WFNY Podcast #1
August 14, 2008Damon Jones: “I Saw It Coming”
August 15, 2008Orioles 11, Indians 6 (box)
Not that the Indians were winning the game at the time, but an eight-run eighthinning sure didn’t help matters much. Not long after I have spent the majority of this month praising his work, Rafael Perez went “Masa” on us and gave up three earned runs without even recording an out. Eddie Mujica poured some salt on the wound by allowing four earned in an inning of work. This wonderful slate of relief work erased the solid debut of Zach Jackson, who tossed five innings of three-run ball. Not a quality start, thanks to the inning requirements, but not bad by any means considering that two runs were allowed in the first.
From June 28 to July 28, Eddie Mujica allowed zero earned runs in 12 innings of work. Of course, this lead to the grumblings of making him the closer at the time, as his ERA for the season was approaching three. Since July 28, Mujica has allowed 12 earned runs in only four and a third innings of work, and has an August ERA of 27.00. Talk about a complete 180…
“I’ve seen him up in the zone a lot more with everything, and because of that his secondary stuff is not playing,” [Eric] Wedge said. “We’ll have to re-evaluate him and see how we can get him going again.”
Despite an implosion of sorts last night, Perez’s August ERA is still 3.48 witha WHIP of 0.87. He’s still struck out 14 and walked only one in his 10-plus innings of work. A ground-out ratio of 2.4 with a strikeout pitch is excellent for a reliever, so I will stand by my belief that Rafy is our best bullpen pitcher at this point. I’m not against giving the save opportunities to Jensen Lewis, as long as they realize what they have in the 26-year old lefty.
While I continue to dig what we’re getting from Asdrubal Cabrera lately (another two-hit night, by the way), it’s worthnoting that Franklin Gutierrez is also having one heck of an August thus far. In 37 at-bats, Gutierrez is hitting .324/.342/.622 (.964) with five doubles and two home runs. His sixthhome run of the season came in the ninth inning last night, contributing to the three-run frame.
I have to mention Baltimore’s Nick Markakis, simply because he’s one of my favorite outfielders currently playing the game. In the series against the Tribe, Markakiswent 9-for-17 with five runs scored and eight RBI. Not even 25-years of age, wouldn’t it be nice to have a corner outfielder of this caliber? A kid can dream…
Red Wings 7, Bisons 4 (box)
In his first start at the Triple-A level, lefty Scott Lewis was knocked around for four earned runs on eight hits in only four innings of work. He had an ERA of 2.33 in Akron, so I would expect this to regress to the mean; however, this goes to show the difference between levels of talent. Also struggling at the higher level, Trevor Crowewent 0-for-3 with two strikeouts. He’s 6-for-37 (.162) over the last 10 games, which doesn’t bode well for a lead-off hitter.
A switch-hitter, Crowe’s splits are a bit worrysome. He’s hitting .304 (OPS of .993) against lefties, but only .208 (.681) against righties. I’m not saying that he should focus on one side of the plate, as switch-hitting has obviously gotten him this far. But I am pointing out the discrepancy, as it should be something that is tended to by the staff.
Aeros 2, Defenders 1 (box)
Welcome back Josh Barfield! Though going 0-for-2 in his rehab appearance, Barfield’s return should at least be the light at the end of the tunnel for his return to the big league club. As mentioned in our podcast, Barfield will be in Akron for the weekend and should be suiting up again tonight.
Closer Randy Newsome recorded his 27th save of the season, though allowing an earned run on the night.
Scrappers 10, Tigers 3 (box)
I believe it’s safe to say that Lonnie Chisenhall’s hand is A-Okay. Chisenhallstarted at short and went 3-for-5 witha double, two runs score and two RBI. In fact, the top four hitters for the Scrappers went a combined 11-for-19 with four runs scored and eight RBI.
Catcher (and All-Star) Rob Alcombrack went 1-for-5 in a DH appearance, also knocking in a run.
Cliff Lee goes for his 17th win of the season tonight, and will have his hands full against the hard-hitting Angels of Anaheim.
3 Comments
Guit also struck out with the bases loaded in a tie game before hitting that meaningless homer in the 9th.
That he did. Pinch-hitting for then 0-for-3 Dellucci. Timing wasn’t on his side last night, that’s for sure.
And Peralta looking like a three-toed sloth in the first inning on the grounder and double play attempt didn’t help matters much.
“Ya know Jhonny, I liked you so much better when you were just a ballplayer. If you wanna be an interior decorator now that’s none of my business. But some of us still need this team. Now you listen to me! This is my last shot at a winner and for some of the younger guys it could be their only shot. I don’t know what happened to you. But if you ever, ever tank another play like you did today, I’m gonna cut your —- off and stuff em down your —— throat!”