Player of the Game

Lonnie Chisenhall's second 'Player of the Game' award of 2011 came with a two home run night, as he blasted both two run home runs against White Sox ace Mark Buehrle. His 'POG' score of 8.51 for the game was more than double his next best game this year. Ezequiel Carrera had a good game as well with 2 hits and 2 RBI. Jeanmar Gomez had his third great game in a row, allowing only two earned runs in 6 innings pitched. Carrera scored a 4.29 while Gomez scored a 3.41.

Feathers Up

The Chiz Kid took two deep tonight, a personal record and showed more of what the Indians could have had earlier, if they hadn't benched him for the past month. The recent injury to Jack Hannahan could be one of the best things to happen to the Tribe this year, as it has allowed Lonnie Chisenhall to take back the starters job at third that should have been his in the first place. In the 7 games since Hannahan's calf injury, Lonnie has hit 3 home runs, and 6 RBI.

Matt LaPorta's double secret probation has apparently ended, but his secret probation remains in effect. He was brought up from AAA today, but was not allowed to play in the game. It will be interesting to see if any news comes out after the season is over about why one of the Indians most consistant hitters was removed from the roster. Apparently Columbus didn't miss him as the Clippers swept the first round of the International League Playoffs against the Durham Bulls. They will play either the Pawtucket Red Sox or the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in the championship round.

Feathers Down

Asdrubal Cabrera is still being forced to play every day even though the Indians are out of the playoff race. Today he went 0-5 with a strike out, but after what he has done for the Indians this season, any bad play is forgiven in advance.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 8 - Chicago White Sox 4

Player of the Game

Asdrubal Cabrera won his team leading 18th 'Player of the Game' tonight, 7 more than 2nd place Justin Masterson. Cabrera added to his already impressive season statistics with 2 more hits and a walk. Asdrubal singled, doubled, stole a base and scored a run while only getting out once. His double came to lead off the 9th inning in a one person effort to make a comeback. His single and steal lead to the only Indians run of the game. His final 'POG' score was 2.19, while David Huff earned a 2.11 after taking the loss. Huff only allowed 6 hits while striking out 5 in 6.1 innings. He only gave up one of the three runs scored against him as the others came off a home run allowed by Frank Herrmann.

Feathers Up

The battle for second place in the AL Central began in the Indians favor. In the first inning with two outs, Asdrubal Cabrera singled and stole a base. He would score on a single by Jim Thome, giving David Huff a 1-0 advantage before he even hit the mound.

Feathers Down

Brent Morel showed what a powerhouse he can be by jacking two home runs against the Indians, his first multi home run game of his career. Morel now has 5 home runs on the season. The first home run came off David Huff to tie the game at one and the second came when David Huff was removed, so he wouldn't have to face Morel. Apparently, Brent didn't care who he faced as he smashed another home run off Frank Herrmann, this one for three runs. 

The 7th inning has been a sticking point for Indians starters the past two days. Yesterday Justin Masterspn, and today David Huff, began the 7th but were unable to finish what they started. In both games the starter left two men on base when they left the game and both times the runners scored. Tonight's game was noticeably worse than last night's as Herrmann also allowed 2 base runners of his own after he allowed Huff's to score. Josh Judy then entered the game and promptly gave up a grand slam to Paul Konerko to put the game out of reach.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 1 - Chicago White Sox 8

Player of the Game

Shelley Duncan knocked in 4 and scored 3 times to win today's 'Player of the Game' award. Duncan hit two home runs off probable Cy Young award winner, Justin Verlander. Combined with the 2 he hit 3 games ago, he has now hit half his home runs for 2011 in the last 4 games. Duncan also added a single and scored when Lonnie Chisenhall hit a two run home run of his own in the 7th inning. Duncan earned 8.44 total 'POG' for the game, a score marred by his error and the eventual unearned run that was allowed.

Feathers Up

Trevor Crowe is finally back in the Major Leagues after spending the first 5 months of the season on the disabled list. While the Indians could have really used him earlier this season while dealing with the all of the outfield injuries, it is better late than never. At least now Crowe will be able to play a month to get his timing right before competing in Sring Training next year for the starting left fielder role. Jared Head was designated for assignment to make room on the 40 man roster for Crowe.

Shelley Duncan absolutely owned Justin Verlander today, pulling two home runs onto the left field home run porch. He has now hit 4 home runs in as many days with 9 RBI and 5 runs scored to go along with it. All the hits came in 2 games Kansas City and today against Detroit. It makes one wonder if the Indians would have been able to score more runs with Duncan playing first and Carlos Santana catching instead of Lou Marson behind the plate. In 9 less games Duncan has 7 more home runs and 21 more RBI than Marson. Matt LaPorta is also better than Lou Marson with 10 more home runs and 32 more RBI in 33 more games played, but since Manny Acta has a vendetta against him, he isn't an option. Both Duncan and LaPorta have spent time in AAA this year even though there have been expendable players that are much less talented on the roster all season.

Feathers Down

After starting off great, Masterson fell apart in the 7th and left with the bases loaded without getting an out. Masterson was well out-pitching the other Justin until this point, only giving up 2 runs while Verlander allowed 4. With Masterson out, Joe Smith gave up a single and run, following which Tony Sipp gave up everything else on a Victor Martinez grand slam to give up the lead.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 6 - Detroit Tigers 8

Player of the Game

Kosuke Fukudome provided the only Indians offense tonight with his third home run as an Indian in the 7th inning, giving the Indians their only run of the night. He was tonight’s “Player of the Game” with a score of 2.93. Nick Hagadone came in second tonight with a score of 2.27.

Feathers Up

Luis Valbuena and Jason Kipnis returned to the ball club today, Valbuena from AAA Columbus and Kipnis from the DL. The Indians might finally be able to take advantage of the expanded September roster, and hopefully Kipnis can continue smashing the ball like he did before the injury.

Nick Hagadone had a great appearance in relief tonight. He pitched 2 innings, giving up just one hit and striking out 2.

Feathers Down

Fausto Carmona had a rocky first inning after retiring the first two batters. A two-out walk, single, balk, and five more singles gave the Tigers a 5-0 lead before the Indians even had a chance to bat. Carmona pitched just and inning and a third before being pulled from the game. Carmona gave up 7 runs on 8 hits in his very short outing tonight. Of course, it doesn't matter how many runs you give up when your offense can only score you one run.

The Indians elimination number is down to 14, meaning any combination of 14 Indians losses and Tigers wins will mathematically eliminate the Indians from playoff contention. Starting postgame tomorrow the E# will be listed underneath the Central Division standings on the right side of the page. Coming into the series it was a much more manageable 18, but the Tribe has lost to the only team they could absolutely not afford to lose to. A loss in tomorrow's game could be the final nail in the coffin for the 2011 Cleveland Indians.

Final Score: Detroit Tigers 10 - Cleveland Indians 1

Player of the Game

Kosuke Fukudome won his second 'Player of the Game' with 2 hit, 2 strike out night. Both of Fukudome's were critical and would have helped the Indians win if any other offensive player had done anything. His first single loaded the bases with two outs while his solo home run late in the game brought the game within 2 runs. His final score was 3.34.

Feathers Up

Ubaldo Jimenez looked great through the first 3 innings, striking out 5 of the first 6 Detroit outs and only allowing one base runner. The rest of the game didn't go as well as it could have for him, but he did only allow a single run scoring hit in his 7 innings pitched. It's not his fault the Indians can't score more than 3 runs a game.

Feathers Down

There were really only two important situations in this game, one for each team. In the bottom of the third, the Indians got two men on with one out for Grady Sizemore, who then struck out. After Kosuke Fukudome singled to load the bases, Asdrubal Cabrera struck out as well, ending the inning and the best offensive chance the Indians had all game. Detroit's chance came at the top of the next inning, when they did the same thing, getting 2 runners on with only one out. The difference is, they took advantage with Victor Martinez hitting a 3 run home run that accounted for all the Tigers runs until the 8th.

Grady Sizemore is back and making up for lost time. He struck out twice today and may be trying to catch up his lost ground in the career strike out race. Grady probably thought the record was within his reach with only about 600 more k's to go, but then the Indians re-signed their all time strike out leader. His two today put him within 18 of the player with the third most strike outs in an Indians uniform, Jhonny Peralta.

As stated in the Series Preview today's loss makes it absolutely necessary for the Indians to win the last two games in this series. Any other outcome and you can basically kiss any shot at the playoffs goodbye.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 2 - Detroit Tigers 4

Player of the Game

Shelley Duncan demolished two baseballs today, sending them deep into the left field seats. This feat alone, along with the 5 RBI that came with it, won him today's 'Player of the Game'. Duncan earned a 10.17 for his 2 home runs, 3 RBI, 2 runs scored and a walk.

Feathers Up

The offense woke up again, just in time as just about every game the Indians play for now will be the most important game of the season. If the Indians lose even one game to Detroit, it will be extremely hard for them to make the playoffs. A bonus feathers up, the Indians game was over before 4:00 pm eastern and the Tigers don't even get to start their game until 8:00 pm in Chicago. Hopefully this, along with the projected starters of Ubaldo Jimenez, Fausto Carmona and Justin Masterson will give the Indians a small advantage over the Motor City Kitties.

Jeanmar Gomez pitched admirably today, making it until the 4th inning before he allowed his first, and only, run of the night. Gomez has been up and down all season, both literally (up from Columbus and back down) and statistically, but he has pitched well in both starts since his latest return from the minors, earning a win in each game.

There was some good news today about Grady Sizemore and it seems he may be able to join the team as soon as tomorrow's game against Detroit. As far as I'm aware, Jason Kipnis is also planning on returning for that game which means the Indians could field an almost completely different team than they have been the last couple weeks. If Hannahan goes on the DL and Matt LaPorta is recalled (more on that later) they would have new players at first, second, third, catcher and center field. This is a really good thing as it is going to be tough to beat the Tigers anyway, but will be almost impossible while starting Jason Donald and Jared Head.

Feathers Down

Jack Hannahan went down with a calf injury after hitting a single in the third inning. What more can you expect from an Indians team with only 2 starting hitters (Asdrubal Cabrera and Carlos Santana) who haven't been on the DL this season? Hopefully his injury will not lead to him going on the DL, which would basically end his season, but will lead to the return of Matt LaPorta, since Hannahan was considered the only back up first baseman. I also wouldn't mind seeing a little more of Lonnie Chisenhall at third base, so if this is a serious injury, it wouldn't be that terrible of a thing.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 9 - Kansas City Royals 6

Player of the Game

Ezequiel Carrera takes the 'Player of the Game' for basically scoring the first run all by himself. He singled then, when the pitcher tried to pick him off at first, went all the way to third on the overthrow. Carlos Santana quickly followed with a one out sacrifice fly to bring him in and the Indians stopped scoring for the night, almost before they started. David Huff earns bum of the game for allowing all 5 runs in just 6 innings. Huff allowed 6 hits, including 3 extra base hits, to effectively destroy any chance the Indians had at winning this game.

Feathers Up

It's not that bad that the Indians lost today. They faced a Cy Young caliber pitcher in Jeff Francis and are so far up in the divisional standings, there's no way Detroit can catch up.

Feathers Down

The White Sox lost to the Tigers for the second day in a row and Detroit looks to sweep tomorrow. While this may seem nice as it places the White Sox further behind the Tribe, the Indians really needed the White Sox to help bring Detroit down a game or two. The next series against Detroit could make or break 2011 for the Cleveland Indians.

Jared Head started his career going one for one, but has fallen off a bit late, going 0 for his last 18. Head has been a defensive upgrade over Shelley Duncan and Austin Kearns, but is an obvious step down from Michael Brantley. Too make what could be a long note short, Indians fans won't be sad to see the return of Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo in the coming weeks. Head did get his first career steal today after being safe on an error. The steal came on what looked like a botched hit and run. I look forward to seeing the tens of steals that Head will get over the rest of his career.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 1 - Kansas City Royals 5

Player of the Game

Asdrubal Cabrera showed some offense after a short slump with a 2-run home run over the left field wall in the top of the third inning. This home run gave Cabrera enough points to win "Player of the Game" with a score of 4.40. This is Cabrera's 17th award of the season, the best on the team by 6 games. Jason Donald came in second in the PoG race tonight with his solo shot, giving him a score of 3.68.

Feathers Up

The Indians hit the scoreboard early tonight. Kosuke Fukudome hit a long single in the top of the first inning and Carlos Santana would later hit a double, which scored Fukudome. Jim Thome singled Santana in, giving Masterson a 2-0 advantage before he even threw a single pitch.

Jason Donald hit his first home run of the year in the top of the fourth inning with a solo shot to left field. This was Donald’s first Major League home run since August of 2010.

Justin Masterson received plenty of run support from his offense tonight. In the first inning alone he got more support than he did his entire last outing. The Indians hitters gave Masterson a 5-run buffer tonight, which was enough to give Masterson the win.

The Indians bullpen was perfect again tonight. Vinnie Pestano and Chris Perez combined for 2 innings pitched, retiring all 6 batters faced with 2 strikeouts.

Feathers Down

In the same at bat he hit the home run, Asdrubal Cabrera hit a foul ball off his knee. He continued that at bat and remained in the game for defense in the bottom of the third inning. With just one out in the inning, the pain was unbearable and he was removed from game.

Carlos Carrasco joins Michael Brantley on the list of Indians out for the season. Carrasco is scheduled for Tommy John surgery, effectively ending his 2011 campaign and putting 2012 in doubt. This is especially disappointing as the Indians are now have very little pitching depth outside of the Major League roster.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 5 - Kansas City Royals 4

Roster Updates: The only September call-up today was rookie pitcher Corey Kluber who will be making his Major League debut in his next appearance. The Indians did make one other move, however and have some others planned for the near future.

Shin-Soo Choo was placed on the 15 Day DL with the left side injury that has been bothering him over the last week. This was mostly an administrative move as it was necessary to bring up Nick Hagadone from AAA after spending less than 10 days in the minors.

Tomorrow the Indians plan to call up relief pitcher Josh Judy, who has already spent some time on the team, pitching in 3 games during his three stints on the Tribe.

Rumor has it that Jason Kipnis could return to the Indians lineup as soon as September 5th against Detroit. This would be the biggest addition of all as there has been a glaring hole at second base since he went down with a hamstring pull.

Player of the Game

Today's reluctant 'Player of the Game' is Lou Marson, who was one of the only players with a positive score. His amazing final score for the game was a 0.40, the lowest score of the season for the 'POG' winner. The previous low was Chad Durbin with a 0.98. Marson had two singles and a walk as well as a nice play where he got the runner at second on a sacrifice bunt. On the other side of the ledger, Marson allowed three steals (although only one was his fault), struck out and had a terrible play at the plate where he decided to block the plate by standing behind it, then dropped the ball anyway. Great day all around for everyone as the final team score was -4.01. The game score makes the worst game for the Indians since July 29th, when the Indians were shut out 12-0 against Kansas City.

Feathers Up

Nick Hagadone made his Major League debut today and was very impressive getting out of a bases loaded, no out jam in the 7th. Fausto Carmona had left the bases loaded due to a couple poor defensive plays and Hagadone only allowed one unearned run to score. If Hagadone pitches as well as he is projected to, it will make Mark Shapiro look even better for making the Victor Martinez trade, even though he made VMart cry.

Feathers Down

Corey Kluber made his Major League debut today and was very unimpressive, not getting out of a bases loaded, 2 out jam in the 8th. Nick Hagadone had left the bases loaded due to a couple singles and a walk. The reason Kluber's is bad and Hagadone's was good was because Hagadone got 5 outs before any earned runs score, while Kluber allowed hits to the first 3 hitters he faced. Of course the A's were aided by some terrible defensive plays yet again, this time a bad block of the plate and a dropped ball by Lou Marson and a misplay by Jason Donald that almost got Carlos Santana's head taken off.

The Indians made some moves today, but not all the right ones. If anyone should have been brought up from AAA early for Shin-Soo Choo it should have been Matt LaPorta, not a pitcher who started in AA and has never thrown a pitch in the Majors. Hagadone could have been brought up in a couple days, while now the Indians will have to wait until September 9th to bring him back.

Asdrubal Cabrera has really struggled of late. Excluding his great game August 27th against Kansas City, he has 3 hits in his last 9 games. This includes only one hit in the current series, after which he was immediately caught stealing. Cabrera's defense has also been off as of late, as he has not made some plays that he did early in the season, mostly ones that involved extending his range and making a tough throw to first. Cabrera should be really happy when Kipnis returns as it could allow him to take a day off with Jason Donald playing short. He will also have to cover a little less range behind second base.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 0 - Oakland Athletics 7

Player of the Game

Jack 'Super Mannahan' Hannahan won tonight's 'Player of the Game' after almost winning it yesterday. Since one home run wasn't enough yesterday, he hit two more today as well as the game winning single in the 16th inning. When the game was over, Hannahan added 3 more RBI and two more runs scored to his season totals. His final 'POG' score was 7.64, which is his best this season. Two of his best three games have come in the last two games, the other game being opening day. Frank Herrmann grabbed a close second in tonight's race with a score of 5.77 for his 4 perfect innings pitched in relief. If it wasn't for either of these two players, the Indians would not have won tonight.

Feathers Up

There's no such thing as a lucky home run (unless you're playing against Jose Canseco). Jack Hannahan has hit three over the last two nights, to bring his final line for August up to .420/.491/.660. These are rediculous numbers for anyone, especially a career AAAA defensive specialist like Jack Hannahan. Some of this improvement can be explained through luck, with balls falling in where they didn't before, but that doesn't explain his 3 home runs this month. Hannahan claims the improvement came from using a heavier bat, allowing him to stay back on the balls. I guess we won't know for sure until the steroid test results for August come out.

Rosters expand tomorrow, so expect to see a lot of familiar faces return from AAA and maybe some new kids as well. This will help the Indians rest some players who have had to play everyday at high energy positions (Carlos Santana, Asdrubal Cabrera and Ezequiel Carrera) and should help the bull pen as well if Manny Acta allows any of the new players to pitch. Some of the call ups the first week in September could include Matt LaPorta, Travis Buck, Luis Valbuena, Grady Sizemore, Mitch Talbot, Carlos Carrasco, Zach McAlister, Nick Hagadone or Josh Judy.

Feathers Down

Lou Marson and his great arm had two terrible throws late in the game and overall allowed 4 stolen bases today in 4 attempts. If Matt LaPorta isn't back with the Indians tomorrow (September call-ups) you can expect a lot more negative Lou Marson news.

Ubaldo Jimenez was like two different pitchers tonight. The problem is that the bad pitcher used up all his pitches, so when he changed into good Ubaldo he wasn't able to pitch very long. Over the first 3.2 innings, Jimenez gave up all 6 hits he allowed as well as 3 runs and a couple steals that really weren't Lou Marson's fault. Over his last 2.1 innings Jimenez struck out 6 batters (out of 7 outs) and did not allow a baserunner to reach. It was extremely important that he came back and pitched well over those innings, as it kept the Tribe in the game, so they could eventually take it to extra innings.

Final Score: Cleveland Indians 4 - Oakland Athletics 3