At least Huff does not seem to be following in the footsteps of Jeremy Sowers, who had one good year and never another.

Civ,

Thanks for the comments -- On Sizmore, even his offense returns less the speed, his value goes down if does not play center. i wonder is Ludwick (Shapiro always liked) or Willingham (Mannie managed him) might come to Cleveland on a short term deal.

Here's a surprise move. I was thinking it could be undone on Sept 1 when rosters enlarge but I guess not unless someone else goes on the DL, maybe they're expecting to have to DL Choo and know that Matt will be back on Thursday. If not we stay very very thin in RH hitters. I would have been less surprised if Chisenhall got a week back in Columbus.

CLEVELAND -- To clear space on the roster for Jeanmar Gomez, Tuesday's starting pitcher, the Indians optioned first baseman Matt LaPorta to Triple-A Columbus.

Major League rules mandate that any player optioned must remain with the Minor League team for a minimum of 10 days, unless that player takes the spot of someone placed on the disabled list.

In 97 games with the Indians, LaPorta, 26, is hitting .238 with 11 home runs and 44 RBIs. He started only five of Cleveland's last nine games while mired in a slump. He's batting just .194 (6-for-31) over the last two weeks.

A big slap in the face for LaPorta.

To be eligible for post-season play, players have to be on the 25 man active roster, disabled list, bereavement list, or suspended list as of midnight August 31st.

So Gomez can play in the post-season if he's not sent back down but LaMarte can't if he's not brought back by Wed at midnight.

That move doesn't break my heart. Great wake up call! This is NOT the time to be slumping!

To be eligible for post-season play, players have to be on the 25 man active roster, disabled list, bereavement list, or suspended list as of midnight August 31st

I forgot about that rule. Manny has not seemed fond of LaPorta and this sure proves it. When interviewed after a game winnnig homer earlier in the season LaPorta sounded very uncertain of himself. Some time in Columbus will not make him any more self-confident; not sure what will do him any good. I suppose a trade for someone else's failure might be in the offing.

They could have put LaPorta on the DL with a mystery injury to keep him eligible for the post-season.....but they didn't.

Indians made a statement by trading for Jimenez. There is no way they can go into next season with the batting lineup as it stands now.

LaPorta has been a disappointment this season to say the least and the Indians need to be looking at other options for his position.

Stat of the day: The Tigers won 11 games by one run in the month of August (11-4 in those games overall). The league leader in 1-run wins will usually have around 30 in an entire season, so 11 in one month is just crazy.

Charlie T. wrote:Stat of the day: The Tigers won 11 games by one run in the month of August (11-4 in those games overall). The league leader in 1-run wins will usually have around 30 in an entire season, so 11 in one month is just crazy.

Well, the City of Detroit is certainly due for some good fortune. I'm not saying deserving, but due.

Just don't want it in September.


Chicago and Detroit still have six games head to head to mix things up.

And we still have six against Detroit straight up, including the last three of the regular season.

We control our own destiny and we are in a real and mostly unexpected pennant race as we meet September.

This Tribe Fan is pretty happy with that, realistic, and planning to watch balls to the wall Tribe Baseball the next four weeks.

Buckle up for safety, buckle up. Buckle up for safety, always buckle up.

Shin-Soo Choo 15-day DL, RHP Nick Hagadone and RHP Corey Kluber recalled from AAA.

Happy Birthday, SURBER!

http://mlbfancave.mlb.com/fancave/video ... O-y-RZyPSe

The Legend of Jack Hannahan

Chicago and Detroit still have six games head to head to mix things up.

And we still have six against Detroit straight up, including the last three of the regular season.

Detroit worries the hell out of me. 11 one run games in August. Someone here once said a big factor in winning a one run game and losing a one run game is the Manager.

Leyland is a damn good manager and will be a big factor in pushing the Tigers down the stretch. They had our number last series, lets hope we get some help here and their and don't piss in our own faces when we get the chance in those six games like we did last time.

Acta better have his act together.

Stocking up on Southern Comfort and Pepto Bismal for the final stretch.

I agree Baron, the record in close games is not a perfect indicator but I think it's a good way to help build an assessment of a manager. I've always liked Leyland and every time the Tribe spot has been open I've thought how great it would be to get him here. Most of the times, though, it's been obvious that it just was not in the cards.

Ah, well, Detroit simply has a better team and a better manager. (But they still have to play the games!)