Author: John Blake (Page 29 of 68)

The Indians, behind a great outing by C.C Sabathia, beat former Tribe pitcher Jason Johnson and the Red Sox 6-3 to even the series. Sabathia went eight innings, struck out eight, and allowed only one run to win his eighth game of the season. The Indians jumped on Johnson early and put up two in the top of the first. Jason Michaels and Victor Martinez both delivered RBI singles in an inning where Johnson had to throw 36 pitches. Casey Blake hit his third home run of the series in the third and Joe Inglett hit his second of the season. In addition to the three homers, a red-hot Blake is 4-for-6 with seven RBI in his last two games. Grady Sizemore had a productive night with two of his three hits being doubles.

Sabathia was throwing hard all night long and consistently hit the upper 90s on the gun. He got back on track and picked up his first win since his complete game shutout on July 7. As big of a human being as Sabathia is, it was impressive how he was able to sustain his effectiveness while fighting the high temperatures.

New closer Fausto Carmona is having a rough time acclimating to his new role. For the second straight game, he entered in the ninth and failed to shut down the opposition. Monday, a three-run walk-off home run by who other than David Ortiz gave Boston a 9-8 victory over the Tribe. The Red Sox pounded Paul Byrd, who had his second staight rough start, and the Tribe lit up Davis Wells early on. Casey Blake hit two home runs and had five RBI on the night to lead the Indians’ offensive charge. Kelly Shoppach had two RBI and new addition Hector Luna recorded a double in his first game as an Indian.

After Byrd was taken out after four innings, the bullpen did another superb job holding the lead until the ninth. Jason Davis and Rafael Betancourt allowed only two hits in their combined four innings of relief. However, in his first save situation, Carmona gave up a single to Alex Cora and walked the next batter to create the trouble. The rest, as they say, is history.

“He tried to do a little bit too much,” Wedge said. “He doesn’t need to do too much. He has good enough stuff, a good enough delivery that he just needs to present the stuff and play catch with [catcher Kelly] Shoppach.”

Before everyone gets all over Carmona’s case, just relax. It was his first save opportunity, he is only 22, and he was pitching in one of the most difficult ballparks in baseball. It’s been a difficult last two games for Fausto but let’s give him a chance and see how the rest of the season plays out before we throw him under the bus.

With the season a wash, the trades Shapiro made were deals the Indians had to make and, according to ABJ writer Terry Pluto, the future of the Indians isn’t as bad as some Tribe fans think. Considering the ages and situation with the players that were traded, Pluto says the deals make sense. With the money the Indians will be saving, they will be in good position to go after some quality veterans this off-season to go with their good, young talent.

Do you think that Eduardo Perez, Ben Broussard or Bob Wickman were going to play major roles in 2007, assuming they came back at all? Wickman and Perez will be free agents. Broussard could be in line for a $4 million deal in arbitration, and he’s struggled hitting lefties (.190 in the past two seasons).

Take a realistic look at the players traded and their ages: Wickman (37), Perez (36) and Broussard (29). Only Broussard has a future during the next few years, and that will be as a platoon player.

General Manager Mark Shapiro has done an impressive job of bringing in young talent since taking over in 2002. Not every trade worked out, but the team is in much better shape now than it was at the end of that season. Especially since the $82 million payroll was about to be cut in half.

Some fans have been complaining about the deals for prospects, forgetting that these type of trades put the Indians in position to win 93 games in 2005. They have a chance to regroup and contend in the future with some key veteran acquisitions.

Pluto goes on to analyst each trade the Indians made this season and the impact they will have. The Indians will get a good look at their young talent for the rest of the season and will use this time to sort through what they have in them and where they will fit with the team. Pluto notes several platoon situations that could arise for next season.