Thursday, June 30, 2011
Pretty Girl 07.01.11 - Abbey Clancy
Best Of the Clip Joint
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| Scott Barnes |
Scottie Barnes was not tabbed an all-star, but he sure did pitch like one tonight. Just two Mud Hens (H, BB) reached base over the first seven innings and Scott might have made it through 8 except a Jason Donald error opened the door for two Toledo runs. Barnes (7-2, 3.40) ended up allowing three hits and an earned run while striking out five. Yeah, I would say he has settled in to AAA.
The offense was the very definition of balance as every hitter reached base via hit or walk and none did more than twice. Jerad Head launched his 11th home run. Recently, there has been a lot of chatter about why Head (.303) is not patrolling the outfield corners at the Jake. At nearly 29 years old, he has had ample opportunity to distinguish himself from the herd and he has not. Make-up wise, he is a line-drive hitter with gap power who lacks both plus speed and defense. This sounds a lot like former farm hand Jordan Brown... except Brown had two MVPs and a batting title in his pocket. Obviously, given that Brown, 27, was traded for oatmeal in April, that sort of player does not interest the club at the big league level. Put it out of your head.
The Clipper ship stays anchored on the Maumee for one more night. Zach McAllister takes the hill at 7p sharp, looking for win #9.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Adam Everett officially cleared waivers on Thursday and has been released by the Indians organization. No comment.
Nick Weglarz has broken .200! With a single and a double, Wegz is now clipping at .218 with an .867 OPS. He is also 5 for his last 7 over three games. Expect him to move to Columbus as soon as a spot opens up.
2011 3rd round pick, Jake Sisco, the highest Tribe draftee to sign thus far, had his second successful start in the Arizona League. Jake (1.50) surrendered a run on four hits and two walks in three innings of work. He fanned a man of inning for the second straight outing.
Cheers.
A Quest Called Tribe
More importantly, big props to Carlos Carrasco. I admit that I did not give the dude a fair shake and he has been remarkable over the past month (4-1, 0.98). Yesterday, for the first time, I began to dissect what has changed about the young right hander. A lot of talking heads try to over-complicate the method, when, in fact, it is phenomenally simple. Throw strikes. Change speeds. Hit your spots. How? Consistency of motion. Repetition of delivery. Keep a clear head. Not to say that this is easy, but Carrasco (8-4, 3.54) has found the groove on all of these fronts. The most obvious is his mental state. The man is locked in, channeling his competitive spirit into the singular focus of making his pitch. It was wonderful to see how pumped up he was after each of his last two punch outs. Stuff-wise, two significant improvements have bred success: throwing his fastball for strikes early in the count and commanding his slider inside of the zone. Any pitcher will tell you that he cannot be successful without getting ahead, but, on its own, it is insufficient. The slide piece has become devastating, dipping and diving and remaining away from the meaty part of the plate. Carrasco kept the Tribe's head above water during the worst of the losing streak and has become the team's most consistent starter as they fight to remain in contention.
It was certainly heartening to see the bats rap out fifteen hits. Orlando Cabrera is suddenly en fuego (8-for-14 in his last four games) and, Wednesday, produced his first four hit game of the season. Even so, I have been more impressed with Travis Buck. After bottoming out at .220 with his 0-for-24 streak, Buck (.241) has cracked 6 hits in 18 AB's with 3 doubles and 3 RBI. Just when I was about to express how disappointing his performance had been following a monster spring, the man shoots three bullets in his last three plate appearances, recapturing the stroke of March. If Travis can keep this up, the 8-10 weeks that Shin-Soo Choo will spend on the shelf will be much less painful.
Over the past ten days or so, I have found myself a bit put upon by things that are not baseball. As such, I had not watched every pitch of an Indians game in awhile... until Tuesday. And, boy, did I pick a jim-dandy.
Despite a walk-off loss, despite watching his tenth win flit away, the night belonged to Josh Tomlin (9-4, 3.86). Not since Charlie Nagy in the 1992 All-Star game have I felt such a thrill for an Indians pitcher getting a hit. The bunt bonus was good enough, but the hard struck RBI single? Unbelievable. "I can't hit a fastball," he said. What a sandbagger.
Sadly though, Grady Sizemore looks old. It is not only the plummeting average (.226), his bat is slow to the ball. It is not just the absence of stolen bases (0-for-2), he badly misplayed two deep drives (one hit his glove) that he would have made into web gems in his heyday. Worst of all Grady's face is haggard, worn. He does not know what is wrong or how to fix it. As always, the best of luck to him, but I am not optimistic.
I promised to explain why the Indians will continue to win. This is always easier in the rosy glow of an actual victory, so here we go. (1) The Bullpen Mafia - an unfortunate performance on Tuesday notwithstanding, the corps (minus Chad-Chad-Oh-So-Bad) is the heart and soul of the team and the best in the American League. Personally, my favorite is Vinnie Pestano, who showed an 81 mph curveball yesterday that appears unhittable if he can command it. (2) The Starting 4.5 - Since June 7th; Carrasco, Tomlin, Mitch Talbot and Justin Masterson have combined for a 2.99 ERA, a .248 OBA, and 1.10 WHIP. We are going to abstain from Fausto Carmona, currently your league leader in losses and earned runs allowed, for now. (3) Defense, Defense, Defense - While unable to maintain the standard that they set in the season's first month, the D has still saved 21 runs in 2011, third best in the AL. (4) The Bats are waking up - Buck and O-Cab are raking. Lonnie Chisenhall is here and lacing line drives. Travis Hafner is back after Cincy. Even the slumping Michael Brantley had an RBI single last night.
There is only one caveat ...
“The Tribe is currently striking out an average of 7.3 times a game, which projects to 1,183 Ks on the season. That total would put this year’s team just outside the Top 5 all-time in team history for most strikeouts in a single season. And the numbers have been worse since Bruce Fields took over for Jon Nunnally – even though one of the reasons given for Nunnally’s firing is the team was striking out too much.” - Red Right 88
Nothing is perfect, but they are tied for first again.
Cheers.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Clip Joint Open For Lunch
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| Tim Fedroff |
All of that in support of David Huff (8-2, 3.74), who allowed just a run on four hits over six quality innings. Dave struck out seven and walked four as he finished June a perfect 5-0 with 2.70 ERA. The numbers that Huff has posted are difficult to ignore, especially for a team without a lefty in their starting rotation. Still, lest we forget, he was 2-11 with a 6.21 for the Indians last season and the opposition batted a healthy .304 against him. I cannot see him as legitimate option.
The Clips play two in Toledo, starting tomorrow with Scott Barnes on the mound.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Despite loading the bases on two singles and a hit batter, Adam Miller pitched a scoreless ninth to seal a 4-1 Akron Aeros win and earn his first AA save. Miller (1-1, 2.77) fanned pair, one with the bases juiced and one out, and, since a couple of rocky outings early in his tenure, has tossed nine straight shutout frames allowing just five hits.
Beau Mills provided half of the Aeros' offense with a two-run double. Mills (.292) has now driven in 32 in his 41 games with an .813 OPS. If he continues at this pace, he will see AAA for the first time before season's end.
Bryce Stowell showed definite control issues as he allowed his first run of 2011 for Lake County. Stowell (0.93) threw 1.2 innings, walking 3 and allowing 2 hits, but striking out three as well. Overall, he has walked 6 and fanned 13 in 9.2 innings.
Cheers
Transformers:"The Dark Side Of The Moon" New York Premiere
I just looooove this couple! Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade always look fabulous together. They attended the 'Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon' premiere in New York.Dwayne definitely took some notes while attending the 'Men Fashion Week' in Milan and Paris last week because he looks dapper as ever. He is killing me with those fuschia suede loafers but it looks great on him. Even he knows about pop of color!
Gabby looks amazing as always in her black jacquard Emilio Pucci dress with sheer lace yoke.I adore the sexy lace up side and the expose zipper on the back of the dress.
She completed her look with Giuseppe Zanotti booties but it's a little too hot for those. It's summer people so please put aside the hot ass booties till Fall.
I am on the fence about her make-up. I don't know if it suppose to be the "Nia Long" sunkist look or it's the "Greasy Meeka" from "Basketball Wives" look.
Either way, she looks gorgeous!
Salvatore Ferragamo Resort 2012 Front Row In New York
Eva Mendes looks chic as ever in her taupe and white twisted Salvatore Ferragamo dress.She is giving me fever in her cool glasses, nude clutch and nude platforms.
Freida Pinto is picture perfect in her printed haltered and wrap skirt Salvatore Ferragamo ensemble.She completed her look with pulled back hair and bronze Ferragamo sandals.
Rachel Roy rocked her own breezy effortless black and white printed pleated skirt paired with a striped blazer and crisp white blouse.Messy tousled hair, a mustard bag and taupe Christian Louboutin completed her look.
Ashley Green wore a chic white belted Salvatore Ferragamo dress.She finished off her look with a houndstooth Ferragamo clutch and a pop of color red heels.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Solo Time @ the Clip Joint
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| Jason Kipnis |
Jeanmar Gomez started and pushed his record to 8-2 with the victory. Gomez (2.49) scattered six hits over the first five before finally allowing Toledo on the board with a three run sixth that sent him to the showers. Jeanmar has found his groove and finishes June 4-1 with a 2.18.
CC Lee, one of three recent recalls (Tim Fedroff, Matt McBride), pitched a scoreless eighth, fanning a pair. After posting a 12.71 K/9 with Akron, CC has punched out 4 in his first 2.1 with the Clippers.
David Huff starts tomorrow in a business man's special at 12:05p.
Other Minor Points of Interest --
Someone needs to explain Nick Weglarz to me. Still an legitimate power prospect, Wegz has lingered at AA Akron after initially joining the club for rehab. Why has he yet to be promoted? Well, that would be because he was hitting .163 coming into action tonight. Now, Nick did single twice to raise his average to .196 and he also walked for the 22nd time in 17 games. In addition, the one base hits this evening were only his second and third of the season. All of this boils down to a guy with an average under .200, but an OPS of .850! In case you are not the stat head that I am, such a thing is nearly unheard of.
In his first start for High-A Kinston, neophyte knuckleballer Steven Wright gave the little Indians eight solid innings, his longest outing at any level in 2011. Wright, who has pitched for 4 different farm clubs this year, allowed three runs on nine hits while walking three and striking out 7. Believe it or not, Wright (3-2, 3.38) will be an option for the Indians as early as next spring should he not encounter any setbacks.
LeVon Washington is showing some signs of coming out of the doldrums for Low-A Lake County. Now sporting a modest six-game hit streak, Washington (.230) has 6 hits in his last 16 AB's. Tonight, the speedy centerfielder singled, tripled, scored three times and swiped his 9th bag.
Speaking of triples, 2010 third-rounder Tony Wolters socked his 3rd tonight. Wolters (.310) also singled and drove home a run and has hit in nine of Mahoning Valley's first ten games.
Cheers
" Larry Crowne" Los Angeles Premiere
Taraji P. Henson wore a sexy red Herve L. Leroux dress showing off her delicious curves.
She completed her look with sleek hair and silver glittered Christian Louboutin slingbacks.
Selita Ebanks rocked a fabulous fuchsia embellished Marchesa open back dress.
I am not a fan of her two-toned hair at all. I just wished she kept it simple.
Even though she wore some hot leopard Christian Louboutin peep-toe heels, they were way too much with this opulent dress. A simple silver strappy sandals or nude sandals would've been ideal.
English Actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw looks absolutely amazing in her fuchsia one shouldered belted dress.
I am so delighted that all women wore vibrant colors.
Side swept hair and nude peep-toe heels completed her look.
"Tranformers: Dark Side Of The Moon": New York Premiere
Antonio Berardi Fall 2011Rosie Huntington-Whiteley reminds me of the "Sex and the City" episode titled " The Attack of the 5'10 woman" in season 3, episode 3 .
The show was about Carrie Bradshaw finding out her true love "Mr. Big" was getting marry to a younger, beautiful perfect 5'10 woman named Natasha. Carrie tried to do everything in her power to out shine Natasha, but she realizes in life, even though you are fabulous, some women just makes you want to hide in a corner and go back to the drawing board!
Rosie looks stunning once again in this sizzling red lame Antonio Berardi strapless thigh- split dress.
Loose curls, a silver ribbon necklace, nude Christian Louboutin heels and "Angelina Jolie" luscious lips completed her look.
Believe It When You See It
(1) Troy Tulowitzki hits the ball twice (listen for it), en route to a base hit
(2) The #4 pick is a freak!
(3) You thought maple was dangerous.
Cheers
(2) The #4 pick is a freak!
(3) You thought maple was dangerous.
Cheers
Monday, June 27, 2011
While I Was Sminking
On the heels of two-out, 9th inning error on Sunday, one that set up a grand slam that cost the Clippers the game, Chisenhall got the call to the bigs. Mercifully, the Adam Everett era came to an end. Lonnie did not disappoint. After slashing a a double down the right field line for his first MLB hit, Chiz the go-ahead RBI in a two-run sixth that would prove invaluable in a sorely needed victory. Some might lament Manny Acta for lifting a starting pitcher, who had retired his last ten faced, to allow Travis Hafner to make the final out of that inning. The STO boys chirped about "firing his bullet" and a "National league mindset." The simple fact is that the bullpen is wicked awesome and they showed up once again tonight to prove it. I know that Vinnie Pestano gave up a bleed and a blast to tie the game, but the effort that he and Rafael Perez mustered to get three outs with a man on third cannot be overstated. It gave the Indians their chance to win. And whatever we say on O-Cab's O-fense, he certainly has a penchant for the big moment.
Tonight, Mitch Talbot pitched well enough to win (3 ER in 5 IP), which continues a disturbing trend on this west coast swing. Since posting a 5-0 April, Justin Masterson is 0-6 despite a 3.38 ERA. Saturday was perhaps the most egregious offense as took the loss without allowing an earned run. Blame that one on an offense that could not muster a single run. Friday was little better as Carlos Carrasco suffered his first loss in three weeks (3-1, 0.61) with Carlos Santana wearing the goat horns. That brings us Sunday and our old friend Fausto Carmona.
Honsetly, we cannot blame Sunday's loss, or the Giants' sweep, on Fausto. I would very much like to. I would very much like to have one scapegoat for all of the woe that has befallen the Tribe over the past six weeks. Unfortunately, it cannot be done. The truth is that if Fausto pitches like he did for the ESPN national audience, he will remain in the rotation for the entire season. A 06.21 Cleveland.com poll revealed that 38% of readers want Carmona in the pen with only 15% affording him the opportunity to return to form. I was part of the plurality. While I have no desire to welcome Jeanmar Gomez or David Huff back to the lakefront, I would enjoy seeing if Zach McAllister (8-2, 2.93) can translate his International League success into some AL wins. Incidentally, Zach should have somewhere in the region of 11 W's, as he has been robbed not only by Sunday's 9th inning collapse, but also by two games suspended by rain. Even with the message the front office sends by promoting Chisenhall to catalyze an anemic offense, something dramatic would have to occur in advance of a McAllister recall. To get kicked to the relief corps, Carmona would have to pitch like the May 19th to June 10th stretch (0-5, 9.55) rather than the 1-2, 6.89 set that has followed. Seriously, two middling games (hey, 66% strikes is an improvement) sandwiched around a stinker will be more than enough to keep him on the hill once every five days.
That Clippers loss yesterday was part of a four game series with the Gwinett Braves in which Columbus won only game 1. That victory landed in Huff's pocket (7-2, 3.91) with Chisenhall slugging a first inning grand slam as part of a 5-game stretch in which he hit .429 with 2 bombs and an astounding 14 RBI. That was more than good enough for IL player of the week in advance of his Indians debut. Saturday featured another strong outing from Scottie Barnes (5.2 IP, 3 ER, 6 K). This might have been good enough to win had the bats not run into a buzzsaw named Julio Teheran. Atlanta's top prospect and Baseball America's #4 overall, Teheran (8-1, 1.79!) limited the Clips to four hits over 7 innings with Luis Valbuena's 10th round tripper the only mar on his score sheet. Still, Columbus has won twice as many as it has lost (52-26) and with the big club floundering, it is nice too see the cavalry thriving.
Yeah, I do not like thinking about how bad the offense has been, so I will not. No numbers. No retrospective. Forget it. It has now past. I proceed forward under the assumption that Chisenhall's addition will serve as the shot in the arm that the batsmen so sorely need. This thump will equal a glut of chalk marks in the win column as the hurlers maintain success. Even in getting swept the Tribe kept it close through the entire series on the bay, the mark of a solid ballclub. With the win tonight, the Indians remain a single game behind the Tigers. Given all the adversity that our club has endured recently, one cannot ask for a better opportunity to contend. Why will they contend? For the same reasons that the team was once running away with the division. Now that I have whet your appetite, enjoy the win and I will break it down for you tomorrow.
Ha!
Cheers.
P.s. If Asdrubal Cabrera does not make it back to Chase Field for the All-Star festivities, I am going to write a very nasty letter to Major League Baseball.
Pretty Girl 06.28.11 - Kristianna Loken
Rosie Hungtington-Whiteley's UK and Germany "Tranformers: Dark Of The Moon" Premieres
Rosie Hungington-Whiteley is continuing her tour for the "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" premiere. I have to carry my oxygen mask when I see her because she continues to make me gasp for air!
She wore a stunning Naeem Khan silver embellished gown for the UK premiere. This has to be one of my favorite gowns of this year. It looks like liquid silver.
I simply adore the open back and the belt detail.
Luscious side swept hair and lips completed her look.
Simply magnificent!
The gorgeous actress wore a midnight navy silk haltered custom Burberry plunged neck dress for the Germany premiere.
I love the simplicity but yet seductive vibe of this silhouette. The racer back detail is beyond sexy.
A modern up-do and her classic pout finished off this look.
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