Game Twenty-Three: Indians 6, Yankees 4

by Ryan on Apr 26, 2008 9:56 AM EDT in Game Recaps

Highest WPA		Lowest WPA
Jhonny Peralta	.434	Paul Byrd	-.143
Rafael Perez	.169	Kelly Shoppach	-.081
Franklin Gutierrez	.111	Casey Blake	-.060

Even with the offense recently waking up, the Indians' strength all season has been their starting pitching. Paul Byrd (ignore the WPA) continued that trend, limiting a full-strength Yankee lineup to four runs on six hits. Eric Wedge, who normally will not err on the side of caution when it comes to pulling a starter, has been very aggressive with Paul Byrd so far this season. Byrd had thrown just 77 pitches through 5.2, but after giving up a home run to Hideki Matsui, was hooked quickly.

The move paid off, as Rafael Perez bridged the gap between the sixth and the ninth, allowing only one baserunner and using just 23 pitches in his 2.1 innings, quite a feat against a finicky New York offense. Perez wasn't expected to go the distance, as Wedge had Masa Kobayashi warming behind Perez, but the Indians' manager changed his plans after he saw how Raffy Left looked.

The Indians' offensive upsurge hasn't been driven by the stars of the lineup, but by everyone else. Tonight it was the unlikely trio of Jamey Carroll (2 hits, 2 SB, 1 RBI), Jhonny Peralta (2 H, 1 HR, 4 RBI), and Franklin Gutierrez (HR) who accounted for the six runs scored tonight. Carroll has slowly been winning playing time over Asdrubal Cabrera, and while he's not the future at second, he's certainly been good enough warrant more at-bats in the present.

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Comments

i think shapiro finally found his utility man.

also! correct me if i’m wrong, but asdrubal has been looking relatively okay the last few games at the plate. i think we have a nice trio for the spots up the middle. i think the depth in general is playing out according to plan. save for the bullpen perhaps. even there to some extent.

by Brick. on Apr 26, 2008 10:30 AM EDT reply actions

agree regarding AC.

The Disabled List just called ... it was trying to unload Joe Borowski. I offered a bagel but balked at giving up a ham sandwich. It wanted to keep Westbrook.

by westbrook on Apr 26, 2008 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Hey production from the 2 hole and someone in the 7-8-9 stepping up at the plate resulted in a win .. I wonder where I heard that before.

by Toxicadam on Apr 26, 2008 11:10 AM EDT reply actions

Carroll had a good game, but the big bat was one of the 3-6 hitters, and Martinez (and even Hafner) made important contributions. Having the 7-9 guys do something helps, but I still think the key to a consistent offense is what 3-6 do (and Grady getting into scoring position).

by peter m on Apr 26, 2008 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions

This sort-of debate is pretty sort-of silly. Our strategy, based on what the Indians both say and do, is to focus on production 1-9.

by Jay on Apr 26, 2008 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions

i was so, so drunk last night

Sizemore-Shapiro 2008. The Official Red Bull of Let's Go Tribe Game Threads.

by Gradyforpresident on Apr 26, 2008 11:48 AM EDT reply actions

I am so, so jealous. I STILL have not gotten drunk during a Tribe game … racing and finals getting in the way. I will definitely make up or it when the Tribe comes to Denver in June. There is no drunk like mountain drunk.

Il faut d'abord durer.

by CU Adam on Apr 26, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions

It’s the thin air dude – don’t forget to re-hydrate in the morning.

"the most vehement Yankee-hating guy I know" - Jay

by mauichuck on Apr 26, 2008 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d like to contribute to that effort. I’m only able to go to the game on June 19th, but let’s figure out way to meet, and I’m buying. Consider it my contribution to legal education.

by Denver Tribe Fan on Apr 26, 2008 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions

So when you’re drinking during a game, hanging out on the Game Thread, but alone in the physical sense … does that not feel like drinking alone? I have an aversion to drinking alone, it creeps me out.

by Jay on Apr 26, 2008 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions

I give Byrd a lot of credit, because I didn’t think his stuff was too good. His avg fastball this year is down to 84.5, though I think his stuff was a little better his last two times out. Last night I thought he had nothing, and he located very well and kept guys off the bases, if not in the park.

You know who else had poor velocity last night? Pettite! He was down to 86 for most of the night. He’s always been 89-90 in the past. Fangraphs has him at 88 this year, but I didn’t see much of that last night.

Good to see a pitcher on another team with diminshed velocity!

by TribeJay on Apr 26, 2008 12:12 PM EDT reply actions