I don't know what it was about this game, but it felt like it took place somewhere in the dark recesses of the Twilight Zone. I fully admit that I ragequit the game somewhere around the Twins rally in the 7th, and thus may not know what I'm talking about. Still, after the jump we have three positives to take from today's loss...

1. Matt LaPorta. Yes, he's probably still the same MaTola we all grew to have an extremely one-side love/hate relationship with the past few years. But any new blood in the midst of a season brings with it the possibility for improvement. I'd say it's hard to imagine him performing any worse than either member of the Johnny Damon / Shelley Duncan combo, but I'd rather not tempt fate. All I'll say is he went 1-4 today with a run.

2. Don't look now, but Justin Masterson turned in a quality start. Yes, he still doesn't really look right, and three runs in six innings isn't exactly worth crowing about, but most of the damage off Justin today involved strange happenings on the infield. I vote we try not to start Lopez at 3rd and LaPorta at 1st with a sinkerballer on the mound in the future.

3. Michael Brantley is really warming up behind the plate. He now has a 12-game hitting streak, the Tribe's longest of the year.

And oh yeah, speaking of opportunities for improvement, the draft is tomorrow. Hope springs eternal.