Saturday, April 30, 2011
A Quest Called Tribe
I am still not sold on Manny Acta as some sort of prodigal genius, but I will tell you one thing, the man keeps his entire bench involved. On a day when Lou Marson and Austin Kearns started and both Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner sat through 37 outs, Michael Brantley chose to truly arrive on the North Coast. His 6th inning tater and his single to lead off the final frame were, doubtlessly, the two biggest hits of the night. Rick Porcello had quelled rallies at every turn, making the home run was essential, without it we wouldn't have seen the 10th, let alone the 13th. Coming into that inning the Indians had mustered just a Matt LaPorta single off of the Detroit 'pen after looking queasy against Al Alburquerque (who?). Brantley picked the perfect time. Had the game been sent to the 14th, Acta likely would have trotted out Chad Durbin (ugh) and we all know that would have ended badly. As it stands, the pitching was tremendous. Kudos to Alex White on his debut and to the bullpen on seven (let's count 'en 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) scoreless innings.
I'm on board, gang. Sometimes a quick start means a bunch of guys playing over their heads (see 1988's 16-6 April), but that simply is not the case with this team. If anything the Indians have a couple of huge pieces still struggling to get their footing (Carmona, Santana) or banged and bruised (Talbot, Carrasco). While Jack Hannhan is hitting better than his history suggests he should, a man hitting in the bottom third isn't going to take you to the top of your division. Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin are combined 9-0 and they will eventually lose. Still, I won't describe who has never failed to delivery a quality start as a flash in the pan, nor a dude who finally seems to have learned how to repeat his delivery as a one month fluke. At ten games over five hundred and with talent coming, the Tribe needs only to hold serve to eclipse my 85 win projection. Let's do it, boys.
For now, I will actively withhold further comparison to the 1995 squad. In my mind that was the greatest team of all-time and won't sully their memory with premature analogies. I will say this, back-to-back walk-off wins with a torrent of young talent and an untouchable memories does make me feel nostalgic.
Here's to another sweep and Masterson to 6-0.
See ya at 1:05p.
Cheers.
Best Dressed Diva Of The Week: Kate Middleton
Kate Middleton was simply breathtaking at the royal wedding. She looked stunning in her ivory chantilly lace Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen gown.
It was right amount of tradition and modernity. Pure perfection from head to toe!
I am certain the late Princess Diana would be very proud.
Worst Dressed Diva Of The Week: Melba Moore
I love Melba Moore and I admire her going through difficult times and rising up but this ensemble is beyond unforgivable!It literally looks like she ripped her curtains off at the last moment and wrapped it on her body.
Whomever is responsible for her hair and make-up needs to be haul off and shot! I can't get over her greasy face. Did she put a gallon of vaseline for her face powder?
Now I have to repent for my evil ways!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Clip Joint's Rollin'
What happened? Luis Valbuena and Luke Carlin happened. Valbuena (.313), who some are suggesting may be DFA'ed tomorrow, cranked a two-run 8th inning long ball to tie the game. Carlin (.341) followed with a bases loaded, bases clearing double in the 9th. Clippers win. Clippers win. Their 9th in a row.
Corey Kluber (6.50 ERA) started and gave up four runs in five innings. Jess Todd, pitching to save his spot on the 40-man, did throw a clean 6th, but his ERA is still 11.00. Zach Putnam (1.26) earned the win and Josh Judy (3.48) his 4th save. It would appear that Judy has now settled into the closer spot.
Kipnis, Carlin and Valbuena all had two hits, as did Ezequiel Carrera (.290) and Jerad Head (.339). Cord Phelps (.303), on the other hand, was 0-for-5 and struck out four times.
Columbus starts a four game series in Charlotte tomorrow (7:15p). Barring unforeseen circumstances, the starter will be Joe Martinez.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Akron kicked the snot out of Binghamton, 10-1. Kelvin De La Cruz (2.88) started but didn't stick around long enough for the win (4 IP, 2 H, ER, 6 BB, 5 K) which went to CC Lee. Lee (4.26) struck out five and allowed just a walk over three frames. Chun Chen (.258) went deep for the second consecutive game.
Congrats to my buddy Tyler Tufts, who earned a promotion to AA Frisco yesterday and pitched tonight for the RoughRiders. Ty got the final four outs of the game without allowing a base runner as Frisco lost 4-0. Tyler's season numbers are pretty damn impressive (1.13 ERA, .148 OBA, 0.63 WHIP). Keep it going, kid.
Cheers.
Hey Cleveland, Are You Ready To Believe?
That's 11 in a row at home, the most since '96.
That's 17 April wins, the most ever.
That's a late inning comeback after being down 3-0 and 5-2.
Santana hit that ball ten minutes ago and I still have goosebumps.
I haven't felt this way about a team since 1995. It's appropriate that Grover was in the booth.
Cheers.
That's 17 April wins, the most ever.
That's a late inning comeback after being down 3-0 and 5-2.
Santana hit that ball ten minutes ago and I still have goosebumps.
I haven't felt this way about a team since 1995. It's appropriate that Grover was in the booth.
Cheers.
Little Experience
I know that I have sounded pessimistic about all of the Brownies picks so far, so I will do my best to highlight the upside of #59 overall pick Greg Little. Little was one of the infamous NC Tar Heels who were suspended for the entire 2010 campaign following illegal contact with an agent (sounds dirty). Little is a big dude (6'2", 230) with tons of potential, but he only has two seasons at wideout from which he will be a full year removed from by the time he gets to training camp (if there is one). Everything that I have heard suggests that he is a physical freak (see his combine stats here) who has the tools and make up to become an "impact playmaker." Still, many graded him as a 4th or 5th rounder. I guess I'm just not smart enough to see why this is a better pick than Leonard Hankerson.
Ob la di.
Cheers.
Rihanna Reb'l Fleur Fragrance Launch At Macy
Rihanna promoted her fragrance " Reb'l Fleur" at Macy's in New York.
Rihanna continues to show her softer side in this fabulous polka-dot Mandalay chiffon dress.
I simply adore the lace and the satin bow detail. It looks like maybe someone is growing up.
She completed her look with a soft up-do and nude Christian Louboutin pointy heels.
Sheard Madness
Yesterday we we treated to Peyton Hillis, today Paul Warfield made a guest appearance to announce the Browns first of two second round picks (#37), Jabaal Sheard. At defensive end, the 2010 Big East defensive player of the year, supposedly will pressure both the run and the pass. Let us hope that the brain trust knows something that we don't about Da'Quan Bowers.
Draft Preview: Jabaal Sheard by FOX_Sports_Interactive
Cheers.
The Kate MIddleton Dilemma
If you had to pick one of these three would it honestly be the real one. I would take Allison Williams (#3).
OMG! Did you watch the wedding? It was so... I can't even put it into words. Because I didn't watch it! Wankers.
Cheers.
OMG! Did you watch the wedding? It was so... I can't even put it into words. Because I didn't watch it! Wankers.
Cheers.
Damn, Clip Joint's Crowded
The Clips did indeed play a game last night, taking their third straight from Gwinnett. The victory boils down to two men: Chisenhall and Zach McAllister. McAllister (3.38 ERA) started and threw seven shutout innings (6 H, 0 BB, 6 K) to earn his fourth straight win. Chisenhall, suddenly mashing, slugged a two run homer to account for all of the offense and added a double.
I have to get it through my thick skull that the schedule structure at AAA is very different that that of MLB. For instance, the Clippers play the fourth and final game of their series with Gwinnett tonight and move on to Charlotte tomorrow. Corey Kluber toes the rubber at 7:05p, seeking his first W of 2011.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Catching prospect Chun Chen, off to a slow start, bashed his first dinger of the season last night for Akron. Chun is batting .246 with more strikeouts (17) than hits (15). The RBI from the solo shot was his 7th of 2011.
Lake County catcher Alex Lavisky doubled and launched his 3rd bomb for the Captains. Lavisky's season is similar to Chun's with 14 hits to 24 K's and a .209 average. Alex has driven home 13 in 17 games.
2010 #1 overall pick Bryce Harper has settled in nicely with the low-A Hagerstown Suns. After a rocky first week, Harper has raised his OPS to 1.070 (.323 AVG, 5 HR) and has added 18 RBI and 4 SB. Over his last 10 games Harper is hitting .419 with four of his home runs.
Cheers.
5th Annual DKMS Gala
Stunning, Stunning and beyond Stunning!
I actually took my life savings and hire multitudes of scientists to study the beauty of Iman and discover why this woman doesn't age!
The supermodel looks sensational in her fuchsia silk chiffon Jason Wu dress. The color is glowing on her perfect skin-tone.
She completed her look a sleek bob, turquoise earrings and a fuchsia clutch.
Rihanna was honored at the event for her work with finding Leukemia sufferers bone marrow donors.
I love it when she switch things up and look sophisticated and elegant. The singer looks beyond beautiful in her black lace Louis Vuitton peplum dress.
She completed her look with a soft up-do and flawless make-up.
Eva Mendes looks great in her delicate sheer overlay Prabal Gurung dress. I adore the contrast of the black waistband and the crinkle pleated bodice.
She completed her look with a messy ponytail which I am on the fence about and black Casadei pumps.
This is the best that I've ever seen Keri Hilson look! The singer is giving me sexy glamour in her white cut-out Versace dress. "The Girls" are perky and on point.
I am looooving everything about this look from her sleek blond bob to her flawless make-up.
I am not a fan of 100 pounds of weave on top of your head, but I am looooving Solange funky wild afro!
I wish I could say the same about her draped Grecian Halston dress. It's just way tooo much draping and it just look beyond sloppy. I feel the dress needed to be one size smaller.
Leighton Meester looks divine in her chocolate satin one-shoulder Vera Wang dress.
She completed her look with side swept hair and gold satin Brian Atwood heels.
Which Diva Wore It Better? Shala Monroque Or Iman?
Shala Monroque Or Iman
The fabulous Shala Monroque first wore this gorgeous fuchsia silk chiffon Jason Wu dress to 7th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Funds Awards. She paired her dress with her trademark royal blue turban and dangling earrings.
Supermodel Iman wore hers last night to the 5th Annual DKMS gala. There is no words for how magnificent Iman looks. The woman is a superhero when it comes to beauty and fashion. She completed her look with a sleek bob and a fuchsia clutch.
Both of these women are "Fashion Icons" so this is an extremely tough decision. I just love Shala's pop of color turban so she wins!
The Royal Wedding!
Finally, This royal wedding is over! I am probably the only one in the world who didn't care about this wedding. I love Kate and Prince William but the media just turned their wedding into a circus.
The wedding costed 70 million dollar! Yes, you heard me right. I am sorry but with all the starving children and homeless people in this world, how can you justify such an enormous amount of money for a wedding? I know the royal family do a great amount of charity work but that is still ridiculous.
When I woke up this morning and view the pictures, I did get a little emotional because she looked beyond stunning in her ivory French chantilly lace full skirt Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen dress.
Her beautiful train is over six feet long and her "Halo" tiara was made by Cartier.
Kate kept the balance of tradition and modernity with artistic vision which is classic Alexander McQueen.
Instyle has more gorgeous pictures and details from the wedding.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Pretty Girl 04.29.11 - Niki Gudex
A Quest Called Tribe
'Twas more than enough for Fausto Carmona. Bouncing back from a true stinker against the Twins, Fausto threw just 86 pitches over seven innings, 60 of them for strikes. He 2-hit the Royals through six and finished allowing five hits and two runs. More than any start that I have seen since, he looked like the Carmona of '07. And that, my friends, is a good thing.
I will tell you what, these guys believe. They're loose, they're confident and they're playing like winners. The front office is on board as exemplified by the chutzpah of bringing up Alex White. The dugout is full of smiles and the boys are having fun. I've mentioned the infield defense before, but enough cannot be said. Where they were merely a set of solid fielders on opening day, they are a unit now. They're anticipating and complimenting each other. What do we call that? Teamwork.
In case you're wonder, Travis Hafner (.342) was a late scratch with right ankle inflammation. Pronk will have an MRI on Friday. Keep your fingers crossed.
Before I go, a shout out to Jack TheMan-ahan. In the span of a month, he has gone from my the bane of my existence to my favorite Indian. The man plays the game the way it was meant to be played. He has great fundamentals and has put in the work to contribute significantly with the stick (.290, 4 HR, 12 RBI, SB). His attitude and ethic have been infectious and the team, it is a rollin'.
Cheers.
Zero Needs Phil-ed
As far back as December, I had been spitballing with my boys about what the Browns might do with their top ten draft pick. We were all in agreement that the team had two glaring needs: pass rush and wide receiver. Initially I argued for the DE/LB as the Brownies had allowed 220 ypg through the air and an 84.8 opponents passer rating. Gradually, I was swayed by the alternative, both because of the talent available and the need to keep the defense honest and, thereby, Peyton Hillis alive.
We all spent the past few weeks hoping that the Bengals would come to their senses and recognize that, even if they drafted the best wideout available, they have no one to throw the ball. No such luck. AJ Green was gone. Patrick Peterson (for those who prescribe to the best available philosophy) was gone. Then came the trade (ugh). At that point at least, we thought the Browns still had their heads on straight and believed they could get the talent that they needed deeper in the draft to build toward a more sustainable culture of winning.
As pick #27 approached, I kept my fingers crossed with team after team passing on Da'Quan Bowers (the knee y'know). Then, again, a trade (ugh). Maybe the Brownies (as Mel Kuiper suggested that they might) felt that they needed to move up to get their pass rushers. Way to be aggressive and get you man.
But, no.
No. No. No.
As the Madden '12 cover so eloquently put it, "With the 21st pick in 2011 NFL draft the Cleveland Browns select - Phil Taylor, defensive tackle, Baylor."
What? What?! Haven't I been told that Dick Jauron is going to run a 4-3? Didn't we let Shaun Rogers walk away? Isn't Ahtyba Rubin supposed to be one of our best defensive players? What the hell is going on?
Round one over. Pass rusher? Nope. Wideout? Nuh-uh. I wish that I could have faith in the organization, but, alas, I do not.
I'm going to focus on my 16-8 Indians.
Cheers.
No Impact
The Browns traded the #6 pick for the #27 plus 2011 2nd & 4th and 2012 1st & 4th. As opposed to getting a game changer, the Brownies will pick up five stiffs. That is because all of those picks will be at the very bottom of their respective rounds.
Great.
Hey, maybe we could keep trading down and pick up the entire seventh round. I bet we could do it. Get on the phone, Holmgren.
Great.
Hey, maybe we could keep trading down and pick up the entire seventh round. I bet we could do it. Get on the phone, Holmgren.
I Love the White Stuff, Baby (In the Middle Of An Oreo)
With that mystery solved we can move on to speculating who might be dropped from the 40-man roster to accommodate White. Earlier, I suggested Jess Todd as the most likely candidate. After discounting the 25 men currently in the majors, the three on the DL and those I would qualify as prospects (De La Cruz, Judy, Hagadone, Kluber, McAllister, Rondon, Carrera, Weglarz) only four names remain: Todd, Luis Valbuena, Travis Buck and David Huff. Any of them is a possibility, although I still contend Todd is the best option.
Another scenario would involve the Tribe moving either Hector Rondon or Nick Weglarz, both of whom are injured and rehabbing in extended spring training, to the 60-day DL. As was made evident by the Jared Goedert move, the Indians are not averse to the downsides: accumulation of MLB service time and payment of a big league salary. Even so, I would put my money on a Todd DFA.
Let's try to focus on the game now.
Cheers.
Mysterious Ways
This does not solve the quandary of who will be the Tribe's starter on Saturday against Detroit.
In my mind there are three possibilities, excluding David Huff, who would have to come back on short rest to make the start. We'll go from simplest to most complex.
(3) No further roster moves are made. Justin Germano slides into the starting rotation until either Carrasco or Mitch Talbot is healthy enough to return. Boo hiss. Germano hasn't made a real major league start (he started the season finale in 2010, but threw only 35 pitches) in two years and he was never very good at it to begin with (8-17, 5.50 in 36 GS).
(2) Herrmann is returned to Columbus following Friday's game and Zach McAllister is recalled to start on Saturday. McAllister has won his his first three starts for Columbus and is not the top tier sort of prospect that the team would worry about starting the arbitration clock on. They also thought enough of him to add to the 40-man roster in the off-season and he has 30 AAA starts under his belt. So far, I'm the only one suggesting this, but regard it is a possibility.
Why?
(1) This is by far the most complicated. This scenario involves Alex White making his MLB debut on Saturday. Again, Herrmann would be demoted to clear a spot on the 25-man, but at least one more move would need to be made. White is not on the 40-man, thus someone would need to be DFA'ed in order for him to come up. Perusing the roster, the only name that seems reasonable is Jess Todd. Though Todd competed deep into spring camp for one of the bullpen spots, his performance at AAA this year has been atrocious, 12.38 ERA atrocious. So.... we have several factors working against White. Maybe the Indians don't want to expose Todd. Maybe they don't want to start White's arbitration clock. Maybe they want to be sure that when he comes up, he's sure to stay. What would the team do if White made three or four great starts and then Talbot and Carrasco were ready to come back. Organizations often structure the recall of top prospects so that they are not shuttled back and forth.
This is all food for thought, though not for long. Manny Acta tweeted that he will "probably" announce Saturday's starter after tonight's game.
Cheers.
Michelle Obama In Duro Olowu
Duro Olowu Spring 2010President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama was in Chicago to taped an episode of Oprah which is airing on Monday.
Michelle Obama is truly a Fashion Icon. She loves taking risk and experimenting with unique designers.
She have worn designer Duro Olowu vibrant designs on numerous occasions. This time she opted for a modify version of a multi print silk dress from his Spring 2010 collection.
She completed her fabulous look with orange kitten heels.
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