As I was leaving tonight’s game, I turned to my husband and said “I think something in my brain exploded during that game.” When it comes to repressing my Indians-related anger, all I could think of, was this scene from Family Guy. I feel like I just need to let a rant loose on this one, but there is at least one person who earns a reprieve from my wrath tonight – Carlos Carrasco. Carrasco deserved better than he got tonight – he deserved more from the defense behind him and more from the offense. He allowed one earned run on six hits, and struck out four – he pitched a complete game and did so in fewer than 100 pitches.
Beyond that, I can’t think of much positive to take away from this one. As soon as the lineup was announced, I just groaned – the only person hitting above .245 was Asdrubal Cabrera. Jonathan Sanchez was about what I expected; he struggled with his command and threw a lot of balls. Unfortunately, the most damaging pitch broke Shin-Soo Choo’s thumb and will sideline him for at least six weeks. (I planned to wear my Choo jersey tomorrow, but now I feel it’s kind of inappropriate). In the first inning, it looked like the Indians were prepared to take advantage of Sanchez’s control issues. Orlando Cabrera and Asdrubal Cabrera both walked, and Carlos Santana doubled both of them in. After that, they weren’t really able to cash in on his struggles. The most frustrating moment for me was when Austin Kearns came to bat with the bases loaded in the fifth inning. Due to my seat angle, my perception may be off – but it seemed like Kearns was just swinging at terrible pitches. They probably should’ve just pinch hit the bat boy for him at that point.
Santana’s errors were the final nails in the coffin. What can you even say about them? Lou Marson needs at bats, plus Santana can’t catch every day…in National League parks he’ll have to play some first base. I’ll give Santana one thing – at least he had a clutch hit. There was no game for him to ruin if he didn’t give the Tribe a 2-0 lead in the first place.
I knew they weren’t going to do much against Brian Wilson in the ninth inning, but I still didn’t quite understand the Cord Phelps pinch hit appearance. Initially I flipped out (“why wouldn’t you use Hafner there???”) – Then my husband pointed out that Carrasco’s spot was due up and that Hafner would likely hit for him. Even the Giants fan next to us took pity upon my frustrated state and promised that I’d see Hafner before the end of the inning. Even if Hafner could’ve come through, it was too little, too late. With Grady Sizemore up next, I doubt he would’ve done anything if Hafner got on base.
I apologize, I feel like this is a bit of an incoherent rant tonight. I guess that’s what jet lag and annoyance gets you. I’m a little worried about the rest of the series as well; Matt Cain is tough and I dread seeing Fausto Carmona pitch on Sunday. One positive moment from the night – I learned the giant Coke bottle perched above left field contains a slide. The one usher told me that while most people think it’s only for kids, adults are allowed to go down it as well. I know what I’m doing before tomorrow’s game!
little did you know it would get even better saturday as the tribe bats continue to enjoy summer hibernation….and today’s ‘twice in one inning error idiot’ is none other than cord phelps, your disappointing pinch hitter from last night….hey indians hitters, you’re in what is known as the major leagues…stop this gutless, unprofessional hitting while you still have a chance at a decent season…..seattlestu is hot….going for a cold beer now.
Well said, SeattleStu. I was writing almost the same thing myself.
I too am going to go chill and have a beer. There’s a brewery on the walk between my hotel and the ballpark; I think I need to spend some quality time there before tomorrow’s game.