The bottom of the seventh inning included a conversation between Underwood and Manning which eventually made its way around to “sometimes the best trade you can make is not to make one.” Um, not in this case boys.
You had to wonder how the team would react last night. Not just because of the trade deadline that came and went with nary a change in the clubhouse, but also because of the embarrassment of the Minnesota series. I was hoping we might see a little fire. Then I saw Lowe was the starting pitcher, and I realized that the fire may just be coming off the bats of the Royals.
Derek Lowe is either in a severe slump, or it is the end of the line. Let us let some of the Tribe’s scribes describe the scene from twitter-
Lowe falling apart again. Loads bases, balks in a run, gives up a 2-run double. Royals up 6-3 in the 3rd. Tomlin coming into the game.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 1, 2012
Have to wonder how long, if at all any longer, the Indians can afford to keep sending Lowe to the mound every five days.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) August 1, 2012
so Derek Lowe, a guy who was on a team that knocked out Thome, Manny, Sandy, Omar, etc from playoffs in 1998, isn’t working out? interesting
— Ben Cox (@BenCox83) August 1, 2012
@letsgotribe This game is the nail in the coffin of the guy who puts nails in coffins.— Marc B (@marcboudignon) August 1, 2012
Lowe. Glue factory.
— Adam Wheeler (@adam_c_wheeler) August 1, 2012
I could post a hundred tweets, but you get the idea. The stats just don’t lie. Derek Lowe over his last 3 starts: 15.88 ERA (20 ER/11.1 IP). Lowe over his last 13 starts: 8.28 ERA (61 ER/66.1 IP) with 97 H, 28 BB, 28 K. He just isn’t getting the job done.
But that doesn’t stop the Indians from handing him the ball every five days.
So Lowe gets lit up early again, and the Tribe sends in Josh Tomlin to pitch. Manny Acta had told reporters before the game that he may have to address the rotation with the front office sometime that evening. I’d say Tomlin’s appearance as long relief is a good indicator that he is no longer in Acta’s rotation, and you have to wonder about Lowe’s position as well.
After the game was over Manny Acta would name Corey Kluber the starter for Thursday night, taking Tomlin’s place.
To his credit, Derek Lowe didn’t make excuses- “It’s been live BP for the last two months. No excuses. Can’t say I got a bad break here or there. That would be a lie.” It was honest, but listening to the audio you can’t help but imagine his confidence is gone.
The offense made Luke Hochevar a winner for the first time since July 5th. They managed 8 hits, and Hochevar gave away at least one out by not covering first in time, leading to at least one of the Indians’ runs.
Then there was Santana’s blunder in the 8th. After Escobar’s throw went sailing over the first baseman’s head, Santana crossed first and turned toward second before rounding back around to the first baseline and WALKING toward the base. He was tagged out because you can’t overrun first and turn towards second. You have to turn away from the infield or else you are in play. Thanks Carlos. Good effort.
