Civ, who is "they"?

Merritt splits last few seasons ...

A ball ...

vs lefty .197 batting average again ... 0.86 WHIP
vs righty .221 BAA ... 0.98 WHIP

AA ball ...

vs lefty .236 BAA 0.92 WHIP
vs righty .281 BAA 1.23 WHIP

AAA ball ...

vs lefty .231 BAA 1.03 WHIP
vs righty .305 BAA 1.39 WHIP

And if you take a peek at House's splits they are terrible against lefties. So not sure why anybody would be willing to give House a look at lefty specialist but not Merritt. It isn't as if there is anyone at all on major league roster standing in his way. Even if they believe his future is at SP why not go ahead and use him there temporarily if he can help in playoff hunt. They did it with House, who again, is worse...

Report I heard at all star break was the Yankees want more for Miller than they do for Chapman, because Chapman is a free agent at years end, and Miller is signed through next year. And that they aren't looking to trade Betances at all.

"they" were the Indians wisemen according to Hamilton when Ryan showed up briefly in the majors. He said they think of him as a starter not a reliever.

Well, like you said, House was a starter too so just doesn't make sense to me.

Hayden Grove ‏@H_Grove 6 minutes ago Westlake, OH

Indians recall INF Erik Gonzalez from Triple-A Columbus. LHP TJ House optioned back to Triple-A Columbus. Gonzalez will wear No. 9. #Indians

Gonzalez is hitting .296 with 6 HR and 22 2B with the Clippers this season. #Indians

Jordan Bastian ‏@MLBastian 10 minutes ago
Indians have lacked versatile utility man on bench since losing Michael Martinez. Gonzalez addresses that issue for now.

Jordan Bastian ‏@MLBastian 11 minutes ago
Gonzalez, who will be making his MLB debut, is a SS by trade, but he has logged innings at 2B, 3B, CF and RF this year at Triple-A

"only" 7 in the pen will be tough for Tito to deal with. Let's hope the starters can get back on one of those rolls where several of those 7 just sit around and play cards.

Last time I looked, Chamberlain was looking for a job.

civ ollilavad wrote:"only" 7 in the pen will be tough for Tito to deal with. Let's hope the starters can get back on one of those rolls where several of those 7 just sit around and play cards.

LOL, but you have to figure, as usual, that situation is temporary.

It's after the all star break and ALL arms are rested for once. Even overly rested, you do want bullpen guys pitching somewhat regularly.

Good time to access an extra position player.

Brantley was supposed to DH for Akron tonight but has been scratched. They're saying it's "precautionary".

Take the rest of the year off, Mike. Tribe's doing fine without you.

He's now scheduled to play the afternoon game tomorrow.

Brantley going to play LF today in Akron.

Indians, before today's game, 3rd in American league in runs scored! Behind (surprise) Boston and Toronto.

Lead the entire American league with +88 run differential.

Forgot to mention this the other day, but saw something in the dugout that screamed team chemisty (there are all kinds of these examples, but here is one).

Gomes lined out to Mauer (you may remember), the guy couldn't catch a break even when he squared one up.

OK, so going back to the dugout, he started putting on the catching gear and Uribe comes over and starts helping him! He gets all the gear on and is ready to go back out on the field, and Uribe gives him a huge bear huge before he goes out.

Corny maybe, but wow, at the same time.

That little ceremony to break Gomes spell of bad luck is further proof of a team that feels great good about itself and each other. [of course the result was his spill at 1st base: maybe the baseball gods will act in his favor and he's suffered only a couple bruises, but I'd not count on it]