May 21, 2013

While We’re Waiting… MLB Payroll Increases And Success, Browns’ Year In Review, And Shurmur Reflections

January 1, 2013 by Leave a Comment

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Leading off at The Hardball Times, Glenn DuPaul talks payroll increases and win totals. It doesn’t necessarily bode well for the 2013 Cleveland Indians, eh? “Last week, I discussed the issue of teams “going for broke” and how significant increases in payroll may affect overall success (win totals). One of the more interesting findings in that piece dealt with teams who had great success the season before they increased payroll. I found that from 2001 to 2012 there were 28 teams who won at least 88 games in the year before they increased payroll by at least 20 percent. Of those 28 teams, only 14 teams were able to get back to that 88-win threshold in the subsequent season. This result sounds surprising when taken at face value. In most cases, the assumption would be that the increase in payroll was an attempt to prevent regression and sustain, or build on, past success.” [The Hardball Times]

Dawgs By Nature has a phenomenal 2012 slideshow review of the Browns and some other happenings of interest to Browns’ fans. Also, check out their highlight of a mock draft that has the Browns taking Florida State DE Bjoern Werner with the sixth pick, “With the previous regime focusing much of their 2012 draft on the offensive side of the ball (quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and right tackle), the majority of fans seemed to be interested in finding a defensive stud. Some of the suggestions included DE Damontre Moore, DE Bjoern Werner, OLB Jarvis Jones, and CB Dee Milliner. Our draft affiliate, Dan Kadar from Mocking the Draft, posted their first mock draft now that the regular season is over. Out of those four defensive players recommended by fans, two of them — Milliner and Moore — were already off the board. Between Werner and Jones, Kadar decided to send Werner to the Browns.” [Dawgs By Nature] [Read more...]

Filed Under: General Tagged With: , , ,

MLB News: Indians activate Carlos Carrasco

November 2, 2012 by 4 Comments

The Cleveland Indians announced on Friday that they have activated right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco, left-handed pitcher Rafael Perez and right-handed pitcher Josh Tomlin from the 60-day Disabled List.

Also today the Indians claimed right-handed pitcher Blake Wood off outright waivers from the Kansas City Royals, bringing the total number of players under control on the 40-man roster to 38.

Wood, 27, missed the entire 2012 season after experiencing right elbow soreness in spring training that eventually led to reconstructive surgery on May 25. The Georgia Tech alum was KC’s 3rd round pick in the 2006 draft and owns a 2-year Major League career record of 6-6 w/a 4.30 ERA in 106 relief appearances (119.1IP, 120H, 57ER). The hard-throwing right-hander was a mainstay in the KC ‘pen in 2011, going 5-3 with a 3.75 ERA in 55 games (69.2IP, 66H, 29ER, 32BB, 62K).

Carrasco, acquired in the trade for former Cy Young-winner Cliff Lee, missed the entire 2012 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. He is expected to be ready for the 2013 training camp.

[Related: The Tigers Get Swept, Your Boy Rejoices, And The Tribe Decisions Three Days Away]

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , ,

Seven Straight Losses, Sizemore Done, Tomlin Going for T.J. Surgery, Just Another Day in Wahooland

August 22, 2012 by 7 Comments

So before last night’s date with King Felix Hernandez, beleaguered Indians manager Manny Acta and team trainer Lonnie Soloff met with the media. I am sure they had a blast discussing all of the great news they had to share (sarcasm font needed). In all seriousness, there is legitimately nothing positive going on in and around the Indians organization right now.

Nothing.

On the field the team has become an abject disaster, bereft of an offense while not knowing if their starting pitcher on any given day will go eight innings or make it out of the third. They have exactly three relievers they can count on. It’s enough to give any manager agita.

Acta and Soloff sat there and told the media that oft-injured CF Grady Sizemore had yet another set back and will not play in 2012. Apparently he has been experiencing right knee soreness during his rehab. In other news, the sky is blue, water is wet, and the Ubaldo Jimenez trade has been a failure. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Indians’ Josh Tomlin to Undergo Tommy John Surgery

August 22, 2012 by 5 Comments

Following a consultation with long-time specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum, Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Josh Tomlin will undergo Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The ligament-replacing procedure will be performed by Yocum on Wednesday in Los Angeles.

“It’s something that he needed to get done,” Indians manager Manny Acta said of the surgery, “in order for him to be able to compete the way he was able to compete in the past.”

The reported timetable for a full recovery is expected to be 12-18 months. It is believed that, in the event the team opts to bring Tomlin back as a relief pitcher, that he could return by August or September of 2013.

Tomlin has experienced on-and-off soreness over the last several years. The team feels that his regression from the 2011 season is largely due to the gradual deterioration of the player’s right elbow.

[Related: Comparing Manny Acta to Colt McCoy]

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , ,

Indians Roster Notes: Lopez Released, Tomlin to Have Arm Evaluated

August 12, 2012 by 7 Comments

For the fourth time this month, the Indians announced today they have released a veteran player DFA’d 10 days earlier. This time, it was utility infielder Jose Lopez, following in the footsteps of, chronologically, Johnny Damon, Jeremy Accardo and Derek Lowe.

Indians beat writers, who had a nice Twitter fling with Lopez throughout the season, were saddened by the announcement:

In other notable Indians roster notes, recently-converted reliever Josh Tomlin will have his right arm examined in Cleveland this week. He was originally rumored to see well-known specialist Dr. Lewis Yocum while the team is in Southern California this week, but supposedly the doctor is unavailable.

According to various Twitter reports, Tomlin has fought elbow soreness dating back to last season, possibly resulting in his poor performance to date this year: 5-8 with a 5.82 ERA in 20 games (16 starts).

It’s very possible that Tomlin will be moved to the DL this week to make room for Roberto Hernandez, who is scheduled to start Wednesday. It is also possible that lefty Chris Seddon or righty Corey Kluber also could go back to Columbus, while outfielders Matt LaPorta or Russ Canzler could be activated from the Clippers roster (h/t @MLBastian).

[Related: Contention Windows and Depth Charts: Analyzing the Cleveland Indians’ Future]

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Box Score: Indians 1, Red Sox 14

August 12, 2012 by 2 Comments

Well then, that got out of control quickly. Corey Kluber struggled in his third start for Cleveland and Josh Tomlin was no help in relief. At least the Indians managed to split the series with the Red Sox, who also have struggled in the second half.

Notable: Carlos Santana got switched from first base to left field late in the game. Notable: He didn’t look that awful. And no, there was no injury related to the strange move, as Manny Acta just said he wanted to give Shin-Soo Choo a little breather and a full day of rest for Michael Brantley.

 

Scoring Summary
Top 1st: Boston
- D. Pedroia doubled to right, C. Crawford scored
- A. Gonzalez homered to deep right, D. Pedroia scored
Bot 1st: Cleveland
- C. Santana hit sacrifice fly to center, J. Donald scored
Top 2nd: Boston
- C. Crawford doubled to deep right center, M. Aviles and J. Ellsbury scored
Top 4th: Boston
- K. Shoppach singled to shallow center, M. Aviles scored, K. Shoppach to second advancing on throw
Top 5th: Boston
- C. Ross singled to shallow right, D. Pedroia scored, A. Gonzalez to third
- J. Saltalamacchia singled to shallow right, A. Gonzalez scored, C. Ross to second
- D. Valencia hit sacrifice fly to left, C. Ross scored
- J. Ellsbury doubled to deep center, J. Saltalamacchia and M. Aviles scored
- C. Crawford doubled to center, J. Ellsbury scored
- A. Gonzalez doubled to deep center, C. Crawford and D. Pedroia scored
 Boston
AB R H RBI HR BB K SB LOB Season Avg
J. Ellsbury cf 5 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 2 .259
    C. Mortensen p 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .000
    A. Aceves p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
C. Crawford lf 4 2 3 3 0 0 0 0 1 .280
    S. Podsednik lf 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .373
D. Pedroia 2b 3 3 2 1 0 1 0 0 1 .278
    P. Ciriaco 2b-cf 2 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 .337
A. Gonzalez 1b 3 2 2 4 1 1 0 0 0 .309
    N. Punto 1b-2b 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .198
C. Ross rf 4 1 1 1 0 1 2 0 1 .275
J. Saltalamacchia dh-1b 5 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 .228
M. Aviles ss 3 3 3 0 0 1 0 1 0 .257
D. Valencia 3b 4 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 3 .192
K. Shoppach c 4 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 4 .250
    R. Lavarnway c 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .100
 Totals 41 14 16 14 1 5 8 1 16
 Batting
2B – J Ellsbury (13, J Tomlin); C Crawford 3 (8, C Kluber 2, J Tomlin); D Pedroia (23, C Kluber); A Gonzalez (36, F Herrmann); M Aviles (25, F Herrmann).
HR – A Gonzalez (13, 1st inning off C Kluber 1 on, 1 Out).
SF – D Valencia.
RBI – J Ellsbury 2 (10), C Crawford 3 (16), D Pedroia (43), A Gonzalez 4 (80), C Ross (59), J Saltalamacchia (47), D Valencia (18), K Shoppach (17).
2-out RBI – J Ellsbury 2, C Crawford 3, A Gonzalez 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out – J Ellsbury 1, C Crawford 1, D Pedroia 1, C Ross 1, J Saltalamacchia 2.
GIDP – D Valencia.
Team LOB – 7.
 Base Running
SB – M Aviles (11, 2nd base off C Kluber/L Marson).
 Cleveland
AB R H RBI HR BB K SB LOB Season Avg
J. Donald 2b 4 1 1 0 0 0 3 0 3 .190
A. Cabrera dh 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 .280
S. Choo rf 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 2 .285
    C. Kotchman 1b 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .223
C. Santana 1b-lf 2 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 .241
S. Duncan lf-rf 3 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 2 .213
B. Lillibridge ss 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 .195
L. Marson c 4 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 .243
J. Hannahan 3b 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 .226
E. Carrera cf 2 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 .393
 Totals 31 1 5 1 0 3 14 0 10
 Batting
2B – E Carrera (1, J Tazawa).
SF – C Santana.
RBI – C Santana (53).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out – J Donald 2, B Lillibridge 1.
Team LOB – 7.
 Fielding
E – J Donald (4, field).
PB – L Marson.
DP – 1 (J Donald-B Lillibridge-C Kotchman).
 Boston
IP H R ER BB K HR WHIP Season ERA
J. Lester (W, 6-10) 6.0 3 1 1 2 12 0 1.37 5.20
J. Tazawa 1.0 2 0 0 0 1 0 1.25 1.66
C. Mortensen 1.0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0.95 1.65
A. Aceves 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.18 4.14
 Cleveland
IP H R ER BB K HR WHIP Season ERA
C. Kluber (L, 0-1) 3.1 7 6 6 0 4 1 1.90 8.56
J. Tomlin 1.1 5 7 7 2 1 0 1.46 6.36
F. Herrmann 2.1 3 1 1 2 1 0 1.88 3.38
C. Allen 1.0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0.88 0.00
J. Smith 1.0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1.18 3.04

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , , , ,

Rotation Situation Is A Disaster

August 6, 2012 by 22 Comments

And I thought being swept back to back by the Twins and the Royals was rock bottom. I obviously thought wrong.

I seriously couldn’t decide where to go with this piece. The weekend in Detroit was an abject disaster. However, it was a mere add-on to a week that was a complete house of horrors from our Wahoos. Whatever could go wrong for this team, has gone wrong. The Tigers outplayed the Tribe in every single aspect of the game. They out-hit, out-pitched, out-ran, and out-defended the Indians. It was more of the same.

The Wahoos have lost nine in a row, going 0-fer during this nine game make or break road trip through three AL Central cities. It was the first time in the history of the franchise they have gone 0-9 on a road trip.

GM Chris Antonetti, who to me is dangerously close to losing his job with the way his moves last season (the Ubaldo trade) and this past winter (re-signing Grady Sizemore and then not properly backing that mistake up, not giving a third year to Josh Willingham, etc) have backfired, built this team with pitching and defense as its defining characteristic. Instead of flourishing and watching this staff grow, we are witnessing one of the worst rotations in the American League. How does a 36-49 record with an ERA of 5.15 sound to you? [Read more...]

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Shake-up Coming to the Tribe Rotation After Another Dismal Start

August 1, 2012 by 8 Comments

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- [Read more...]

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , ,

A Lost Weekend In Minnesota Sends Tribe Spinning Back To Reality

July 30, 2012 by 7 Comments

I don’t even know where to start.

Every single time you think you have this Indians team pegged, they go out and perform to a level that you just don’t expect. Its not as if I didn’t think the Tribe could get swept by the lowly Minnesota Twins, I just didn’t see it in the manner it occurred.

First let me start with a little back story. Each summer, my friend Jeremy, my brother Matt, and I embark on a weekend “Tribe Trip.” We take a look at the schedule in February or March, pick a ballpark we haven’t seen the Indians play in, and spend the weekend in that city, watching our boys and exploring what that city has to offer. This summer, we picked this weekend in Minneapolis.

After Thursday night’s dramatic comeback win against Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers, the Indians were riding high. We thought it couldn’t be a better weekend to be going to see our team. But as we have seen way too many times this season, after the highest highs, come the lowest lows.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Indians 3 Rays 1: Tomlin Steps Up

July 6, 2012 by 7 Comments

It may have been a little much to say that Josh Tomlin was pitching for his spot in the rotation last night. Then again, maybe it wasn’t.

After a 12-start cameo in 2010, the man manager Manny Acta calls “The Little Cowboy” was a rock last season at the back end of the rotation. A bulky elbow shut him down in September, but the Indians felt they found a fourth/fifth starter gem in Tomlin. Here is what we know about him: he is a strike-thrower who doesn’t exactly light up the radar gun. Balls will be put in play against him, and he is susceptible to the home run ball. When he is on and painting, Tomlin can give you a low pitch count quality seven innings of work. But if his stuff is over the middle of the plate, he can get taken out pretty easily.

Entering last night’s series opener with the Tampa Bay Rays, Tomlin’s ERA was a whopping 5.85 in 14 appearances. That is not exactly awe inspiring stuff. If the Indians had a better option to potentially take his spot, they would have probably been looking in that direction as Tomlin has been getting lit up most of the season. However, last night, he channeled back in his inner 2011 best and pitched a gem. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Indians 3 Reds 2: Asdrubal Blasts Tribe Into First Place

June 20, 2012 by 12 Comments

He owed us after Sunday’s three-error debacle. He knew it, we all knew it. And with one mighty swing of the bat, Asdrubal Cabrera got his redemption.

A long night of ill-fated run-scoring opportunities looked like a painful loss as the Indians headed to the bottom of the 10th inning. Tribe starter Josh Tomlin was long gone at this point, despite putting together a solid performance for six and two-thirds innings (one run on six hits).  Gone too were the Tribe’s “Big Three” in the bullpen, Joe Smith, Vinnie Pestano, and Chris Perez. All had entered the game and had been replaced. Also missing was the air that had come out of Progressive Field after the Reds scored a run in the top of the 10th thanks to two wild pitches with two outs from left-hander Nick Hagadone (the second of which Carlos Santana has to come up with in that spot. Breaking balls in the dirt happen all the time).

Reds flame-throwing close Aroldis Chapman entered the game with a 1.06 ERA. He had 59 strikeouts in 34 innings and lefties were just 4-41 against him. The odds certainly didn’t seem in the Wahoos favor.  [Read more...]

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Box Score: Indians 6, Cardinals 2

June 8, 2012 by Leave a Comment

You can’t grab a much more all-around solid win than the Cleveland Indians did tonight. Josh Tomlin dominated the Cardinals lineup for seven strong innings, and the Tribe bats nickel and dimed Jake Westbrook via small ball on their way to a 6-2 victory at Busch Stadium. Tomlin needed just 76 pitches and allowed only two seventh inning runs, adding a base hit of his own. The Tribe scored in three different innings against Westbrook in six innings, two of which came through RBI groundouts. Johnny Damon gave the Indians a larger cushion in the seventh when he hit a two-run homer. Cleveland sends Justin Masterson to the mound on Saturday against Kyle Lohse for St. Louis.

Scoring Summary
Top 1st: Cleveland
- C. Santana doubled to deep left, A. Cabrera scored, J. Kipnis to third
- M. Brantley grounded out to second, J. Kipnis scored, C. Santana to third
Top 4th: Cleveland
- C. Kotchman grounded out to second, C. Santana scored, J. Damon to second
Top 5th: Cleveland
- J. Kipnis singled to shallow right, S. Choo scored, A. Cabrera to second
Top 7th: Cleveland
- J. Damon homered to deep right, M. Brantley scored
Bot 7th: St. Louis
- M. Adams singled to shallow center, Y. Molina and D. Descalso scored
 Cleveland
AB R H RBI HR BB K SB LOB Season Avg
S. Choo rf 5 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 .274
A. Cabrera ss 5 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 3 .298
J. Kipnis 2b 5 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .281
C. Santana c 4 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 2 .233
M. Brantley cf 5 1 2 1 0 0 2 0 2 .284
J. Damon lf 4 1 1 2 1 0 0 0 4 .188
    A. Cunningham lf 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200
C. Kotchman 1b 4 0 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 .222
L. Chisenhall 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .233
J. Tomlin p 3 0 1 0 0 0 2 0 2 .333
    S. Duncan ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .200
    J. Smith p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
    N. Hagadone p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
 Totals 40 6 11 6 1 1 8 0 16
 Batting
2B - C Santana (8, J Westbrook).
HR - J Damon (2, 7th inning off M Cleto 1 on, 2 Out).
RBI - J Kipnis (36), C Santana (26), M Brantley (29), J Damon 2 (9), C Kotchman (20).
2-out RBI - J Damon 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - A Cabrera 1, J Damon 2, J Tomlin 1.
GIDP - A Cabrera.
Team LOB - 8.
 Fielding
DP - 1 (A Cabrera-J Kipnis-C Kotchman).
 St. Louis
AB R H RBI HR BB K SB LOB Season Avg
R. Furcal ss 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 .312
C. Beltran rf 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .275
M. Holliday lf 4 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 .276
A. Craig 1b 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 .380
D. Freese 3b 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 .265
Y. Molina c 4 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 .337
D. Descalso 2b 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 3 .226
S. Robinson cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .275
J. Westbrook p 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .174
    M. Cleto p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
    M. Adams ph 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 0 0 .286
    F. Salas p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
    S. Freeman p 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
    T. Greene ph 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .208
 Totals 36 2 10 2 0 1 5 0 12
 Batting
2B - Y Molina (14, J Tomlin).
RBI - M Adams 2 (10).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - R Furcal 1, D Freese 1, D Descalso 1, S Robinson 1.
GIDP - M Holliday.
Team LOB - 8.
 Fielding
E - R Furcal (7, field); A Craig (2, field); D Descalso (3, field).
DP - 1 (D Descalso-R Furcal-A Craig).
 Cleveland
IP H R ER BB K HR WHIP Season ERA
J. Tomlin (W, 3-3) 7.0 8 2 2 1 1 0 1.31 4.96
J. Smith 1.0 2 0 0 0 3 0 1.28 3.24
N. Hagadone 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0.97 2.75
 St. Louis
IP H R ER BB K HR WHIP Season ERA
J. Westbrook (L, 4-6) 6.0 8 4 3 1 7 0 1.44 4.25
M. Cleto 1.0 3 2 2 0 0 1 2.00 5.40
F. Salas 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.87 5.60
S. Freeman 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.15 4.15
WP - J Tomlin.
Pitches-strikes - J Tomlin 76-52; J Smith 21-14; N Hagadone 16-13; J Westbrook 97-67; M Cleto 21-13; F Salas 17-12; S Freeman 8-5.
Ground balls-fly balls - J Tomlin 11-9; J Smith 2-0; N Hagadone 1-1; J Westbrook 15-1; M Cleto 2-2; F Salas 2-1; S Freeman 1-0.
Batters faced - J Tomlin 29; J Smith 5; N Hagadone 3; J Westbrook 29; M Cleto 6; F Salas 3; S Freeman 3.
Game Details
Umpires: HP–Mike Winters. 1B–Mark Wegner. 2B–Wally Bell. 3B–Brian Knight.
Weather: 87 degrees, clear.
Wind: 5 mph, no wind direction.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , , ,

Box Score: Indians 4, Twins 7

June 2, 2012 by 2 Comments

Josh Tomlin had a rough start early, and although the Tribe caught up to tie it at 4-4, the team lost energy from there. The Twins held on to win game two of this series at Progressive Field, thanks to a big day at the plate from Joe Mauer and a stellar catch from Ben Revere in the ninth inning.

The Indians will definitely need tomorrow’s game in order to save face in the AL Central. You can’t lose an entire series to one of the worst teams in the majors and expect to keep competing the playoff race, especially with the upcoming difficult schedule set to begin soon.

 Minnesota
AB R H RBI HR BB K SB LOB Season Avg
D. Span cf 5 1 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 .303
B. Revere rf 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 0 1 .292
J. Mauer c 5 1 3 3 1 0 0 0 2 .298
J. Willingham lf 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 .276
J. Morneau 1b 4 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 2 .237
R. Doumit dh 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 .265
B. Dozier ss 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 .232
T. Plouffe 3b 4 1 2 3 1 0 0 0 1 .176
    A. Casilla 2b 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .240
J. Carroll 2b-3b 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 .225
 Totals 38 7 12 7 2 1 4 0 12
 Batting
HR - J Mauer (3, 7th inning off T Sipp 1 on, 0 Out), T Plouffe (6, 6th inning off J Tomlin 0 on, 1 Out).
RBI - J Mauer 3 (24), J Morneau (26), T Plouffe 3 (11).
2-out RBI - T Plouffe 2.
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - J Morneau 1, J Carroll 1.
GIDP - J Mauer 2.
Team LOB - 5.
 Fielding
Outfield assists - J Willingham.
 Cleveland
AB R H RBI HR BB K SB LOB Season Avg
S. Choo rf 5 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 3 .264
J. Kipnis 2b 5 2 2 0 0 0 1 1 2 .286
A. Cabrera ss 3 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 .296
J. Lopez dh 3 0 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 .267
M. Brantley cf 4 0 1 2 0 0 2 0 1 .276
C. Kotchman 1b 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 .210
J. Damon lf 3 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 2 .180
L. Chisenhall 3b 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .353
L. Marson c 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 .175
    S. Duncan ph 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .212
 Totals 35 4 9 4 0 3 8 2 11
 Batting
RBI - A Cabrera (21), M Brantley 2 (24), L Marson (2).
Runners left in scoring position, 2 out - S Choo 1, C Kotchman 1, J Damon 2.
Team LOB - 7.
 Base Running
SB - J Kipnis (13, 2nd base off P Walters/J Mauer), L Chisenhall (2, 2nd base off P Walters/J Mauer).
 Fielding
DP - 2 (J Kipnis-A Cabrera-C Kotchman, J Kipnis-A Cabrera-C Kotchman).
 Minnesota
IP H R ER BB K HR WHIP Season ERA
P.J. Walters 4.1 8 4 4 3 2 0 1.36 3.69
B. Duensing (W, 1-2) 2.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.02 2.86
J. Burton (H, 8) 0.2 0 0 0 0 2 0 0.89 3.98
G. Perkins (H, 7) 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.23 3.27
M. Capps (S, 11) 1.0 1 0 0 0 2 0 1.05 3.60
 Cleveland
IP H R ER BB K HR WHIP Season ERA
J. Tomlin (L, 2-3) 6.0 10 5 5 1 3 1 1.31 5.32
T. Sipp 1.0 2 2 2 0 0 1 1.58 6.86
J. Smith 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1.30 3.52
S. Barnes 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1.00 0.00

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , , , , ,

An Old Cowboy’s New Tricks: Josh Tomlin’s 2012 Approach

May 31, 2012 by 3 Comments

One of the great things about the explosion of data that has taken place in MLB over the last several years is that it’s pretty easy to check on things for which we previously would’ve had to rely on instinct or guesses.  Want to know how often Vinnie Pestano throws a fastball to a right handed hitter?  Boom.  Want to see how Carlos Santana’s BABiP progressed through the minor leagues?  Sure you do.   What about the last 20 times a pitcher threw a complete game shutout with no strikeouts? Look no further.

This is all super neat, but if we’re not applying the data against any assumptions—not using it to test hypotheses—then it’s really just daturbation.

Which is why I like reading stories from Spring Training that suggest a player has “changed his approach”, and then checking months later to see if any change is evident.  Needless to say, this is usually nonsense fed to a reporter looking for a story.  Orlando Cabrera is in the best shape of his life!  Matt LaPorta finally has an approach against breaking balls! Ryan Garko looks great shagging flyballs in the outfield! [Read more...]

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , ,

Indians Make Roster Moves: Chisenhall Back, Asencio DFA’d

May 28, 2012 by 6 Comments

As expected, the Indians unveiled a series of roster moves this afternoon. On the pitching side of things, RHP Josh Tomlin was activated from the DL and RHP Jairo Asencio, ye’ of 5.96 ERA, was designated for assignment. At the hot corner, 3B Lonnie Chisenhall was promoted back to Cleveland for the first time in 2012, and 3B Jack Hannahan (strained calf) was placed on the 15-day disabled list.

Tomlin’s return to the rotation was announced a few days ago, and he will start for the Tribe against the Royals this afternoon. Asencio likely pitched his final game in a Tribe uniform Sunday, allowing three runs to the White Sox in the blowout 12-6 loss, and will likely have a choice to accept an assignment to AAA Columbus if he passes through waivers.

Chisenhall was batting .324/.353/.541 in 28 games for the Clippers this season, with four homers and 17 RBI. He also spent about three weeks on the disabled list with a strained calf, returning just on May 19. Since his return, he had three two-hit games in a span of six contests.

Hannahan returned to the Indians lineup Saturday after missing about 10 games with a sore back. He returned for one game, and now is out for at least the next two weeks with another injury, adding to the team’s recent injury spell.

Tomlin (1-2, 4.67 ERA) will face off against Kansas City’s Nathan Adcock (0-2, 2.33 ERA) at 4:05 p.m. this afternoon.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Report: Tomlin Expected to Start Monday, Chisenhall Pulled Early

May 28, 2012 by 2 Comments

After last weekend’s disappointing three-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago White Sox, the Indians are on the verge of at least one roster move today. Injuries have decimated the lineup recently, but it’s not exactly certain what the transactions will be later today.

Previously, it was announced that RHP Josh Tomlin would be activated off the DL and start today’s series opener against the Kansas City Royals at 4:05 p.m. Someone will need to be removed from the active roster in order for him to return. Additionally, 3B Lonnie Chisenhall was pulled in the fourth inning from Sunday’s AAA Columbus game, as first reported by our very own Kirk, then finally updated by MiLB and noted by Jordan Bastian this morning. No word on if that means Chisenhall is coming up to Cleveland, too, but that would require another corresponding move.

SS Asdrubal Cabrera (hamstring) and DH Travis Hafner (knee) both were hurt over the past few days, and could be potential DL candidates depending upon the severity of their pains. C Carlos Santana was previously placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list. 3B Jack Hannahan (back) just returned Sunday from an extended 10-day injury stint, where he didn’t go to the DL. SS Juan Diaz was unexpectedly promoted Friday from AA Akron, but Bastian also reported that Manny Acta said he’ll still be there Monday.

We’ll keep you updated when any moves become official.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Indians’ Jack Hannahan Undergoes MRI, Josh Tomlin Awaiting Another

May 17, 2012 by 5 Comments

An MRI performed on the back of Cleveland Indians third baseman Jack Hannahan has revealed mild inflammation around the area of the facet joints. The facet joints are found at every spinal level — except at the top — and provide about 20% of the twisting stability in the neck and low back.

Hannahan, listed as day-to-day with the back inflammation, has not played since May 13 in Boston where he tweaked his back mid-game. The 32-year-old is hitting .287 on the season with three home runs and 18 runs batted in, providing a lot of the team’s offensive firepower early in the season when the team as a collective unit was struggling at the plate.

Veteran infielder Jose Lopez has filled in at third base in his absence, having at least one hit in each of the team’s last three games.

The Indians are awaiting the results of a second MRI on the wrist of starting pitcher Josh Tomlin who has been out since going seven-and-one-third innings in a no-decision against the Chicago White Sox on May 7. He experienced inflammation in the back of his wrist a couple of days later and said it may have stemmed from gripping the ball a little harder after a couple rain-slicked pitches slipped out of his hand.

[Related: What’s Going on with Derek Lowe?]

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , ,

McAllister, Lopez Recalled From Columbus, Tomlin To DL, Donald Optioned

May 12, 2012 by Leave a Comment

The Indians made two roster moves before tonight’s game against the Boston Red Sox. First, they recalled Zach McAllister from Columbus to make the start in place of Josh Tomlin. Tomlin, who injured his right wrist reportedly gripping the ball too hard in his last start on Monday, was placed on the 15-day DL.

In an additional move, the team also optioned Jason Donald to Triple-A Columbus and recalled Jose Lopez. Donald has struggled defensively at both third base and shortstop and is hitting just .178/.188/.178 with 4 RBI in 45 at-bats this season. Lopez was designated for assignment when the Tribe activated Johnny Damon, and he was hitting .190/.190/.381 with 1 homer and 3 RBI in 21 at-bats. He cleared waivers and ended up in Columbus, where he is red hot, hitting .522/.542/.696 with 4 RBI in 6 games (23 at-bats).

The one drawback is the Donald move leaves the team with a backup shortstop of either Lopez (57 career games at short, all in his 2004 rookie season) or Jack Hannahan (2 career games in 2009).

To open up the 40-man roster spot for Lopez once again, the Indians designated OF Nick Weglarz for assignment. Weglarz, 24, is hitting just .202/.295/.333 with 3 HR and 12 RBI at Double-A Akron. The third round pick of the 2005 draft has battled injuries and fallen out of the team’s future plans.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , , , ,

Hoynes: Tomlin out, McAllister in for tonight’s start

May 12, 2012 by 1 Comment

Josh Tomlin will miss tonight’s start against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park due to a sore wrist, according to The Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes. Tomlin, 1-2 with a 4.67 ERA in 6 games (5 starts) this season, is believed to have injured the wrist from gripping the ball too hard in his last start against the White Sox in game two of the doubleheader Monday. He may go on the DL to open the roster spot for tonight’s starter, Zach McAllister.

McAllister pitched in game one of that doubleheader and earned his first big league victory, lasting six innings and giving up four runs (two earned). Zach, 24, is 3-1 with a 2.58 ERA in Columbus through six starts. He was 0-1 with a 6.11 ERA in 17 2/3 innings that covered four starts last season in Cleveland.

If the team chooses to keep Tomlin off the DL, bullpen member Dan Wheeler could be a likely option to remove from the 25-man roster, having thrown 37 pitches just last night.

Filed Under: Headlines Tagged With: , ,

Indians 6, White Sox 3: The Bases Loaded Hex, Jackie, and General Cramping

May 3, 2012 by 39 Comments

What a crazy day in sports.

NFL legend Junior Seau dies of an apparent suicide. Four current or former New Orleans Saints players were suspended for their roles in the NFL bounty scandal. The New York Rangers beat the Washington Capitals in a triple overtime classic in the NHL Playoffs. There were three walk-off home run winners in Major League Baseball, and Jered Weaver of the Angels tosses a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins. The Indians did their part on the local side of things, with a thrilling 6-3 win in Chicago to even the series with the Chicago White Sox.

The big story coming into this one was the debut of Johnny Damon, the man who the fans and the front office are looking to to provide a charge to the sagging offense. Johnny made four plate appearances, going 0-3 with a walk, and then had to be taken out of the game after six innings due to a new phrase that was running wild on twitter last night: “General Cramping.”

“I felt it in my hands, the back, the calves,” Damon said. “I was like, ‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ Sometimes I guess when you get jacked up and ready to go, this kind of stuff can happen. I plan to be ready tomorrow.”

As it turns out, they wouldn’t need Damon in this one to pull out the W. It was the long ball and a big time clutch hit that did it.

From the start however, it looked as if we were heading down the same road we’ve seen offensively during the last homestand. In the first inning, Jason Kipnis walked and Asdrubal Cabrera followed with a ground-rule double which forced Kipnis to stay at third. Shin-Soo Choo and Travis Hafner then failed to come through in a strikeout sandwich with a Carlos Santana walk as the middle against Sox righty Phil Humber.

They loaded the bases again in the third with one out on a Kipnis single, a Cabrera walk, and Hafner being drilled in the knee with a pitch. Once again, nothing came of it after Santana and Choo both struck out.  After these two fiascos where the Tribe stranded six runners, the numbers with the bases loaded moved to a putrid 3-26  (.115) overall and 0-14 with two out.

Here we go again? Not so fast.

Josh Tomlin, Manny Acta’s “Little Cowboy” made quick work of the Sox in the first three innings but was touched up for an Adam Dunn solo homer in the fourth. With Chicago ahead 1-0, the Tribe attack finally struck back with some two out lightning. With nobody on Cabrera walked a second time and Hafner singled, bringing Santana to the plate with another RBI chance. He took full advantage by absolutely tattooing a Humber pitch deep into the right field seats to put the Tribe on top 3-1.

The lead was short lived as Tomlin struggled in the bottom half of the frame.

The Sox had two on with two out and Tomlin had a chance to get out of the jam, but he walked Alejandro De Aza on four pitches to load the bases.  The then .202 Alexei Ramirez singled to left, scoring two to tie things at three. We got our first taste of the Johnny Damon arm experience on the Ramirez hit. His throw to third was Aaron Cunningham-esque; a grounder. As long as Damon hits, we won’t care about his defense, but just prepare yourself for the fact that everyone will be running on him on any hit to left field.

After Tomlin and Humber both got through the sixth unscathed, the game turned into the battle of the bullpens. Advantage: Bullpen Mafia.

Sox lefty Will Ohman and Tribe side-arm special Joe Smith traded scoreless frames in the seventh, moving things forward. Ohman got the first two Indians in the eighth before Michael Brantley singled. Casey Kotchman, in a 2-30 skid and hitting .143 on the season, actually worked a walk, putting the go-ahead run in scoring position for Mr. Clutch himself, Jack Hannahan.

“I love coming up with guys in scoring position,” Hannahan said.

Interestingly, White Sox rookie manager Robin Ventura decided to pull the lefty Ohman for hard throwing rookie right-hander Addison Reed. Lefty, righty, knucker-baller, side-armer, it just doesn’t seem to matter to Hannahan in big spots. Jackie laced a double down the left field line scoring Brantley and putting the Indians in the lead.

It never gets old looking at these stats: Hannahan is now hitting .500 (9-18) with 15 RBIs with runners in scoring position, 8-13 (.615) with 12 RBIs with two outs and runners in scoring position!

Incredible.

“Jack Hannahan is a two-out, RBI machine,” said Joe Smith, who thanks to Hannahan was the winning pitcher for the first time this season.

“Early on in my career, when I’ve had guys in scoring position, I was trying to do too much,” Hannahan explained.  ”I was trying to hit that home run instead of just hitting the ball the other way or hitting a ground ball up the middle. I’ve found out this year that less is more. I’m just trying to put the bat on the ball.”

The Tribe wasn’t done though.  They got two huge insurance runs in the ninth thanks to a Hafner two-run blast off of lefty Matt Thornton. Hafner limped around the bases, still feeling the soreness of being hit in the knee by a a Humber pitch earlier in the game. But I will say this, Pronk looks like he is back. When he has been healthy the past year-plus, his batting eye is there. He is stinging the ball off the bat and looks closer to the man who was so good during the middle part of the last decade.

With a three-run cushion, closer Chris Perez settled in and got the Sox 1-2-3 for his eighth save. It was a gritty win for this group, who now sit alone in first place in the AL Central. They go for another series win tonight with ace Justin Masterson (0-2, 5.40 ERA) taking the hill. Its May 3rd and he is still looking for his first win of the season. The Sox counter with lefty John Danks (2-3, 6.23 ERA) who beat the Tribe on April 11th, but was shaky going just five and two-thirds and allowing four runs on seven hits.

(AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Filed Under: Indians Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
«Older Posts