and then retires the next 3 in order. 72 pitches in 6 2-hit shutout innings. This looks more like 2014 [except for the out-of-character 2 walks]. We might see a rare complete game today.

we're a decent 8th in the league in home runs, and a very presentable 4th in runs scored.

Which is impressive since we're 8th in team batting average, 7th in slugging average and 6th in on base pct.
Third in steals; 2nd in steal pct; 4th in walks; and 8th in strikeouts.

Rain delay before the Tribe can come to bat in the 6th. Which means Kluber is probably done for the day. It's been such a lousy long weekend for KC, they should just take the opportunity presented to pack up and fly on to their stop.

Third in steals is crazy, we never had anyone get steals before. Rajai and Lindor add athleticism.

Really, it was about time they realized that athleticism and defense were good matches for their pitching.

Tribe announcers mentioned that Carl Crawford has been deep sixed and would be available for minimum salary. I would rather have Brantley but it is a possibility with not much risk.

Not to add more rain on today's hit parade but just catching up. Would like to mention that Napoli has a fWAR of 0.6

That is 11th best on the team.

It's easy to say nice to see him contribute when he gets his occasional homer but overall we need to do better at 1B.

And LF for that matter.

Nobody is enjoying our success right now as much as me but can't help but think if we want to be serious contenders we will still have to add some offensive punch before its all said and done.

Hopefully Brantley comes back 100%. At the time of his surgery when they announced his recovery time frame I knew it was fairy tale BS. I had similar surgery last June and just now getting back to 100 %.

Get that Hillbilly a uniform!

I don't know why they haven't resumed the game. It hasn't rained here in over an hour, though it's clouding up again now. It's been well over 2 hours now since play was halted. Just call the game, and give us a sweep!

HB, regarding Napoli, my turn to run a number.

Simple number, at 54 games played we are exactly 1/3 the way through the season.

So multiply Napoli's 42 RBIs by 3, and we get the idea how well he has driven runs in.

Now yes, I don't expect him to keep up this pace? But if he did get 120 RBIs (and we can see the defensive upgrade at 1B), then I would take that. .240 average and all.

BTW, if anything I finally give up on Santana. Move that freaking guy out and get another 1B/DH, Napoli can always DH or whatever.

And I definitely, definitely agree we can use more offense. Be hard to expect the 4th place in runs scored to continue?

Of course, there they go and score 7 today and win 7-0.

I guess realistically, at this point, I'd be reluctant to change a damn thing. Not sure exactly what it is, but Something is working.

Keep running Naquin out there. Chisenhall has actually hit like a real player. Lindor is just.....amazing.

Big road trip coming up, let's see if they can do it on the road like they did at home.

.........................................SWEEP!!!

TFIR wrote:Of course, there they go and score 7 today and win 7-0.

I guess realistically, at this point, I'd be reluctant to change a damn thing. Not sure exactly what it is, but Something is working.

Keep running Naquin out there. Chisenhall has actually hit like a real player. Lindor is just.....amazing.

Big road trip coming up, let's see if they can do it on the road like they did at home.

Chemistry? Karma? Hope it keeps up, and that they don't let Brantley back until he is definitely ready!

There is something to say for chemistry in baseball so I may be dead wrong. I'll enjoy it while it lasts. Hopefully it will be another 5 months.

I just look at this lineup and shake my damn head. Santana leading off. Napoli and Ramirez 4 and 5.

I dunno how we're doing it.

I guess I am saying that as well.

I know some will scoff, and I totally understand, but I do think the addition of vets like Napoli, Rajai, and even Uribe added a stability to the team's young kids. Can't hurt for Lindor, even Kipnis etc to be around those guys. Again, that is pure speculation because none of us will ever know for sure, but I do believe it.

Heck, I watched an interview with Tito about Napoli. He said he actually talked to Pedroia about Napoli! Pedroia said "You GOTTA get that guy." Good enough for Tito, and for me.

Obviously if he can't hit, that means little. But 42 RBIs so far, that isn't the case.

As well, the team can really play defense this year. And even run the bases.

Can't underestimate the amazing utility contributions of Jose Ramirez either. And Josh Tomlin!?!?!

So Gomes has been non existent, Brantley the same, and Carrasco misses a ton of time. Yet the beat goes on.

I've always thought the last few years our greatest asset is Tito. May be something to that.

Even Gomes contributes despite his ridiculous average: very good vs. base-stealers is part of our topnotch defense; and his 27 RBI in 1/3 of the season are very good, too.