It occurred to me halfway through that game that the Indians actually CARE about winning the division. Or at least winning period.

Most teams who have clinched have not done that at all.

But the Indians last night:

1. Had Cookie pitch and go as long as he ordinarily would have
2. Had their regular lineup - no one was resting
3. Battled from behind

So although the division actually means little because of the expanded playoffs it means a lot to the Indian players apparently.

This is seeming like the 95 team, isn't it?

My unfavorite Tyler Naquin again was instrumental, drawing an exceedingly rare walk to start the inning. Then Jordan Luplow with a very rare big hit against a right hand pitcher. And DeSheilds hit tied the score: something good by each of the outfielders!!!

I think where they finish is huge. Last week at this time they were playing Tampa. This week the Yankees. Could change again on Sunday.

civ ollilavad wrote:This is seeming like the 95 team, isn't it?

My unfavorite Tyler Naquin again was instrumental, drawing an exceedingly rare walk to start the inning. Then Jordan Luplow with a very rare big hit against a right hand pitcher. And DeSheilds hit tied the score: something good by each of the outfielders!!!

hey civ! Maybe you are the new "kiss of life" ambassador!

Well a single one night and a walk the next doesn't quite make a breakthrough

It's a start! Keep plugging. You must have more insults saved up by now.

Don't think walkoff today Down 8-0 after 6

Civale's speed way down,,,,dead arm?

Civale not used to being a starter at this level for an extended period. Chalk it up to growing pains.

Blue Jays, Yankees and White Sox lost so I think the Tribe hosts the Yankees. If the blue Jays would have the won they would have played the Indians.

HITTERS AB R H RBI BB K AVG OBP SLG

F. LindorSS 5 0 0 0 0 0 .258 .335 .415
C. Hernandez 3 2 1 0 0 0 .283 .355 .408

I posted that just to include the end of season stats. What am I missing here?

Of course I know Cesar Hernandez is not the player Lindor is. That said....

Take that Lindor money and shell out just a little (2 years, $10 million?) to Cesar Hernandez and go from there.

Cesar is a keeper! That little shit can play - both sides of the ball too. He is a professional hitter and 2B.

Naquin in the lineup, hitting 8th. Mercado joins Luplow and Zimmer in the dugout.

Outfield OPS

Gardner 747 Naylor 621 left
Hicks 793 DeS 628 center
Judge 891 Nquin 632 right
Stanton 887 Reyes 795 dh
Frazier 905 Luplow 663 RH Pinch hit
Trachtman 648 Zimmer 603 LH pinch hit
No one else Mercado 348 pinch runner

ass-kicking going on. Guess I'll go watch the debate.