Admittedly, it’s a small sample size, and I’m not using statistics (just to aggravate you guys). However, here’s my take on the new guys - Brantley and Carrasco.
Carlos well, he just wasn’t very good last night, most of his pitches were up in the zone, and that is never a good thing, even when you can throw in the mid-90s. But anyone who has watched baseball for any length of time shouldn’t be surprised about a rookie pitcher getting slapped around during his early appearances in the big leagues. So, we’ll just tell everyone to be patient - the rest of this year will be a learning experience for him. My take — way too early to tell.
Michael - on the other hand - has been very impressive in his two games in the big leagues. He appears to be extremely confident, especially at the plate. He is a very patient hitter, a trait I have always admired and pushed for — ask Tim and the rest of AMI Baseball. Oh, and one other thing, he can FREAKIN FLY — well, not literally, but he has to be the fastest Indian since —— well, maybe since one of my heroes, Kenny Lofton.
He was 2 for 4 in his debut yesterday, including beating out an infield hit. He saw 21 pitches in four at bats last night. Tonight, he was 1 for 3, but could very well have been 3 for 3. In his first at bat, he worked the count full, then lined a pitch up the middle - which the pitcher caught literally without looking. He was dodging the ball, turned his back and flinched, the ball went in his glove. It’s definitely Sports Cener material tonight. Check it out.
His second at bat, he scorched a line drive that nearly went over the head of Ordonez. His last at bat, he was down 0 - 2 against a tough left hander, Bobby Seay. He lined the next pitch past the third baseman. He’s not afraid to hit with two strikes.
A I said, he has been very impressive so far. I am hopeful that Wedgie will think enough of his play to convince Grady Sizemore to freakin get his elbow operated on now - instead of waiting till the end of the season. My take — definitely a keeper, check him out and let me know.
The Twist - well, Mikey won’t be surprised at this, but I watched most of the game tonight so I could evaluate Brantley as a player - not with stats. However, it was really tough because the Tribe made five errors — yes, five. (Most errors in a game since 1998). My man Asdrubal made a throwing error and Valbuena screwed up once too.
However, the guy with the biggest impact on the game was my favorite player - Jhonny. Yes, Jhonny was charged with three errors himself - two on one play - a very difficult thing to do. (Tony Rizzo claimed tonight the double error on one play by one fielder is as rare as a no hitter) To be honest, I thought he could have been charged with another one as well. He cost the Tribe at least one run — maybe more. It was a pathetic night in the field.
But then, as Matt Underwood pointed out, baseball is a game of second chances. Sure enough, Jhonny comes up to bat with one out in the top of the night, Tribe down by 2 runs, with runners on first and third. Yes, my friends, it was Jhonny’s “second chance” just as Matt predicted (more like fourth or fifth chance, maybe)
Anyway, you guessed it — he hit into a double play, Jhonny puts an exclamation point on his big game. That guy is unbelievable - I’m at a loss for words.
Hmmm….. I wonder if Brantley can play third?
Dad
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