Wakeup Wahoo: Hafner to DH Tonight in Buffalo; Lewis gets the job done

Sunday we witnessed something that hasn’t happened awhile but has happened. We saw Jensen Lewis close out a game for Jeremy Sowers.

The tandem was at it again on Sunday after doing it in Vanderbilt years and years ago.

“I told him during the anthem, ‘This is your day and I’m going to come in and stop it for you,’ ” Lewis said. (Plain Dealer)

Not only that, but we continue to see these quotes from Jensen to demonstrate that this kid has the GUTS to close out a game.

Lewis said he “kind of went out there and said ‘Over my dead body are we going to give this one up’ ” — a welcome demeanor for a club whose bullpen has blown 15 saves in just 36 chances. (Plain Dealer)

He also understands the role and what it takes and what goes into it.

“This is awesome. When you’re in the bullpen, this is the opportunity you want,” Lewis said. “It’s a lot of fun right now and I’m just enjoying each opportunity they give me.” (Indians.com)

As for Jeremy Sowers, Eric Wedge is pleased with what his young starter has done these past few games.

“Jeremy has been pitching so much better,” said Indians manager Eric Wedge. “He’s been very consistent over his last five or six starts. He’s given us a chance to win most of those games.” (Plain Dealer)

Far be it from me to know what is wrong with Franklin Gutierrez. I really don’t understand or know why a kid with so much promise has fallen off like he has this year. It’s beyond me.

“I know I can hit against righties and lefties,” Gutierrez said. “I think [against right-handers] it has something to do with mechanics and recognizing the pitch. It takes focus and concentration. I have to keep learning. I’m starting to get more playing time. That will help.” (Plain Dealer)

He is hitting .349 in the last 9 games, so maybe he is turning it around. I hope. He has so much promise with that defense and arm and his speed. If he puts the bat in there he could be a dangerous player.

I got all excited about the Travis Hafner return on Tuesday, but I’ve been given a gift. HE RETURNS TONIGHT! With Josh Barfield at his side to play six innings at 2nd tonight, Hafner will DH and get two ABs tonight with Buffalo. Victor Martinez will be with the team tomorrow to catch six innings. He homered last night for Akron.

For all indiciations, they will be there throughout the week and be evaluated towards the end.

Asdrubal Cabrera has been using the bunt more and more since his return and it is a product of working with Derek Shelton and going out before games and practice it endlessly. Not just for sacrafices but in attempt to get on base of course.

“I went down and really worked on my hitting,” Cabrera said through first-base coach and interpreter Luis Rivera. “That gave me some confidence. I was swinging the bat well there. I came back with confidence that I could do the job.” (Indians.com)

It’s another reason Eric Wedge wants him in good shape. So he can run and get down the line quicker and beat the bunt out.