Game 103: Cleveland 6, Detroit 5
Tonight was the first night in a new era for the Cleveland Indians. And yet, oddly, nearly all of the pieces remained the same. In a game that lasted into the 13th inning, Grady Sizemore got on base four times. Asdrubal Cabrera, Shin-Soo Choo and Jhonny Peralta managed an 8-20 effort (including a 2B and a HR from Cabrera). Fausto Carmona returned for a 5 inning, 2-run effort. But oddly, at the end of the game, it was a 4-inning (scoreless) effort from Ohka that got the win. That, and an RBI single from Jamey Carroll folllowing a 2B from Jhonny Peralta won the game.
So who is this team? Are we the vestiges of an imaginary contending 2009 team? Are we the kindling of a contending 2010 team? Or are we just the fiiller...the baseball moments which fill the time between significant baseball/life moments in the lives of alll of us watching. I don't know. I don't claim to know. But I do know the remainder of this season has changed because of what the past week has suggested about next season.
Tonight we won because players didn't give up. Ohka, who isn't likely to be around next year, didn't give up. Jamey Carroll, who also isn't likely around for long, hit the game-winning single. Hopefully someone will step into those performance roles. This teams needs leaders, and the next 6 weeks aren't a bad time to audition.
It is the triple hierarchy of baseball that is working against us tonight. We won the game, but we have acknowledged our loss in the lottery for the playoffs, and therefore our chances at real success this season. And, if you really are feeling realistic or pessimistic (depending on your level of optimism), tonight marks the end not just of 2009 but also of 2010. I'm not fully willing to buy into that....but....the future of the Indians has changed. We are entering into a new era. One in which guys like Grady Sizemore and Asdrubal Cabrera are expected to be the veteran leaders, not the young achievers. And who will step in and fill those young voids...well, there are lots of options, and not too many answers.

| Highest | Lowest | WPA | |
| T. Ohka | .571 | A. Marte | -.272 |
| J. Peralta | .137 | K. Wood | -.197 |
| F. Carmona | .096 | L. Valbuena | -.113 |
2 recs |
29 comments
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Comments
I’m sorry, but every time they mentioned Fu-Te Ni on the radio this popped into my head…

by The Grimace on Aug 1, 2009 12:50 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Terrific effort from Ohka, Carroll with the big hit…aside from that, nothing but a bad day. That one was for you, Vic! We’ll miss you!!!
Always an Indian
I wish i could wake up tomorrow and realize this was a horrible dream…
"It’s tough," Martinez said. "This is my house. This is my home."
We'll miss you, Vic
Just watch Cliff Lee throw his 3rd complete game in 4 outings. Happy for him… the G-men had no chance against him.
Has anyone pointed out the irony of trading Victor for Masterson when over the off season most of the people on LGT balked at trading Shoppach for Masterson
"sometimes the internet is hard for me." - ClemsonGirl
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I hope we have good pitching coaches in high A and AA. It seems like almost every pitcher gives up too many hits and walks too many batters
"sometimes the internet is hard for me." - ClemsonGirl
For those who didn’t watch the game, there was some good and bad with the Carmona outing. I thought he had good stuff, with better velocity. Command of the sinker was just ok. Threw a lot of breaking balls (for him), and a lot of them were strikes.
Carmona allowed 3 hits to the first 4 hitters, but only allowed one more hit. I think there was progress, but there’s still a long ways to go.
Give up on 2010? Hell, I don’t think I’ve given up on 2009 yet.
by supermarioelia on Aug 1, 2009 10:41 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
So last night looks like the Indians 5th walk-off win of the year, and first since June 11.
Here are the boxscores:
June 11 Choo against the Royals
May 31 Peralta against the Yanks
May 25 Vic against the Rays
Apr 29 Droobs against the Red Sox
Very well said. Last night’s game was rough, but, for me, it was very much a “why I love baseball” type of game. Like most here, I understand why Victor had to go and it doesn’t help the hurt over it all, but yesterday gave me the slightest feeling of satisfaction and that dreaded word that springs eternally from the human breast.
One thing I forgot to include in the write-up….The Indians chose a strange time to give Wood only his second 4-out save opportunity of the season.
He also chose a strange time to blow it, as well.
by painaxl on Aug 1, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

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