I’m Done Sticking Up For the Offense

The offense blows…

I’m pretty fed up sticking up for them at this point.

Ben Francisco gets it going in the first inning with a two run blast, so I’m starting to think, okay we’re finally starting to get those hits falling in. Cause last night, if you read, I thought he got a few good rips in there.

Yet.. After that there wasn’t much.

Casey Blake went deep in the 6th to tie the game up, but guess what.. There wasn’t much after that. Blake had the three hits, including a ninth inning double. But aside from the Grady hit in the first and the Francisco homer that same inning, there was SQUAT!

10 strikeouts at the hands of JORGE DE LA ROSA?!

That is unacceptable. This team has killed the guy in the past, and for some reason, 10 strikeouts?

The pitching was no better. I’ll go with Sowers and the 3 earned.. But I don’t know.. I’m still not sold on him.. Kobayashi had his bad day this time out.

Just awful baseball played this series. This team just seems to be toying with us at this point..

I’m really getting upset at the faith I’m investing in them. I’m not giving up, but I’m getting real frustrated watching them.

Tomorrow we go out to LA to face the Dodgers. They’ve just lost two starting pitchers, so Kuroda won’t be the guy going on Saturday. However, we get to see the young stud Clayton Kershaw tomorrow against Clifford Red Lee.

[BOXSCORE]

Hafner Is Fine, You Don’t Have To Worry

I’ve been on pins and needles all day waiting to hear word on Travis Hafner.. Now thanks to the Plain Dealer and Paul Hoynes, we have some news.

“The Indians, in a e-mail, said Dr. James Andrews concurs with the team’s evaluation of Hafner’s sore right shoulder. Andrews recommended that Hafner continue strengthening the rotator cuff and shoulder girdle in his shoulder. He will undergo tests every week to 10 days to re-evaluate the strength in his shoulder.” (Plain Dealer)

So.. Just more rest for Mr Pronk.. I’m gonna guesstimate about at least two weeks or so before he goes on a rehab assignment. There is no telling with this type of injury.

Tribe Acquire Backup Catcher Fasano

Well here is a move for ya..

I guess Yamid Haad was not good enough for a backup, so they went out and got catcher extraordinaire Sal Fasano.

Not only do I like him because he’s Italian, but he grows a badass mustache.

Fasano was with the Braves, and we traded the always lovable Player To Be Named Later.

SAL is 36 and he probably can’t hit worth a lick, but he is solid defensively and he’s been a backup before.

Yamid Haad was designated… Later Bub..

Morning Update: Carmona Shut Down; Yankees Claim Perez

As noted yesterday, Fausto Carmona will be shutdown for three more days.

I consider this a minor setback to be honest. I expected it to be much longer when the words “set back” where mentioned. Hopefully he can get back on track and make his rehab starts next week sometime.

According to Lonnie Soloff, Carmona’s inflammation flared up after the session, and he showed no signs of hindrance during it.

If you wan to check out the Tribe’s third round pick, I hope you’ve been watching the College World Series. Stanford second bagger Cord Phelps is still in the show and he helped the Cardinal advance last night. He battled some back injuries but he’s back to playing now.

With that, I’ve been updating the best I can on signed draft picks. If you find any information or links on signed picks, send a tip using the upper right hand corner links. There have been several signings, and the only reason I know this is because they’ve been placed on the Mahoning Valley roster. A bunch more will “Sign” once the Gulf Coast League starts up soon.

Chris Antonetti and a few officials for the Indians checked out how the progress was coming on the Tribe’s new home for the Spring.

The Tribe lost Oneli Perez, big deal I guess. The Yankees claimed the reliever that started the year with the White Sox yesterday.

Minor League Update: Kinston Adds All-Stars

Kinston added a pair of K-Tribe players to the Carolina League All-Star game yesterday.

Pitcher Steven Wright was one of a few players called up to Double A that was already on the team, so that allowed pitcher Josh Tomlin and infielder Niuman Romero to be added to the All Star Game.

They now join Closer Luis Perdomo to represent Kinston next Tuesday at the Game.

Double A Akron shutout Bowie last night for to take the series in early fashion. More importantly they are now the sole owners of the division.

Mahoning Valley is 2-0 on the young season with a 6-3 win over Williamsport. Lonnie Chisenhall was 1-5 with a run scored.