The Cleveland Indians celebrated the Fourth of July by lighting up the New York Yankee pitching staff for 19 runs in a 19-1 win over the Bronx Bombers at Jacobs Field.  It was not even two years ago that the Tribe hammered the Yanks in New York, 22-0.  By the way, Jake Westbrook was the winning pitcher in both blowouts.  It was a great night at the Jake for anyone sitting near one of the frontrunners from this area who roots for the Yankees.

 

That make six of the last eight in the win column for the Wahoos.  Much like last year (I am not saying the same thing is going to happen again in ’06), the key for this streak has been the starting pitching.  In seven of the last eight games, the starting pitcher has allowed three runs or less.  That gives you a great opportunity to win games. 

 

I am curious about the decision to send Ryan Garko back to Buffalo to make room for Jason Michaels, who was activated from the disabled list prior to yesterday’s game.  The Indians need to find out what they have in Garko, who should have at least assumed Eduardo Perez’ role in the platoon with Ben Broussard.  Apparently, that role will go to Victor Martinez, with Kelly Shoppach catching against lefties.  Still, I don’t see why a team needs both Ramon Vazquez and Joe Inglett on the roster, although someone still has to go after the All Star break when Casey Blake comes back. 

 

The Tribe has a great chance to look at some young players the rest of this season, and I think Eric Wedge and Mark Shapiro realize that.  I have to believe they are actively trying to move guys like Aaron Boone, Ben Broussard, and Bob Wickman to make room for younger alternatives.  Until these players are dealt, Shapiro is going to hold the company line that the young guys aren’t ready, when in reality the front office has decided they can help the big club. 

 

So far, the rookie contingent has done pretty well.  Jeremy Sowers has pitched better in his last two starts than Jason Johnson pitched since the beginning of May.  Franklin Gutierrez has done a passable job in right field, although he must learn to drive the ball in the majors.  And Rafael Perez has pitched well out of the bullpen.  Even Inglett and Garko contributed to Saturday’s win in Cincinnati. 

 

Last night’s game was a thing of beauty.  Let’s keep the winning streak going, and give the Yankees more worries as they head into the All Star break.

 

KM

 

New Year’s Day came on June 30 this year for the Cleveland Indians.  The Tribe front office officially started when the team dealt first baseman Eduardo Perez to Seattle for minor league infielder Asdrubal Cabrera.  Cabrera was ranked as the #6 prospect in the Mariner organization and is playing at the AAA level at just 20 years old.

 

This is the first move made with next season in mind.  Perez was having a solid year as the right handed hitting half of the first base platoon with Ben Broussard.  GM Mark Shapiro was look to move anybody who is not going to be a part of this team next season, and with Victor Martinez apparently getting more time at 1B, and with Ryan Garko on the farm, Perez didn’t have a future here and with a weakness in the middle infield in the organization, this was a good move to make.

 

More of this type of move is expected in the coming weeks.  Look for Aaron Boone to be moved so the Tribe can elevate the red hot Andy Marte from Buffalo.  Bob Wickman, who is on a one year contract, may be traded to a contender looking for relief help down the stretch.  Broussard may go as well.

 

I don’t look for Paul Byrd to be dealt because he is on a two year deal, and can help this team in 2007.  Ronnie Belliard will probably stay since the organization has no one to take his place, and he has played better in the last month.  It’s time to look at guys like Marte, Franklin Gutierrez, Garko, and Joe Inglett to see if they can contribute next year.  Shapiro and Wedge think this team can contend next year, and so do I.

 

Couple of notes from the weekend:  Wedge certainly looked like an idiot putting Travis Hafner up with the bases loaded on Saturday.  It was an excellent move since the Reds had to pitch to him.  Pronk came through as usual. 

 

It was nice to see Guillermo Mota pitch well over the weekend.  Maybe something can be salvaged with him this year, after all.  Did you see Jason Johnson’s performance in his Red Sox debut?  He went just four innings, allowing five runs.  Guess Boston’s infield defense can’t create miracles. 

 

As expected, Grady Sizemore was the only Cleveland player picked to the American League All-Star team.  Hafner can be elected by the fans in an internet vote this week, but the nod will probably go to Francisco Liriano of the Twins.  I don’t understand why Garko is being rumored to be sent out when Jason Michaels gets activated from the DL.  Does the Tribe really need Ramon Vasquez and Inglett?

 

MW