Jackson Can’t Capitalize, Still Winless
Written By: Scott | Category: Cleveland Indians | Comments: 4
Orioles 6, Indians 3 (box)
In his defense, I do not believe that the Indians were or are counting on Zach Jackson to put up a 20-win season any time soon. Also in his defense, the bar was set pretty high by Scott Lewis two games prior. In what will likely be one of his main competitors for a spot in the rotation next season, and those going forward, Lewis held the Orioles to three hits in eight innings. Jeremy Sowers, another back-of-the-rotation possibility was great the following night – not helping Jackson’s case.
Also not helping Jackson’s case? The eight hits and four earned runs in six innings of work.
I would like to pin this one on the fact that the Tribe was 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Sure, Asdrubal Cabrera made an error. But Jackson was given a lead in the second inning, and then we tied it up in the fifth. Both times, Jackson allowed runs; the sixth inning was all she wrote.
So, the question that I may have to throw out to all of you is: What is Jackson’s ultimate fate with this team? Personally, I don’t see how he can fit into the future plans as anything more than a spot-start due to injuries or just weirdly-scheduled game. Of course, we don’t know what will happen to the Jake Westbrook. Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona will be one and two. That leaves two, maybe three slots. I have a feeling that it will be Jackson left without the chair when the music stops, but I could be wrong…
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A few quick notes as we head in to the weekend:
- Anthony Castrovince beat me to the punch on this statistic: The Indians have tied the American League record for most times being plunked by a pitch in a single season.
- Step aside Adam Miller, you are no longer the Tribe’s top prospect. That title belongs to Carlos Santana, per Tony Lastoria.
- Cliff Lee goes for 22 tonight. K-Rod tied the saves record last night. If Lee doesn’t win the Cy Young, so help me…
Now let’s get to .500!
Author: Scott
Scott is a co-founder/editor of Waiting For Next Year who resides in Cleveland, Ohio. Feel free to follow him on Twitter or email him at scott@waitingfornextyear.com.Scott has written 1701 articles for Waiting for Next Year.
I’m asking this purely ignorantly of his overall ability: does Jackson have potential to be in the bullpen instead of the rotation? This team has one thing in abundance: left-handed starters. Other than Perez, they have no legitimate left-handed relievers. Should the Tribe brass rob Peter to pay Paul and try to convert him into a reliever?
Definitely a viable question. I know that Rundles is lefty, and projects to be a bullpen arm. Jackson could wind up getting the old Jensen Lewis role of middle (longer) relief, as he does have the tools. I wish he had a better fastball, or an out pitch for that matter if we did put him in the pen…
I was at that sparely attended game last night. Definitely more Indians fans in Baltimore than Orioles fans right now. Jackson looked good most of the time (most). The most frustating thing–still– is freakin Travis Hafner. He hit the ball, but barely past the infield. I am curious….is that what Designated Hitters are for…because I was under the impression that they hit for distance, like, say a home run.
…Sorry, its frustrating.
Sooooo much pitching, sooooo little hitting.
Perhaps a trade with the Tigers is in order?
/only half-joking