While We’re Waiting… Cavs/Wizards “Rivalry”, Shaq’s Michael Jackson Tribute, the ’94 Tribe
July 17, 2009Where Else Can You See Racing Cream Sticks?
July 17, 2009
(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
The last time we saw Cliff Lee, he was slinging verbal chinese stars around the Indians locker room. Eric Wedge and Ryan Garko were the main targets, but if the description of Lee’s tone was accurate, no one was safe.
Thankfully, after a season of getting next to zero help* from his offense or defense, the entire Indians staff played as a unit and the team started the second half off with a 4-1 win.
I may be speaking out of turn when I say “entire staff” as the bullpen got the night off thanks to Lee going the distance. The only run he allowed was a solo shot from Ronny Cedeno, the ninth hitter. Aside from that, he fanned six, walked zero, and actually left the game with a smile on his face.
(*As an aside, I realize that Kelly Shoppach is Cliff Lee’s catcher – and could be partly responsible for what Lee was able to do last season. However, if run support is the big issue with our ace, is the Lee-Shoppach tandem a bit of a double-edged sword? It can’t help Lee’s case if his offense continually has a guy that is hitting under .200 for the season, right?)
Lee’s colleagues managed to collect 10 hits oer the game, with Grady Sizemore, Asdrubal Cabrera and Jhonny Peralta each with two. On the other side of the coin, Ben Francisco and Victor Martinez went hitless on the evening – Martinez is currently 4-for-49 dating back to June 26th.
It is worth noting that Grady Sizemore resumed his role at lead-off last night, with Cabrera batting second. Cabrera still has about 40 points of on-base percentage on Sizemore, but if we know Wedge, he’ll try to ride this lineup for as long as possible since it actually provided a win. For those wondering about OBP as a team, Shin-Soo Choo leads the Tribe with an OBP of .401, followed by Travis Hafner with .398. I definitely wouldn’t have guessed that to be the case with Hafner at the beginning of the season.
Those of you hoping that this is the start of a solid second half, a “turn-around” if you will, your faith is now in the hands of Tomo Ohka as he takes on All-Star starter Felix Hernandez and his 2.53 ERA. King Felix was 2-0 against the Tribe last season, and has improved immensely this year. Have fun with that one, Tomo…
5 Comments
I finally cancelled my mlb.tv subscription yesterday, and one good performance is not going to make me regret it.
“Cabrera still has about 40 points of on-base percentage on Sizemore, but if we know Wedge, he’ll try to ride this lineup for as long as possible since it actually provided a win.”
Wait…if we know Wedge, he’ll NOT try to ride the same lineup that provides a win. He’s repeated a lineup how many times this season?
Will Cliff Lee make it through July? After stiffing Lee’s overture in training camp to negotiate an extension, which contender could provide Shapetti with the next Winnie Abreu?
It’s now after the all-star break, and yet Shapetti/Wedge haven’t decided to call up the youngers and put em out there? Oh yea…….one hot streak and they’re back in it.
Oh yea…….we’ll have a great meaningless second half, that ought placate the fans AGAIN.
“Those of you hoping that this is the start of a solid second half…”
I’m actually NOT hoping from a solid second half, except from individuals who are definitely in the team’s plans next season. I don’t want Shapedge to claim again that they turned it around.
not that it matter… but Huff is pitching tonight not Okha