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.

Casey Blake May Be Gone, But Eric Wedge Continues to Play Him

Think I’m joking?

Andy Gonzalez is as close to Casey Blake as you can get.

He is in the lineup tonight as the DH.

Um, why?

This is supposed to be a utility player.. He should probably play about 2 or 3 games from the time he was brought up to when Josh Barfield returns.

Are you serious?

This is the black Casey Blake, only less talented and younger and beardless. He plays a bunch of different positions and Eric Wedge is in love with him.

He was impressed in Spring Training and now that he is on the roster, he will use Gonzalez to suppress even more potential talent.

I really.. Really.. REALLY… REAAAAAH EH EH EH HEEELLLYYY.. Am starting to get ticked with these line-up cards.