Another strong performance from the Tribe in the matinee of the brief two game series with Texas. I was working while the game went on but was able to watch on mlb.tv most of the game. My random observations from this game were:
- Typical Paul Byrd pitched game. Byrdie doesn't overwhelm you with any thing he throws but he pounds the strike zone and works fast and keeps his defense involved.
- The one constant in this winning streak has been getting out to a lead and when this happens it looks like this team tends to relax and not press.
- Excellent game by Choo again today. Two hits, a laser throw from left field and solid glove work in the field. I think when Dellucci comes back from the DL that Choo will go back down to Buffalo, but he has shown management what he can do and if the team makes a playoff push you could see Choo being added in August as a fifth outfielder for his superb defense. By making an excellent showing does increase his trade value as well.
- It was also very nice to see Josh Barfield get a hit and hopefully this will start to get him out of his slump. I personally don't think he has look terrible at the plate and it is very encouraging that his defense has been as good as advertised and it hasn't wained as he has struggled from the plate. The last week Barfield has been getting some good swings at the plate and I believe his offense will come in time.
- Last night a classy move by the fans in giving Kenny Lofton an ovation when he came in and pinch ran. Are you watching Jim Thome?
- I have not been one to crucify the management of the team but why not let the overflow crowd from the Cavs game into the stadium to watch the conclusion of the game last night? It would have been seen as good will to the Cleveland sports fans. I can see not letting people in who are drunk and/or belligerent but folks come on this team can use all the good will it can get in the city.
Up next is a three game series with the Baltimore Orioles at home. The pitching match up is Jake Westbrook vs. Steve Trachsel so if your going to the game you might want to pack a dinner with Streve Trachsel on the hill it could be a long, long night with the amount of time between pitches when he is on the mound
1 comment:
If Casey Blake goes to third, Choo becomes our fifth outfielder. Garko becomes the regular first baseman with an occasional day off so Vic can play first and Shoppach gets some time behind the plate.
You choose, Marte with 650 at bats, Garko and Choo with zero at bats, or Garko with 350 at bats and Choo with 300 at bats, Marte with zero at bats, which do you prefer?
Marte needs one more great year in the minors and then decide his future and that of Garko's, Choo's and Francisco and Gutierrez over the offseason.
Garko & Choo should stay and contribute this season.
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