You Can Call Me ‘Bootslayer’
May 9, 2008Behind Enemy Lines
May 10, 2008We’ve seen two versions of C.C. Sabathia so far this season.
First four starts: 18 IP, 0-3, 11.57 ERA, 14 K, 14 BB, 5 HR
Last four starts: 27.1 IP, 2-2, 1.97 ERA, 32 K, 6 BB, 1 HR
You’ll have to look beyond the record here, as the lack of run support has been well-documented in these parts. The loss to New York came in a 1-0 game, coincidently thanks to that sole home run allowed in said stretch.
Last night, the Tribe put up another one of those “we’ll only produce runs in one inning” types of games. Thankfully, for Sabathia, it was a six-run seventh inning – all he needed for his second win of the season. Though one of the better pitcher battles of the season, the reigning Cy Young winner tossed seven innings of six-hit, one-run ball. He allowed zero home runs, struck out nine and walked two. I’ll take it.
Looking at Sabathia’s season totals, and it is obvious that the aforementioned start is weighing heavily on the numbers. But assuming that the run-support improves (it just has to, right?), and the Sabathia of late is the actual Sabathia that we’re going to see from here out, it will be pretty easy to forget about the rough start. Or will it?
Personally, I had faith in the big man, with my only concern is the pending contract issues. I want what’s best for the team, but what if what’s best for the team in the long-run isn’t exactly best for the team now? You can bet that those with the checkbooks are willing to look past the rough start, so those hoping for a discount come extension-signing day can put that one away for good. But what if he starts to produce Cy Young numbers again, but the run-support stays next to nil? The Tribe will not win games due to offensive inefficiency, and Sabathia’s value would continue on its upward assent.
I don’t care what we would be able to get for Sabthia on the offensive side of things. No prospect or left fielder can come to mind that I’d rather have instead of a left-handed ace starting pitcher. But maybe that’s just me.
Oh, such inner-battles.
Other quick notes of mention from yesterday:
– Ben Francisco didn’t start, but had a pinch-hit double in the seventh, knocking in two runs. He’s in the midst of a five-game hitting streak, batting .389/.421/.556. Small sample, of course, but still encouraging.
– Travis Hafner struck out again, but did go 2-for-3 with a double and run scored. It is the first time he’s crossed home plate since April 25th (10 games).
– Though a non-save situation, Masa Kobayashi tossed a perfect ninth, striking out one batter – lead-off hitter, and recent All-Star, Alex Rios. Not bad at all.
– Asdrubal Cabrera’s 0-for-3 with two strikeouts now puts him at a .181 clip on the year. He’s currently in the midst of a 1-for-25 slump with seven strikeouts. He also has the lowest OPS of all Indians with at least 20 ABs. I know that he’s not a power hitter, but his inability to get on base has just been atrocious.
– To end on a good note, Casey Blake has gone 4-for-1o with two doubles, with two runs scored and four RBI in the last three games. He’s batted seventh, eighth and ninth respectively and while his current .221 average doesn’t scream “move him up the lineup,” it’s something to consider given the struggles at the top.
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7 Comments
First commenter on WFNY that brings up the TRADE CC TALK gets a fine and a suspension. Seriously.
A question has been on my mind for a couple of days about the offensive woes of the Tribe. Is there any chance that this sort of lull is a phenomenon that has gripped not only the Indians but several teams, to the point where it might be something of a league-wide trend, if only a modest one? Are pitchers gaining an upper hand again, after years of offensive numbers expanding? I noted that the Blue Jays have been going through a similar phase this season, with stellar starting pitching and very few runs. Does it go any further than these two teams? The Yanks have had a few batters in their lineup come up stinkers this year, too. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Even if, statistically, such a trend could be confirmed, I would be the last to argue that it might serve as an excuse for the poor performances of Tribe hitters. I’m only curious.
That’s an interesting question Phil, as it has certainly happened to the Tigers and Rangers too. Those two teams were supposed to be very good offensively.
Good to see C.C.’s finally got his balls back!
Heard an interesting thing on the radio on the way back from the game last night, the Indians are 7-1 when Ben Francisco is on the team. Now its not directly because of him but the kid can hit.
And no one should want to trade CC while we are still in it, and its May, so everyone is in it, but we should start looking at hitters on other teams that might become available some June or July. Two guys that come to mind for me are Xavier Nady and Jason Bay from Pittsburgh. But anyone that can hit .280 and drive in runs given the chance should be someone we would like to consider getting
Remember that the Pirates wanted Cliff Lee plus for Bay over the summer. A lot of people thought that was a screaming ‘buy,’ but look what we would’ve given up.
Granted, the values have changed a bit, but Bay looks no better than a run of the mill LF as of right now…
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