Official 2012 Cleveland Indians game thread

[Prosecutor]

Tribe ends the road trip 4-6 playing a lot of guys brought up from Columbus. Rottino, LaPorta, Zeke, Canzler, Neal (Akron) - they all got in last night and still beat the Rangers in a shocker. I guess you'd have to call this road trip a success, considering all the minor leaguers they're throwing out there.

It will be interesting to see how David Huff does in the rotation after a couple of lights-out bullpen appearances. He says he had a hamstring problem that affected him earlier in the season. He seems to be thowing very well now, so we'll see. I think we have nine games left against the White Sox and Tigers, so we'll have the opportunity to spoil things for somebody. It will be a good test to see how our young starters McAlister, Kluber, and Huff do against quality teams that are fighting for the playoffs and won't be using any AAA call-ups.

[GeronimoSon]

Tribe ends the road trip 4-6 playing a lot of guys brought up from Columbus. Rottino, LaPorta, Zeke, Canzler, Neal (Akron) - they all got in last night and still beat the Rangers in a shocker. I guess you'd have to call this road trip a success, considering all the minor leaguers they're throwing out there.

It will be interesting to see how David Huff does in the rotation after a couple of lights-out bullpen appearances. He says he had a hamstring problem that affected him earlier in the season. He seems to be thowing very well now, so we'll see. I think we have nine games left against the White Sox and Tigers, so we'll have the opportunity to spoil things for somebody. It will be a good test to see how our young starters McAlister, Kluber, and Huff do against quality teams that are fighting for the playoffs and won't be using any AAA call-ups.

Hmm.. I didn't notice any pronouncements that Huff would be taking a spot in the starting rotation. He is throwing a LOT of strikes which has ALWAYS been the key to him pitching well.. W/r to the remaining schedule.. it's all AL Central from here on out.. Royals & CWSox for six each, tigers and twins for three each..

[homerawayfromhome]

It was announced Huff is replacing Gomez.

[TonyIBI]

Looking forward to seeing Huff in the rotation. Indians have a lot of decisions to make this offseason and next spring on guys, and Huff is one of them. He's likely due for the DFA/trade route, but I still wonder with all of the issues with left-handed relief why they never tried him out in that role this year.

[homerawayfromhome]

Personally I think I'd go with the thrown in route in a trade to clear a little of the roster cluster and hopefully bring back a talented arm / bat from Rookie /A ball in return in a larger pkg.

[Bearcatbob]

Still a thrill to win - especially in a come from behind walk off.

[homerawayfromhome]

I don't care what some may say about Chisenhall, but I like what he brings to the team.

[Edible14]

I don't care what some may say about Chisenhall, but I like what he brings to the team.

His approach looks a lot better to me than what I remember from last year. Might just be bias on my part, but it looks like the guy's improving and learning. Makes me more and more comfortable with DFA'ing Hannahan.

[Pork Chop Pough]

I don't care what some may say about Chisenhall, but I like what he brings to the team.

His approach looks a lot better to me than what I remember from last year. Might just be bias on my part, but it looks like the guy's improving and learning. Makes me more and more comfortable with DFA'ing Hannahan.

He made some comments when he came back that he knows he needs to do a better job of working counts. He's backed it up by walking 3 times in 23 plate appearances since his return, after walking once in his first 79. Granted, he's also striking out more now, but he's shown good bat-to-ball skills in the past, so there's no reason he can't find more of a balance. The question will be whether he can practice the new found patience over the course of a season, rather than just the few weeks he knew he had left this year.

I haven't really looked at the numbers, but I assume Hannahan's service time will make him significantly more expensive than he's worth, and I can't see them tendering a contract this off-season. He has some nice games here and there, but he's easily replaceable, and Chisenhall has to be given the opportunity to start next year.

[ironmike]

Regarding Chisenhall, great that he realizes he needs to work counts and draw walks. If he doesn't, he won't reach his potential.

Formula for judging productive ML hitters, BB-K ratio, runs scored and can they hit the ball the other way consistently to be able to move runners when necessary.

That includes getting a runner home from 3rd base with no outs, Santana. Hell, choke up if you need be and at least have the right mindset. Santana has a long way to go to be a leader and play winning baseball.

[homerawayfromhome]

It's encouraging to see the growth that Chisenhall has made, I'm curious how much better he could have been if he wasnt injured the last 2 seasons and had that time on the diamond. I don't think he's a superstar but a good young player, and a piece for the future.

[Bearcatbob]

Well - if anyone cares - Kotchman had a game and we won one.

Bob

[Hermie13]

Random factoid from yesterday....Indians outscored the Browns 15 to 14....

[GeronimoSon]

I don't care what some may say about Chisenhall, but I like what he brings to the team.

His approach looks a lot better to me than what I remember from last year. Might just be bias on my part, but it looks like the guy's improving and learning. Makes me more and more comfortable with DFA'ing Hannahan.

He made some comments when he came back that he knows he needs to do a better job of working counts. He's backed it up by walking 3 times in 23 plate appearances since his return, after walking once in his first 79. Granted, he's also striking out more now, but he's shown good bat-to-ball skills in the past, so there's no reason he can't find more of a balance. The question will be whether he can practice the new found patience over the course of a season, rather than just the few weeks he knew he had left this year.

I haven't really looked at the numbers, but I assume Hannahan's service time will make him significantly more expensive than he's worth, and I can't see them tendering a contract this off-season. He has some nice games here and there, but he's easily replaceable, and Chisenhall has to be given the opportunity to start next year.

Jack Hannahan won't be outrageously expensive.. he's put up okay numbers and plays solid defense, so that could take his Arb II value from his current $ 1.135 MM up to as little as $ 1.75 MM to as high as perhaps $ 2.75 MM, The increase seems reasonable given the kind of player he is.

W/R to Chisenhall's approach..yes, it's clear he's keeping his hands back and working the count much better.. very nice to see.. For one, the removal of the Chiz in the late innings for alleged defensive purposes has to stop if for no other reason than to show confidence in his glove work..

W/R to the September call ups: Canzler is showing he has a ML bat and that's about it.. A RH DH who can play a couple of different position is in his future. Vinnie Rottino is a wasted roster spot.. he should never see the field again as an indian. Thomas Neal needs to play everyday for the remainder of the season ( 10 games..? ) Cord Phelps looks waaaaaaay more comfortable from the right side of the plate than the left...

[Hermie13]

I have Hanny slotted for $2M next year. Makes him a non-tender candidate IMO. A good utility guy but if you're gonna give the reigns to Chiz at 3B $2M to Hanny becomes a lil steep. Plus sounds like the Tribe will look for a veteran backup SS. Could look at one that plays 3B as well and use that $2M there. That said, would not be upset if Hanny is kept.