Morning Update: Hafner’s test delayed due to Family Issue; Martinez Swings

Victor Martinez is ohhh so close to to returning considering where he was when he first went on the DL. Victor took dry swings with the bat and played catch in the outfield. He’s been catching bullpen sessions since last week and when the Indians head off to Minnesota for their nine game road-trip, Victor will be tagging along.

“I want him around a lot more,” manager Eric Wedge said. “He’s one of the leaders on this ballclub. It’s tough for the guys on the DL. They can’t be around all the time, because they’ll go crazy. But now that he can see the light at the end of the tunnel, it will be good to have him around.” (Indians.com)

Travis Hafner on the other hand is not only farther away, but it is unknown how much he has improved since last checked. Hafner had to fly back home to tend to some personal family matters on Friday, which has delayed his strength test. It is unknown when he will be back or what is wrong. Best of luck to Hafner and hope everything is okay.

The closest of all the mangled is probably Josh Barfield. Josh took 10-15 cuts in the cages in addition to the fielding and throwing drills he started days ago.

Andy Gonzalez is a go-getter and will play anywhere you want him to.

Including DH… I guess?

“Infield’s a little better, I guess,” Gonzalez said. “But anything that they want me do, I’ll do it.” (Indians.com)

I’m still heated over that.. Damn You Eric Wedge.

If you want to fawn over Sal Fasano’s mustache, go ahead.. It isn’t going to be pretty, but it defines Fasano as MANS MAN

“I feel naked without it,” he said. “It’s become such a habit to carve it in all the time. People have their different styles, and some are prettier than others,” the well-traveled Fasano said. “I don’t claim this to be pretty at all, but it is me.”(Plain Dealer)

Sal Fasano hasn’t done much in terms of offense in his career.. Hell he hasn’t really done much at all.. But he has captivated fans with his awesome power stache and his great back-up and veteran savvy.

He also pinch ran before. Something Ryan Garko will never do… EVER

Yankees manager Joe Torre presented him with the lineup card. “I said, ‘What’s this for?’ ” Fasano said. “He said, ‘This is the first time you’ve ever been a pinch-runner.’ We both laughed. I still have it at home.” (Plain Dealer)

In all seriousness.. Sal Fasano needs to stick around on this team, even when Victor gets back. You know why? Because you’ll only have to stick with him for another half of month until rosters expand.

AND because he could be the reason behind the semi-resurgance of Jeremy Sowers… If you haven’t noticed, he’s caught the last three games for Sowers.

“I see somebody with a lot of talent,” Fasano said. “Jeremy has an underrated fastball, and he can locate that fastball pretty well. What’s making him successful now is his ability to repeat pitches and to throw breaking balls behind in the count.

“He’s here for a reason. I’m just trying to take it to where, how can we teach him to be a major leaguer and stay here for the next 10 years?”(Plain Dealer)

God….. This guy rocks…

Another guy that rocks is Matt Ginter, who caught a break for once in his career. He also has a Fu-Man-Choo.. Somewhat..

“It’s just a little bit of relief,” said Ginter, who has bounced back-and-forth from the Majors to the Minors throughout his nine-year career. “My family came with me and now they can stay up here for the next couple days, so it was kind of nice.” (Indians.com)

Great for Ginter.. He’s pitched well.. It’s nice to see a guy like him catch a few breaks.. Enjoy the next few starts Matt.. You deserve them.

Minor League Update: Gimenez Switching Positions?

Buffalo probably suffered the most roster shake-up yesterday as the Indians rounded out their rosters from the trades and Olympic vacancies.

Two of those new faces saw action last night.

An interesting note for you keep track of the catcher situation with Santana now in the fold.

Chris Gimenez started at catcher, but finished the game at third base. Could a full-time position switch be in order? I think so. It would let Toregas get called up and they could progress Santana to Double A if they wish. Boy what a team that would be at Akron once LaPorta gets back from the Olympics.

Anyway, the Herd lost despite John Halama’s seven strong innings. Michael Aubrey went 2-4.

Jon Meloan pitched and threw a scoreless inning.. He was added to the roster in place of Jeff Stevens who was placed on the Inactive list and Walter Diaz, who got the nod at shortstop, took Andy Gonzalez’s spot. Diaz is coming up all the way from Mahoning Valley. With Cord Phelps playing second, Diaz wasn’t needed because it looks as if Velasquez will be the backup at most of the infield spots.

Not LaPorta.. No Problem.. Ryan Goleski was called back up to Double A Akron to take his spot. Akron got a quality performance from one of his replacements. Stephen Head who will probably see everday time now that LaPorta is in Beijing went 2-4 with a two run home run.

However the hero in Akron’s win was Wes Hodges, who hit a walk-off solo shot in the bottom of the ninth inning in a tie ball-game. Wes also went 3-5 with a double and three total RBI.

Not a good debut for Carlos Santana. He went 0-4 with three strikeouts in his Kinston debut.. It was the exact opposite of what we’ve heard about him.. I’m sure it’s just nerves.. Kinston got shutout and Kelvin De La Cruz got roughed up for three runs, three walks, three hits in just 2 outs of the first inning.

It was a walk-off kind of day as Lake County got a single from Cristo Arnal in the bottom of the 13th to bring home the winning run in Mark Thompson. That’s two in a row for the Captains. Ron Rivas went 2-6 with three RBI and Matt Brown is probably feared. He went 1-3 with three walks. He also took home the SAL player of the week award. Catcher Adam Davis hit his third home run of the year and Josh Judy picked up win number NINE in relief.

A couple of Mahoning Valley favorites powered the Scrappers to a 7-6 win last night. Jeremie Tice came through big with a 2-5 night, including a two-run shot in the seventh inning. Lonnie Chisenhall went 3-5 with a three run shot.

Adam Abraham’s third home run of the year was the lone run for the GCL team in their defeat.