The Indians play their last game before the break this afternoon against the Chicago White Sox. Trevor Bauer will match up against John Danks as the Indians hope to improve upon Saturday’s loss (especially where offense is concerned). The good news is that there are a number of Indians players who have had success against John Danks this year – Ryan Raburn is hitting .750/.667/.750, Asdrubal Cabrera .600/.667/1.400 (an OPS of 2.067!!!), Michael Brantley .500/.500/1.167, Yan Gomes .400/.500/.800, Carlos Santana .333/.333/1.000, and Jason Kipnis .333/.333/.333. The only other players that have faced him this year are Mike Aviles .200/.200/.200, Nick Swisher .000/.333/.000, and David Murphy .000/.000/.000. So this is a pitcher they’ve seen this year, and many have had success against him. In two games this year, he’s carrying a 9.00 ERA against the Tribe. Hopefully this can help send them into the break on a high note.
This will be the first time this season that Trevor Bauer has faced the White Sox.
Today’s lineup in picture form via Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribue
White Sox lineup at Indians. Sanchez at shortstop. Garcia in center field. pic.twitter.com/ohILun8WBa
— Colleen Kane (@ChiTribKane) July 13, 2014
#TribeTrivia Who holds the Indians record for highest pre-All-Star Break batting average (since inception of game in 1933)?
— Ryan McCrystal (@TribeFanMcC) July 13, 2014
Albert Belle? Maybe Bobby Avila?
Solid guesses. Belle hit .357 in ’94 (6th best) and Avila hit .343 in ’36 (12th best).
Here’s a hint: it’s not Bill Knickerbocker… although he does hold down the 8th spot on the list with a .352 average in 1934, and yet he wasn’t selected to the All-Star team! Joe Cronin and his .283 average was the lone AL shortstop selected that year.
Earl Averill?
Damn the strike!