A Quest Called Tribe

Man, Ubaldo Jimenez cannot catch a break.  Last Friday, he made his Indians debut and, although he pitched (just) well enough to win, the Tribe found a way to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.  Tonight, U tossed a gem (8 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, BB, 6 K), earned his first AL win (in spite of Carlos Santana's gator arm) and still found himself playing second fiddle.  Let us all take a few moments (and a fresh line) to appreciate Jason Kipnis and the night that he delivered.

5-for-5, 2B, HR (6), 4 R, 3 RBI, [raised his BA from .232->.295]

Someone asked me where all of this Tribe offense came from.  Simply put, the Tigers' rotation (with the sole exception of Justin Verlander) is horrific.  Any and all success that they have had this season has been an aberration.  If the fates conspire to propel the Motor City Kitties to post-season, their exit will be quick and brutal.  You think I am kidding?  The only guy outside of JV to post an ERA of less than 4.33 or a WHIP under 1.357 this season is last night's starter, Doug Fister.  Fister, a 6'8" junkballer who cannot break 90 with his fastball, was an outstanding trade deadline pick-up for Detroit... if you are an Indians fan.  What is his career record?  13 wins, 30 losses.  Love it.  How about some OBAs?  Brad Penny: .297.  Rick Porcello: .292.  Max Scherzer has held opponents to a .272 clip, but dude has served up 19 gopher balls.  Be unafraid.  Be very unafraid.

Here's to beating Verlander so hard that he develops an immune deficiency.

Cheers.

P.s. I watched the whole thing on Tuesday, which is why I had no time to write about it. ;-j