Author: John Blake (Page 30 of 68)

Cliff Lee pitched well enough to win but the Tribe were done in by a four-run ninth as they lost 7-3 in the final game of the series against Seattle. Lee gave up three in 7 2/3 innings and left the game with the Tribe and the Mariners tied at three. The game was tight throughout until the normally dominant Fausto Carmona lost it and gave up four in the ninth. Carmona walked the leadoff man, Ben Broussard, on four pitches and the inning went downhill from there. With the bases loaded and two outs, outfielder Jose Lopez delivered a two-run base hit off Carmona.

“The last thing you can do is walk the leadoff guy in the ninth, especially on four straight pitches,” Wedge said. “That was the story of that inning. Whenever you put that leadoff runner on, whether you’re up by one or [in] a tie ballgame, you’re going to create one hell of an inning for yourself.”

The Tribe had their chance in the bottom of the ninth, but Grady Sizemore grounded into a rare double play with the bases loaded to end the game. The Indians have now lost there last six series. Familiar feeling, isn’t it. With so many young players now getting their chance with the Tribe, expect more of the same as the season rolls along.

The wheeling and dealing for the Indians continued Sunday as the trading deadline approaches. GM Mark Shapiro sent free agent-to-be Ronnie Belliard to St. Louis for 26-year-old infielder Hector Luna.

The Cardinals needed a second-base solution for the stretch run, and the Indians needed middle-infield depth for the long haul.

Luna, if you remember, was originally drafted by the Indians back in 1999 and was lost twice because of the Rule V draft.

General manager Mark Shapiro had said Belliard was an option for his club at second base next season. But the 31-year-old Belliard is likely to command a multiyear deal in free agency, and the Indians aren’t expected to want to go that route with him.
The 26-year-old Luna, known for a solid bat but inconsistent glove, will join the Indians in Boston on Monday. With the Cards this season, he’s hit .291 with four homers and 21 RBIs in 75 games.

Belliard’s future with Cleveland was iffy since his contract was up at the end of the season. Ronnie has done some great things for this team over the past couple of years and has showed tremendous attitude and toughness. He would have been a quality asset to keep around another year or so because of what he brings to the team. Belliard displayed a consistent bat and solid defense. The trade saves the Indians money and they get younger in the process by acquiring Luna.

Luna doesn’t exactly blow me away. If he really is “inconsistent” with the glove, that’ll make our defense even worse. Our infield now has to be the worst in all of baseball and I don’t completely agree with the trade. It would have been nice to bring Belliard back but clearly the move was about the money for the Tribe.

Jake Westbrook pitched a dandy but couldn’t get much help from the Tribe offense as the Indians lost 3-1 Saturday night. Jason Michaels had two of the Tribe’s five hits in the ballgame, including an RBI base hit in the third for their only run. Ben Broussard turned the tables on the Indians and helped beat his old club. In his first start against his former team, Broussard hit a solo home run in the ninth to extend the Mariners’ lead. The Indians did flash some skills on the defensive end, something rarely seen this season. Grady Sizemore and Michaels made two outstanding diving catches in the outfield.

Whether it has been poor offense or shoddy defense, Westbrook has seemed to be on the short end of the stick his last few starts. He went eight strong innings but failed to get any support from the bats.

“We didn’t make adjustments tonight,” Sizemore said. “Their pitching staff kept us off our game. We didn’t get runs on the board.”

It’s safe to say that Jeremy Sowers will be sticking around for quite some time in an Indians uniform. As for the other hero of Friday’s game, Shin-Soo Choo, his future with the team may not be as certain as Sowers’, but Choo sure didn’t hurt himself. Choo showed some pop in his bat and some plate discipline as well. Hell, with the crowd at the Jake chanting “Chooooo!”, he already is becoming a fan favorite.

Sowers has been absolutely unbelievable his last two starts and for one night at least, Tribe fans were able to catch a glimpse into what the Indians’ future might look like. Marte didn’t get a hit Friday, but he’s definitely here for the long haul and his time to shine will come. We can’t help but be ecstatic for Sowers and the bright future that he brings. And Choo? Well, he adds a unique look to the outfield and could very well be in the Tribe’s plans. The season may be over, but at least we can take the rest of the season to get a decent look at what these young prospects bring to the table.