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The above picture says so much.
On a sun-drenched, blustery day at US Cellular Field, it was a game marred by shoddy Tribe defense and total bad luck. For about ten minutes, it looked like the Indians may be able to steal one away way from Cy Young candidate Chris Sale. Mike Napoli and Yan Gomes had just erased a 2-0 deficit with a two-run and solo shot, respectively. Through it all, the Indians somehow found themselves with momentum and a 3-2 lead against Sale, who was probably wondering just what happened.
Cody Anderson made his first start of this infant 2016 season, and certainly did not hurt his standing in the rotation as his lone mistake (to say nothing of his throwing error in a wonky fourth inning) was to Jose Abreu, who is probably more fearful at this juncture of his ascending career than an aging Miguel Cabrera is now. He was typical Anderson; bobbing and weaving his way through his outing while staying away from the crippling blow.
And that, my friends, is what you call “foreshadowing.” Because for all the good that Anderson did today, he was met with his polar opposite in Bryan Shaw.
(Hold on, I’m gonna put on my DJ hat. Everybody up!)
Since Shaw came to the Indians, he’s been Tito Francona’s bullpen workhorse. Most often, he’s a solid bridge to Cody Allen. Today, though? Shaw probably should’ve stayed in bed. His appearance today reads like a horror novel: Single; double; intentional walk; fielder’s choice (not Shaw’s fault, by the way; Jason Kipnis was not sharp defensively today and the “extra out” just kicked the oncoming avalanche downhill); single, and two batters later, the knockout three-run blow by Avisail Garcia.
From that point on, the wind was out of the Indians’ sails, and former Indian Matt Albers sliced through the last two innings with no resistance whatsoever. The Tribe will hope that Josh Tomlin can steer the series tide back in their favor tomorrow against the Pale Hoses’ lefty, Jose Quintana.
Yeah, it’s early. Maybe it just feels painful because we’re expecting them to be sharp after just coming out of spring training. Take care of business tomorrow and it won’t sting nearly as much.
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Other Notes:
Put Away the Toys! Wait, Are Drones Toys? So, this happened. Somebody needs to send Trevor Bauer to his room. Or make him pay for the repairs out of his allowance. Or a paddling? Is that still allowed in this day and age?
Take the Cowgill Out to Pasture: With apologies to our cow-loving Stephanie Liscio, this guy needs to be kept in the barn and never let out. Lonnie Chisenhall’s rehab in Columbus is going great, right? RIGHT?
Oh. Nuts.
He Ain’t Retirin’, Bro: Former Indian Nick Swisher found himself in the news today. He’s close to signing a minor league deal with the Yankees. I guess they need a designated cheerleader.
W: Chris Sale (2-0); L: Bryan Shaw (0-1)
Indians: 2-2
White Sox: 4-2
Kipnis was out to late partying with his buddies? But what was Uribe’s excuse?