Cleveland Indians Report

May 31, 2007

CIR 5.31 - Better Late than Never

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CLEVELAND (32-19, 1st) - Won 8-4 at Boston
Grady Sizemore (269), 2-5, 2 RBI, W, 2B, HR (9), SB (17)
Casey Blake (270), 1-4, RBI, W
Travis Hafner (276), 3-5, 2-2B, 2 RBI
Ryan Garko (333), 2-4, 2B
Trot Nixon (272), 1-5, 2B
Jhonny Peralta (283), 1-5
David Dellucci (259), 2-5, RBI, 2B
Josh Barfield (237), 2-5, RBI, SB (6)
Kelly Shoppach (373), 4-5, HR (2), RBI
- 373/448/588, 19 Hits, 7 Xtra Bases
Paul Byrd (6-1, 3.57), 6IP, 9H, 2R, 1ER, 0W, 1K
- 3 walks in 58 innings, last win on April 26 v Texas
Aaron Fultz (1.88), .1IP, 0H, 0W
- Great pitches v Papi

BUFFALO (29-20, 1st) - Won 11-6 at Indianapolis
Franklin Gutierrez (341), 2-5, 2B, W
- 341/384/428/872
- 7 game hit streak, 11-for-32
Luis Rivas (286), 3-5, 2B, HR (6), RBI
Shin Soo Choo (261), 3-5, 2 RBI, SB (3)
- 261/341/353/694
- 6 game hit streak, 13-for-28
Ben Francisco (349), 1-4, RBI
- 12 game hit streak (420)
Andy Marte (238), 2-5, 2B, HR (3), 4 RBI
Joe Inglett (270), 1-4, RBI, W
- First game since May 18
Ryan Mulhern (315), 1-4, W
Jason Cooper (267), 2-5, 2B-2
Buzzie Buchacero (2.58), 4IP, 2H, 0R, 0W, 2K
- Spot Start for Rafael Perez
- Last 5G - 10.2IP, 4H, 0R, 1W, 6K

AKRON - Lost 6-3 at Altoona
Argenis Reyes (275), 2-4
Ryan Goleski (254), 1-4
JVE (319), 1-4, HR (3), 2 RBI
Trevor Crowe (194), 1-4
Wyatt Toregas (242), 1-3
Reid Santos (2-1, 1.84), 4.2IP, 5H, 3R, 2ER, 1W, 3K
Nick Pesco (5.40), 3.1IP, 2H, 3R, 2ER, 6W, 1K
- Six walks!

KINSTON - Won 10-8 v Wilmington
Jose Constanza (267), 1-5, SB
CDLC (298), 1-4, W
Stephen Head (241), 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI
Michael Aubrey (333), 2-3, RBI
Jared Goedert (000), 0-4
John Drennen (249), 2-4, 2B
Chris Gimenez (256), 3R, 2B, W
Josh Rodriguez (224), 1-2, HR (5), 6 RBI
- Grand Slam and two sac flys
- Last 10: .385 (10-26), 2 HR, 9 RBI
Frank Herrmann (2.97), 5IP, 8H, 6R, 4ER, 1W, 2K

LAKE COUNTY - Won 7-2 at Hagerstown
Jason Denham (307), 3-5, RBI
Adam Davis (244), 1-5, SB
Matt Whitney (309), 2-4, 2B, HR (11), 4 RBI
Ramon Pena (264), 1-3, W
Carlos Rivero (276), 1-4
David Uribes (200), 3-4, SB
Cirillo Cumberbatch (400), 2-4, 2B, HR (1), 2 RBI
Randy Tomlin (5-0, 2.52), 6IP, 6H, 1R, 1W, 4K

Posted on 5/31/2007

May 30, 2007

CIR 5.30 - Beantown Blues

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CLEVELAND (31-19, 1st) - Lost 4-2 at Boston
Grady Sizemore (266), 0-4, 3K
Jhonny Peralta (290), 2-3, W
- hitting second
Travis Hafner (260), 1-3, RBI, W, 3B
Victor Martinez (308), 0-4, RBI
Casey Blake (271), 1-1
- Pinch-Hitter
- AL Player of Week (.348, 4 HR, 3 2B, 9 RBI, 6 W)
Jeremy Sowers (1-5, 6.29)
Fernando Cabrera (5.49), .1 IP, 0H, 3W, 1K
- Entered 2 outs, man on second
- Walked Jason Varitek on four pitches
- Walked Wily Mo Pena on five pitches (loaded bases)
- Visit to the mound
- Walked Dustin Pedroia on 3-2 count (run scored)
- Struck out Julio Lugo looking
- 22 pitches, 7 strikes
Rafael Perez (0.00), 2IP, 1H, 3K
- 32 pitches, 22 strikes

BUFFALO (28-20, 1st) Lost 10-3 at Indianapolis
Franklin Gutierrez (336), 1-4, SB (7)
- 6 game hit streak (9-for-28)
Luis Rivas (276), 0-3, W
- Reached base in 16 straight
Ben Francisco (352), 3-4, 2B (14), HR (4), 3 RBI
- 11 game hit streak (20-for-56, 5 2B)
Hector Luna (252), 1-4
Brad Snyder (282), 0-3, W
Andy Marte (216), 0-4
Jeff Harris (2-3, 6.42), 5IP, 7H, 6R, 2W, 2K

AKRON (30-20, 1st) - Won 6-4 at Altoona
Argenis Reyes (270), 3-5, 3B, 2 RBI
Brandon Pinckney (274), 2-4, 3B, RBI, W
Jordan Brown (306), 1-4, W
Brian Barton (287), 1-4, RBI, W
Trevor Crowe (192), 2-3, 3R, 2B, SB (7)
Wyatt Toregas (239), 3-3, 2B-2, W
Joe Ness (6.14), 4IP, 6H, 4R, 3W, 2K
Jeffrey Stevens (0.00), 2IP, 2H, 1W, 1K
- Akron debut
Jensen Lewis (2.03), 1IP, 0H, 0W, 2K
- 19 straight scoreless innings

KINSTON (29-21, T-1st) - Lost 4-1 v Wilmington
Jose Constanza (262), 1-3, W
CDLC (299), 2-4
Jared Goedert (000), 0-4, K
- Kinston debut
Sung Tseng (0-5, 3.27), 6IP, 6H, 3R, 2W, 5K

LAKE COUNTY (24-27, 4th) - Won 8-4 at Hagerstown
Jason Denham (296), 0-3, RBI, W
Adam Davis (245), 3-4, RBI, W, SB-4 (6)
- Four Steals!
Matt Whitney (305), 1-4, W
Matt McBride (296), 1-4, HR (3), 3 RBI, W
Ramon Pena (263), 2-3, 3B, 2 RBI
Carlos Rivero (276), 1-4, 2B, RBI
Nick Weglarz (240), 1-4, 2B
Hector Rondon (4.03), 5IP, 2H, 0R, 0W, 4K
Austin Creps (5.06), 1.2IP, 5H, 4R, 3ER, 1W, 1K

Posted on 5/30/2007

May 29, 2007

CIR 5.29 - Pre-Draft Signings

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As the June 7 draft nears, the Indians have now made four pre-draft signings...

RHP Travis Turek is a draft-and-follow (DFE) signee after being selected in the 48th round out of Santa Barbara College last year. Previously selected by the Tribe also in 2005 as a high schooler out of Westlake (CA) HS in 2005, Turek pitched this past spring for Los Angeles Pierce College, for whom I can find no stats on the web, which is pretty amazing these days.

Another DFE signing on the dotted line is last years 36th round pick, left-hander Ryan Miller, out of Blinn College in Texas. Miller, who had a commitment to Arkansas, was 9-0 with a 2.05 ERA in 15 starts this year and njcaa.org lists him as working 85.1 innings with 60 hits and 45 walks allowed with 105 punchouts, although those numbers may be incomplete. A quick profile from his signing with the Razorbacks notes that Miller throws in the low 90s with a power slider. With only one selection in the first three rounds, are the Indians funneling some of that money to DFEs from last year to bolster this draft class?

Also agreeing to terms with the Indians were two fifth-year senior undrafted free agents. Osiel Flores was inked out of the University of Texas-Pan America where the right-handed hitting backstop belted a school record 19 doubles this year while hitting 320/401/422. He also threw out 15 of 52 on the bases. Flores will report to the Haven for extended spring training and then likely move onto the Valley in June. Outfielder Justin Jenkins is arguably the best hitter in University of West Virginia history, holding eight school records (total bases, multi-hit games, career hits, 38-game hitting streak). The right-handed hitting, first-team All-Big East selection raked at a 372/438/651 clip this season with 21 doubles, 11 homeruns, and 48 RBI for the Mountaineers. Jenkins switched to the outfield this spring on the advice of scouts who felt that he did not project as a third basemen at the next level. He'll also report to the Haven until beginning his pro career in the Valley come the start of NY-Penn League play.

Posted on 5/29/2007

May 28, 2007

CIR 5.29 - Rally Falls Short in Beantown

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CLEVELAND (31-18, 1st) - Lost 5-3 at Boston
- 2nd and 3rd, no outs in the 9th
- Barfield homer attempt in 9th saved by Monster
- Casey ruled out on strikes (umps say he swung) on HBP in 9th
Grady Sizemore (271), 0-3, W
Casey Blake (267), 1-4, 2B, W
Travis Hafner (259), 0-5, 4K, 6 LOB
Victor Martinez (315), 2-4, RBI
Trot Nixon (283), 1-3, RBI
Jhonny Peralta (283), 1-4, 2B
David Dellucci (238), 1-3, RBI
Ryan Garko (333), 1-4
Josh Barfield (237), 2-4, 2B, RBI
Cliff Lee (5.86), 5IP, 6H, 3R, 2W, 4K

BUFFALO (28-19, 1st) - Lost 2-1 at Indianapolis
Franklin Gutierrez (339), 1-4
Luis Rivas (281), 2-4
Shin Soo Choo (246), 2-4, RBI
- 246/331/342/673
- 5 straight multiple hit games
Ben Francisco (342), 1-4
Ryan Mulhern (325), 0-2, 2W
Aaron Laffey (0-3, 8.64), 8IP, 6H, 2R, 1W, 3K
- 95 pitches, 11/10 G/F
- Last outing: 2.2IP, 12H, 10R, 3W, 0K

AKRON (29-20, 1st) - Lost 5-4 v Erie
Shaun Larkin (600), 2-4, HR (1), 3 RBI
- Welcome Back!
Brian Barton (283), 2-4, 2B
JVE (322), 1-4, 2B, RBI
Trevor Crowe (184), 1-3, W
- Starting to warm up
Chuck Lofgren (4-4, 4.23), 5IP, 8H, 5R, 1W, 8K
Mariano Gomez (3.91), 3IP, 0H, 0W, 4K
- Perfect
Jensen Lewis (2.10), 1IP, 1H, 0R
- 30IP, 24H, 10W, 38K, 2.10, .222 BAA, .192 v RH
- Last 10 games: 18IP, 0R, 25K, 3W

KINSTON (29-20, 1st) - Lost 6-5 v Wilmington
Jose Constanza (261), 2-4, 2 RBI, W, SB (11)
CDLC (293), 1-3, 2W
Max Ramirez (301), 2-5, HR (7), 2 RBI
- 301/421/503/925, 8 2B, 7 HR. 31 W, 35 K
John Drennen (247), 1-4
Chris Gimenez (258), 1-4, HR (11), RBI
- Gone deep in back-to-back games
Josh Rodriguez (225), 1-3, W
Kevin Dixon (4.02), 6IP, 8H, 5R, 2W, 0K
- 12 groundouts, 6 flyouts, 0 strikeouts

LAKE COUNTY (23-27) - Won 2-0 v Hagerstown
Matt Whitney (306), 1-5, RBI
Matt McBride (297), 1-4, 2B
Ramon Pena (256), 1-3, 2B, W
Carlos Rivero (277), 2-4, 2B
Nick Weglarz (240), 3-4, HR (8), RBI
Jeanmar Gomez (4-5, 6.24), 6IP, 3H, 0R, 2W, 3K
- 3rd scoreless outing
- 18 years old, Venezuelan, 6'3", 168, RHP

Posted on 5/28/2007

CIR 5.28 - SWEEP IN MOTOWN!

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CLEVELAND (31-17, 1st, 2.5GA) - Won 5-3 at Detroit
Grady Sizemore (276), 1-4
Casey Blake (267), 1-3, RBI, W, HR (7)
Travis Hafner (267), 1-3, W
Victor Martinez (311), 0-3, RBI
Jhonny Peralta (284), 1-4
Ryan Garko (336), 1-2, 2W, 3 RBI, HR (7)
- 3-run blast in 1st
- May: 390/433/659, 5 HR, 15 RBI
- Hit in 14 of 15, hit in last 5
Trot Nixon (281), 1-4, 2B
Fausto Carmona (6-1, 2.59), 7IP, 9H, 3R, 2W, 3K
- 12 groundball outs, 70/24 G/F in May
Joe Borowski (6.75 ERA, Sv 17), 1IP, 0H, 0W
- 5 scoreless innings since Oakland

BUFFALO (28-18, 1st, 3.0 GA) - Won 9-2 at Louisville
Franklin Gutierrez (342), 2-6
Luis Rivas (276), 3-5, RBI, W
Shin Soo Choo (236), 2-6, 3B, 2 RBI
- 4 straight multiple hit games (8-for-19, .421)
Ben Francisco (344), 2-6, 2B
Ryan Mulhern (321), 3-5, 2B
Brad Snyder (297), 3-4, HR-2 (5), 3 RBI, W
- 297/399/500/899
- 3 homers in last 4 games w/6 RBI
Jason Stanford (4-1, 2.91), 8IP, 4H, 2R, 1ER, 3W, 4K
- escaped bases loaded situation in 1st
- retired 14 of 15 at one point
- Last 3 GS: 1.57 ERA (4ER in 23IP)

AKRON (29-19, 1st, 3.5 GA) - Won 5-3 v Erie
Argenis Reyes (266), 1-4, W, SB-2 (15)
Jordan Brown (314), 2-4, 2B, W, SB (9)
Ryan Goleski (268), 2-4, RBI
Shaun Larkin (1.000), 1-1, 3W
- Aeros debut
Trevor Crowe (182), 2-4, 2B-2, 2 RBI
Shawn Nottingham (5-2, 2.65), 7IP, 5H, 3R, 6W, 0K
- 6 walks, 0 strikeouts?

(laptop batteries recharged)

KINSTON (29-19, 1st, 2.5 GA) - Won 7-2 v Winston-Salem
Chris Gimenez (258), 1-2, HR (10), RBI, 2W
Stephen Head (249), 1-4, SB (2)
Max Ramirez (297), 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SB (1)
John Drennen (247), 1-4, RBI
Mike Butia (203), 1-4, HR (2), 3 RBI
Josh Rodriguez (223), 0-1, 3W, SB (9)
Ryan Edell (4-2, 3.97), 6IP, 7H, 2R, 0W, 2K

LAKE COUNTY (22-27, 5th, 11 GB) - Lost 3-1 at Lakewood
Jason Denham (303), 0-3, W
Jared Goedert (364), 1-4
Matt Whitney (309), 1-4
Ramon Pena (254), 1-4
Carlos Rivero (272), 1-4, 2B
Nick Weglarz (228), 1-4
Cirillo Cumberbatch (429), 1-3, 2B, RBI
Steven Wright (3-5, 4.40), 5IP, 2H, 1R, 1W, 4K
- Last 4G - 20IP, 10H, 5W, 5R, 26K

Posted on 5/28/2007

May 27, 2007

CIR 5.27 - Dellucci KO's Tigers

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CLEVELAND (30-17, 1st) - Won 6-3 at Detroit
Grady Sizemore (276), 1-2, 2W, 3B
Casey Blake (266), 1-5, 2B, RBI
Travis Hafner (265), W, RBI
Victor Martinez (316), 1-4, HR (8), W, 2 RBI
Jhonny Peralta (285), 2-4, W
Jason Michaels (281), 0-0, W
- Needed Miguel Dilone slide on caught stealing in 8th
David Dellucci (236), 2-4, 3B, HR (2), W, 2 RBI
Rayn Garko (333), 1-4, 2B
Josh Barfield (235), 1-4
CC Sabathia (7-1, 3.54), 7IP, 6H, 3R, 1W, 6K
Joe Borowski (7.11, Sv16), 1IP, 2H, 1K
- Made it interesting, 2nd and 3rd, 2 outs

BUFFALO (27-18, 1st) - Won 9-4 at Louisville
Franklin Gutierrez (342), 2-5, HR (4), 3 RBI, W, SB
- 342/387/505/891
- Threw out runner at third
Shin Soo Choo (231), 2-4, 2B, 3B, RBI, W
- Last 2 games: 6-for-13 (461), 2W
Ben Francisco (344), 2-4
- 344/408/483/892
Keith Ginter (248), 2-3, HR (8), 2 RBI, W
Ryan Mulhern (32), 2-4, 2B, RBI, W
- 320/373/582/955, 14 2B, 1 3B, 8 HR
- 2nd in IL in SLG, 3rd in OPS, top ten in TB
Jason Cooper (26), 0-3, 2W, SB
Sean Smith (5-1, 2.38), 6IP, 8H, 4R, 4W, 2K)
- All previous starts two runs or less allowed
Matt Miller (5.87), 1IP, 1W, 2K
- Last 4 outings, 3.2IP, 1H, 0R, 2W, 6K
Edward Mujica (2.63), 1IP, 1K
- First outing since demotion

AKRON (28-19, 1st) - Won 3-1 v Erie
Jordan Brown (310), 1-4
Brian Barton (288), 3-3, 2B, W
- 288/391/468/859
Ryan Goleski (261), 1-2, W
JVE (324), 1-2, 3B, 2W
Trevor Crowe (174), 1-4, 2 RBI
Scott Lewis (3.64), 3.2IP, 5H, 1R, 5W, 3K
Reid Santos (2-0, 1.46), 4.1IP, 1H, 0R, 1W, 4K
- 24.2IP, 14H, 4ER, 6W, 19K, .149 BAA, 0.811 WHIP

KINSTON (28-19, 1st) - Lost 2-1 v Winston-Salem
Michael Aubrey (292), 1-4
Stephen Head (249), 1-3
Josh Rodriguez (224), 0-2, W
David Huff (2.10), 6.2IP, 5H, 1R, 1W, 7K, 1HR
- 55.2IP, 51H, 11W, 43K, .244 BAA, .225 vRH, .355 vLH
- All 10 starts, two runs or less allowed

LAKE COUNTY (22-26, 4th) - Lost 9-6 at Lakewood
- 6 Errors, Adam Davis-2(9), Nick Weglarz(6), Jared Goedert(10), Matt Whitney(9), Carlos Rivero(14)
Jason Denham (310), 1-3, 2W
Jared Goedert (366), 3-5, 4 RBI
- 366/480/727/1.207
- Last 3 games: 8-for-14 (.571), 11 RBI
Matt McBride (299), 1-4, 2B
Carlos Rivero (272), 2-4, RBI
Cirillo Cumberbatch (423), 2-4
- Hit in all seven games played (11-for-26, .423)
Carlton Smith (2-3, 6.42), 5IP, 8H, 6R, 1W, 3K

Posted on 5/27/2007

May 26, 2007

CIR 5.26 - Back in First!

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The Indians moved back into first with a 7-4 victory in Detoit. Great matchup, CC Sabathia v Justin Verlander, today on Fox. Jared Geodert paces the minors with 16 homers and 47 RBI.

CLEVELAND (29-17, 1st) - Won 7-4 at Detroit
Grady Sizemore (274), 2-5, RBI, SB (16)
Casey Blake (268), 1-2, RBI, 3W, HR (6)
Travis Hafner (270), 1-5, RBI, 3B
Victor Martinez (318), 1-5, HR (7), RBI
Jhonny Peralta (280), 2-4, RBI
Jason Michaels (281), 1-5
- Catch of the year - took 3-run homer from Craig Monroe
- Over the fence grab - huge momentum change
Josh Barfield (234), 1-3, 2 RBI, W, HR (2)
- Last homer on April 14
- Mike Hegan - worst.homerun.call.ever
Kelly Shoppach (326), 2-3, W
- liking his role as Paul Byrd's personal catcher
Andy Marte (180), 1-4
- Looked overmatched
Paul Byrd (5-1, 3.81), 6.1IP, 4H, 4R, 0W, 4K, HR
- 3 walks in 52 innings
Rafael Betancourt (1.83), 1.2IP, 1H, 0W, 1K
Joe Borowski (7.50, Sv15), 1IP, 1H, 1K

BUFFALO (26-18, 1st) - Lost 10-1 at Louisville
Franklin Gutierrez (34), 1-4
Ben Francisco (340), 1-4, 2B
Ryan Mulhern (315), 1-3, 2B, RBI
Brad Snyder (281), 1-4
Rafael Perez (3-3, 3.66), 4.1IP, 7H, 4R, 1W, 2K
- Last 6 starts, more hits allowed than innings pitched

AKRON (27-19, 1st) - Lost 5-1 v Erie
Asdrubal Cabrera (318), 1-5, SB (13)
Jordan Brown (311), 3-4
Brian Barton (275), 1-4
JVE (321), 1-2
Ryan Goleski (258), 1-2, 2W
Trevor Crowe (173), SB (6)
- 8 GIDPs, leads team
JD Martin (4.25), 2.2IP, 2H, 0R, 3W, 3K
-Left with right elbow strain
Nick Pesco (5.40), 3.1IP, 5H, 2W, 1W, 3K

KINSTON (28-18, 1st) - Lost 2-1 v Winston-Salem G1
CDLC (299), 1-2
Nathan Panther (257), 1-2, HR (3), RBI
Josh Rodriguez (212), 1-2
Frank Herrmann (3-1, 2.56), 7IP, 5H, 2W, 1W, 5K, 1HR
- Four walks allowed in 52 innings

KINSTON (28-18, 1st) - Won 5-2 v Winston-Salem G2
CDLC (306), 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI
Stephen Head (247), 1-3
John Drennen (251), 2-2, SB (2)
Josh Rodriguez (227), 3-3, RBI, SB (8)
Dan Cevette (3.97), 4IP, 3H, 2R, 1W, 7K, 2HR
Erik Stiller (0.00), 2IP, 2H, 0R
- Season Debut

LAKE COUNTY (22-25, 4th) - Won 12-9 at Lakewood
Jason Denham (310), 2-5, 2B, RBI, W
Adam Davis (246), 3-6, 2B, 2 RBI
- 6-for-11 last two games
Jared Goedert (359), 3-4, 2B, HR (16), 6 RBI
- 359/477/731/1.208
- 16 homers and 47 RBI lead minors
Matt Whitney (318), 1-3, RBI, 2W
Matt McBride (300), 1-2, RBI, 2W
Carlos Rivero (267), 1-5
Nick Weglarz (233), 2-4, HR (7), 2 RBI, W
Cirrilo Cumberbatch (409), 1-4
Randy Tomlin (4-0, 2.68), 5Ip, 8H, 3R, 0W, 1K

Posted on 5/26/2007

May 25, 2007

CIR 5.25 Quick Hits

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CLEVELAND (28-17, 2nd) - Won 10-3 at Kansas City
Grady Sizemore (270), 0-2, RBI, 2W, HBP
Casey Blake (265), 2-5, 3 RBI, 2B, 3B
Travis Hafner (273), 0-3, 2W
- .443 OBP 5th in AL
Victor Martinez (322), 2-5, RBI
Jhonny Peralta (274), 1-3, 2B, W
Ryan Garko (336), 3-5, 2B, 2 RBI
- May: 395/427/632/1.059 with 10 multiple-hit games
- .336 BA 5th in AL
Jason Michaels (286), 2-4, 3 RBI, HR (2), W
- 1st homer since April 5 in Chicago
Josh Barfield (232), 1-3, 2B, 2W
Jeremy Sowers (1-4, 6.29), 7IP, 6H, 1R, 1W, 1K
- 1st quality start since April 28 v Baltimore
- Next start in Fenway
Aaron Fultz (1.98), 0IP, 1W
- 8 pitches, 2 walks v KC
- Eric Wedge not a happy skipper
Mike Koplove (3.00), 1.1IP, 0H, 0W

BUFFALO (26-17, 1st) - Lost 5-4 at Louisville
- Adam Miller scratched from start
Franklin Gutierrez (343), 2-5
- Start of new hitting streak
Luis Rivas (268), 1-5, HR (5), 2 RBI
Shin Soo Choo (220), 2-4, W
Ben Francisco (343), 1-5, 2B, RBI
Brad Snyder (282), 1-3, W
Matt Miller (6.75), 1IP, 1H, 1K
Buzzie Buzachero (3.46), 1.2IP, 3K

AKRON (27-18, 1st) - Won 7-6 v Altoona (10 Inn)
Asdrubal Cabrera (322), 1-4, W
Jordan Brown (300), 1-5, W
Brian Barton (275), 1-4, HR (5), RBI, W
Ryan Goleski (255), 2-5, RBI
- Gamewinner in 10th
JVE (324), 3-4, 2B
Trevor Crowe (177), 2-5 RBI
Pat Osborn (231), 2-3, 2B, 4 RBI
Joe Ness (5.79), 5Ip, 5H, 1R, 2W, 6K
- Last two starts: 10IP, 8H, 1R, 9K

KINSTON (27-17, 1st) - Lost 2-1 v Winston-Salem (G1)
CDLC (304), 1-4
Stephen Head (256), 1-2, 2W
John Drennen (238), 2-4 RBI
Josh Rodriguez (200), 1-3
Sung Tseng (0-4, 3.12), 6IP, 3H, 1R, 2W, 7K, 2WP, HBP
- Season: 49IP, 43H, 16W, 39K

KINSTON (27-17, 1st) - Won 8-2 v Winston-Salem (G2)
Stephen Head (256), 1-4
Chris Gimenez (268), 1-3, 2B, RBI, W
John Drennen (247), 2-2, 2B, RBI, W
Nathan Panther (232), 1-2, 2B, 2 RBI, W
Josh Rodriguez (209), 2-3, HR (4), 2 RBI
- 7 game hitting streak (6-for-27)
James Deters (2.13), 5Ip, 5H, 1R, 1W, 4K

LAKE COUNTY (21-25, 4th) - Won 4-0 at Delmarva
- Top 4 (8-for-18), Bottom 5 (0-for-16, 5W)
Jason Denham (306), 2-4, W, SB
Adam Davis (235), 3-5
- 6 game hitting streak (9-for-24)
Jared Goedert (349), 2-5, RBI
Cirillo Cumberbatch (444), 1-4, 2 RBI
Nick Weglarz (226), 0-1, 3W
Hector Rondon (4.47), 5IP, 4H, 0R, 0W, 4K
Scott Sumner (0.00), 2IP, 2H, 1W
- Season Debut

Posted on 5/25/2007

May 24, 2007

CIR 5.24 Quick Hits

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CLEVELAND - Lost 11-7 at Kansas City
Grady Sizemore (273), 1-4, HR (8), RBI, W
Casey Blake (261), 2-5, 2B, HR (5), RBI
Travis Hafner (272), 1-5, HR (9), 2 RBI
Victor Martinez (319), 1-4, 2B, W
Trot Nixon (271), 2-4, W
Jhonny Peralta (273), 1-4, RBI, 2B
Ryan Garko (325), 2-3, 2B, W
Josh Barfield (230), 1-5, 2B, RBI
Cliff Lee (2-1, 5.93), 4.1IP, 10H, 8R, 1W, 3K, 3HR
- Chewed out by Eric Wedge postgame
- Blew 3-0 lead in the first
- Botched run-down play, went to 3rd, should've been DP
- Failed to cover 1st play on grounder
- Rough night in KC
Mike Koplove (5.40), 1.2IP, 2H, 1R, 2K
- Tribe debut
Fernando Cabrera (5.59), 2IP, 2H, 2R, 1W, 1K, 1HR
- May: 7.1IP, 14H, 10ER, 8W, 8K, 5HR, 12.27 ERA

BUFFALO (26-16, 1st) - Off

AKRON (25-18, 1st) - Won 6-2 v Altoona
Asdrubal Cabrera (324), 1-3, RBI, SB (12)
Jordan Brown (303), 1-3, W
JVE (307), 1-2, 2W
Ryan Goleski (242), 2-4, 3B, 2 RBI
Trevor Crowe (170), 0-2, W, RBI
Chuck Lofgren (4-3, 3.75), 6IP, 7H, 2R, 1W, 5K
- Last Outing: 3.2IP, 11H, 6R

KINSTON (26-16, 1st) - Lost 5-4 at Salem
Jose Constanza (254), 1-4, W, SB
CDLC (306), 2-5
- 5 multi-hit games in last 7
Michael Aubrey (429), 1-4, 2B, W
Chris Gimenez (269), 2-5
Josh Rodriguez (197), 1-4
Kevin Dixon (3.59), 6IP, 7H, 2R, 0W, 2K
Jeff Stevens (3-1, 2.48), 2.1IP, 2H, 3R
- Loaded bases in 9th
Mike Roehl (3.72), 0IP, 1H
- Gave up double to end game

LAKE COUNTY (20-25, 5th) - Lost 8-4 at Delmarva
Ramon Pena (273), 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
Jared Goedert (347), 1-3, W
Carlos Rivero (276), 2-3, RBI, W
- Two throwing errors (11 on season)
Cirillo Cumberbatch (500), 3-4, 2B

Posted on 5/24/2007

May 23, 2007

CIR 5.23 Quick Hits

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Not a good day for the organization. 1-4 overall with Akron the lone bright spot. Ugly game for the Tribe. Gutierrez hit streak snapped. Bisons almost rally from 8-down. Asdrubal Cabrera continues to impress. Michael Aubrey goes deep again. Steven Wright fans 10 of 12.

CLEVELAND (27-16, 1st) - Lost 4-3 in Kansas City
Grady Sizemore (274), 1-4
Jason Michaels (275), 1-5, 2B, RBI
David Dellucci (228), PH, 0-1,
- 2 LOB, 4-31 (.129) with RISP
Travis Hafner (281), 1-3, W
Victor Martinez (321), 1-4, HR (6), 2 RBI
- 321/400/507/907, 8 2B, 6 HR, 34 RBI
Ryan Garko (317), 1-4, 3K
Trot Nixon (285), 1-4, 2B
Josh Barfield (228), 1-4
Andy Marte (1-2 (195),
- lifted for PH in 7th
Fausto Carmona (2.77), 6IP, 9H, 3R, 1W, 0K, 4GIDP
- 70 Pitches, 19 inning scoreless streak snapped
Aaron Fultz (1.98), 0IP, 1W,
- Bases Loaded, 4 Pitches, Oof!

BUFFALO (26-16, 1st) Lost 10-9 v Indianapolis
Franklin Gutierrez (340), 0-5, RBI, 19 game hit streak snapped
Shin Soo Choo (208), 2-5, RBI
Ben Francisco (348), 3-4, W
- 348/417/486/903, 10 2B, 3HR, 10 SB, 16W, 21 K
Hector Luna (274), 2-5, W
Ryan Mulhern (324), 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
Brad Snyder (280), 3-3, HR (3), 3 RBI, W
Aaron Laffey (0-2, 14.54), 2.2IP, 12H, 10R, 3W, 0K
- 9 run third inning, no inherited runners scored
Jim Warden (7.20), 2.1 IP, 5K

AKRON (26-18, 1st) - Won 5-4 v Altoona
Asdrubal Cabrera (324), 3-4, 2B-2, HR (6), 5 RBI
- 324/409/537/946, 9 2B, 1 3B, 6 HR, 11 SB, 20 W, 17 K
- Career high 5 RBI, 1st grand slam
Brian Barton (284), 1-4, 3B
Trevor Crowe (172), 0-2, 2W
Shawn Nottingham (4-2, 2.49), 7IP, 6H, 1R, 1W, 6K
- Last 4 GS: 26IP, 20H, 5R, 9W, 17K, 1.73 ERA

KINSTON (26-15, 1st) - Lost 12-6 at Salem
CDLC (301), 3-5, RBI
Josh Rodriguez (191), 1-5
Michael Aubrey (500), 3-5, 2B, HR (2), 3 RBI
Max Ramirez (307), 2-5
Stephen Head (242), 1-4, 2B
Chris Gimenez (262), 1-4
Ryan Edell (3-2, 4.12), 3IP, 5H, 5R, 2W, 3K

LAKE COUNTY (20-24, 4th) - Lost 2-1 at Delmarva
Jason Denham (312), 2-4
Matt Whitney (328), 2-4, HR (10), RBI
Matt McBride (306), 3-4, 2B
Jared Goedert (347), 0-4, E (9), played 2B
Steven Wright (3-4, 4.72), 4IP, 2H, 2R, 2W, 10K
- 50K in 40IP this year
Paulo Espino (4.33), 3IP, 0H, 0W, 2K
- 32K in 27IP this year

Posted on 5/23/2007

May 22, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Hot Sheet

IL Pitcher of the Week Sean Smith checks in at number twelve on Baseball America's Prospect Hot Sheet. Former Indian Eider Torres gets some love after hitting .462 last week for triple-A Norfolk (Baltimore).

Posted on 5/22/2007

CIR 5.22 Quick Hits

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4-1 on the night. Michael Aubrey debuts in Kinston. Gutierrez walks off in Buffalo. Aeros run wild on the bases.

CLEVELAND (27-15, 1st) - Won 5-2 v Seattle (Opening Day III)
Grady Sizemore (274), 1-3, 2B, RBI
Casey Blake (256), 1-3, HR (4), W
Travis Hafner (280), 1-4
Victor Martinez (324), 1-4, RBI
Trot Nixon (286), 2-4
Jhonny Peralta (281), 2-4
Josh Barfield (228), 1-3, 2-run 2B in 7th
CC Sabathia (3.51), 5IP, 8H, 1R, 1W, 4K, 92 pitches
Roberto Hernandez (4.76), 0IP, 2H, 1R, 1W, loaded bases in 9th
Joe Borowski (7.84), 1IP, SV (14), entered B/L, 0 outs, 1 run (SF)

BUFFALO (26-15, 1st) - Won 4-2 v Indianapolis
Franklin Gutierrez (359/404/522/926), 2-4, HR (5), 2 RBI, W
- Walkoff Homer, 19 game hitting streak
Luis Rivas (271), 0-1, 3W, 7W in 3 games, 9-12 OBP last 3G
Ben Francisco (336), 2-4, SB (10)
Hector Luna (269), 1-4
Ryan Mulhern (321), 1-3, W
Yamil Haad (750), 3-4, 2B, season debut
Jason Stanford (3.20), 7IP, 4H, 1R, 2W, 5K

AKRON (24-18, T-1st) - Won 8-4 v Altoona
Argenis Reyes (282), 3-5, 2B, SB-2 (13)
Asdrubal Cabrera (311), 1-3, W, SB-2 (11)
Jordan Brown (311), 0-2, RBI, 2W
Brian Barton (285), 2-3
JVE (316), 3-4, 3B, 2 RBI
Ryan Goleski (244), 0-2, 3 RBI (SF-2, F/C)
Trevor Crowe (174), 0-3, W, CS (5)
Scott Lewis (1-2, 3.76), 5IP, 7H, 4R, 2W, 7K

KINSTON (26-14, 1st) - Won 15-4 at Salem
CDLC (286), 2-4, 2 RBI, 2W
Nathan Panther (209), 2-6
Michael Aubrey (400), 2-5, 2B, HR (1), RBI, W
Max Ramirez (303), 1-4, RBI, W
Stephen Head (248), 2-4, 2B, HR (7), 3 RBI, 2W
- 5 game H/S (8-23), Last 10: .359 (14-39, 7W, 1K)
Wes Hodges (278), 2-4, RBI, W
John Drennen (244), 1-4, HR (6), 4 RBI, W
Josh Rodriguez (196), 1-4, 3B, W
David Huff (4-2, 2.20), 5IP, 7H, 2R, 1W, 5K
- All 9 starts, 2 earned runs or less allowed

LAKE COUNTY (20-23, 4th) - Lost 3-2 at Delmarva
Jason Denham (306), 1-4, RBI, W
Alex Castillo (231), 1-4, HR (1), RBI
Ramon Pena (276), 1-4
Nick Weglarz (238), 1-4, 2B
Carlos Rivero (273), 1-4, E (11)
Joanniel Montero (0.00), 5IP, 3H, 0R, 1W, 3K
- Season debut (20 yrs old, 6'5", 191, RHP)

Posted on 5/22/2007

May 21, 2007

CIR 5.21

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Over the past several years, we've heard Mark Shapiro (and other GMs) talk about the 40-game mark as the first evaluation point of the season. Following is a look at the Tribe offense a quarter of the way into the season.

GRADY SIZEMORE
One of the top five position players in the AL (273/394/447/841). Leads the circuit in stolen bases with 15 and is in the top five in runs and walks. Even when slumping in the plate, helps the club in so many ways. Ill-advised steal attempt yesterday is a mere peccadillo.

CASEY BLAKE
Filled in admirably for Andy Marte at third base after not having played the postion regularly since 2004 (six games in 2005). Still strikes out a lot (36, tied for team lead) but his versatility is a plus. Homers are down (3) but he does have 12 two-baggers.

JOSH BARFIELD
Hitting .297 in May after a .162 April. Needs to become more selective at the plate with only 5 walks in 142 ABs (30 in 539 last year). That's the next step in his development (or stagnation) and his eventual movement into the number two spot in the batting order (or permanent bottom of the order fixture).

JHONNY PERALTA
Rebound. Leads the Indians in HRs (10), Total Bases (76), and RBI (31). Still on pace to strike out 130 times but has improved walk rate (70-75 pace). Defense is also improved from last year although perception of the glove can be influenced by production at the dish.

TRAVIS HAFNER
$60 million, 4 year extension this winter? Sounds about right.

VICTOR MARTINEZ
Stud.

RYAN GARKO
After a slow April, Garko has a 1.086 OPS in May with four longballs. Improved defense has freed Casey Blake to play third. Continued development and settling in as long-term first basemen at club friendly prices will provide the Indians additional payroll flexibility over next 3-4 years. Like Peralta, when you have a 900+ OPS, the defense becomes increasingly bearable.

TROT NIXON
Ability to play every day has also freed Casey Blake to play third. Not hitting for much power (8 XBs) but has a .366 OBP.

JASON MICHAELS
The lefty-masher of the Michaels-Dellucci platoon is actually hitting better against righties (282/300/462/762) than lefties (263/310/316/626) in roughly the same amount of at-bats. Scary four-year trend in walk rate and OBP...

2004 - 42W, 299 AB, .364 (Phil)
2005 - 44W, 299 AB, .399 (Phil)
2006 - 43W, 494 AB, .326 (Cle)
2007 - 4W, 305 AB, .305 (Cle)

DAVID DELLUCCI
Michaels partner is struggling in his return to the American League, hitting 250/680 v righties. Wants to play against lefties, but is hitting just .167 in 18 ABs. .894 and .904 OPS the past two seasons against righties suggests better things are to come. If not, two more years at $4 mil per?

KELLY SHOPPACH
Likely won't continue to hit .300 but doing everything you want your backup catcher to do.

ANDY MARTE
Back in the bigs and will slowly be worked back into the lineup, likely against left-handers only at first. For now, we'll chalk up his early season struggles to a slow start and a little bit of gripping. That benefit of doubt will not last long, however. In the short-term, Marte needs to start producing at a minimum replacement level. Long-term, however, one needs only to look at Brandon Phillips to realize that development can sometimes take longer than planned. The question for the Indians is how long can they maintain a sub .600 OPS at the hot corner while battling the Tigers for division supremacy.

MIKE ROUSE
Happy to be in the big leagues. Happier still to be playing for a contender.

SHIN SOO CHOO
Struggling in Buffalo after demotion from Cleveland. Depth outfielder who remains in the mix for the '08 outfield as well as potential deals come the trade deadline.

FRANKLIN GUTIERREZ
Depth outfielder with upside in Buffalo. Won't supplant Grady in center and likely not enough power for the corners. Currently riding 18-game hitting streak in triple-A. Should be attractive come July on the trade market.

BEN FRANCISCO
Continues to impress in Buffalo. I would be very surprised if one of Francisco, Choo, or Gutierrez is not moved in July.

Next Report: The Pitching Staff

Posted on 5/21/2007

CIR 5.21 Quick Hits

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CLEVELAND (26-15, 1st) - Won 5-3 v Cincinnati
Grady Sizemore (273) 1-4, CS (1), 1st CS in 16 attempts
Casey Blake (255) 1-4, RBI, 2B
Travis Hafner (281) 1-3, W, playing 1B
Victor Martinez (326) 1-4
Jhonny Peralta (271), 2-4, RBI, HR (10)
Jason Michaels (272), 1-3
Josh Barfield (225) 1-4, 2B, 2 RBI, SB
Kelly Shoppach (302), 2-3, 2B, RBI
Paul Byrd (4-1, 3.55), 7IP, 9H, 3R, 0W, 3K, (3W in 45.2 IP)

BUFFALO (25-15, 1st) - Won 8-1 v Indianapolis
Franklin Gutierrez (352), 1-4, 2B, 18 game hit streak
Luis Rivas (273), 2-4, HR (4), 2 RBI
Ben Francisco (331), 1-3, 2B, RBI
Ryan Mulhern (321), 1-3, RBI, hitting sixth
Sean Smith (4-1, 1.77), 5.1IP, 6H, 1R, 1W, 7K, (0.85 ERA last 7G)
Matt Miller (7.94), 0.2IP, W, 2K

AKRON (23-18, T-1st) - Lost 2-1 at Erie
Asdrubal Cabrera (310), 0-0, W, Ejected thrown out at home
Jordan Brown (315), 1-4, 2B, RBI
Brian Barton (276), 1-4
Trevor Crowe (178), 0-4
JD Martin (4.54), 7IP, 3H, 0R, 1W, 4K, (13 in row, last 6 retired)

KINSTON (25-14, 1st) - Won 4-3 at Potomac
Chris Gimenez (263), 1-4, W
John Drennen (244), 4-5, .302 last 10 (13-43)
Wes Hodges (270), 2-3, 2B, W, E (7)
Niuman Romero (357), 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI
Josh Rodriguez (194), 1-4, SB-2 (6)
Frank Herrmann (2.56), 6IP, 6H, 1R, 0W, 2K (3W in 45.2 IP)

LAKE COUNTY (20-22, 4th) - Lost 11-10 v Hagerstown
Jason Denham (308), 2-5, 2B, 4 RBI
Ramon Pena (278), 2-5
Jared Goedert (357), 0-4, RBI, playing 2B
Matt Whitney (327/376/585/961), 2-5, HR (9), 3 RBI
Carlos Rivero (274), 1-2, 2W
Mike Eisenberg (1-5, 6.96), 4.1IP, 8H, 7R, 1W, 6K

Posted on 5/21/2007

May 20, 2007

CIR 5.20 Quick Hits

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CLEVELAND (25-15, 1st) - Lost 10-5 v Cincinnati
Grady Sizemore (274), 1-5
Casey Blake (255), 0-5, 10 game hit streak snapped
Travis Hafner (279), 3-5, RBI, W, HR (8)
Victor Martinez (328), 2 RBI, 2B
Trot Nixon (278), 2-4, RBI, W
Jhonny Peralta (268), 1-4, RBI, W, HR (9)
David Dellucci (243), 1-3, W, SB (2)
Ryan Garko (328), 2-4
Josh Barfield (225), 2-4
Jeremy Sowers (0-4, 7.13), 6IP, 8H, 7R, 2W, 2K, 2HR
Fernando Cabrera (4.67), .1IP, 3R, 3W, 6/19 strikes

BUFFALO (24-15, 1st) - Lost 6-0 v Indianapolis
Franklin Gutierrez (357), 1-3, W
Luis Rivas (267), 0-0, 4 W
Ben Francisco (331), 1-3, W
Hector Luna, 3 E (SS)
Rafael Perez (3-2, 3.19), 6IP, 9H, 6R, 2ER, 0W, 5K
Matt Miller (9.00), 1IP, 1K
Jake Dittler (0.00), 2IP, 1H, 1W

AKRON (23-17, 1st) - Won 4-0 at Erie
Argenis Reyes (271), 2-5
Asdrubal Cabrera (310), 1-4, HR (5), RBI, W
Jordan Brown (317), 1-4, 2B, W
Brian Barton (277), 2-4, 2B
Trevor Crowe (182), 1-3, W
Joe Ness (2-0, 6.51), 5IP, 3H, 0R, 5W, 3K

KINSTON (24-14, 1st) - Won 10-8 at Potomac (13 Inn)
CDLC (289), 2-6, RBI
Stephen Head (241), 2-6, 2B, RBI, W
Max Ramirez (305), 1-5, W
Chris Gimenez (263), 1-1, 2 RBI, HR (9) - top of 13th
Wes Hodges (261), 1-7, 2B, 3 RBI
Josh Rodriguez (193), 1-4, 2 W
Sung Tseng (3.35), 6.2IP, 4H, 3R, 1W, 7K

LAKE COUNTY (20-21, 3rd) - Lost 6-5 v Hagerstown (G1 11 Inn)
Jason Denham (305), 0-3, 3W
Matt Whitney (322), 1-6, 2B, RBI
Jared Goedert (368), 2-3, 2B, RBI, 2W, playing 2B
Ramon Pena (269), 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI
Carlos Rivero (264), 1-4, W
Nick Weglarz (237), 1-5
Hector Rondon (5.01), 5IP, 6H, 3R, 1W, 6K, 2HR

LAKE COUNTY (20-21, 3rd) - Won 10-1 v Hagerstown (G2)
Jason Denham (303), 1-4, 3B
Ramon Pena (272), 1-2, RBI, 2W
Matt Whitney (325), 1-2, 2B, W, 4 RBI
Jared Goedert (368), 1-3, RBI
Nick Weglarz (239), 1-3, W
Matt McBride (311), 3-4
Carlos Rivero (271), 2-4, 2B, RBI
Cristo Arnal (571), 2-3, 2B, 2 RBI
Josh Tomlin (3-0, 2.25), 5IP, 4H, 1R, 0W, 10K, 2nd GS

Posted on 5/20/2007

May 19, 2007

CIR 5.19 Quick Hits

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CLEVELAND - Won 9-4 v Cincinnati
Grady Sizemore (276), 4-5, 3 RBI, HR (7), SB (15)
Casey Blake (264), 1-4, RBI
Travis Hafner (280), 2-3, RBI, W, 2B
Jhonny Peralta (269), 3-4, RBI, 2B
Ryan Garko (321), 2-3, 3 RBI, HR (6)
Josh Barfield (216) 1-4, SB (4)
Cliff Lee (2-0, 4.15), 6IP, 6H, 4R, 2W, 2K)
Roberto Hernandez (4.24), 2 IP, 4K

BUFFALO - Lost 7-5 at Ottawa
Ben Francisco (331), 3-5, 2 RBI, SB (9), CS (1)
Joe Inglett (271) 1-5
Shin Soo Choo (217) 2-4, 2B
Keith Ginter (244), 1-3, HR (7), 2 RBI, W
Andy Marte (242), 0-4
Hector Luna (279), 2-4
Brad Snyder (278), 1-4
Ryan Mulhern (336), 1-3, W
Juan Lara (6.88), 1 IP, 3 K

AKRON - Lost 7-1 at Erie
Argenis Reyes (266), 0-3, W, SB (11)
Asdrubal Cabrera (312), 1-4, SB-2 (9)
Jordan Brown (319), 2-4, RBI, SB-2 (8)
JVE (329), 0-2, 2W
Trevor Crowe (179), 1-3, W, SB (5), Hit 7th
Wyatt Toregas (244), 1-4
Rodney Choy Foo (296), 1-4
Chuck Lofgren (3-3, 3.86), 3.2IP, 11H, 6R, 5W, 4K

KINSTON - Won 11-8 at Potomac
Jose Constanza (261), 1-4, W, SB (8)
CDLC (286), 1-5
Stephen Head (237), 1-5, HR (6), 2 RBI
Max Ramirez (310), 2-5, HR (6), 2 RBI
John Drennen (233), 1-5
Wes Hodges (268), 3-4, HR (5), RBI, W
Mike Butia (214), 2-5, HR (1), 2 RBI
Matt Meyer, 0 IP, 1 H, 2 W, high-A debut

LAKE COUNTY - Lost 15-6 v Hagerstown
Jason Denham (315), 1-4
Matt McBride (297), 1-5, HR (2), RBI
Matt Whitney (329), 1-5
Jared Geodert (362), 1-4, HR (15), 2 RBI
Carlos Rivero (265), 0-4, E (10)

Posted on 5/19/2007

May 18, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Quick Hits 5.18

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CLEVELAND: Won 2-0 v Minnesota
Fausto Carmona: 9IP, 4H, 0R, 2BB, 4K, 17GB
Victor Martinez: 1-3, HR (5), 331/420/517/937
Ryan Garko: 1-3, HR (5), 312/361/495/856
Grady Sizemore: 0-4, 2K
Mike Rouse, 0-3, 3K

BUFFALO: Lost 4-1 at Ottawa
Ryan Mulhern: 2-4, 336/378/632/1.010
Brad Snyder: 1-3, 280/391/441/832
Aaron Laffey: 6IP, 8H, 4R, 3K
Kane Davis (Ottawa): 2IP, 6K

AKRON: Lost 3-2 v Bowie
Shawn Nottingham: 6.2IP, 5H, 1R, 3W, 3K (2.68)
Ryan Goleski: 0-4, 4K Oof!
Argenis Reyes: 1-2, W, SB(10), .272
JVE: 1-4, .338

KINSTON: Off

LAKE COUNTY: Lost 3-2 v Hagerstown
Jason Denham, 1-5, .318
Ramon Pena, 1-4, 2B, W, .262
Matt McBride, 2-5, 2-2B(12), RBI, 301/377/434/811
Matt Whitney, 0-4, W, .333
Jared Goedert, 1-5, 365/494/762/1.256
Nick Weglarz, 1-4, 3K, .238
Carlos Rivero, 2-4, 2B, .275
Steven Wright, 6IP, 3H, 2R, 1W, 5K, 2 HR (3-3,4.75)
Austin Creps, 1.1 IP, 5 H, 1R (pro debut)

Posted on 5/18/2007

May 17, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Faustopendous!

Fausto Carmona just finished off the Twins in the 9th for a four-hit, complete-game shutout and a 2-0 Indians victory.

Posted on 5/17/2007

May 15, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Hotties

Chuck Lofgren (#5) and Jared Goedert (#20) make this week's Prospect Hot Sheet at baseballamerica.com

Posted on 5/15/2007

CIR UPDATE: Front Office Extensions

The Indians announced contract extensions today for Chris Antonetti and John Mirabelli. Terms were not disclosed although it is expected that they will be allowed to leave the team when they're not pitching to spend more time with the family and/or playing in charitable golf, bowling, or cornhole tournaments. Antonetti, who has been with the organization since 1999, is being promoted to Vice President of Baseball Operations (from Assistant General Manager) and is signed through 2011. Mirabelli stays as the Assistant General Manager, Scouting Operations, and is now signed through 2010 to run the Tribe's draft and scouting departments. As Mark Shapiro says on mlb.com..."consistency and stability are an important part of any successful organization".

Posted on 5/15/2007

CIR 5.15

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Rafael Perez is prepared to celebrate his 24th birthday in style today after tossing seven strong innings in the Bisons 6-2 victory over Rochester yesterday. Striking out seven in 7.2 innings on the bump, Perez yielded just two runs on eight hits and a pair of walks. Twelve outs were recorded via the ground-ball, including three double-plays. In his two starts since being demoted from Cleveland, the southpaw has allowed four earned runs (2.54) in 14.2 innings with 11 strikeouts. Somewhat forgotten amidst the Carmona's, Miller's, and Lofgren's of the organization, don't discount the impact Perez can/might/will have on the big league club this season, either on the bump itself or through trade.

Andy Marte broke out of a 4-for-25 slump with a four-hit game yesterday, including his second big fly of his rehab assignment. He's now hitting .276 (8-for-29) with three strikeouts and a walk.

Shin Soo Choo is in the midst of a 0-for-13 and 2-for-24 slump at the plate in his last six games that has sent his averages plummeting down to 221/333/294/627.

Chuck Lofgren continues his nasty ways in Akron, tossing seven NO-HIT innings against Erie on Sunday. This coming after he carried a no-hitter through 5-1/3 in his previous outing against Binghamton. Retiring the first nice he faced, the only blemish came in the fourth after a leadoff walk, a balk, and two sacrifices plated a Sea Wolves run. The final 12 (including three outs in the fourth) were sent down in a row. Entering the 8th having thrown just 84 pitches, Stephanie Storm talks about Tim Bogar's thought process in removing the big left-hander. Lofgren now has 42 strikeouts in 40.2 innings with a 2.88 ERA and .196 BAA for the Aeros.

In this BA piece, Lofgren talks about facing Mets top prospect Fernando Martinez.

Randy Newsom was promoted to Kinston after posting a 1.00 ERA in 11 appearances for the K-Tribe. The right-hander had struck out 9 in 12 innings walking just one and allowing 11 baseknocks. The 24-year old Newsom was the PTBNL in the Coco Crisp - Andy Marte trade with the Red Sox.

TJ Burton was also promoted to Akron after posting a 1.98 ERA in 13 appearances for the K-Tribe, including five wins out of the pen. Holy vulture reliever, fantasy fans. For the six-year veteran of the organization, the promotion marks his first taste of double-A ball.

Undrafted free agent Frank Herrmann continues to impress in Kinston, needing just 84 pitches to work eight innings of one-run ball yesterday against Frederick. The economical Hah-vahd man struck out five while allowing a run on five hits. Continuing a healthy trend, Herrmann did not issue any free passes and has now given up just three walks in 39.2 innings this season which is a vast improvement from last seasons 47 walks in 122.1 innings for the County.

Chris Niesel was placed on the Kinston DL with a shoulder ailment. Yet another strong performer out of Mike Sarbaugh's bullpen, Niesel had a 1.93 ERA in 14 innings covering seven appearances.

Jared Goedert (376/507/803/1.310) continues to rip for the County, belting his minor league leading 14th homerun yesterday. If he stays close to this pace through the end of month, it will be interesting to see if the Indians decide to force a move up to Kinston. More likely, though, Goedert's movement may depend on the readiness of Wes Hodges to move up to Akron. Typically, we start seeing these moves towards the later part of May and into June.

Likewise, Matt Whitney remains hot in the LC with his averages sitting at 338/385/586/972 with 12 doubles and 8 homeruns (#8 came this afternoon as I'm typing this). Additionally, Whitney has started to cut down on his strikeouts, having fanned just five times in his last 42 at-bats, compared to 23 times in his first 91 ABs.

South-sider Matt Meyer has allowed just one earned run in 18 innings of relief for the Captains. He's been particularly stingy to fellow lefties, limiting them to a .118 BAA in 5.1 innings of work.

Andrew Lytle announced his retirement and the end of his brief three-year professional career. Drafted out of the University of Iowa in the 25th round of the 2005 draft, Lytle hit .292 in the Valley last year but saw his average sitting at .152 (5-for-33) this season while in a reserve role. In his final game last Thursday, Lytle took the collar, going 0-for-5.

Cristo Arnal was called up from extended spring training and will take the place of Lytle on the Captains roster. The 21-year old Venezuelan debuted last night, going 1-for-3.

Former Indian Francisco Cruceta has been suspended for 50 games for testing positive for a performance enhancing substance. Acquired from the Dodgers, along with Ricardo Rodriguez and Terry Mulholland, for Paul Shuey in late July 2002, Cruceta spent four years in the Indians organization, going 12-9 with a 3.09 ERA with Akron in 2003 and allowing 8 runs in 7-2/3 innings in two starts for the Tribe in 2004. Claimed off waivers by the Mariners in August 2005, the right-hander has most recently been pitching for the Rangers triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City.

The Giants Dave Roberts will be out for a month after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs in his elbow. Rick White was activated off the DL by the Astros. John Gall was called up by the Marlins. Rheal Cormier signed a minor league deal with the Braves after being released by the Reds and Chris Coste was called up by the Phillies.

Posted on 5/15/2007

May 14, 2007

CIR 5-14

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While attempting to dig through the archives for information on the recently traded Jason Davis (to Seattle for a PTBNL), I discovered something very alarming. The archives no longer existed. Well, they technically did still exist but since they were inaccessible via the links provided, they were, for all intents and purposes, non-existent. One hour and countless help pages later, the archives are back up and running but time has run out on compiling and posting today's report. So, I'll just leave you with this little nugget of information on the Mariners newest relief pitcher, dateline September 5, 2002, a time of great despair on the North Coast but not without it's glimmers of hope...

Jason Davis, incidentally, has simply been dominant over his last six starts for Akron, posting a 5-0 record with a 1.43 ERA in 37-2/3 innings of work. He's struck out 35, walked 12, and allowed 33 hits. Perhaps no other player has helped himself the second half of the season in terms of being a "prospect" as much as Davis. If he is not a lock already for the 40-man roster, he has definitely made a case for himself, especially when you consider the reports that he is throwing 94-95mph constantly with the Aeros. With Davis (21st round) and Kyle Denney (26th), Fernando Cabrera (10th), and Shane Wallace (6th) all pitching well, some good may come out of the dismal 1999 draft after all.

Posted on 5/14/2007

May 09, 2007

CIR UPDATE: K-Tribe Wins

Three pitches, three outs in the bottom of 9th for Scott Roehl in closing out the K-Tribe's 5-4 victory over Frederick.

Posted on 5/09/2007

CIR UPDATE: Goedert Goesdeep

The Captains Jared Goedert belted his Sally League leading 12th and 13th homeruns today in the Captains 5-3 victory over Lexington. That is some kind of hot.

Posted on 5/09/2007

CIR 5-9

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Rise Up!

Like the Cavs protecting home court and taking a 2-0 series lead against the Nets.

Like Cliff Lee carrying a no-hitter into the sixth inning and tossing a complete game three-hitter in his second start of the season.

Like Trot Nixon (407, 11-for-27) and Victor Martinez (433, 13-for-30) setting the pace in May.

Like Fausto Carmona continuing to make a difficult decision even more difficulter with another sensational outing on Monday.

Like me inventing a word in the sentence above.

Rise Up!

Like Sasha swatting away a Jason Kidd layup with the left hand in the final minutes on Sunday.

Like Chuck Lofgren coming within two outs of a no-hitter in the opener of the Aeros double-dip last night.

Like 18-year old Lake County shortstop Carlos Rivero, who went deep twice yesterday and drove in six runs.

Like the Cavs dominating the boards like no other Cavs team before.

Like the Sally League's leading slugger, Jared Goedert, who belted his 11th big fly and is ripping at an ungodly 375/504/789/1285 pace.

Rise Up!
(indeed)

Posted on 5/09/2007

May 08, 2007

CIR 5-8

Random stuff from the notebook...

Tremendous outing from Paul Byrd on Friday. I don't think I saw a pitch above the knees from the fifth inning on (when I really started watching) except when it was obvious he wanted to work up in the zone. Two terrific sequences against Miguel Tejada with men on base.

Can someone explain to me why there is all this talk about trading CC Sabathia on the radio?

Matt Miller is expected to work an inning tonight for Buffalo as he continues to rehab his way back to the big leagues. When Miller is ready, it will be interesting to see how (or if) the Indians attempt to add him to the bullpen.

Andy Marte went deep while playing six innings for Buffalo last night. He had been out of the lineup since April 30 with recurring soreness in his hammy.

Keith Woolner, formerly of baseballprospectus.com is the newest member of the Indians front office, joining the club as the Manager of Baseball Research and Analysis where he will be responsible for advanced objective analysis, forecasting, and strategy analysis.

Official makeup dates for the opening weekend snowout...
April 6 - May 21
April 7 - June 11
April 8 - August 30
April 9 - September 26 (in Seattle)

Note that the Indians-Twins game originally scheduled for August 30 will now be played on August 27.

Note that the Indians will now play "home" games in three separate facilites this season (Jacobs Field, Miller Park, Safeco Field)

Adam Miller worked six strong innings to move to 4-0 on the year in the Bisons 4-2 victory over Columbus yesterday. Miller (4-0, 2.43) retired 11 in a row at one point and scattered three hits and a pair of walks while striking out seven.

Brian Finegan will be out 4-to-6 weeks after breaking a bone in his left hand while attempting to tag a runner who had overrun second base. Finegan was hitting 282/364/423/787 in 22 games for the K-Tribe.

Nick Pesco was activated out of extended spring training and assigned to triple-A Buffalo. Last year, the right-hander was 6-8 with a 5.81 ERA for Akron.

Brian Slocum has been shut down for 7-to-10 days in Buffalo with right elbow irritation. Slocum went six innings (3 H, 5 BB, 7 K, 2R) on Friday in picking up his second win of the season. In 26 innings covering five starts, the former Villanova Wildcat is 2-2 with a 4.15 ERA with 28 strikeouts in 26 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .208 BAA.

Jared Goedert (380/513/772/1.285) makes the "helium watch" section of Baseball America's prospect hot sheet.

The Captians Jason Denham is in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak (15-for-35, .429) that has raised his averages to 340/467/404/871 for the season. Included in the streak are three consecutive multiple-hit games.

Ryan Ludwick was called up by the Cardinals. Zach Sorenson was released by the Marlins. Scott Sauerbeck was activated off the Astros triple-A disabled list. Mark Jecman was released by the Royals. Milwaukee released Devin Rogers. Philadelphia released Jim Crowell. Pittsburgh released Jim Brower and Mike Edwards. Todd Donovan was placed on the minor league disabled list by the Rangers after he crashed into the outfield wall and was knocked unconscious. Reports indicate that Donovan is recovering well although he is having vision problems in his right eye.

Posted on 5/08/2007

May 07, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Roster Moves

The Indians made a pair of roster moves this morning in advance of the 12:35 PM start against the Orioles. As expected, Jake Westbrook was placed on the 15-day disabled list and Fausto Carmona was recalled from Buffalo to take his place in the rotation to start against the Birds this afternoon. What was not expected, at least in this corner, was the call up of Edward Mujica and the designation for assignment of Jason Davis. Note that by unexpected I am referring to the announcement of the move itself, not the quality of the transaction. With Davis out of options, the only way to remove him from the big league roster was via the designation route. The Indians will now have 10 days to trade, release, or slide him through waivers. Since this is his first time being designated, Davis will not have the option of refusing an assignment to the minor leagues so if no one places a waiver claim, the Indians will be able to assign him to Buffalo and keep him in the organization which I assume they would like to do. Davis had not pitched well in his last two outings but he does have a big arm and I would be surprised if he does go unclaimed. More than likely, the Indians will work out a deal for a lower-level prospect (and I use that term loosely). The Tribe also recalled Franklin Gutierrez on Sunday and optioned Rafael Perez back to Buffalo to return the position player / pitcher mix to the customary 13/12 ratio. More in the next CIR.

Posted on 5/07/2007

May 03, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Roster Moves

The Indians activated Cliff Lee from the disabled list, recalled Rafael Perez, and optioned both Ben Francisco and Shin Soo Choo to Buffalo. No word yet on the status of Jake Westbrook.

Posted on 5/03/2007

CIR 5-3

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Quick hits...

Jake Westbrook is expected to be placed on the disabled list today (Eric Wedge says "sounds like a DL situation") with a strained oblique muscle or left abdominal tightness, depending on which reports you read and which description you prefer, after being removed in the second inning last night against the Jays. Thus, the $33 million man hits the DL after his durability was touted as one of the justifications for the new deal. Cue the OIC nonsense now. I think I'll just listen to 2 Live Stews instead and pass on the local stuff.

It doesn't sound like the injury to Westbrook is going to be serious, perhaps similar to Cliff Lee in both injury and recovery/rehab time with a 4-to-6 (6-to-8) week recovery period? The positive is that the Tribe has Fausto Carmona (likely) and Adam Miller (same rotation cycle) ready to step in and fill the void. I can't see any reason why Carmona would not receive the call to replace Jake in the rotation but Miller has been speculated so it's worth a mention. Aside from the tremendous performance of Carmona in the bigs, service time concerns are likely to play a factor in any recall involving Miller before August.

(Edit: Not sure what I was thinking here. Lee's recovery period was obviously extended by the lack of spring training. Westbrook's should be less if they do decide to place him on the DL)

Before Carmona is recalled, however, it's likely the Indians will bring up a reliever to help a bullpen that worked nine innings yesterday and is likely facing three innings or more of work tonight with Cliff Lee toeing the slab for the first time in the bigs this year and likely on a 80-90 pitch count. Edward Mujica threw 50 pitches yesterday (allowing his first runs of the year) so he's not providing any immediate help. Juan Lara threw five pitches yesterday and would likely be available as would Rafael Perez, scheduled Bisons starter tonight, and Brian Slocum, who started Sunday and would be on three days rest. Those are your likely options from the 40 and I would be surprised if they would go outside it for a three-or-four day need given the available options above. Once Carmona is needed for his turn in the rotation, he would be recalled and .the above would likely then return to Buffalo pending any additional injuries or roster changes, of course.

Adam Miller worked (literally) through six scoreless innings in notching his third win of the season in the Bisons 7-5 victory over the 'cuse yesterday. While the numbers appear dominating on the surface, 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 3 BB, 7 K, the right-hander definitely had to work for this scoreless outing. After walking the first two hitters he faced, Miller escaped the first by inducing a fly to center and then punching out the number four and five hitters in the Sky Chiefs lineup. The second inning began in a similar fashion with the first two hitters reaching via a hit-by-pitch and walk before Miller retired the next three in order to escape unharmed. A perfect third and fourth inning led into the fifth, in which Syracuse loaded the bases with one out, but could not plate a run after a groundball led to a force at home (and the ejection of Sky Chiefs skipper Doug Davis) followed by an inning-ending strikeout. A perfect 1-2-3 sixth closed out Miller's day on the bump. The big right-hander is now unscored upon in his last two starts covering 13 innings and has a 2.32 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 31 innings this season (25 H, 11 BB).

Another game, another long ball for the Captains Jared Goedert, whose two-run blast yesterday put the Captains ahead to stay in their 4-3 victory over Hickory and represented the fourth consecutive game in which the 21-year old has gone yard. Goedert added a single and is now hitting 377/515/831/1.346 with 10 homeruns, 23 RBI, and 22 walks in 77 at-bats. Through seven innings today (love these late morning games) Goedert has two more hits but has not gone deep.

I can't wait to see what Rousseau is planning on doing with that dynamite.

Posted on 5/03/2007

May 02, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Denied!

MLB denied the Indians protest of Saturday's game against Baltimore. More in the next CIR.

Posted on 5/02/2007

CIR 5-2

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Ben Francisco made his major league debut last night, entering as a defensive replacement for Trot Nixon in the 9th inning. His performance in spring training (.293, 12-for-41, 3 HR) combined with a strong start in Buffalo (299/397/433/830, 7 XBH, 11 BB) gave him the edge over the red-hot (see below) Franklin Gutirrez. it's possible that Francisco's stay may last just one more game as the Indians will need to create roster spot for Cliff Lee and his scheduled return to the rotation tomorrow night. With two lefties (Bedard and Loewen) scheduled to start against the Tribe over the weekend and a slew of southpaws in the Baltimore pen, the right-handed hitting Francisco may be a more attractive option for Eric Wedge right now than the left-handed hitting Shin Soo Choo (.294, 5-for-17), especially with David Dellucci returning to the lineup. We'll see what happens tomorrow.

Fausto Carmona reports to Buffalo having proven that he belongs in the big leagues yet still a victim of the numbers and the veteran squeeze. Each start was better than his last, capped by Sunday's one-run gem against the Birds. Over his final three outings, Carmona posted a 2.05 ERA in 22 innings with 46 of 66 outs recorded via the groundball. Nasty is the best way to describe his sinker. It will be interesting to see how he responds to this unearned, but unfortunately necessary, demotion.

Andy Marte is hitless (0-for-4) in two games as the DH with the Bisons. He's also been removed from each game and was not in the lineup on Tuesday. Anthony Castrovince notes on mlb.com that Marte was removed on Monday due to recurring soreness in his left hamstring. Eligible to come off the disabled list on May 7, I would not be surprised if Marte uses all (or most) of the twenty days allowed for his rehab assignment. Christina Kharl, meanwhile, notes in her transaction analysis column on baseballprospectus.com that "I guess I look at the amount of playing time (41 plate appearances) and his having only turned 23, and I wonder about such sensibilities (questioning his future). The guy's young, he plays a good third, and if I remember correctly, Matt Williams struggled to get his OBP over .250 until after his 24th birthday. Marte doesn't have Williams' power, of course, but it seems strange to go Chicken Little on someone with Marte's track record and talent".

Anthony Castrovince notes on mlb.com that the Indians will likely have to play at least one game in Seattle to make up the four games cancelled due to mother nature over opening weekend. May 21 and June 11 appear to be in line, as speculated, for two of the other makeup games. Casey Blake, the Indians union rep, notes that everyone involved is trying to avoid playing doubleheaders. The clubs and mlb held a conference call yesterday and an announcement confirming the dates could be (should be) announced within the next few days. I wonder if the "compromise" here will be the Indians playing a game in Seattle in exchange for a double-header at the Jake on one of the above two dates?

The Indians are expected to learn the results of their protest of Saturday's game soemtime this week. I think a decision needs to be reached by Friday but don't quote me on that. Buster Olney, for one, believes the Indians should win their protest of Saturday's game against the Orioles, not that they will necessarily win, with his thought process being that "the precedent established by the umpires on Saturday would create such a dangerous gray area for how similar situations would be handled in the future>" For example, let's say this play...

To recap, with runners on first and third, Grady made a sliding catch of a line drive and Nick Markakis tagged up from third and scored before Miguel Tejada was doubled off first base for the third round. The run should have counted but the umpires waved it off. Three innings later, after the Birds protested in the fourth, the umpires reversed their decision and credited the Orioles with a run.

(restarting train of thought) For example, let's say this play had occured in the 8th inning and resulted in a tie game that went into extra innings. In the 10th inning, the umpires realize their mistake, credit the Orioles with the run, and the game is suddenly over. Could you imagine the brouhaha that would have ensued from a scenario like that? The issue is not whether Markakis' run should have counted (it should have) but what's the time period in which the umpires can correct a mistake like this or, rather, if they should be allowed to do so at all once the next play has begun. My gut says the Indians lose the protest but we'll see rules enacted to prevent situations like this in the future. If the Indians protest is somehow upheld, it would be interesting to see if mlb tries to resume the game in Baltimore this weekend, giving the Indians yet another home game on foreign turf (Milwaukee, Seattle (possible), and B-More).

Franklin Gutierrez has eight multiple-hit games as part of a 10-game hitting streak (.413, 19-for-46) that has raised his season averages to a robust .370/.414/.519/.932. He reached base four more times on Monday (two singles, two walks) in the Bisons 12-4 victory over Pawtucket.

UPDATE: Another two-hit game on Tuesday and a 11-game hitting streak for Gut.

Edward Mujica worked a scoreless inning of relief and is now unscored upon in 10 innings (covering nine appearances) to start the season. In limiting opposing hitters to a .125 BAA, Mujica has allowed just four safeties and no walks while striking out twelve.

Brad Snyder has put together back-to-back multiple hit games for the Bisons and is now hitting 286/412/429/840. Although he has yet to go deep, he has swiped five bags.

UPDATE: 1-for-4 last night with a walk and stolen base (#6).

Keith Ginter (269/378/537/915), who had been 0-for-16 over a recent 6-game stretch, has gone deep four times in the last three contests.

Ryan Mulhern (309/365/603/968) belted his fifth longball yesterday.

Adam Miller tossed another gem on Friday, striking out eight in seven shutout innings. The right-hander allowed just two hits and a pair of walks while carrying a no-hitter into the fifth inning. Miller now carries a 2.88 ERA through four starts with 23 punchouts in 25 innings (23 H, 8 BB).

Great Q&A session with Aeros outfielder Brian Barton on baseballamerica.com on Tuesday. Simply put, the man exudes class. Not to mention that he's a heck of an outfield prospect as well, hitting 303/425/545/970 with 9 extra-base hits (3 homers), 13 RBI, and 4 stolen-bases. Cautionary note: 20 strikeouts in 66 at-bats.

Stephanie Storm notes in the ABJ and the Aeros Blog that the Indians have sent a "handful of instructors to Akron to talk/work/coach/cajole" Trevor Crowe out of his early-season funk that has the prized outfielder hitting just .177/.278/.253/.531 through 19 games (79 AB). Crowe himself admits in the article that's he's been pressing and trying to do too much at the plate which has gotten him away from the approach that has made him of the Indians top prospects. The good thing out of all this is that Crowe apparantly seems receptive to the coaching which isn't often the case with a "top prospect".

David Briggs reports on Scott Lewis' climb through the system after Tommy John surgery. Lewis is 0-1 with 3.57 ERA this year in 17 innings of work (15 H, 2 BB, 15 K).

Shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera has gone deep in two of the Aeros last three games and is now hitting 338/416/500/916. He's also scored six times over the last two contests.

Jordan Brown has back-to-back three-hit games (6-for-10) and is hitting 319/410/500/910.

After three consecutive six inning, one run outings to start the season, Aaron Laffey was roughed up for four runs (three earned) on Saturday in five innings of work. Looking for the silver lining, Laffey allowed 12 hits but only four runners crossed the plate.

Did I give the details on Cliff Lee's start for Akron on Friday? I don't think so, so here we go. In five scoreless innings and 83 pitches, Lee struck out seven while allowing just two hits and a walk. He struck out the first two hitters he faced, retired two more swinging in the second, worked a 1-2-3 third, surrended his first knock in the fourth, and then worked out of a one-out, 1st and third jam in the fifth by striking out his final two hitters of the night. Sounds like he's ready.

(not so) Quick hits on Kinston and the LC...

Jeffrey Stevens gave up his first runs of the season on Monday (0.45 ERA, 20 IP, 24 K).

David Huff (3-0, 1.73) tossed seven strong innings of two-run ball (6H, 0 BB, 4 K) in notching his third victory of the season. The outing was one of two that earned the southpaw Carolina League Pitcher of the Week honors. It was also the longest outing of his professional career.

(Trot Nixon just went deep to give the Indians a 12-4 lead - Hammy is going nuts - written on Monday night)

Jose Constanza (289/326/410/735) is in the midst of a six-game hitting streak in which he's hitting .520 (13-for-25).

UPDATE: Book'em Dano. 0-for-5 last night and the streak is snapped.

Wes Hodges went deep twice on Monday and now has four taters on the season (286/311/607/915) (17 K, 56 AB).

Captains righthander Mike Eisenberg is blogging on mlblogs.com

Is there a hotter hitter in the minor leagues than the Captains Jared Goedert? The Sally League's leading slugger blasted his ninth big fly of the season in a 'grand' fashion, if you know what I mean, in the Captains 16-0 white-washing of Hickory last night. It's the third straight game in which Goedert has gone deep. during which he's 5-for-9 with 8 RBI and 4 walks, and is now hitting 370/516/808/1.324. Can you say breakout?

Also doing some impressive yard work is Nick Weglarz who belted his 6th homerun and has now gone deep in back-to-back games and four of his last six. The former third round pick (05) is now hitting 269/418/526/944 with 17 walks and 23 strikeouts in 78 at-bats.

Matt Whitney continues to rake, now hitting 325/383/614/997 with six doubles, six homeruns, and 18 RBI. While he's old for the Sally League, it's very encouraging to see Whitney finally enjoying some success at the plate again. A mid-season promotion, perhaps early mid-season (late May, early June) if he stays hot at the plate and his health holds up, would seem in order for Whitney with a likely goal of having him start at double-A Akron next season.

Carlos Rivero (301/330/410/739) has a six-game hitting streak (11-for-23, .478).

Matt McBride, 2nd round pick out of Lehigh last year, is also raking in the County, hitting 348/439/493/932 with eight extra-base hits (seven doubles, one dinger).

Benefitting from all the offense last night, not that he needed it, was right-hander Jeanmar Gomez who spun seven innings of one-run ball in picking up his third victory of the season. Gomez was perfect through five before giving up a leadoff single in the sixth with the only other baserunner reaching via a hit-by-pitch in the seventh. The eighteen year-old Venezuelan spent last season with the Indians GCL team, going 4-3 with a 2.42 ERA in 54.1 innings (50 H, 12 BB, 34 K).

Jaret Wright was placed (again) on the 15-day disabled list with "recurring soreness in his right shoulder". This after Wright labored through three innings against the Indians on Sunday, barely reaching 90 mph and throwing almost half of his pitches (30 of 61) outside the strike zone. Wright's battled shoulder problems throughout his career, going on the DL at least five times and missing most of 2005 and this latest setback does not sound good.

Bob Wickman is also headed to the disabled list as the Braves placed him on the 15-day Dl with tendinitis in the upper right portion of his back after he had blown his last two save opportunities. Wick has six saves in eight opps but has also walked 10 in 11.1 innings while posting a 3.97 ERA.

The Canton Respository notes that the Indians have released Tim Drew from extended spring training.

Tim Lincecum continues to post ungodly numbers at triple-A Fresno, this time striking out 14 and walking none in six shutout innings on Sunday to lower his ERA to 0.29. Incredible.

I don't know what's more amazing on Monday nights. How quickly Jack Bauer and CTU can manuever through a post-nuclear Los Angeles or how quickly the non-flying, non-teleporting heroes can move about the country?

As for Tuesday's, if I'm a greenhorn, I'm looking to bait fish on the Northwestern as a half-share. No dobut, Sig can drop his pots right on the crab.

(sorry for any sloppy spelling and grammer, the dumn spell-chekker ain't wurkin)

Posted on 5/02/2007

May 01, 2007

CIR UPDATE: Camona Down, Francisco Up

The Indians optioned Fausto Carmona to Buffalo and called up Ben Francisco to replace Carmona on the roster. Francisco (or Shin Soo Choo) will likely remain on the roster until Thursday when Cliff Lee is activated to start against the Blue Jays.

Posted on 5/01/2007

CIR UPDATE

Tip: Remember to save your work before trying to publish. That's all I'm going to say.

Posted on 5/01/2007

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