Tribe Streak Ends as Guthrie Bites Back

Is Brendan Donnelly serious with this?

3-2 pitch, he pretty much pitches around Nicky Markakakakakakis the entire at-bat and then on the 3-2 pitch with a base open, he shakes off Shoppach so he can……

Throw a fastball right down the middle?

Markakis is one of the better hitters in the entire league and you do that?

Come on Tuna.

Lack O Offense for the most part though, so I ’spose it doesn’t matter. Anthony Reyes took the tough luck loss. I thought he pitched well, and his fastball looked a bit more livelier. Remember this is a good offense and he held them in check for the most part for six innings. He did throw 62 strikes out of his 96 pitches, that’s 64% which is pretty good.

Aside from the Gutierrez double and then the two doubles by Marte and Sizemore in the fifth, Guthrie shut his former team down. Great to see him pitching well, but would have liked to get to Rocky Cherry there in the 8th. I sorta felt like they were gonna get to the bullpen if they had a shot and Cherry for the most part wasn’t throwing a lot of real strikes.

Tomorrow, it will be Zach Jackson, not Aaron Laffey, who gets the call-up to face Daniel Cabrera, expect a wild one if I do say so myself.

[BOXSCORE]

Wakeup Wahoo: Garko Dusts Himself Off; Byrd Dusting the Competition

How often do you see the headline… “Byrd Goes Distance, Outduels Halladay.”

Seriously.. That was the headline today on Indians.com. Paul Byrd really pitched well and the Tribe managed to get enough off Halladay for him to succeed. Amazing when you think about it. His value is at an all time high with the way he’s pitched the past 30 some days. He’s cleared waivers, yet no team is interested? The Indians are gonna have to pay his salary if they don’t trade him, so they should really just eat anything for a deal.

“I knew I had to do something different,” Byrd said. “I had to change. I feel good with where I’m at right now. I’m very confident. Better late than never.” (Indians.com)

Some of his success can be attributed to the rework of his curveball with the help of Twins broadcaster and should-be hall of famer Bert Blyleven.

Good news if Brendan Donnelly regains form and becomes a reliable bullpen arm for the Tribe down the stretch.

“So far, everything is leading to a relationship in the future.” (Plain Dealer)

So far, no action for the tan-man(check out his bio picture at Indians.com), but I hope he pans out. It’d be nice if he helps out the team that gave him a chance to regain himself.

Interesting thing from Hey Hoynsie.

Hey, Hoynsie: It was reported on XM-MLB radio that the Indians targeted Matt LaPorta in the CC Sabathia trade because Travis Hafner’s injury is far worse than thought and he may end up needing surgery that may put him out for 18 months and maybe end his career. — Casey Morgan, Olmsted Falls

Hey, Casey: I don’t know what’s going on in Hafner’s shoulder. He’s back swinging the bat, the Indians keep saying he’ll play before the end of the season and that he won’t need surgery. This season has taught me not to take their word where the health of their players is concerned.

But I doubt they traded for LaPorta to make him a DH. He’ll get a shot at left field. If that fails, he’ll be tested at first. You don’t trade a Cy Young winner for a 23-year-old DH. If you do, there have to be consequences.

Are you kiddin me Tuna?

I doubt it.. The Indians acquired Matt LaPorta because… HES MATT LAPORTA! DUH!

While we are on the CC Trade… Eric Wedge actually spent some time to watch his former Ace pitch.

“Not too many days do I wait around and watch the end of another baseball game after we’re done playing,” said Wedge. “CC is a special guy.” (Plain Dealer)

Some may wonder if the Brewers are abusing their new toy. Whatever you want to call it, they are getting their moneys worth for him.

Ryan Garko is really taking to the pick yourself up and dust yourself off thing.

“I made a mistake, I owned [up to] it, and I was pretty hard on myself these last couple days,” he said. “But everybody makes mistakes and gets knocked down sometimes. It’s about what you do when you get back up.” (Indians.com)

I’ve been waiting for Garko to do this. He’s been met with plenty of opportunities this year and hasn’t taken advantage. If there was ever a time to repsond, it would be now.

It’s becoming painfully obvious that Anthony Reyes just needed a change, and the Indians provided him with that.

Here’s a little bit of Karma for ya after letting Brandon Phillips flourish with another team.

“When I’d get sent down in St. Louis, no one ever told me what I was supposed to work on,” said Reyes. “It wasn’t like it was anything mean, but I was going crazy trying to figure out if I did something wrong. Did I step on someone’s toes?” (Plain Dealer)

Wakeup Wahoo: Lewis Getting his Shot; Reyes’ New Start

Here’s a little bit of interesting news on the Closer Front.

Huston Street was claimed off waivers by a Non-Contender.. The Indians have heavily been rumored to at least have interest in Oakland’s closer, but nothing got done. Considering the Mariners have a closer and the Royals are better than us, oh man, the Indians could have very well won the claim. It is all moot though as nothing got done.

Speaking of Closers..

“He’ll get more opportunities,” manager Eric Wedge said.

“It was a little different heartbeat going in there,” Lewis said. “I look at it as an opportunity. You can’t make it bigger than what it is.” (Indians.com)

I’m telling you that Jensen Lewis might be the in-house answer if there is one. He loves the big lights, he gets that fastball up when it matters. He is a BIG GAME pitcher.. He would thrive as a closer because of his moxie and “You will not beat me” attitude. I hope he gets more chances.. He did a good job.

Also Wedge said on Rafael Perez that he simply can’t throw him three innings every night.. That sucks, Perez would be an old-school closer.. Come in and pitch three innings for a save.. Ha.

While we are on the subject of Jensen Lewis, let’s hope he isn’t heading down that Joel Zumaya road with the Guitar Hero phenomen.

You mess with the bull and you get the horns if you don’t hustle under Eric Wedge’s watch. It was the reason Milton Bradley got dealt and it is the reason Ryan Garko won’t start until Wedge feels ready.

“I’m not playing him today,” Wedge said before the game. “I’m not sure when I’m going to play him.” (Plain Dealer)

I’m not sure if we have to worry about Venezuelan players playing for the WBC next spring. Juan Rincon said that plenty are un-happy with the way things went down last year, and already three key players have backed out in Magglio Ordonez, Carlos Guillen, and Johan Santana.

“He was selling tickets to the players, and the tickets should have been free. The players’ families couldn’t get hotel rooms and weren’t getting into the ballparks for the games until the fourth or fifth inning.” (Plain Dealer)

Rafael Betancourt who played last time around said if they asked him, he would partake. Be my guest bud. Just keep Vic, Franklin and Asdrubal away from the team.

Injury updates galore.

Lonnie Soloff says Travis Hafner could take BP next week. Right now he is taking soft-toss and by the end of next week could be taking regular Batting Practice with the team. Once he takes 60 soft-tosses, he’ll graduate to BP and once he is good in BP he’ll go out on a rehab assignment.

Victor Martinez is already taking Batting Practice and should be ready for a rehab assignement mid-week.

The final invalid could be on the same schedule as Victor Martinez or at least close to it. Josh Barfield took BP and all went well.

Anthony Reyes is speaking up about why he didn’t feel good in St. Louis.

“I felt I didn’t fit in [with the Cards],” Reyes said. “It was hard trying to make people happy there. It made for some long years.” (Indians.com)

Dave Duncan might be a genius, but he isn’t the communicator Carl Willis is.. If Reyes is someone who needs to communicate, he came to the right place.

“It was great working with [Triple-A pitching coach Scott] Radinsky,” said Reyes, who went 2-0 with a 2.77 ERA in Buffalo. “And the pitching coach here [Carl Willis] is nice. I see a lot of positives to it. There’s more communication here.” (Indians.com)

I’m going to echo the sentiments of Anthony Castrovince, who got a win when he found out that Reyes is the first Anthony to pitch for the Indians, EVER. I’m not an Anthony, but I’ve often been called that AND Tony.. Which is far worse.. Tony doesn’t count, it is Tony in itself and itself alone.

Jenny Lew, I’ve Saved You

Wow.. Quick and Painless..

Jensen Lewis’ quick save was a sight for sore eyes of Tribe Fans.

After the lead-off walk, Lewis got two ground ball outs and the strikeout of Alex Rios to end it. Thank god. Give him another shot.

Anthony Reyes pitched gooood. I like what I saw from the kid. He was getting ahead of just about every hitter he faced. 20 of 27 hitters faced got first pitch strikes. He allowed 7 hits but just one walk and all the hits were singles. Not to mention some of them were bloops and dribblers up the middle. He was simply just getting ahead, had them at two outs, the hits were harmless.

He pitched real well, I was real impressed with him. Lookingforward to more.. 6.1 innings, 7 hits, 1 walk, 1 run, 4 k’s and the win.

Offensively it was all the 4th inning. Francisco and Choo with back to back doubles knocked in the first two runs and then Gutierrez with a single knocked in the third. That would be it until Francisco and Choo did it again with back to back singles to knock in two more. Shoppach went 1-3 with two runs and a walk hitting in the three hole again. Guess it wasn’t just for one game Shoppy. Choo went 3-4 with the one run and two RBI

Tomorrow it’s Paul Byrd and Roy Freaking Halladay, not cool. Day Baseball and FOX doesn’t knock us out for once!

[BOXSCORE]

Wakeup Wahoo: Peralta Picking It Up

Jhonny Peralta is just getting it done on the RBI front and now he’s getting that average up.

“What a great day for Jhonny,” said Wedge. “He was squaring up everything. Hitting the ball other way. Staying through breaking balls, squaring up fastballs.” (Plain Dealer)

Gotta tip your hat off to Jhonny getting these 5-5 nights. Keep doing it Jhonny… We need them.. I’m shocked because he hasn’t really cooled off at all since he started this tear. That was the thing with Jhonny. He was always there and then gone. He’s been consistent as all hell. .371 in the last 26 games.

There is tons of talk about Trevor Crowe geting called up come September.. Most believe he is the solution to the lead-off problem the team would have if the Indians moved Grady Sizemore down in the order.

“Obviously I’d like to hit leadoff. But, the thing is, Grady Sizemore is such a good leadoff hitter, that if he wants to do it, he’s going to be there,” Crowe said. “All I can do is play as well as I can every day.” (Indians.com)

I certainly think Crowe compares to Grady a little bit. He could be a great solution if the Indians ever decide to move Grizzle down.

So Brendan Donnelly and Anthony Reyes called up for the game today. I’m sure we will see Donnelly if needed. Reyes will start for sure and let’s hope he does good. He could be a great solution to our starter problem for next year. That would leave one vet signing instead of two. Donnelly doesn’t have a contract for next year but you would think if he shows he is back that he’d give the Indians dibs on re-signing him because they gave him a chance to rehab.

“So far, everything has been feeling good,” Donnelly said. “I’ve kind of been treating these games as a Spring Training for me, working on different things each outing, all while competing and trying to get people out, execute pitches. Each time it seems like it’s been getting better and better and stronger.” (Indians.com)

Expect more news on Hafner today and if It warrants it I’ll update. If not, look for a Joe Inglett, What Could Have Been.

Update 12:45: I forgot to mention that Paul Byrd CLEARED waivers, he can be traded to any team of the Indians choosing if someone wants him. Doubt it happens though.

Try to get the boards updated the best I can. There’s some moving around going on with the rosters and who knows what else will get shaken up, there could be some releases or shifts, never know.

Wakeup Wahoo: Reyes To Start Friday

I’m also renaming this. Wakeup Wahoo!

Could something be in the works for Paul Byrd? Are they simply pushing him back a start to Saturday? Not positively sure right now, because his scheduled start on Friday is no more. Anthony Reyes will start the game against the Blue Jays Friday Night.

“I’m excited,” Reyes said. “Every time you get a chance to pitch in the big leagues, it’s exciting. I’m going to go up there and show them what I can do, and hopefully I can stay.” (Indians.com)

I’m excited too, for the fact that this is a big time prospect that fell out of favor because of issues with a pitching coach. The potential talent is there and we’ve seen it before. This could be a steal of a pick-up. Oh and as for Matt Ginter and the reason he was placed on the DL, the word is forearm strain.

Speaking of injuries. Asdrubal Cabrera left yesterdays game early after jogging out onto the field and catching a spike in the turf and collapsing to the ground. Droobs is Day to Day with an Ankle Sprain and we’ll see if he’s in the lineup tomorrow. If not Jamey will start a game or two at second, it isn’t expected to be anything DL worthy.

If anything, we got to see Sal Freaking Fasano play first base, somethine he actually has done before. But it was fun to see it. The MAIN reason he had to play first base?

Well because Ryan Garko went and got himself yanked from the game, which made Andy Marte take over as DH, effectively losing their last infield option.

Wedge was pretty disappointed as you can imagine. Garko broke the number one cardinal sin you can break as a player under Wedge. His words were quick and painless to the media, but I’m sure Garko got an earful. Ryan being a good kid realizes what a bonehead he was probably took it like a man and I wouldnt’ be surprised if this turned his year around. He might get benched one more time but who knows, this could be the kick in the ass he needs.

Speaking of Wedge.. The one thing he hates the most other than not hustling is telling Grady Sizemore he won’t be starting. That has happened like maybe 5 times since Grady became a full-time player? I mean seriously it’s like going to the Dentist for him. He only has to do it like twice a year.

Victor Martinez took swings from both sides of the plate yesterday but he won’t be ready for his rehab assignement as first thought. Victor will put in a few more days and probably be sent out after the weekend series in Toronto when the team returns home. That could be a guess though. His elbow might not be ready to go full out, but for the most part, his elbow feels free and easy for the first time in a long time.

“My elbow feels great,” said Martinez. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this. But we still have some work to do.” (Plain Dealer)

Eric Wedge watched Travis Hafner take cuts off a tee from Cleveland via video. As we know, today is Hafner’s next strength test as Lonnie Soloff returns to Cleveland to see how much Hafner has progressed. Let’s hope for some good news.

Josh Barfield ran the bases with Victor Martinez and says he feels close to returning. He’s given his legs a good workout during his time off and could be off on rehab assignment this weekend sometime.

The fan-fallout from yesterdays’ ridiculous loss is in full-force. Call-in shows were probably flooded on the Clevelan Radio stations and it was a popular topic on Bruce Drennen’s show from what little half hour I saw of it. The Cleveland Fan also has some thoughts on it.

I think though, this is a big reason for Mark Shapiro to go out and get a closer with some money. I’m all for spending the dough to bring in a guy who’s done it before. I’d also like to go get another arm like Will Ohman, Dan Wheeler, or bring back Bobby Howry.

Check out all the former Tribe players making waves in baseball this year.

Shake Up is Coming: Anthony Reyes and Brendan Donnelly Called Up

So I think the the shake up will continue beyond this. BUT, here are two moves real quick. The Indians sent Tom Mastny down to Buffalo and called up Anthony Reyes. Reyes will probably start this weekend. They need a start because Matt Ginter is headed to the 15 Day DL.

To take Mastny’s spot in the bullpen, former World Series reliever Brendan Donnelly will be called up. They still need to make a move for the 40 man roster. No word on that either..

I just hope there’s a move coming with Juan Rincon.. Maybe a Paul Byrd trade.. Maybe find a way to get rid of Rafael Betancourt.

More Shake-up to come I hope. I like both these moves.. Hopefull Donelly is right and we can get him back next year.. We need ANOTHER FRIGGIN guy in the pen.

MU: Shapiro Questioned by Ticket Holders; 15 for Lee is Special

Q: “How about the potential players to be named later in the CC Sabathia trade. Who are they?”

A: “Did Paul Hoynes send you? He asks me that every day,” Shapiro quipped, referring to the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s longtime Indians beat writer. (Indians.com)

That was one of the questions Mark Shapiro was faced with when he had to answer the questions of more than 100 season ticket holders yesterday.

Either way. I’m getting sick of seeing Wendi Nix’s mug on TV.. So let’s talk about David Dellucci.

“Growing up, I never thought I’d hit one home run, much less 100,” he said. “It’s a sign that you’ve played a lot of years in the big leagues, I guess.” (Indians.com)

Great job David.. That sounds like an old player just talking cause hes old. That is the exact reason you reached 100 home runs.

Cliff Lee really had to work for his 15th win. It didn’t come easy for the lefty as he really tipped his cap to the Rays’ hitters.

“They’re not in first place by accident,” Lee said. “They put me to the test. They do a lot of things right offensively.” (Plain Dealer)

Did you hear? Kelly Shoppach has made it to the Hall of Fame already!

“Hey Datzy,” he said to bench coach Jeff Datz, walking nearby. “Did you hear? I’m in the Hall of Fame!” (Indians.com)

Cooperstown called Shoppach and asked for his bat from the historic 5-extra base hit night he had. He obliged and now he will stand in Cooperstown forever. That’s one hell of an accomplishment, he should be proud.

You guys notice Jhonny Peralta sort of shielded his eyes last night on a pop up? Turns out the lights are really bright in Tropicana Field. This is the second of three domes the Indians will play in on this road trip. They are the only three domes left and we play in all of them. The hope is that the roof will be open in Toronto.

Eric Wedge and Carl Willis talked about Anthony Reyes and the timetable on getting him up to the big leagues.

“He’s in our plans,” said Wedge, when asked if Reyes would be called up soon. “I think we’ll have him up here sooner rather than later. How that’s for vague? It’s vague, but a precise vague.” (Plain Dealer)

“His fastball was consistently at 92-94 [mph],” pitching coach Carl Willis said. “The thing he’s done in both outings is maintain his fastball velocity throughout. From what I’m hearing in Buffalo, he’s a very competitive kid who competes well.” (Indians.com)

Anthony Castrovince believes Reyes is higher on the pecking order than Aaron Laffey is, and Laffey got hit bad last night with a lot of hits and walks.

Victor Martinez ran the bases with no problems yesterday. He is on track to rehab soon. Vic was also the subject of the newest Indians Mailbag.

Minor League Update: LaPorta getting it done for Team USA

Michael Aubrey’s 8th inning solo shot gave the Herd a win over Syracuse last night. Aubrey went 2-4 and his home run put Anthony Reyes in line for his second win. Reyes was lock down last night going 8 strong, allowing just one run off five hits and four strikeouts.

Akron lost last night despite Bronson Sardinha’s bases clearing double. Wyatt Toregas knocked in a run and had two hits. Kevin Dixon struggled giving up seven runs in three innings, while Tony Sipp pitched two solid innings giving up nothing and striking out one.

Kinston got two in the top of the 11th to edge Salem. Lucas Montero and Carlos Santana both had two hits including a home run. Jerad Head has the big night going 3-6 with FIVE RBI, including a 3-run shot.

Joanniel Montero went 7 strong to aid the Captains in their win against the Legends. Matt Brown went 3-4 with an RBI.

Mahoning Valley beat up on a team with a deer logo. Lonnie Chisenhall goes deep again and Cord Phelps went 3-5. All Hail that Mahoning Valley team.. They are the bomb.

New Minor League Happenings Focusing on the new Catching Duo in Kinston.

Tracking Matt LaPorta

Matt LaPorta went 1-3 with two runs scored and a solo home run. It was his second of the exhibition series with Canada. The four-game stand in North Carolina ends today. The United States won the third game and look for a 3 game win. Jeff Stevens pitched a scoreless inning, striking out a pair in the ninth inning.

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Minor League Update: Anthony Reyes Debuts; Beau Mills Mashing

The Herd dented Durham last night with a 8-7 victory. Anthony Reyes made his Buffalo debut going 5 innings and giving up three runs. He gave up just five hits and struck out four, but he also walked four. He did pick up the win though. He’ll need to make a few good starts before he proves he is ready to get called up.

He was supported offensively by the likes of Trevor Crowe and his second Bisons’ home run. Crowe went 3-5 with a run batted in and three runs scored plus his first triple; he was a double shy of the cycle. Both Chris Gimenez and Todd Linden batting next to each other went 0-2 with three walks apiece. Morgan Ensberg had another four RBI night, going 2-4 with a two-run shot. Brad Snyder had a double and a triple.

Nate Panther and Matt Whitney had solo shots and Wyatt Toregas had a two run homer for Akron. However the Aeros were defeated as Kevin Dixon struggled and James Deters got pounded in relief. Tony Sipp gave up a run but Chuck Lofgren pitched 1.2 innings of scoreless relief.

Kinston laid the smackdown on the Pelicans.. What a great nickname. I like Myrtle Beach, cool place. You know who else is cool? Beau Mills, who increased his league leading RBI total to 73 with four RBI and a home run. Is it time to call the kid up? I think so.. Akron could use him. Rotate him and Whitney and Hodges in the 1st, 3rd and DH spots.. Whitney and Beau can play both third and first.. Carlos Santana went 1-4 with a RBI Double. Jeff Harris was sent to Kinston and picked up the win in his first apperance.

Todd Martin in Lake County for rehab had a solo shot for the Captains. That was their lone run as they lost to Greensboro.

A pair of three-run home runs from favorite Jeremie Tice and Brock Simpson powered the Scrappers to a 14-2 victory. Isaias Velasquez went 3-6 and both Tice and Simpson went 2-5, with Simpson having an additional RBI. Lonnie Chisenhall and Zach Booker knocked in two runs each. Russell Young gave up just one earned in 5+ to earn the win.