Cleveland Sports Forum

I didn't realize that Faustos trip to the DL makes it 4 SPs on that list this season.

And still in first place!

Judy gets another couple of days in the Show.

I'd expect Gomez

Indians put Fausto Carmona on DLEmailPrintComments21Associated Press

CINCINNATI -- A baserunning mishap turned into Fausto Carmona's latest low.

The Indians put the starting pitcher on the 15-day disabled list Sunday after he strained his thigh in a tumble at first base the previous day. They also activated closer Chris Perez off the bereavement list for the final game of a series against the intrastate rival Cincinnati Reds.

Carmona was Cleveland's lone All-Star last season, when he went 13-14 with a 3.77 ERA and showed signs of developing into a top-notch starter.

He's taken a huge step back this season, losing 10 of his first 14 decisions. And then there was that bad step as he approached first base during a 3-1 win over the Reds in an interleague game Saturday.

"It's bad," Carmona said, sitting on a folding chair in front of his locker Sunday morning. "It's very, very disappointing for me."

Heading into his start Saturday, the right-hander had lost seven of his last eight starts, giving up 41 runs in 43 innings. He was tied for the AL lead in losses and led the league in runs allowed. He made it through the first two innings against the Reds, then bunted in the top of the third and hustled to beat a throw to first.

He tripped as he approached first base, flew over the base and landed hard on his chest. He laughed at first, got up and touched the base, then felt something in his right thigh. He left the game for an examination and treatment.

With the All-Star Game coming up, Carmona hopes that he might end up missing only one start.

"I know it's a bad year, but you never know," he said. "It's a long season. Now with this ..."

Manager Manny Acta plans to move Carmona back in the rotation after the break. He's not sure which Triple-A pitcher will take his place in the rotation next Thursday against Toronto.

Acta thought Carmona was showing signs of coming out of his slump before he got hurt.

"Especially with the way he threw the ball the last couple of games," Acta said. "We feel he's headed in the right direction, and then this happens."

Perez went on the bereavement list before the start of the series so he could attend his grandmother's funeral in Florida. The Indians won the first two games, improving to 5-0 against Cincinnati this season.

All Star roster

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/allstar11 ... id=6732660

Matt Weiters is the backup catcher, since Orioles get 1 player. His OPS is about 70 points below Carlos', of course Carlos is now our 1stbasaeman.

Indians notebook: Gomez likely to fill in for Carmona, who’s on disabled list

By Sheldon Ocker
CINCINNATI: Who will take Fausto Carmona’s next start Thursday against the Blue Jays?

Manager Manny Acta wouldn’t say, but there are three candidates at Columbus: Jeanmar Gomez, Zach McAllister and David Huff.

“A lot has to do with who’s lined up or close to being lined up,’’ Acta said.

Corey Kluber is scheduled to start Thursday, but he won’t be it. [since he's been pitching badly all year long] McAllister would get an extra day of rest, and Gomez would be going on three days’ rest. However, the choice probably will be Gomez.

Carmona went on the 15-day disabled list Sunday with a strained right quad, suffered when he fell as he ran to first after laying down a sacrifice bunt Saturday.

“We are anticipating he will be on the DL for only the 15 days,’’ Acta said. “He would miss one start because of the All-Star break [July 11-13]. We would bring Fausto back four or five days after the break.’’

Carmona said he would undergo an MRI scan today in Cleveland.

“I feel much better today,’’ he said. “I’m going to miss one start, but I don’t want to miss anything. I’m not happy.’’

REPRIEVE FOR JUDY — Josh Judy was expected to go back to Columbus when closer Chris Perez returned to the club Sunday after attending his grandmother’s funeral in Florida.

However, Carmona’s injury has changed that. The Tribe will keep him as an extra reliever until at least Thursday, when the team must make room for another starter.

DISAPPOINTED? — Was Acta unhappy that only two of his players made the All-Star team when he had at least four pitchers who had quality numbers (Josh Tomlin, Carlos Carrasco, Joe Smith and Rafael Perez)?

“There are going to be complaints from everywhere,’’ he said. “Guys with bigger names and bigger numbers than here this year and in the past. It’s a numbers game, and only so many guys can make it.’’

TRIVIA PURSUIT — According to Elias Sports Bureau, only one other active pitcher (the Rays’ Cesar Ramos with 57) has appeared in more than 55 games without earning a win. Frank Herrmann was credited with his first victory Saturday in his 55th appearance.

INTERNATIONAL SIGNING — The Tribe has confirmed the signing of 16-year-old shortstop Dorssys Paulino from the Dominican Republic.

“We like his offensive upside and his hit-ability,’’ John Mirabelli, vice president of scouting operations, said in a prepared statement. “Dorssys’ speed and athleticism should allow him to stay in the middle of the diamond.’’

Paulino, son of former major-league pitcher Jesus Sanchez, received a reported bonus of $1.1 million and will report to the Tribe’s Dominican Academy.

FARM FACTS — Luis Valbuena hit his 12th homer of the year, singled and drove in three runs in Columbus’ 6-5 win over Louisville. Matt McBride homered and drove in two runs.

Ingraham:

Coming out of spring training, the four players the Indians absolutely needed big seasons from were Fausto Carmona, Choo, Travis Hafner and Grady Sizemore.

Carmona has been horrible, and now he's hurt. Choo has been horrible, and now he's hurt. Sizemore has been horrible, and has been on the disabled list two times. Hafner has been very good, but because of an injury and interleague play, he has only started 35 of the Indians' 82 games.

Three other starting pitchers — Carlos Carrasco, Mitch Talbot and Alex White — have spent time on the disabled list.

Despite all that — and only having two players on the All-Star team — the Indians reached the halfway point of the season in first place in the Central Division.

Acta's steady hand, leadership and knack for handling players have been a major reason why.

You have to wonder about Valbuena. He is doing everything right, and needs to either be called up soon, or packaged with Huff perhaps and sent on his way to get another chance somewhere else. He sure is hitting the ball.

Coming out of Spring Training, I thought this team had no chance. Most observers, not wearing rose-colored glasses, had the same opinon.

Funny things happened out of Spring Training.

Asdrubal Carbrera blossomed

Masterson blossomed.

Carrasco blossomed.

Josh Tomlin blossomed.

Vinny Pestano blossomed.


Although a few weeds still grow in the garden, the beautiful flowers are crowding them out.

Give credit to Belcher who has quietly become a Master Gardener.

Sizemore has neatly mixed horrible with lots of xb power. Choo has mixed horrible at bat with good defense. Acta has had more to work with that Ingraham suggests and most importantly the team would not have a record anywhere near first place if the bullpen were merely average; we almost never lose a lead or lose the opportunity to rally to win (although that was pretty much exclusively an April-May phenomenon)

Is the bullpen to Acta's credit? Belcher's credit? Or credit of Joe Smith, Tony Pestano, Raffy and Chris Perez, often Tony Sipp?

Pregame from ESPN, actually mentions the Indians, a little

The New York Yankees are ready to get their captain back as he chases baseball history.


Derek Jeter is expected to return to the lineup and resume his pursuit of 3,000 hits Monday night when the Yankees open a three-game road series with the Cleveland Indians.

The Yankees' all-time hits leader was placed on the disabled list June 13 with a right calf strain. It came with the iconic superstar six hits shy of 3,000.

After successful rehab games at Double-A Trenton on Saturday and Sunday, Jeter will join the Yankees.

"He's good to go," said general manager Brian Cashman, who watched both games in Trenton. "I haven't talked to (Yankees manager) Joe (Girardi) about it but he's ready to go. He'll play tomorrow."

Jeter went 1 for 2 with a walk in Saturday's game and was 1 for 2 with a bunt single, a walk and a throwing error in six innings Sunday night.

Asked after Sunday's game if he'd be playing Monday, Jeter replied, "Yup."

"It feels good," Jeter said of his calf. "I'm looking forward to getting back and helping the team to continue to play well."

Jeter's return comes at a good time since he's a career .370 hitter in Cleveland.

New York (50-32) had its season-high seven-game winning streak snapped with Sunday's 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Mets. An error by fill-in shortstop Ramiro Pena in the 10th kept the inning alive and allowed Jason Bay to follow with a game-ending single.

Pena was in the lineup since Eduardo Nunez was held out due to a tight right hamstring. Nunez went 7 for 8 in the first two games of the series, and batted .339 in 17 starts in place of Jeter with the Yankees winning 14 times.

Jeter was named one of four All-Star starters for the Yankees, with Russell Martin and Mariano Rivera making the squad as reserves. Rivera blew his fourth save Sunday as he failed to preserve Freddy Garcia's eighth win.

Cleveland (44-38) also has a shortstop and closer on the All-Star team in Asdrubal Cabrera and Chris Perez. Cabrera leads the Indians in homers (14), RBIs (49) and steals (12).

"What Asdrubal has done this year is nothing short of All-Star caliber," manager Manny Acta said. "He's been a big part of stabilizing our lineup, that's for sure. He's been our best hitter from day one."

The Indians have lost 13 of their last 17 against the Yankees after dropping three of four in New York from June 10-13. Curtis Granderson went 8 for 17 with six RBIs and Alex Rodriguez was 6 for 15 with six RBIs in that series.

Cabrera was 5 for 18 in that series, and he's the only healthy Cleveland player who had more than three hits.

A.J. Burnett (8-6, 4.05 ERA) was the lone Yankee starter to lose in that series, allowing one run over 7 2/3 innings and striking out eight in a 1-0 loss in the finale.

The right-hander is also 1-4 with a 7.12 ERA in five career starts in Cleveland, with Travis Hafner 7 for 20 with a homer against him overall.

Burnett yielded two runs over seven innings to earn a 5-2 win over Milwaukee on Wednesday.

Cleveland right-hander Josh Tomlin (9-4, 3.86) will look to do better than he did when he gave up six runs over five innings in a 9-1 loss to the Yankees on June 12.

Tomlin is 2-0 with a 2.70 ERA in three outings since, allowing two runs over seven innings Tuesday in a 6-4 loss at Arizona.

From that pregame story it's not altogether clear that Cleveland will be particpating in the game tonight but a brief mention of Tomlin suggested they might be.

The Yankees are in town Monday. Progressive Field is sold out. The fireworks are ready. The Tribe is in first place.

Growing up in the 1960s, I would have loved this as a kid.

Tribe fans who first came to the team in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s would say the same thing.

Fourth of July, Indians vs. Yankees . . . and the games really mean something.

I think of my father, born on Feb. 11, 1920. He never claimed to remember being in the World Series, but I do recall him telling his young son about having fought in the Civil War. More than once. In some stories, he knew Gen. Robert E. Lee. In others, he was buddies with U.S. Grant.

But he was born a Tribe fan on the East Side of Cleveland, and watching a winning team was no joking matter.

I assume Tom Pluto came of age as a Tribe fan in about 1927, at the age of 7. Those Indians finished 43 games out of first place! From 1927-39, the Indians were never closer than 12 games out of first place. They had eight winning records, but they also had to contend with eight teams in one American League. . . . and the Yankees winning nearly every year.

That's why my father hated the Yankees. And yes, he took the streetcar down Lexington Avenue to watch those ill-fated games at old League Park -- sometimes peeking through holes in the fence as part of what he called "the knothole gang."

It seemed New York had all the money back then to buy the best amateur players -- this was before the amateur draft. There was no free agency, but the Yankees had the cash to kick into deals with financially struggling teams to pick up even more talent.

The Yankees won seven pennants in that 13-year span. They had seasons of 110, 107, 106, 102 (twice) and 101 victories. In 1939, the Indians were 87-67 and still finished 20 games out of first place. Remember, this was a 154-game season.

It still doesn't seem fair back then, and it's the same story now as baseball refuses to have a salary cap.

There is no need to dwell on the obvious, other than to say that the Yankees' payroll this season is $201,689,000. Next are the Phillies ($172,975,000) and Red Sox ($161,407,000). The Indians ($49,188,000) are 26th of 30 teams.

But it's also why this series is fun, just like it was so enjoyable when the Tribe booted New York out of the playoffs in 2007 and 1997. For all the obvious advantages the Yankees have, they still don't win every year. They still can mess up a series. Games with the Yankees still can be fun, like when former Cleveland talk show star Pete Franklin used to give away "I hate the Yankee Hankies" to wave at games when New York came to town.

And yes, the Indians can make life miserable for them this week -- assuming the Tribe continues to pitch well.

This has been a strange season for many Tribe fans, including me. I picked them to be 74-88 and building toward possible contention in 2012.

The Tribe season ticket base dropped from 15,100 in 2008 (after the playoff appearance) to 11,900 in 2009 . . . to 8,100 in 2010.

They opened the season with about 7,000 -- it's up to about 8,500 now. But that means to draw 20,000, they need to sell 11,500 tickets for that game.

While Monday night's game is a sellout, the next two nights appear to be in the 30,000-35,000 range. It is the Yankee's only visit to Cleveland this season. For the weekend series with Toronto, ticket sales are about 15,000 per game right now.

The Indians rank No. 26 in attendance (19,832 average) -- ahead of Kansas City, Oakland, Tampa Bay and Florida. The rise in interest is reflected more in television ratings, which doubled from a year ago.

The Indians also have lived out of a suitcase for nearly a month.

Since June 10, they have been home for only six games -- and did draw more than 100,000 for the weekend series with the Pirates (June 17-19). The Tribe was 10-13 in that span -- including nine road games with no designated hitter.

Now, the Indians are home. They are one of baseball's surprise teams. Here come the Yankees. It's a series that I know my father would have loved to watch -- in person.

Cleveland Indians reach July 4 still offering fans a summer of hope: Terry Pluto
The Indians are a flawed team dealing with some key injuries ... but the fact they're competing for first place in the AL Central on the July 4 weekend is worth a few high-fives.

CLEVELAND, Ohio — How did the Tigers do?

What about the White Sox? Bet they end up in the middle of this thing before it's over.

This thing is the race for first place in the Central Division, and yes, the Indians are in the middle of it.

It's the July 4th weekend, and what Tribe fan saw this coming on March 4 or even April 4?

You can say that the Indians started the season at 30-15, but are only 14-22 after that following Saturday's win in 'Cincinnati.

I say that one day they are in first place, one day they are not.

But every day, they are very close to the top spot.

And I say, "Would you rather start the season at 15-30, then sit around and watch the NFL and NBA lawyers argue over a labor agreement?"

And I say the Indians started June at 2-9, and they are 10-8 since.

It's the July 4th weekend and Tribe fans can complain about how the team needs to make a trade or call up someone else from the minors to stay in the race.

Would anyone really care that Austin Kearns was still on the roster if the Tribe had a 32-48 record, which is what it was a year ago? Or 31-49, as was the case in 2009?

The reason I've begged for a fast start from the Tribe is for a year like this -- when the division is weak and when fans need a diversion for the summer.

That 30-15 start means the Indians aren't about to run another summer sale on their veteran players.

It also means that they are able to add another $3 million to their payroll for the rest of the season -- or at least, that's what I've heard from Tribe operatives. There is no pressure to cut payroll.

They are not about to trade any of their significant prospects for a short-term fix such as veteran outfielder Ryan Ludwick, but they are looking for immediate help on the trade front.

Other than Asdrubal Cabrera and Travis Hafner (when healthy), name another non-pitcher who has overachieved? If you talk about players who have even played up to modest expectations, it's Michael Brantley . . . and Orlando Cabrera . . . and . . . well . . . anyone else?

But these guys can really pitch.

The Indians rank sixth in the AL with a 3.80 ERA; their bullpen is No. 2 at 3.07.

Those Tigers?

They can hit, but their pitching (4.33) is No. 12, their bullpen (4.91 ERA) is dead last.

The White Sox ranked No. 7 (3.83) in pitching, so they could end up being a bigger threat than Detroit.

Do you realize there is a legitimate reason for Tribe fans to compare themselves to the others in the division? OK, so the division stinks.

In 1997, the Indians had a modest 86-76 record. They won the Central by six games. They also went to the World Series. This is not to say that this season will be another 1997.

But it is worth remembering that while the Tribe is a very flawed team, so is everyone else in the Central.

So this is a summer when we can debate keeping Fausto Carmona in the rotation.

And did the Indians wait too long to bring up Lonnie Chisenhall? Is it time to promote Jason Kipnis to play second, or does it make more sense to bring up Jason Donald to be a utility man? Will they actually make a trade like they did in 2007, adding a veteran outfielder named Kenny Lofton for one last Wahoo on the last Tribe team to make the playoffs?

Can the Indians actually win this thing with Shin-Soo Choo out until September? With Grady Sizemore playing on two aching knees and an ailing bat? Or with a bottom of the lineup that looks as if it should say hello to Class AAA Columbus?

Who knows?

civ ollilavad wrote:The Yankees are in town Monday. Progressive Field is sold out. The fireworks are ready. The Tribe is in first place.

Growing up in the 1960s, I would have loved this as a kid.

Tribe fans who first came to the team in the 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s would say the same thing.

Fourth of July, Indians vs. Yankees . . . and the games really mean something.

I think of my father, born on Feb. 11, 1920. He never claimed to remember being in the World Series, but I do recall him telling his young son about having fought in the Civil War. More than once. In some stories, he knew Gen. Robert E. Lee. In others, he was buddies with U.S. Grant.

But he was born a Tribe fan on the East Side of Cleveland, and watching a winning team was no joking matter.

I assume Tom Pluto came of age as a Tribe fan in about 1927, at the age of 7. Those Indians finished 43 games out of first place! From 1927-39, the Indians were never closer than 12 games out of first place. They had eight winning records, but they also had to contend with eight teams in one American League. . . . and the Yankees winning nearly every year.

That's why my father hated the Yankees. And yes, he took the streetcar down Lexington Avenue to watch those ill-fated games at old League Park -- sometimes peeking through holes in the fence as part of what he called "the knothole gang."

It seemed New York had all the money back then to buy the best amateur players -- this was before the amateur draft. There was no free agency, but the Yankees had the cash to kick into deals with financially struggling teams to pick up even more talent.

The Yankees won seven pennants in that 13-year span. They had seasons of 110, 107, 106, 102 (twice) and 101 victories. In 1939, the Indians were 87-67 and still finished 20 games out of first place. Remember, this was a 154-game season.

It still doesn't seem fair back then, and it's the same story now as baseball refuses to have a salary cap.

There is no need to dwell on the obvious, other than to say that the Yankees' payroll this season is $201,689,000. Next are the Phillies ($172,975,000) and Red Sox ($161,407,000). The Indians ($49,188,000) are 26th of 30 teams.

But it's also why this series is fun, just like it was so enjoyable when the Tribe booted New York out of the playoffs in 2007 and 1997. For all the obvious advantages the Yankees have, they still don't win every year. They still can mess up a series. Games with the Yankees still can be fun, like when former Cleveland talk show star Pete Franklin used to give away "I hate the Yankee Hankies" to wave at games when New York came to town.

And yes, the Indians can make life miserable for them this week -- assuming the Tribe continues to pitch well.

This has been a strange season for many Tribe fans, including me. I picked them to be 74-88 and building toward possible contention in 2012.

The Tribe season ticket base dropped from 15,100 in 2008 (after the playoff appearance) to 11,900 in 2009 . . . to 8,100 in 2010.

They opened the season with about 7,000 -- it's up to about 8,500 now. But that means to draw 20,000, they need to sell 11,500 tickets for that game.

While Monday night's game is a sellout, the next two nights appear to be in the 30,000-35,000 range. It is the Yankee's only visit to Cleveland this season. For the weekend series with Toronto, ticket sales are about 15,000 per game right now.

The Indians rank No. 26 in attendance (19,832 average) -- ahead of Kansas City, Oakland, Tampa Bay and Florida. The rise in interest is reflected more in television ratings, which doubled from a year ago.

The Indians also have lived out of a suitcase for nearly a month.

Since June 10, they have been home for only six games -- and did draw more than 100,000 for the weekend series with the Pirates (June 17-19). The Tribe was 10-13 in that span -- including nine road games with no designated hitter.

Now, the Indians are home. They are one of baseball's surprise teams. Here come the Yankees. It's a series that I know my father would have loved to watch -- in person.

We're gonna win this. All naysayers step aside.

In 1997, the Indians had a modest 86-76 record. They won the Central by six games. They also went to the World Series. This is not to say that this season will be another 1997.

But it is worth remembering that while the Tribe is a very flawed team, so is everyone else in the Central.

AND, that anything can happen in the playoffs, as in 1997.