Well after writing the same old tired thing about the Tribe it seems they have finally decided to get rid of Manny Acta. After a season that Tribe fans would sooner forget it appears finally Cleveland front office has decided to listen to what everyone else in the baseball community has been saying (including yours truly) since after the All-Star break. Although the Tribe started out around the money when the wheels fell off it became clear that the team weren’t playing for Manny and it seemed as if Manny didn’t care about the team.

Manny Acta FINALLY given his marching orders

To me all season Manny seemed to sit the guys who were on a hot streak and played the guys who were cold and as anyone who watched the Tribe this season when they were cold they were cold as ice. That said Acta isn’t the only reason that the Tribe had a poor year this season and there is only so much Acta could do besides taking the field himself which in some games may not have hurt. After the record breaking horror story of a season the Tribe have had it was only a matter of time before someone’s head had to roll and it was always going to be Acta, and Sandy Alomar Jr was always going to be the successor.

Sandy Alomar Jr is loved around the clubhouse and also by the fans being a Tribe Hall of Famer if anyone can turn them around its Sandy. Having been rumoured to be in the running to be head coach of other ball clubs in the last two post seasons it would only have been a matter of time before Alomar left for the head coach roll and I am sure this move had more to do with giving the fans something to look forward to next season. Although they haven’t named Alomar as the head coach next season it would seem that this will be the case.

Although I have been calling for Acta’s head for some months now I do have some problems with this move. It’s too little too late now with 6 games left in the season the Tribe stand to gain nothing it’s not long enough for the head office to see what changes he will make and how he will handle different situations and also won’t give him long enough to make any rotation changes to the starting rotation which has been woeful to say the least this season. This tells me that this decision has been made months ago probably in august some time maybe just after one of their losing streaks. If we work on this decision has been made months ago then why oh why did the front office sit on their hands for so long. Not that I think he will be (actually I think Alomar will do very well as head coach) but let’s say Sandy is terrible in the top job surely it’s better to find out this season once they are no longer likely to be competing for a chance to play in the post season, find out he is terrible and then find someone new in the off season, or the opposite happens Alomar takes the wheel and turns this season around and sure they may not make the post season but at least you have given the fans something to come and watch.

Is Alomar the new direction?

Even the games lately that the Tribe have been playing well in and even the wins, the spirit is gone from Cleveland, the commentators have lost their spark when they call the game, the attendance looks to be down and also their input to the games seems down. I am sure the front office recognised this before an un-paid blogger from Australia did so why didn’t they act sooner? Either Alomar wasn’t the first choice for the job and whoever they were looking for fell through its just another thing to add to what has just been a terrible second half to a season from a team that was on top of the division at times or only a game or two behind at the All-Star break who have now just dropped off so quickly that they have now fired Acta.

Can this give the Tribe a chance next year? I think so if they make some good moves in the offseason and look for an ace someone that is going to give them 7 – 8 good innings and isn’t going to give up 5 runs in the first inning I really do think that the Tribe can contend next season. I am also a fan of Alomar taking over the team and I hope that he will be at the helm next season also, I think it will be good for a young team to grow together under a young head coach (in coaching terms). It’s also good for the team that he is a club hall of famer and also a player, someone who has achieved more than them in there playing time (on account Acta never actually made it to the majors). Let’s see what Alomar does with his 6 games but I think the decision has been made and these 6 games really mean nothing to who will have the top spot.

Out with the old and in with the New!!!

SO… will Alomar take over next season? I think he will it seems like the direction that the Tribe should take. I think if they want to keep the supporters that they still have (which seems to be just the diehard Tribe fans now) they NEED to keep Alomar or else it could be a tough start of the season through the ticket box.

Cleveland was overmatched today by
a returning CC Sabathia who won his 51^st game at progressive field
giving him the most wins on the diamond. The tribe were not terrible today they
were simply beaten by a better team as has been the case most of this season
and I think it is time to make the assessment that they really are not that
good. They are also playing like they have the weight of the world on their
shoulders and don’t seem to be enjoying the game. They are playing like they
have lost the game before it has started and although they seem to be down by a
bunch of runs after the first inning every other day, they shouldn’t be playing
like that and it shows as they have lost 22 out of the last 26.

Anyway onto the game Corey Kluber
would make the start today on the mound and didn’t have a bad game. He did
however get off to a terrible start today giving up a leadoff double to Derek
Jeter on a hit to right centre that just missed going over the fence. Nick
Swisher would also double to right field to score Jeter and give the Bombers a
1 run lead with none out in the first. Robbie Cano would walk and Granderson
would get on base on a single to left but neither would score. The second dig
would start off better striking out Ibanez, Ichiro reached on a single to left
bringing Derek Jeter up to the plate. Kluber would I hope unintentionally lose
his grip on what appeared to be a 2 seam fastball and hit the Yankees Captain
in the helmet causing Jeter to have a few choice words to Kluber and have to
change is helmet, It was odd to see the normally cool calm and collected Jeter
lose his cool but I think it was deserved no one deserves to be hit in the
helmet. He then walked Swisher to load the bases before getting Cano to ground
into a 4-6-3 double play to end the inning. He composed himself to shut out the
Yankees through the 3^rd, 4^th and 5^th innings only
giving up 2 more hits and no more walks before handing the game over to the
pen. His figures for the day were 1 run off of 6 hits and 2 walks, with 6
strikeouts through 5 innings and getting him a no decision with the game tied 1
-1 at the top of the 6^th.

Is it time to show Manny Acta the door?

Tony Sipp pitched the 6^th
inning only giving up 1 hit to Russel Martin with no walks and no strikeouts. Cody
Allen would take over the 7^th inning having not given up a run in
his 13 innings of work this year. Derek Jeter lead off the 7^th with
a hit up the middle, Asdrubal Cabrera would field the ball and attempt the play
to first but LaPorta would miss the pick on a ball in the dirt that would allow
Jeter to advance to second on the error. The error was charged to Cabrera but I
felt it was a play you would expect a MLB first baseman to make and a play
Casey Kotchman would make look routine. Next up to bat Nick Swisher would hit a
bomb to right centre over the fence to make the score 3 – 1 and give Cody his
first earned runs on the year. Cody bounced right back sitting down Cano, Teixeira
and Granderson in order which is no easy task. Cody finished his day with 2
earned runs off 2 hits with no walks and one strikeout. Esmil Rogers would shut
out the 8^th inning sitting down Chavez, Martin and Ibanez in order
with Chavez and Ibanez both striking out swinging. Chris Perez would be called
on obviously not a save situation but he would also sit down the 9^th
innings batters in order. All in all not a bad days pitching today and against
another pitcher probably would have been enough to get it done but the Yankees
pitching was better today with CC leading the charge getting 9 strikeouts and
only giving up 1 run on 4 hits through 7 & 1/3 innings of work and only
using 100 pitches.

Cleveland struggled with the bat
today with CC just being too dominated Asdrubal Cabrera lead the charge today
with the bat when he drove a change-up that CC left over the plate in the 4^th
inning deep over the centre field wall. Cabrera showed something that has been
missing from the Tribes game as of late… passion! Sabathia threw a fastball
that appeared to be aimed at Cabrera but the ball missed and went behind
Asdrubal, Cabrera shot a few words at Sabathia for the pitch that was clearly
in retaliation to the Derek Jeter pitch 2 innings prior. The home plate umpire
would issue warnings to both managers. The next pitch was the change-up that
was hung over the middle of the plate belt high and Asdrubal spanked it, this
is what we need to see more of from the tribe feeling in the game some passion
and stop mailing it in. Also having a good day at the plate was Santana who
went 2 from 4.

Cleveland mounted a late rally
against Soriano in the 9^th but was unable to come through. Santana
lead the dig off with a single to centre. Michael Brantley singled on broken
bat hit up the middle that would make it to shallow centre and move Santana to
3^rd. Brantley would advance on a wild pitch to LaPorta making him
the tying run in scoring position with none out, but true to form the Tribe
could not convert with LaPorta striking out. Manny Acta would bring in Carrera
to pinch hit for Lillabridge but Lillabridge would Popfly out to Yankees short
stop Derek Jeter. Next at bat Many Acta would make a decision that I found very
very odd, he brought in Casey Kotchman to pinch hit for Shelly Duncan now the
odd bit about this was Shelly Duncan was the Designated Hitter for the game and
Casey Kotchman has gone 0 / 3 this year in pinch hit attempts. I get the send
in a left handed hitter to face the right handed Soriano. I get that Kotchman
may have been the better guy for the spot but if that’s the case why is Duncan
the DH today then? I would have left Duncan in he was one of the few guys who
actually made base on a hit today. Anyway Soriano fell behind in the count 3-0
and the call came from the dugout to intentionally walk him. Hannahan would
pinch hit for Donald who had done nothing today besides get hit on a rouge Sabathia
slider that got him in the foot, but grounded out to Teixeira at 3^rd
to end the game.

Things need to change down at
Progressive Field apparently they had a players meeting before the game but to
me nothing has changed. Apparently Acta’s job is safe but I don’t know how it
can be, Cleveland need some who is going to excite them and put some fire in
there game I cannot recall once where Acta has gone out to argue a call with
the umpire, Even the Weise incident at Yankee Stadium that was far and away the
worst umpiring call all year and then when Hannahan gets turfed for telling the
3^rd base umpire to check the replay Acta didn’t come out. I think it’s
become a case of his team don’t think he has there back and they don’t have
his. Another thing that needs to change is to move Choo back to lead-off
batter, we was setting the world on fire for a while this year at lead off,
move him down the order and he is getting struck out at least once if not twice
a game and even has a hat trick or 2 there. I also think dropping Johnny Damon
was a big mistake, after batting a dismal .171 for the month of May and getting
dropped to the number 7 hitter he turned things around in June batting and then
got even better in July batting .274 making him 4^th out of guys who
had played 18 or more games. Anyone who drops a proven star player (although
past his prime) whose stats for the season are increasing not decreasing has
dropped the ball themselves.

Gold Star

Asdrubal Cabrera: – Asdrubal gets
the gold star today for showing up CC Sabathia and showing the one thing that
this team is missing passion for the game and the will to beat someone, now he
is not just an all-star he is a gold star recipient.

Ticket to the minors:

Manny Acta: – I’ve said it all
already he needs to go and I am sure I am not the only one in the Baseball
community that is saying the same thing.

]]> http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2012/08/25/cleveland%e2%80%99s-season-in-free-fall-as-the-go-down-to-the-yankees-3-1/feed/ 0 http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2012/08/15/ubaldo-jimenez-gives-up-8-runs-as-the-tribe-go-down-9-6-to-the-angles/ http://www.prosportsblogging.com/2012/08/15/ubaldo-jimenez-gives-up-8-runs-as-the-tribe-go-down-9-6-to-the-angles/#comments Wed, 15 Aug 2012 07:56:52 +0000 Luke Lovekin http://www.prosportsblogging.com/?p=88236
Well yesterday I said it would depend on which Ubaldo showed up today as to what type of game we would see, a pitchers battle or a blow out. Today the Ubaldo Jimenez that showed up was the horrible one. Jimenez gave up 4 runs today before recording an out. I will get into it [...]]]>

Well yesterday I said it would depend on which Ubaldo showed up today as to what type of game we would see, a pitchers battle or a blow out. Today the Ubaldo Jimenez that showed up was the horrible one. Jimenez gave up 4 runs today before recording an out. I will get into it later but again today as has happened too many times this year Cleveland have given up a huge lead in the first innings and then tried to come back from behind. Yesterday Cleveland looked like a team that couldn’t loose the game but today from the first at bat Cleveland looked like a team that were in way over there heads against just a purely better baseball team. I’ll break down how they managed to lose today.

Ubaldo's neck may need ice today after watching so many pitches get belted back over his head

Starting pitching was terrible I think I could have missed more bats than Jimenez today. Today Jimenez didn’t have his stuff and after the season he has had I question if he even has “stuff” any more. 4 innings from a starting pitcher isn’t up to the standard of a Major League pitcher and frankly he is lucky he made it that far. He put the first 5 on base, and yes it was Mr Trout, Hunter and Pujols but he threw Trout and Hunter watermelons and then walked Pujols. Gave up another 2 hit’s before Callaspo finally hit into an out at right field and if it weren’t for Choo’s cannon of an arm that hit would have scored a run too. He then hit Kendrick in the helmet, Kendrick was lucky it hit the peak and knocked his helmet off and didn’t hit him in the face. Aybar grounded to Kotchman at first who made the play home to get Morales out on the force saving the run but couldn’t get the double. Iannetta tacked on the 4^th run on a single to centre before Mr Trout grounded to Kotchman to end the inning. I would be surprised how many Tribe fans had already changed channel by then. He then settled for 2 innings and sat down the next 6 in order. Cleveland would score 2 in the 4^th to cut the lead to 2 runs before Jimenez had another meltdown on the mound. A lead off home run to Aybar in the 4^th should have been the end for Ubaldo if the first inning wasn’t a good enough indication but determined to give the LA fans what that paid to see Ubaldo pushed on walking Iannetta, giving up a hit to Mr Trout. Then the unthinkable happened he struck out Hunter, things look up maybe he is good now. No Pujols belts another pitch down Broadway over the fence and drive in another 3 runs. To his credit he struck out Morales and Trumbo to end the inning but the damage was done. This is a potent offence with guys who can hit and hit deep but if you leave pitches over the centre of the plate your not even making it hard for them. Ubaldo probably didn’t.. Definitely didn’t have his command today but why the hell did Manny Acta leave him out there so long. Lets say Manny Acta makes a change after the Trout hit in the 4^th, by this stage of the game he had given up 7 hits 5 runs 2 walks and only struck out one batter. There is enough proof your guy doesn’t have it today why leave him out to face the heart of the line-up. Send in Smith who yes is normally a late inning pitcher but this is a time you need that door slammed shut like he did last night. Now you go into the 5^th down by 3 and still feel like you’re a chance, but he doesn’t he leaves Ubaldo out there Pujols belts a 3 run homer and that’s the end of the game for the Tribe.

Chris Seddon was then called in to pitch the 5^th and 6^th innings and was ok. He gave up 5 hits through his 2 & 1/3 innings of work with 1 walk 2 strikeouts and allowed 1 run.

Frank Herrman took over with 1 out and 2 on in the 7^th inning and got Mr Trout to ground into a double play to end the inning. He then went 3 up 3 down in the 8^th inning with one strikeout to his name.

Manny Acta left Jimenez out to dry today and should wear some of the blame for the teams loss today

Enough about Ubaldo’s rubbish pitching let’s get to the side of the team that didn’t disappoint today. Cleveland managed to score 6 runs and probably would have been enough to win the match on any other day. Only Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana didn’t get a hit today, which is a good sign for tribe fans they seem to be batting through the line-up better now.

A pitch did hit Carlos Santana in the 4^th inning, probably in retaliation to Kendrick almost getting his head taken off in the first inning. Umpire Phil Cuzzie warned Greinke immediately but that was all that happened. Manny Acta seemed quite upset at the Bean Ball from Greinke but it hit Santana on the ass I didn’t really have a problem with it, If Ubaldo misses that badly inside and almost takes a guys head off you have to expect retaliation and also Greinke is trying to fit into a new team he was probably sending a message to his own guys that he has there backs.

Michael Brantley lead the way with the bat with 3 safe hits and a 2 run blast

Anyway the next batter Michael Brantley may have made Greinke regret his decision as the first pitch was crushed over the right field fence. The Tribe would score again in the 7^th inning on a groundball single back to the pitcher Zach Greinke by Carrera and then again on a ground out to first by Jason Kipnis making it a 4 – 9 ball game. The Tribe would cut the lead to 3 in the 8^th when with 2 out Michael Brantley singled to right field setting up Casey Kotchman to hit a 2 run bomb off of pitcher LaTroy Hawkins to end his day in relief on the bump.

Standouts for the Tribe today with the bat were Michael Brantley who went 3 from 4 attempts with a home run and 2 RBI. Jason Donald did his bit again today at the plate reaching off hits twice today and scoring once. Casey Kotchman went 2 from 4 with a home run and 2 RBI.

Standouts for the Angels today for me was Zach Greinke although it wasn’t his best performance I’m sure he will be glad to get his first win with his new team. Pujols had 2 hits (homerun and a double), a walk and a strikeout.

The take away message from today for me is that Ubaldo Jimenez isn’t reliable as a starting pitcher when he is good he is as good as a starter can be but I would trade that for a guy that can consistently pitch a good game each time out this giving up 4 runs in the first and 5 hits and 3 runs before the first out has to stop. I think its safe to say now that the only chance the Tribe have of playoffs is mathematical so maybe its time to cut Jimenez free or try him in the pen for a while he is just hurting us too much early in games to even give us a chance and bring up a young kid from Triple A and see if they can give consistent innings because even a Triple A team could tee off on Ubaldo’s pitches today. 6 runs should be enough to win a ball game especially on a team that didn’t make any errors and also again made some amazing plays like Hannahan robbing Pujols of an extra base hit in the 2^nd inning the score line could have even been worse today. Another thing to take away from today is that Manny Acta needs to be quicker with the hook on his starting pitchers and sometimes I wonder if he is even watching the same team as the rest of us.

Gold Star: Michael Brantley was great at the plate again today as he has been most of the year his 3 hits today saved this score line from being even more of a blowout.

Ticket to the Minors: Ubaldo Jimenez… need I say more he was useless today and really has been most of the season I think he is done.

(formally Fausto Carmona) First start in the Majors this year

Ervin Santana: 5W - 10L; 5.82ERA

Tomorrows rubber match will see the return of Roberto Hernandez (formally known as Fausto Carmona) will be activated for the first time this season. He posted a 4.07 ERA with 20k’s in his 4 rehab starts in the Minor Leagues. He will face off against Ervin Santana with a 5 – 10 record and a 5.82 ERA it should be as good a chance as any to post a win in his first Major League outing this year.

Cleveland took a 2 run lead in the third inning today and never looked back to finally end there streak of 10 road losses the longest in the club’s history. Today the tribe seamed to have everything working together. They were scoring runs when they had the chances the pitching was good for 9 innings and one of the better games I have seen Cleveland play this season.

Perez back on track on the road after blowing his save chance in the 10th in Detroit

Firstly my apologies I had been at home with my family since the last game I blogged on which was the 26 of July, which was against Detroit at home and the last game before this losing streak. In that blog I said basically that I didn’t put too much stock in that game and a few things had to change to even consider them a chance at the pennant. So off I go home and only get updates on my phone of their progress but could see that things were not going well for the Tribe. Then on the 5^th of August I got time to listen to the game on MLB@bat 12 (shameless plug they should pay me for that) just when I thought they had the game in the bag in the 10^th Chris Perez blows the lead to lose the game and make Tribe history for losing game 10 of there longest losing streak ever. It is a shame that Perez will get that title because his season this year has been outstanding. Anyway I’m back now and hopefully so are the Tribe.

From the bump today the Tribe really did pitch well. Justin Masterson picked up win number 9 today making his record 9 – 10 on the year. Justin had a solid outing today with 6 shutout innings on 6 hits; 3 walks and 4 strikeouts. Manny Acta may have made a mistake bringing him in the 7^th to pitch but after 2 leadoff hits to Trumbo and Callaspo he ended Masterson’s day and brought in Joe Smith. Joe was throwing filthy pitches to all corners of the plate with a heap of movement, getting Kendrick to fly out to right field before striking out Aybar swinging and Iannetta looking and the time he came in the game was in the balance good to see Tribe relievers still coming through in the clutch time and time again. I would say that Smith was the best pitcher today.

Smith's submarine style of pitching was excellent today and also makes for some odd side on photo's of his arm.

The red-hot Vinnie Pestano’s 21 scoreless inning streak came to an end today when he took over in the 8^th and also let the Angle’s their only runs for the game. Pestano walked the dominant Mr Mike Trout to start the inning. Torrie Hunter then flew out to Brantley at centre field bringing Albert Pujols to the plate. Pujols who seems to have settled in at his new club belted Pestano over the fence a left centre. The 2 run homer didn’t seem to rattle Vinnie as he bore down to get Morales and Trumbo to fly out and end the 8^th inning Tribe leading 3-2. The Tribe would score 3 in the top of the 9^th and hand over to Esmil Rogers as it was no longer a save chance but would keep Perez up in the pen. Esmil would give up 2 lead off hits to right by Callaspo and Kendrick before being dragged for Perez to come in as it was now a save chance. Perez answered the call striking out the next 3 Aybar, Iannetta, and Mr Mike Trout in order to slam the door shut and take save number 32.

Offensively Cleveland was the aggressor in this game converting all scoring chances they had today. Cleveland opened their account today in the 3^rd when Jason Donald singled to centre field to score Lillabridge, who had led off the inning on an error by Howie Kendrick at second base. Asdrubal Cabrera would then back up to score Lou Marson on a line drive single to right on a pitch belt high but way outside the zone. Cleveland would score and insurance run in the 4^th when Lillabridge would drive a fastball out over the centre field wall making giving the tribe a 3 run lead. The Tribe wouldn’t score again until the 9^th after the Pujols homerun made it a 1 run ballgame. Esmil Rogers, Brent Lillabridge and Casey Kotchman would all lead off with singles off Angle’s pitcher Hisanori Takahashi before he handed over to Jason Isringhausen. Lou Marson picked a walk to score Rogers. With bases loaded Manny Acta brought in Jason Kipnis to pinch-hit who should be back in the starting line-up tomorrow, Jason came through with a free at bat drilling it to deep centre field, and if it wasn’t for Mr Trout’s speed it think the ball would have bounced off the wall for extra bases. It looked like Mr Trout had miss read the hit off the bat but his speed made up for it taking it in the warning track but couldn’t stop Lillabridge from scoring his 3^rd time today. Isringhausen would strike out Asdrubal Cabrera for the second out of the dig, but then in the Sin-Soo Choo at bat he would throw a wild pitch scoring Kotchman and advancing Lou Marson to second. That’s where the inning would end when Choo flew out to left but with the damage done.

The Tribe batted well today although they only got 1 hit from their 3,4 and 5 hitters (Choo, Santana and Brantley) from 13 at bats between them. The bottom of the line-up really came through to day getting on base for the top of the line-up to drive them in. They also made the Angle’s pay for there mistakes in the field scoring Lillabridge when he reached on error and also scoring on the pass ball, the only 2 walk’s allowed by the Angles pitching staff today also resulted in runs with Marson scoring in the 3^rd and walking in Lillabridge in the 9^th. The Angles pitching wasn’t terrible today CJ Wilson who has pitched well this year but doesn’t have the wins to back it up only gave up 5 hits and 1 walk in his 6 & 2/3 innings of work.

Lillabridge Blasts a solo shot as he lead the Tribe with the bat today

Torrie Hunter trying to extend his single into a double threw out Carlos Santana in the 8th on a fantastic play. While I’m talking about Hunter does he maybe have the best batting position batting behind Mr Trout and Albert Pujols? With Trouts speed if he is on first you can almost guarantee a first pitch pitchout and also a lot of fastballs to “try” and keep Mr Trout at first, but with Albert batting next he can expect plenty of pitches in the zone I think it will be interesting to see if at the end of the season to see if he has inflated numbers.

This seems like the appropriate time also to make comment on the hottest player in baseball at the moment Mr Mike Trout. I’m sure you are wondering why I am referring to him as Mr Mike Trout well I cant see a situation where he doesn’t make the Hall of Fame. He looks good for AL MVP this year definitely AL Rookie of the year and leading the league in batting average. Lets not forget his speed on the base path it seems if he is at first you can just give him second and he isn’t scared to have a go at third if the pitcher doesn’t keep him close and his fielding is definitely A+. I think he deserves the title of Mister and if this was England I think he may have already been knighted.

Mr Mike Trout laugh's as he make's playing in the Majors look easy. Mr Trout to be Sir Mike Trout (HOF) ?

Vinnie Pestano may have been Cleveland’s most reliable reliever this year and that isn’t to take anything away from Perez who has been amazing but the run of 21.1 scoreless innings in a team that went on there longest road losing streak ever is an accomplishment that deserves note and although it ended today with a long ball from Pujols it has to be said that it was maybe the hardest 3 batters in baseball at the moment Mr Trout, Hunter and Pujols hopefully he just gets right back to doing what he was doing.

I also want to address Many Acta’s move in the 9^th inning. So at the top of the 9^th he had Perez and Rogers warming up but it looked like Perez would be coming in then the Tribe score 3 and its no-longer a save chance so they go to Rogers and keep Perez in the pen Rogers gives up 2 hits and it is a save chance so they go to Perez. Now whoever owns Perez in a fantasy league probably loved it (not me I have Pestano) but I cant help but think if you have Perez up in the pen warm you have just lost 10 games on the road why not go to your best guy? I know they try not to overwork the closer but he was warm already if you didn’t warm him up to start off with then I understand the move but if he is warm go with your best guy especially at 1am.

All in all a good performance from the tribe today now for my Gold Star and Ticket to the Minors.

Brent Lillabridge for me today was amazing with the bat going 2 hits from 4 at bats and also reached on an error. He hit a solo homer in the 4^th and also crossed the plate twice more today and was solid in defence so he gets my Gold Star.

The Minors Ticket has to go to Sin-Soo Choo who wore the collar today striking out 3 times from his 5 plate appearances and I’m thinking maybe he is better at the leadoff spot. I’m sure he will bounce back today he is off to the Minors.

Which Ubaldo Jimenez will show up tomorrow?

Greinke to come out firing for his new home town fans?

Tomorrow will see game 2 of this 3 game set with the Angles will see Ubaldo Jiminez against Zach Greinke depending on which Ubaldo shows up tomorrow this could be a pitchers battle or a blow out, and I’m sure Greinke wants to show his new team he can get it done in the American League.

Cleveland managed to pull a proverbial rabbit out of the hat today against Detroit to come away with the spoils. The scorebook will say the score was 3 – 2 in favour of the Tribe today and Joe Smith takes the win and Doug Fister charged with the loss but those who watched today will tell a slightly different story.

Ubaldo Jiminez pitched 6 scoreless innings today in one of his better showings of recent memory. In Ubaldo’s 6 innings of work he gave up 7 hits, 2 walk and walked away with 4 strikeouts and handed over the game to Joe Smith in the 7^th with a tidy 2 run lead. Even more surprising is that he gave up a lead runner to in 5 of his 6 innings and managed to pitch around the runners on base, inducing only one double play and he definitely looked in line for the win.

The start of the seventh looked good for Joe Smith getting 2 ground ball outs to begin the inning. Then with a full count home plate umpire Marvin Hudson called a ball down the centre belt high ball four to walk Quintin Berry and bring Miguel Cabrera to the plate. Sure enough Cabrera blasted a ball to centre field and tie the game stealing a win from Ubaldo and giving him his 3^rd no decision on the season leaving him with 8 wins 9 losses. Smith would bounce back and Prince Fielder grounded out to second to end the inning for Detroit.

Miguel Cabrera's 2 run blast in the 7th Detroit's only score today

Cleveland would start the bottom of the 7^th with a fly out to left field off the bat of Santana who has hopefully put that slump behind him now. Travis Hafner followed up with a line drive off the wall at left centre that should have been cut to a double but left fielder Quintin Berry and centre fielder Austin Jackson would make the little league error of no talk and both attempted to make the catch at the wall. Some good base running from Travis Hafner noticing the error rounded 2^nd and was safe at third and then taken from the field for pinch runner Lou Marson. The dreaded runner at third less than 2 outs looked to have raised its ugly head again with the defensive upgrade for Johnny Damon left fielder Aaron Cunningham, Who had been brought in at the start of the inning up to bat. Cunningham who is batting .175 for the season and 7 RBI’s from 97 AB’s laid down a suicide squeeze bunt back towards the pitcher Doug Fister. Fister’s throw would miss its mark and score Marson also allowing Cunningham to make it to 2^nd. Fister would then sit down Kotchman and Hannahan to end the inning and his day on the bump. Fister finished with 7 innings, 9 hits, 3 Earned runs, 1 walk and 4 strikeouts earning him the loss.

Pestano would pitch the 8^th not as flawless as normal giving up 1 hit and 1 walk but no runs, and Chris Perez was Chris Perez 3 up 3 down to put another save to his name.

Batting today was good for Cleveland today with only Casey Kotchman not making it to base today and Sin-Soo Choo the only other batter not to reach base on a hit. Johnny Damon drew first blood today scoring Santana in the 2^nd inning on a one out single to centre. Santana would knock in Jason Kipnis on his single to right with one down in the 4^th.

Leading the way with the bat today was Asdrubal Cabrera going 3 from 4 with a double. Other notable performances with the bat today were Carlos Santana going 2 from 3 with an RBI and a run scored, Travis Hafner’s triple was his only hit from 3 attempts, and Jason Kipnis’s double to left that he would later score on in the 4^th was his only time on base from 4 try’s he also grounded into a double in the 6^th.

Cabrera thanking god that that slump is over?

So Cleveland have a win over the inform Detroit Tigers, they bat through the line-up play some small ball, come through with runners in scoring position, Masterson and Jiminez go back to back with good starts are we there? Does this mean the Tribe are ready to march into October winners of the AL Central?

NO of course it doesn’t Doug Fister wasn’t bad for Doug Fister he did exactly what his season stats would expect him too. His ERA of 4.03 and WHIP of 1.27 Cleveland did just what they should be expected too. Cleveland did bat better than they have recently but they have been awful with the way they have played there lucky they are even within a sniff of the leaders this year. The Starting pitching has been hot and cold to say the least and if it wasn’t for Pestano and Perez locking down the back end of games they could be in a lot more trouble. To really consider Cleveland a pennant chance they need to get it done more consistently. I need to see a streak of wins that isn’t backed up with a longer streak of losses before I get too excited about October. With that said I like to finish on a positive note with Cabrera and Santana swinging a more confident bat we should start to see some more run support up the top of the line up if Choo, Kipnis and Brantley can keep finding there way on base I am definitely not saying the season is lost. I do think the Tribe can turn it around but I haven’t seen enough yet to say that they have.

To finish my blogs from now on I will give one player from each game a Gold Star and one a Ticket to the Minors.

GOLD STAR: Ubaldo Jiminez so at least his 6 scoreless innings wont go un-noticed same may even say this is better than a win, he has set a record being the first player to get a Gold star from the un-known blogger Luke Lovekin.

TICKET TO THE MINORS: Home Plate Umpire Marvin Hudson for that horrible ball 4 call that gave Detroit the extra at bat that resulted in a 2 run bomb.

Tonight was looking like another terrible night for Cleveland and if anyone looked on twitter under #Indians they would have seen just how annoyed Tribe fans are with Cleveland’s inability to come through with runners in scoring position. People were calling off Cleveland’s season and I was also amongst the people thinking Cleveland didn’t look like a team that deserved to even be mentioned in the Playoff race. Of course there is still a lot of baseball to be played but while Cleveland were playing their 91^st game of the season middle of the second inning numerous people were starting to think the season looked over.

The first inning today Cleveland were sat down in order by Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson who looked to be on song today. Cleveland’s ace Justin Masterson came out throwing bullets getting clocked at 97mph in the opening inning. Besides his speed he looked a little shaky giving up a walk and a hit with 2 down in the first. Then we roll into the second inning Michael Brantley continued his hot streak drilling a lead off triple to right field, and here we go again tribe have a runner at third none out. In steps Carlos Santana and he…. You guessed it again strikes out swinging on 3 pitches; Travis Hafner (the DH mind you) would hit a little grounder to second for the second out not deep enough to score the run and then Damon who’s streak with the bat may now be over grounded out to first base. Again the Tribe are almost handed a run and they can’t take it.

Masterson struggles to a no-decision after 4 & 1/3 innings of work against Tampa today

Tampa Bay would then touch Masterson for 4 runs off of 6 hits; 4 walks; and 4 steals by the end of the 3^rd inning and by this stage it seamed that every Tribe fan had taken to twitter to announce there annoyance at Carlos Santana and were calling for his head along with many other players who’s troubles with the bat had seen there loyal fans at boiling point. I don’t know if they had the twitter feed going in the dugout but along came the 5^th inning and so did something remarkable A BATTING RALLY!

Carlos Santana would lead off the 5^th with a walk. Hafner would then strike out and Johnny Damon would fly out to first. Then a pitch would hit Casey Kotchman and that would begin Cleveland’s rally with the bat. Hanahan then doubled to centre field to score Santana and Kotchman; 2 pitches later Sin-Soo Choo singled to Centre to score Hannahan; Asdrubal Cabrera would also single to centre to advance Choo to third on his first pitch of the AB before Jason Kipnis would ground out to second to end the inning. 3 runs scored on the inning and the Tribe looked like a different team they appeared energised alive and in the game a stark contrast to the lifeless flat footed team 2 innings earlier that gave up an RBI on a 1 out bases loaded bunt to the mound that didn’t even manage to get an out. This team was hi-fiving laughing enjoying the game of baseball. How quickly things and fans can change.

With one down and bases loaded in the 5^th Manny Acta made a pitching change and sent in Esmil Rogers, who immediately sat down Elliot Johnson on strikes and then got B.J. Upton to ground out to 3^rd to end the inning. Masterson finished his night after 4 &1/3 innings of work and gave up 7 hits, 7 walks, and only had 1 strikeout. So he was pretty lucky to come away with a no-decision really. The sixth inning would come and go quietly with neither team doing much damage to the scoreboard.

Then to the top of the seventh inning that looked ready to go much the same way with Kotchman grounding out and Hanahan striking out to Kyle Farnsworth before Cleveland would go on another 2 out hitting streak. First Choo singled to right field; Cabrera did the same and moved Choo to third; With runners in the corners Jason Kipnis would single to centre and score Choo moving Cabrera to third; Again runners in the corners 2 down Brantley would follow suit and single to centre. In comes Carlos Santana having done nothing at the plate in what feels like forever he drove a 2 – 0 count to deep centre field over the fence for his first homer since May that’s right May. Travis Hafner would then single to left before Damon would get caught looking to end the inning giving the Tribe an 8 – 4 lead that they would never look back from. They would score 2 more in the ninth off Ray pitcher Burke Badenhop and the Rays only scored 1 in the 7^th on Sipp and 1 in the 9^th on Accardo.

Santana relieved after hitting his first home run since May this year to score Brantley and Kipnis.

How good was it to finally see the tribe come through in the clutch today and just with the bat in general. The teams spirits looked lifted Santana looked relieved, Asdrubal was hitting balls to all ends of the park and was staying back on off-speed pitches and taking them the other way. Today Cleveland looked like a team that had just had a weight lifted from their shoulders, but if they don’t come through in the 4 game of the series with Tampa tomorrow and cant score runners from third with less than 2 out they can expect that weight to go straight back on. I really hope this is the turning point for the Tribe but I have thought they were there already this year but they dropped straight back down. They sit 3 games behind AL Central Division leader Chicago, and .5 of a game behind the second place Detroit Tigers. Although its to early to worry about Wild Card spots they are one of three teams that sit .5 of a game behind leaders Detroit and the Angles and there are 2 more teams only 1 game behind the leaders. If this is a turn around and Cleveland can start to come through with runners in scoring positions they are a chance to challenge this season I still believe they are but another rubbish spell like they have just had and the competition will be too far away to catch up. With Choo, Kipnis, and Brantley all swinging a hot stick and Cabrera looking like the worst of his slump may be behind him now they have the top 4 of there line-up batting well. I wouldn’t jump to moving Santana back to clean-up until he produces in a few more games but hopefully that 3 run blast has shaken the proverbial monkey from his back.

Ubaldo Jimenez will have it all ahead of him tomorrow against Rays Ace David Price

Tomorrow the Tribe will start Jiminez who has been hit and miss this season against Tampa’s David Price who already has as many wins this year as he did las,t and with an ERA of 2.80 from 119 innings and 113 strikeouts. Price will be gunning of a league leading 13^th win tomorrow hopefully the Tribe can continue their good approach at the plate and snatch a win away from the red hot Price.

Cleveland had their backs to the wall right from the start today giving up 3 runs in the first inning on the back of a 2 run homer by Carlos Pena and an RBI triple to Luke Scott. Cleveland would never manage to get back into the game after that chalking up a loss to Tomlin although he pitched much better after the first inning. Cleveland struggled to score runners again today leaving 8 on base today to Toronto’s 5. It was the same names with the bat again today and unless this changes it’s going to be a long year for Tribe fans.

Tomlin pitched well after the first inning shutting the door on Tampa only giving up one walk and one hit over the next 4 innings. He hit a speed bump in the 6^th giving up a lead off hit to Keppinger; Luke Scott flew out next to left field. Desmond Jennings would reach base on the fielder’s choice. Desmond then stole second on a very close play, the replay would show he should have been called out Asdrubal made the tag a split second before Desmond’s hand touched the bag. Lobaton would score Jennings on a single to right field and that would end Tomlin’s night. Overall not the best of night’s for Tomlin, with most of the damage coming in the first and sixth inning. His figures through 5 & 2/3 innings were 7 hits; 1 K; 3 walks (1 Hit by pitch); 4 Earned Runs. He then handed over to Sipp and Accardo to finish the game and they were lights out again. Sipp sat down all 4 batters he pitched to with 1 strikeout, Accardo pitched the 8 3 up 3 down with 1 strikeout also.

Offensively it was the same old story for the tribe terrible with runners in scoring position. The same names collecting most of the hits with Choo and Kipnis coming through in big spots. Choo, Cabrera, Kipnis and Kotchman all collected singles today with no extra base hits coming today. Jose Lopez came through in the 4th with loaded bases none out but that’s where it would end. Lopez hit a sac fly to right field to score Cabrera and move Kipnis to 3^rd. Brantley would then move to second on the wild pitch giving Santana a chance with 1 out and runners at second and third. Anyone who has watched the Tribe this year could tell you what happened that’s right a big K2 and I think on that note its time for him to have a tune up in AAA. Shelly Duncan would then fly out to centre field to end the inning.

In the next inning the Tribe pegged back one more although the inning could have been better but Cabrera’s 1 down 2 on line drive to centre was caught. It was still deep enough to advance both runners allowing Jason Kipnis to clean up with a 2 down drive to centre to score Lou Mason who had reached on a walk. After the 5^th Tampa Bay would sit down the next 11 batters in a row before Casey Kotchman hit a 2 down single to centre but that was just good to help his average as Lou Marson flew out the next pitch to right field.

Santana's struggles at the plate are too much to look past is it time for him to head down to Columbus?

In my opinion it’s time for Cleveland to either send Santana to AAA Columbus to get some hits or see if someone is willing to deal and take the chance he will improve because I don’t see an end to this. He took a hit today to the right arm in an at bat on what looked like to be the elbow that may see a DL stint for him and it may not be the worst thing for the Tribe. It’s a team effort and he isn’t the only player not coming through with runners in scoring positions BUT that is his job. He is an average catcher at best his asset is his power, now if he is getting out but making hits in clutch situations let it ride hopefully it will change but he is striking out. He was in the team as the Designated Hitter today, is Manny Acta even watching the game maybe its time to change those specs of his because if there is one person in the team who isn’t hitting its Carlos. I hope he can come back to form but at the moment its just hurting the team if he needs to bat through this he needs to do it in a different team hopefully Columbus so when he returns we can see the benefits but until then we need production and he isn’t giving us it.

Cleveland won a scrappy away game over Tampa Bay by 2 run to 3. Another win for the Tribe is good and keeps in touch with Chicago. Cleveland’s struggles with runners in scoring positions are still there and another good outing from Zach McAllister Cleveland really should have berried Tampa tonight. The heart of the line up is still struggling with the bat too.

Tonight the Tribe managed to leave nine runners on base, with Asdrubal Cabrera leave a massive 7 runners in play today as he wore the hammer going 0 from 5 with 4 strike outs doesn’t look like a player that played in the All-Star game this year. That said he was amazing again in defence and saved numerous possible runs with his glove but I think that is the only thing keeping him off riding the pine for a game or two. Santana (batting at 7 tonight) struggled again going 0 from 4 with a strike out and grounding into a double play. Jose Lopez also had a goose egg in the hits column, with 2 strike outs and 2 grounded into double plays along with one of his K’s being the start of a strike out throw out with Jason Kipnis he should probably expect more time on the bench.

Cleveland struggled in the 7^th inning on defence with Esmil Rogers giving up a homerun to Desmond Jennings on the first pitch he threw although he then sat down the next two before walking Will Rhymes to end his night. He handed over to Tony Sipp who walked Sean Rodriguez (pinch hitting for Carlos Pena who had 2 called strikeouts) in four pitches. Things looked badly for the Tribe with the tying and go-ahead runs on base Manny Acta called on Jimmie Pestano to finish the 7^th inning and he did with a 4-pitch strike out of Ben Zoberist. Pestano was impressive tonight coming in cold he managed to 1 & 1/3 innings giving up 2 hits but no walks and 3 strikeouts in the clutch again showing why Cleveland’s lights out after the 6^th inning this year. He then turned it over to Chris Perez who got the save pitching to 3 batters and sitting 2 of them down with strikeouts.

Cleveland did have some bright sparks with the bat tonight. Sin-Soo Choo went 2 from 5 with 2 doubles and a walk plus 1 RBI. Choo’s first hit of the night was a ground rule double that was initially scored a homerun but was later over turned on review although the replay I saw didn’t look definite and I felt the Homerun should have stood but some would say its bias. Michael Brantley’s hitting streak came to an end tonight he did pick 3 walks tonight and technically only had 1 AB in which he got struck out but it was good to see him moved to the number 4 spot hopefully Manny keeps him there for a while yet. Johnny Damon continued to be a bright light at the bottom of the line-up going 2 from 3 with a double and a single. Jason Kipnis also continued his good form at the plate going 2 from 3 both being doubles with a walk also. Jason also scored and RBI off his first double. It was good to see the top of the line-up come through tonight minus Asdrubal but if Cleveland aren’t going to leave it all up to there pitching they all need to bat. Maybe Manny should look at pinch hitting someone other then Johnny Damon who has been consistent with the bet for the last month and maybe try pinching for Asdrubal, Santana or Kotchman who had another 0 for 4 night.

Zach McAllister showed he has the stuff to hang in the Majors at the moment pitching 6 innings giving up 1 run on 3 hits and 4 walks but managed 5 strike outs and really looked to overmatch Tampa Bay today only giving up his hits in the 4th inning but then went 6 up 6 down through the next 2 before he handed it over earning himself another win.

Cleveland plays game 2 tomorrow of the 4 game series and hopefully can provide there pitching staff with more run support by converting with runners in scoring positions.

Look for my game 2 recap tomorrow right here.

The All-Star break has come and gone with Cleveland sitting 3 games behind Chicago and only half a game in front of Detroit who are on a 5 game winning streak.

Only Asdrubal Cabrera and Chris Perez where selected to play in the All-Star game this year. Asdrubal came in for the red hot Derek Jeter who seems to have turned back the clock this year. Asdrubal had 1 walk and a strikeout from his 2 at bats.  Chris Perez was never likely to get a pitch after the AL All-Stars gave up 5 runs in the first inning and never recovered to lose 8 – 0.

Asdrubal Cabrera enjoys a laugh during the All-Star Weekend 2012

On to a wrap up of how Cleveland are doing half way through.  Leading the team in hits are Michael Brantley and Shin-Soo Choo with 93 hits each. 3^rd is Jason Kipnis on 91 and 4^th is Asdrubal Cabrera on 87.

Jason Kipnis is leading the team in RBI’s with 49, Michael Brantley and Asdrubal Cabrera are in 2^nd with 42 each, Shin-Soo Choo and Casey Kotchman back on 34.

Shin-Soo Choo is leading the team with and OPS of  .826 and Asdrubal Cabrera is second with .832. Jason Kipnis has the most steals with 20 double his nearest competitor. Shin-Soo Choo has the most extra base hits with 38, and Casey Kotchman has grounded into the most double plays.

From the bump Vinnie Pestano leads all the Tribes pitchers in ERA with an ERA of 1.75, and Joe Smith is behind him on 3.13. Leading starting pitchers is Zach McAllister on 3.40 and Justin Masterson behind him on 4.40 highlighting the problems that Cleveland have had with there starting pitching this season.  Ubaldo Jiminez and Derek Lowe lead the team for wins with 8 each while Masterson, Gomez and Jiminez have recorded the most losses with 8 and 7 respectively.  Justin Masterson has the most strikeouts with 93; Esmil Rogers has the lowest WHIP of .60 but from only 13 innings Vinnie Pestano is next with 1.03 and Zach McAllister leads starting pitchers with a WHIP of 1.35.

Pestano hopefully to keep up the good work in the second half of the year

As a team on offence this year (all ranks in the American League) Cleveland are 7^th for runs scored with 385; 8^th in hits with 754; 7^th in steals with 59; they have a team batting average of .258 putting them in 8^th; they have an OPS of .735; and have combined for 248 extra base hits making them 7^th in the AL. Nothing really stand out which sums up Cleveland’s first half to the season at the plate.

The team pitching stats for Cleveland is even less promising (again all rankings in AL only) at the All-Star Break coming 2nd last in ERA with a combined ERA of 4.50; Chris Perez’s All-star year as a closer see’s the tribe in 4^th with 26 saves (24 by Perez); they have given up the 5^th most hits with 757; they have the 5^th most homeruns hit off there pitchers giving up 94 bombs; and the have the 4^th highest team WHIP of 1.54.

Perez will need to continue to convert save chance's if the Tribe want any chance of playoff time this year

Cleveland’s starting pitchers have been hit and miss so far this season, either dominating or being dominated. I thought from initially they were loosing games from lack of run support in the early innings but their terrible team ERA would indicate that the problem truly is due to poor pitching. That said there batting definitely isn’t setting the world on fire either.  For Cleveland to turn things around this year they really need their pitchers to give up less runs and for there batters to give there pitchers some early run support. When they have given there pitchers early run support the Indians pitchers have produced good outings. Obviously this is like saying to beat the other team they need to score more runs but Cleveland have been terrible in the early innings this year. I don’t personally think the All-Star break will be enough to turn this team around.

In some games they have looked like a team going to the playoffs but it is usually accompanied by games where they just look outclassed. However after all that negativity maybe the return of Grady Sizemore will be a boost for the team although still no word when that will be and tho the wait for information on Sizemore continues there are signs of hope still for the future. Jason Kipnis looks set to be a star, Asdrubal Cabrera already an All-Star and Michael Brantley going on a hot streak with the bat that saw him hit in 23 straight games. Johnny Damon is getting better as the year goes and his experience will be great for the team. There are names about the club that could see them a real playoff contender in the next 2-3 years.

Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis 2 stars Cleveland can look to build there franchise around.

Is it time for the Tribe to look at some trades maybe look for some pitching help before the trade deadline? I think they may just ride this year out with the players they have calling up young pitcher Scott Barnes indicates to me they are looking to the next couple of years, they may make a trade for a rising player to fill a hole instead of an already established one. That said Cleveland are still very much in this season only 3 games out of top place in there division is a fantastic achievement for this club who really aren’t putting up big numbers but still scrapping out wins where they can. Hopefully the tribe can get hot and string together some wins maybe a sweep on Chicago would be nice and who knows. I really do see a pennant in the Tribe’s future I don’t think it will be this season but it will be in the next 2 or 3.

Here’s to the rest of the season. Hopefully the Tribe can make a real run for it.

Shelly Duncan led Cleveland to a 6 – 2 win over the Orioles. The Orioles never really looked to be a chance in the game today as Cleveland’s starter Justin Masterson dominated the Baltimore batting staff for 7 innings. Cleveland’s offence combined for 6 doubles and 2 home runs on there way to comfortably beating Baltimore and taking the series 3 games to 1 but still trail the Chicago Whitesox by 1.5 games.

The real story of this series is Cleveland’s offence clicking to give there pitching staff some run support which has been missing so many times this season. After the last series I didn’t think the Tribe would have much of a chance in the latter part of this season after being rather disappointing against the Yankees in there last series. I didn’t think they would have much of a chance against Baltimore either but I am very glad to report that the Tribe have exceeded my expectations. Today it was great to see the Tribe give there pitcher Justin Masterson some much needed run support who hasn’t had much in his last few starts. Today Masterson was on his game pitching 7 innings only giving up 5 hits, 1 earned run, and 7 big strikeouts. Vinnie Pestano had 2 strikeouts in his 8th inning appearance before turning it over to Chris Perez came in a non-save situation, Chris gave up 1 hit but also got 2 strikeouts to finish the game for Cleveland

Cleveland were excelent with the bat today with 11 hits to score there 6 runs. The team leader with the bat today was without a doubt Shelly Duncan going 3 from 4. Shelly started his day with a solo bomb in the top of the second inning to open Cleveland’s account for the day. He would get another 2 hits both of them being doubles and also have 2 RBI’s on the day. Shelly still pulling the ball to left field made my last comments about him having to look to hit to right look silly. That said if pitchers are going to give him balls he can pull these are the kind of numbers they can expect him to put up. Aaron Cunningham also joined the home run sheet with a solo blast in the top of the 3rd inning. There were a whole “Tribe” of players (pun intended) to hit doubles today with Donald, Lopez, Kotchman and Cabrera joining Duncan with doubles. On top of Cleveland’s extra-base hitting spree was the fact the strung 2 or 3 hits together.

Cleveland will be coming up against the LA Angels at Progressive Field in a 3 game series that will back onto a 4 game series against Tampa Bay before the All-Star Break. Both Tampa and LA have better records this season coming into this series. Baltimore also had a better record than the Tribe coming into this but Cleveland made short work of them. Cleveland will want to win the series over the Angels to keep in touch with them in the Wild Card race, but I think if they can keep up the form they showed against Baltimore then they wont need to worry about the Wild Card race as they will win the AL Central but only if they can maintain this standard of baseball. Definitely very good signs for the future of this young line-up.