LET’S GO MUSTACHE!

Sal Fasano never had a bigger fan base than today’s crowd.

Or maybe it was just our section.

There was a ton of Sal Fasano lovin’ going on, but unfortunately he went 0-3 with a walk. It’s all good Salvatore we still love ya.

In other news Marty Joined the Party. Andy’s 6th inning home run was the first of the year and ends his first half on a high note. I think it is evidently clear he deserves to start at third for the time being.

Jhonny Jhonny What Are You Ghonna Do About It?

16 on the year, 48 RBI at the break. He’s doing some real damage as the clean-up hitter and he certainly has changed my opinion on him.

Pitching wise, I tell ya what Jeremy Sowers was really getting hosed out there on some of those calls. The strike-zone was all over the place and it ticked off Eric Wedge to the point he got thrown out early! Then the safe call on Gomes after Sowers had him dead. I don’t know what as going on there but Sowers pitched fine. He walked 7 hitters but he struck out 8 and the amount of pitches he threw only let him go 4. Nasty Mastny did a great two inning job, Mujica continues to pitch well and Perez got a couple of 8 inning outs.

Easy 9th for Masa and we are on a four game rip. Oh how things can change in a matter of days and there is some optimism around this team. It seems as if the expectations are gone and so is the pressure. Some guys are coming to the forfront and that starting pitching even without Fasuto and C.C. are getting it together.

It might be the All-Star Break but that doesn’t mean the blog is on a Break. Full update on LaPorta, Hodges and Rondon in the Futures Game tomorrow.

[BOXSCORE]

Morning Update: Mujica Getting Meaningful Chances

In case you are wondering why Andy Marte was on the bench, after Eric Wedge said he was the everyday Third Baseman.. Fear not, for it was simply a day off for Marttttyyy.

Marte will be back in the lineup today and since Garko had such a great night, I’m going to take a wild stab and say he’ll be DHing. Playing Dellucci these days is pretty pointless if you ask me.

I’m sticking a fork in the Tribe career of Brian Slocum, who was sent down to make room for Matt Ginter.

“We’re still not seeing up here what we are seeing down there,” manager Eric Wedge said. “It’s not uncommon for a young pitcher, but he has to get to the point where he’s comfortable in a big league uniform, locker room and particularly on the field to where he can relax and pitch.” (Indians.com)

In other words.. He’s 27 and if he hasn’t shown it by now, then well I don’t think he will be showing it anytime soon. Slocum will be back, no doubt, but I don’t expect him to ever contribute. The Indians should have no problem next year with his lack of option years.

One young bullpen arm that I’m doing just the opposite for is Eddie(Edward, Ed, Edwin) Mujica. I’ve always like Squirrel boy and now he is showing he can get it done late in the game.

“What Mujica did has to be noted,” said Wedge. “For him to take advantage of that opportunity is something we’ve been waiting for some of these kids to do.” (Plain Dealer)

I like Mujica’s chances for a spot next year if he keeps pitching well. You knew there would be spots open, it’s just a matter of someone stepping up to get them.

Josh Barfield will play catch after the All-Star Break.

Fausto Carmona will be heading back to where the magic happened a few years ago.. He’ll make his first rehab start monday for the Lake County Captains. As for his bullpen session.

“I throw all my pitches, including a knuckleball” (Plain Dealer)

Very Funny Fausto.

Casey Blake got a new locker.

With C.C. Sabathia gone, the veterans locker became open and Blake has been moved to it.. I highly doubt he’ll be there for much longer though, so they should have just given it to Cliff Lee. Casey still hang out with Shoppach all the time anyway.

Also, Matt LaPorta got a day off last night, so no watch on him.