Re: GameTime!™

16565
Once again I checked in on the Tribe a little after gametime and once again they're up 3 in the second inning. The pitching is indeed ridiculously good. If Carrasco had enough innings to officially qualify we'd have all 5 starters among the league's top 20 in all the important categories, ERA, WHIP, avg against. Carlos was so unhittable last year that any start was potentially a no=hitter, and he was back in that groove yesterday against a lineup with lots of high averages and power.

The six consecutive ground balls to third tell you something about the Tigers' approach as well as Carrasco's complete dominance.

Re: GameTime!™

16573
3 solo shots off Tomlin, move him into a tie for 4th in the AL with 18 long balls; but nearly all with the bases empty.

Meanwhile, our 4 bombs al in the 5th inning include 2 with a man on, and Verlander's toast trailing 8-2 in the 5th.

Uribe and Naquin start the inning back to back. 2 outs later, Lindor singles, Napoli slugs one; Ramirez singles, Chisenhall delivers. Good afternoon Mr. Verlander.

Re: GameTime!™

16575
Josh back out there, took care of business on 11 pitches and no homers in the 7th. I guess all those relievers will just keep playing cards.

But seriously: what's the point of an 8-man bullpen if most of them are not used. Of course, they're there for when an emergency arises, but what shape is a guy in if he doesn't pitch for 2 weeks.

I think the problem is that not one of the eight [except probably Cody Allen] has any waiver options left, so to demote someone we'd have to release him. And heaven forbid we can't get him back again later when a need arises. There are not many substitutes for Tommy Hunter or Joba Chamberlain.