The crisp evening began with quiet a bit of anticipation. One of the treats of minor league baseball is when a bonafide major leaguer comes through on a rehab assignment. Such was the case tonight. Louisville sent once and future Cincinnati Red Johnny Cueto to the hill. Cueto's first rehab start had been brief yet successful. This evening, not so much. Johnny managed to retire five batters before getting yanked. Unfortunately for the young righty, Columbus pounded him for 8 runs on 9 hits in that time. Three of the runs were later determined to be unearned. Still, the Clips' lineup crushed Cueto to the tune of .692. Wait, .692 what? That was their freakin' batting average off of Johnny tonight. Couldn't happen to a nicer guy. Following the game, the scrub hid in a shuttle bus, refusing to even acknowledge his fans, as Dontrelle Willis signed for everyone in sight and even posed for a few pictures. I hope Cueto's arm falls off.
The Clippers' offense was so productive that I could tell you about all nine hitters. Each player had at least one hit. Eight reached base at least twice. Seven scored at least one run and six drove in one or more. The aforementioned Huffman also cracked four hits and scored five runs. Travis Buck, making his debut for Columbus, got a hit in each of his first four ABs, doubling twice and driving in three. Lonnie Chisenhall (.222) rapped two hits, scored four and collected an RBI. Cord Phelps (.333) was just 1-for-2, but scored three times because he drew four walks. Jordan Brown (.250) doubled, homered and walked. And on. And on.
Let us not neglect a quality start from Zach McAllister. The 6'6", 240lb right hander, acquired in last year's Austin Kearns deal, won this third straight start to begin the season. Zach went six allowing 2 earned on seven hits, striking out a pair and walking nary a soul. McAllister (4.76 ERA) began the year as the #4 starter in the Columbus rotation. This is a guy with big league make-up who is buried in the ridiculous pitching depth that the Indians' organization possesses. This is a good thing.
Oh and Jess Todd gave up Louisville's third run. He did pitch two innings to lower his ERA to 12.15. Night and day, the man's performance between pre and regular season. The difference must be in his head.
The Clippers wrap up a four game set with Louisville tomorrow. If the rotation holds, David Huff should get the start. The game is at 7:05p.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Nick Hagadone extended his scoreless streak to 10.2 innings by tossing two more clean frames in a 6-3 Akron win over Reading. Hagadone allowed a hit and a walk and fanned four. Opponents are hitting .162 off of him this season. Jordan Henry remained absent from the Akron lineup.
Steven Wright, who had previously advanced as far as AAA as a conventional pitcher, tonight made his first pro start as a knuckleballer for Lake County. Wright lasted 4 innings and allowed just one hit. He walked three, K'ed 1 and allowed two runs, one of which was earned. If Wright can harness the power of the knuckler he could distinguish himself as quite the unique prospect within the organization.
Cheers.
