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.

Pile On Friends, Pile On

This was the introductory beatdown that is required when you trade away your star Ace.

I’m going to pull the plug on Jeremy Sowers and Brian Slocum right now.

The club wants to find out about them.. Well they found out about them.

Stick a fork in em.. They are both futureless on this team. Ship Up Ship Em OUT.

Jhonny Peralta goes deep and there you have it, the Tigers pile on our wounds and just keep digging at them.

We got Casey Frickin Blake in the third spot..

Awwwful.

[BOXSCORE]

Tribe Designate Joe Borowski

Wow.. Color me shocked that the Indians have outright designated Jumpin Joe.

I still think we might be able to reach a trade for Joe Borowski, even if it’s just for a player to be named later. I mean someone out there will still want some sort of bullpen help.

Obviously Rick Bauer isn’t going to get you much, someone will eventually pick him up and send him to the minor leagues. He will not be sent back to Buffalo if he clears waivers.

I’d expect the Indians to be able to trade Joe. I’m really shocked that they didn’t just demote him and pitch him as a occasional arm and get his value up as a middle reliever.

Brian Slocum and Jensen Lewis will both be called up.. I’m going to assume sooner or later Jeff Stevens will find his way up here as well. They might want him to get a few more saves under his belt after he struggled lately.

Mastny, Lewis Optioned: Bauer, Slocum Up

As expected, Tom Mastny and Jensen Lewis have been optioned to Triple A Buffalo.

To take their spots on the roster, the Indians called up Brian Slocum who is on the 40 man roster already.

They also purchased the contract of Rick Bauer, who closed out 15 games for the Bisons this season. Bauer pitched with both Texas and Baltimore in his career. This fills the 40 man roster spot left by Jorge Julio who is still in limbo.

Bauer should be a nice veteran type arm for this pen right now. He should stay for awhile, while Slocum is probably just a warm body unless he does something unexpected.

Updated: Westbrook back to DL; Mastny To Start

Jake Westbrook has more problems.

Last week after his start he had some issues with his elbow. They thought he might be better for his start today, but catch yesterday didn’t go so well.

So Westbrook is headed back to the DL.

I previously said Brian Slocum would start. That is however not true. According to the Plain Dealer, Tom Mastny will get the start. He probably can’t go long, so this is just a game that will be pitched by the bullpen.