Tomlin laugh, though.
The Royals, who are suddenly good (within the last 3 days) showed Kluber no mercy scoring 6 runs in the 1st. It started with a home run from the first batter then two singles and a stolen base. Then Kluber got 2 outs but could not get out of it without a walk, a single, a triple, a 3-run homer, another stolen base and a passed ball.
But after that - smooth sailing! Kluber actually struck out 2 guys in the first inning and went on to strike out 2 more and not walk any more in the total 4 1/3 innings he pitched. His start is not much different than Fausto's 2011 start - recall?
It took a village to finish the game, though, as we had to fill up 11 innings with arms. Sipp came in to finish the 5th and complete the 6th, striking out 2 and giving up no hits. His ERA is under 5 now!
Smith rocked the 7th with 1 hit and 1 strikeout, then The Original Vinnie was there for both the 8th and the 9th completely shutting the Royals down, because that's the sort of Vinnie he is. Esmil Rogers was tasked with finishing it off but he couldn't hold it long enough. He gave up a couple of hits in the 10th, and then a hit and a wild pitch and a walk in the 11 put a guy on 3rd for Perez, who gave up a hit and the game was over.
Naturally, Perez avoided both the blown save and the loss. I'm sure that's why he agreed to come in. Heyooo!
Anyway it was definitely lost by our pitchers because our batters came alive today. But all-in-all, excluding the first inning, we had a great game as a team!
But, it's a game of 9 innings - or more. We gotta take that first inning.
The top of our lineup was top-notch today EVEN WITHOUT KIPNIS. And when I say "even without Kipnis" I mean EVEN WITH LILLIBRIDGE! Seriously, 1 through 4 each went 2 for 5. Number 5 got a hit and 6 got 2. Between them they got 6 RBI to tie the game! And - get this! - they only had 4 LOB! WAHOO!
Choo started it off with a single out of the gate. Then he stole second after almost getting picked off first. So then he tried to grab third too and DENIED. You can only imagine the eye rolling by Tom Hamilton as Asdrubal got a single on the next pitch. Choo went on to get another single in the 3rd and come around to score.
Brent Lillibridge was in the 2-hole and you know what? He hasn't been too bad since he got here. He didn't do squat in his first 2 at-bats with us but in the last 3 games he's gone 4 for 12. That's .300. Way better than Johnny Damon was doing after his 5th game with us that's for sure. If Lillibridge can overcome his sub-.200 batting average by keeping up this page, it might be the pickup of the year! Today he went 2 for 5 and came in to score 2 runs. He did strike out twice but so did Choo...
Asdrubal has it turned back on. Six hits in his last 4 games, 2 of them coming tonight. He didn't get any RBI but he did score a run.
Carlos Santana is the name to remember for this week though - 10 hits in his last 10 games, and 10 RBI, 4 homers and 4 walks. Tonight he went 2 for 5 with 4 RBI including a 2-run homer. He also had the most amazing pre-game interview with Jim Rosenhaus. Santana had no idea what Rosie was asking and also had no idea how to express himself in English. But you should know that he is very happy to play and he is very excited to be at this position [catcher]. Whatever - you don't gotta speak the good English to hit like that!
Although to be honest his homer last night and the one tonight were less than spectacular. Both times the poor guy had to stop at second and wait for someone to tell him he could go home, he got a homer. That really will take the wind out of a guy's sails! He's sneaking up on the team home run ladder, though - tied for 3rd with Kipnis at 11. One more makes it a 3-way tie for first. Race, boys - race!
Cousin Michael was representin', cuz you can't really have a well-hit game without him. He went 1 for 4 with a double (him, Choo and KC's Alex Gordon lead the league), an RBI and a run. He's up to .288...think he'll crack .300? A few more points and he'll be the highest on the team. Of course, that is unless all the guys keep hitting like they were hitting tonight. Race some more!
Lopez was getting in on the act as well, going 2 for 4 with a walk. Unfortunately there was no one behind him to hit him in, and no one ahead of him that wasn't already hit in. But he did what he could!
Today was the debut of The Other Vinnie, Vinnie Rottino. He's up from the minors, via the Mets' minors, to fill in for Hafner who's on baby leave. Rottino actually did a thing today! He got an RBI on a sac fly! I thought maybe his average would be .000 but it's .162 - he comes to us with 33 at-bats with the Mets. So no fresh slate for us but at least we've got a guy who's been around a bit.
Speaking of Vinnie, The Original Vinnie had something to say on Twitter tonight:
Personally, I eat that kind of stuff up - what Vinnie said. As long as guys are playing their hardest, etc etc. I mean - yay! Baseball! It just blows my mind that people can be all up in the jocks of our super-losing (but loveable) football team and at the same time "demand" something from our baseball team. This is Cleveland, baby - you get nothing!
I'm not sure how I feel about this new one from The Famous Mike Polk Jr. I agree with most of the stuff he says but the whole "we need a winning team in order to come see baseball." Well fuck off with that attitude. You know who packs them in every day? The Royals. The Cubs. The Twins. The Marlins. People need to fucking relax and learn how to enjoy baseball and not be so angry about the record. There is exciting stuff going on with this team almost every day. There are more hours of excitement in a Tribe season than there are minutes existing in a Browns season. No more whining! NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!
Anyway, we've got a good jump on what could be a really great weekend. Our guys love to play and beat these Tigers! They're in it mentally again and they know where to put the bats (HA!) After they roll over Detroit this weekend I hope they come home to a hero's welcome!
Tomorrow is Masterson versus RHP with a high ERA. Masterson may have bombed his last start but he knows how to pitch the Tigers. So be looking for that.
I unfortunately will have to meet you later as I'm going to a show at the HOB but I'll be thinking of you and wishing I were listening along. So albeit late - I will see you there!
The Royals, who are suddenly good (within the last 3 days) showed Kluber no mercy scoring 6 runs in the 1st. It started with a home run from the first batter then two singles and a stolen base. Then Kluber got 2 outs but could not get out of it without a walk, a single, a triple, a 3-run homer, another stolen base and a passed ball.
But after that - smooth sailing! Kluber actually struck out 2 guys in the first inning and went on to strike out 2 more and not walk any more in the total 4 1/3 innings he pitched. His start is not much different than Fausto's 2011 start - recall?
It took a village to finish the game, though, as we had to fill up 11 innings with arms. Sipp came in to finish the 5th and complete the 6th, striking out 2 and giving up no hits. His ERA is under 5 now!
Smith rocked the 7th with 1 hit and 1 strikeout, then The Original Vinnie was there for both the 8th and the 9th completely shutting the Royals down, because that's the sort of Vinnie he is. Esmil Rogers was tasked with finishing it off but he couldn't hold it long enough. He gave up a couple of hits in the 10th, and then a hit and a wild pitch and a walk in the 11 put a guy on 3rd for Perez, who gave up a hit and the game was over.
Naturally, Perez avoided both the blown save and the loss. I'm sure that's why he agreed to come in. Heyooo!
Anyway it was definitely lost by our pitchers because our batters came alive today. But all-in-all, excluding the first inning, we had a great game as a team!
But, it's a game of 9 innings - or more. We gotta take that first inning.
The top of our lineup was top-notch today EVEN WITHOUT KIPNIS. And when I say "even without Kipnis" I mean EVEN WITH LILLIBRIDGE! Seriously, 1 through 4 each went 2 for 5. Number 5 got a hit and 6 got 2. Between them they got 6 RBI to tie the game! And - get this! - they only had 4 LOB! WAHOO!
Choo started it off with a single out of the gate. Then he stole second after almost getting picked off first. So then he tried to grab third too and DENIED. You can only imagine the eye rolling by Tom Hamilton as Asdrubal got a single on the next pitch. Choo went on to get another single in the 3rd and come around to score.
Brent Lillibridge was in the 2-hole and you know what? He hasn't been too bad since he got here. He didn't do squat in his first 2 at-bats with us but in the last 3 games he's gone 4 for 12. That's .300. Way better than Johnny Damon was doing after his 5th game with us that's for sure. If Lillibridge can overcome his sub-.200 batting average by keeping up this page, it might be the pickup of the year! Today he went 2 for 5 and came in to score 2 runs. He did strike out twice but so did Choo...
Asdrubal has it turned back on. Six hits in his last 4 games, 2 of them coming tonight. He didn't get any RBI but he did score a run.
Carlos Santana is the name to remember for this week though - 10 hits in his last 10 games, and 10 RBI, 4 homers and 4 walks. Tonight he went 2 for 5 with 4 RBI including a 2-run homer. He also had the most amazing pre-game interview with Jim Rosenhaus. Santana had no idea what Rosie was asking and also had no idea how to express himself in English. But you should know that he is very happy to play and he is very excited to be at this position [catcher]. Whatever - you don't gotta speak the good English to hit like that!
Although to be honest his homer last night and the one tonight were less than spectacular. Both times the poor guy had to stop at second and wait for someone to tell him he could go home, he got a homer. That really will take the wind out of a guy's sails! He's sneaking up on the team home run ladder, though - tied for 3rd with Kipnis at 11. One more makes it a 3-way tie for first. Race, boys - race!
Cousin Michael was representin', cuz you can't really have a well-hit game without him. He went 1 for 4 with a double (him, Choo and KC's Alex Gordon lead the league), an RBI and a run. He's up to .288...think he'll crack .300? A few more points and he'll be the highest on the team. Of course, that is unless all the guys keep hitting like they were hitting tonight. Race some more!
Lopez was getting in on the act as well, going 2 for 4 with a walk. Unfortunately there was no one behind him to hit him in, and no one ahead of him that wasn't already hit in. But he did what he could!
Today was the debut of The Other Vinnie, Vinnie Rottino. He's up from the minors, via the Mets' minors, to fill in for Hafner who's on baby leave. Rottino actually did a thing today! He got an RBI on a sac fly! I thought maybe his average would be .000 but it's .162 - he comes to us with 33 at-bats with the Mets. So no fresh slate for us but at least we've got a guy who's been around a bit.
Speaking of Vinnie, The Original Vinnie had something to say on Twitter tonight:
"Never have I been more proud of my team, could have folded but came back and battled. No one is more aware about the past 6 than us
This isnt a test you can study for or a hobby it is and has been our lives, lives forged with blood, sweat and balls from young ages
Losing sucks and trying harder or wanting it more isnt the answer, sometimes you just cant find it and it takes hell to get it.
Believe it or not our clubhouse is more frustrated than anyone could possibly comprehend without being in it. Gonna quote a favorite of mine
“The night is always darkest just before the dawn.” Take it or leave it, love it or hate it, we battle for you everyday. "
- @VinneP52
And of course a tweet from a loving fan:This isnt a test you can study for or a hobby it is and has been our lives, lives forged with blood, sweat and balls from young ages
Losing sucks and trying harder or wanting it more isnt the answer, sometimes you just cant find it and it takes hell to get it.
Believe it or not our clubhouse is more frustrated than anyone could possibly comprehend without being in it. Gonna quote a favorite of mine
“The night is always darkest just before the dawn.” Take it or leave it, love it or hate it, we battle for you everyday. "
- @VinneP52
"@VinnieP52 you guys are sucking dick get off your twitters and start focusing on winning games man. Tell your owners that they suck too"
- @kidnamed_matty
Vinne's response:- @kidnamed_matty
"Even when you come to people in humility they still spit in your face, all it take is one…Peace"
- @VinneP52
- @VinneP52
Personally, I eat that kind of stuff up - what Vinnie said. As long as guys are playing their hardest, etc etc. I mean - yay! Baseball! It just blows my mind that people can be all up in the jocks of our super-losing (but loveable) football team and at the same time "demand" something from our baseball team. This is Cleveland, baby - you get nothing!
I'm not sure how I feel about this new one from The Famous Mike Polk Jr. I agree with most of the stuff he says but the whole "we need a winning team in order to come see baseball." Well fuck off with that attitude. You know who packs them in every day? The Royals. The Cubs. The Twins. The Marlins. People need to fucking relax and learn how to enjoy baseball and not be so angry about the record. There is exciting stuff going on with this team almost every day. There are more hours of excitement in a Tribe season than there are minutes existing in a Browns season. No more whining! NO CRYING IN BASEBALL!
Anyway, we've got a good jump on what could be a really great weekend. Our guys love to play and beat these Tigers! They're in it mentally again and they know where to put the bats (HA!) After they roll over Detroit this weekend I hope they come home to a hero's welcome!
Tomorrow is Masterson versus RHP with a high ERA. Masterson may have bombed his last start but he knows how to pitch the Tigers. So be looking for that.
I unfortunately will have to meet you later as I'm going to a show at the HOB but I'll be thinking of you and wishing I were listening along. So albeit late - I will see you there!
Radio Chatter:
"If you don't know the meaning of deja vu, look it up. This is it."
- Tom Hamilton on the bad first inning
"The world lost a pharmacist but gained a major league baseball player."
- Tom Hamilton on Vinnie Rattino
"I'm not trying to be Polyanna here, but you really get the feeling that the Indians are going to make a game of it here."
- Tom Hamilton in the 3rd
"Lopez swings and misses as he tries to hit it to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Library."
- Tom Hamilton
"This is like looking at a NASCAR vehicle."
- Tom Hamilton on the wall at Kauffman Stadium
"The good news is Choo does not play badminton. Why that's an Olympic sport, I do not know."
"Has something to do with picnics doesn't it?"
"If you're bored."
- Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus need to reel it in
"If you don't know the meaning of deja vu, look it up. This is it."
- Tom Hamilton on the bad first inning
"The world lost a pharmacist but gained a major league baseball player."
- Tom Hamilton on Vinnie Rattino
"I'm not trying to be Polyanna here, but you really get the feeling that the Indians are going to make a game of it here."
- Tom Hamilton in the 3rd
"Lopez swings and misses as he tries to hit it to the Harry S. Truman Memorial Library."
- Tom Hamilton
"This is like looking at a NASCAR vehicle."
- Tom Hamilton on the wall at Kauffman Stadium
"The good news is Choo does not play badminton. Why that's an Olympic sport, I do not know."
"Has something to do with picnics doesn't it?"
"If you're bored."
- Tom Hamilton and Jim Rosenhaus need to reel it in
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