A Quest Called Tribe

It was nice to see Asdrubal Cabrera step up into a leadership role.  It was nice to see Fausto Carmona settle in and give the team a chance to win.  It was nice to see AzCab and Carlos Santana crack clutch hits off of, arguably, the best pitcher in the league.  Still, something must be done about the Lonnie Chisenhall situation and I do not refer to the baserunning blunder.  I repeat, on nearly a daily basis, that his throwing motion is not sustainable at the hot corner.  The Chiz Kid was drafted as a shortstop and he continues to throw as such.  The errant toss that led to the Tigres' first run is a perfect example why he must learn a proper motion.  It is not as if he cannot throw overhand; I have seen him do so on balls behind the bag.  If Lonnie can make that throw accurately then Az does not need to chew out Santana for letting the ball go to the dugout.  If Austin Jackson does not reach on the gaff, then Carmona's head stays screwed on and, not only is the first inning run averted, but the three in the second likely disappear as well.  If Fausto limits Detroit to 2 runs, instead of 4, then the clutch hits equal a series sweep and a one game deficit.  For want of a nail...

In happier news, Anthony Reyes has been released.  Part of the 2009 opening day rotation, Reyes had pitched just 13 minor league innings since going down 8 starts in.  He had been rehabbing from a variety of injuries (including Tommy John surgery) with the AZL team and had made three successful appearances in recent weeks.  Ultimately, the organization made the decision that Anthony would have better opportunities elsewhere and cut him loose after paying him for two and a half years of recovery.

Shin Soo Choo started in right and played all nine innings for the Lake County Captains.  Choo went 0-for-4 with a K.  He did pick up an RBI, but it came on an 8th inning fielder's choice in a bases loaded, none out situation, trailing by 2 runs.  Shin Soo is hitless in eight trips for the LCC,

In case you are wondering, Michael Brantley sat for the 4th time in 7 games thanks to a sore right wrist.  He did not look healthy last night.  Matt LaPorta, on the other hand, spent a second straight game on the bench, not due to injury, but rather because he is a friggin' idiot.  Manny Acta must be as sick of it as I am.

Props to Jason Kipnis on becoming the first Indians' rookie with 5 hits, 4 runs and 3 RBI in a game.  Kip is also just the third Tribe player ever to post a five hit game within his first 16 big league contests.  Neither you, nor I, nor anyone else has ever heard of the other two.

Here's to a mistake free Friday night (and hopefully a win).

Cheers

P.s. For a some great shots of briefly tenured Indians, click here.