MLB News: RHP Matt Garza informed he’ll likely be traded
July 16, 2013While We’re Waiting… Gearing up for a second half run for the Tribe
July 17, 2013The Cleveland Indians sent 2 representatives to the All-Star game. Justin Masterson did not get the opportunity to pitch. Jason Kipnis did get to enter the game in the 7th inning replacing Boston’s Dustin Pedroia, who came into the game in the first inning for Robinson Cano, who was hit by a pitch. (X-rays were negative.)
In his only at-bat, Kipnis doubled off of Atlanta’s Craig Kimbrel with a runner on third and two outs. One at-bat, one double and one RBI for the Tribe’s second baseman.
Kipnis also made two defensive plays in the game. In the eighth inning, he fielded a ground ball for the first out in Mariano Rivera’s inning of work. He also caught the final pop-fly of Nathan’s save.
In a game that featured no home runs and no dominant performances, Kipnis was certainly a candidate for the MVP award, but that was given to Rivera who was appearing in his last All-Star game. Rivera is retiring at the end of the season.
The last Indian to win the All-Star MVP award was Sandy Alomar for his home run in the 1997 mid-summer classic at then Jacob’s Field.
Since he did not pitch in the game, Justin Masterson could be in line to start Friday’s game. Francona had previously told Masterson he would be moved in order to participate in the game.
[Related: Indians All-Star break review, the starting rotation]
17 Comments
If only Kipnis played for a New York team. Darn!
There’s plenty of time to trade him! Just think of the prospects we can get in return!
I was waiting to see when Kippy would come in. Was a little mad he didn’t get in until the 7th because Pedroia playe 1-7, but good to see him come through in the clutch
I think Leyland is too old to adjust plans and he probably had Cano for the first 3IP, Pedroia for the middle 3 and Kipnis for the last 3. But, Cano gets hurt and messes it all up. Crazy old coot.
Kipnis had himself a nice game. Nothing spectacular but he did his job.
Merit-based for the game, Miggy deserved the MVP (scored the winning run + a whole bunch of put-outs while he was in).
But, a lifetime achievement MVP in an exhibition game isn’t a bad thing. Really good allstar game this year.
I know he gave up a run, but my oh my does Kimbrel have some nasty stuff.
Also, give MLB its due. The way they choreographed the Rivera appearance, and the player response, was the perfect manipulation of a moment that’s possible in an exhibition game. Having him run onto the field all alone was chill-inducing. This felt more sincere than Ted Williams in his wheelchair in ’99 being greeted by young players who were only vaguely aware of his greatness.
yes, and the players deserve kudos as well. anytime they cut to Rivera during the game there was a player there attentively getting his ear bent by the always talkative veteran.
the only part that was somewhat disappointing was that I was expecting a bigger response from the crowd leading up to his last allstar pitch, but I was likely just expecting too much from a somewhat non-partisan crowd at that point.
Can we crush this “ASG” thing? Why initials for this? I know this a stupid rant but “it’s the ASG from MLB” is just stupid. Please, somebody….Agree with me!
“I hate acronyms!” Says PJBNYC
I thought he would pitch masterson for 5 innings haha. Tire our guys out. He probably did us a favor by not pitching him (or having him even warm up)
Meh, who really wants to type All Star Game when it can just be dubbed as ASG. no1 is complaining that its an MVP? when is the last time we really referred to it as the Most Valuable Player?
He said before the game that he didn’t understand why everyone should get even playing time, and that the starters, theoretically better players, would play the majority of the game.
im fine with that if they are better..i dont think (hope) that is not the last we see from him during an an AS game
I kinda forgot that Miggy was a pretty solid defensive third baseman. He made some nice plays and throws (though, Machado pretty much over-shadowed them with that one throw…).
That would be fine if the starters were picked on merit and not based on fan voting.
Miggy is to defense at 3B what Asdrubal is at SS. Absolutely great when the ball is hit to where he can get it.
(and yeah, Machado, Segura, and Phillips all showed us what truly special defensive guys can do)
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