The Indians have remained in good form since returning home from what I like to call 'The Roadtrip From Hell Apart From When We Beat Texas'. They've been so good in fact they've won their last four series including that trip to Texas, dispatching the Nationals, Royals and now the Twins. It began with a 5-1 win on Friday, on the strength of a wonderfully pitched game by Scott Kazmir. The Tribe carried that winning form into Saturday, outlasting Minnesota 8-7, largely thanks to a 6 run first inning that helped propel Corey Kluber to his 6th win of the season. Unfortunately the Tribe couldn't capture the sweep on Sunday, losing 5-3, but at least they got another valuable series win.
Kazmir Answers His Critics (Me)
Since Scott Kazmir's last start against the Nationals, when he suffered heavily through 2 2/3 innings, the veteran left-hander rebounded in style on Friday against the Twins. Kazmir put any worries I had last week to rest, pitching 7 excellent innings against Minnesota, allowing 5 hits and only 1 run (a solo-homer to Brian Dozier). Kazmir didn't allow a single walk and struck out 7 Twins on his way to the win, his 4th of the season.
I couldn't have been more relieved to see Kazmir come back from that disastrous Nationals game. He was practically flawless against the Twins and it was so reassuring to see him under control once again and have his pitches working properly. Kazmir now sits at 4-4 with a 5.37 ERA, still a bit higher than he'd obviously like but at least it's heading in the right direction (down). His next scheduled start is in Baltimore on Wednesday June 26, where he has a favourable matchup against the Orioles' right-hander Jason Hammel. The O's have been a quality ball-club this season and they possess a dangerous lineup, including early AL MVP candidate Chris Davis, so there's plenty of potential stumbling blocks for Kazmir to encounter. But if he pitches anything like he did against the Twins on Friday, I have full confidence that he can get the job done in Baltimore, and we'll need him to be on top of his game in what'll undoubtedly be a difficult series.
Player Of The Series
There's no doubt who gets the award for this series: Step on down Jason Kipnis. Our star second baseman has been tearing it up lately and he maintained his hot streak against the Twins. Kipnis collected 3 RBI on Friday, 2 RBI on Saturday and 1 more on Sunday (maybe more check stats). He's really been making a late push to be an All Star this year and his recent form suggests he deserves it. I know it's practically impossible that Kipnis will beat out Robinson Cano and Dustin Pedroia for that second base slot but we can live in hope for now. I know I for one would love to see the JK Kid represent the Tribe in New York.
Cleveland now return to the road for a while, beginning with a four-game series at Camden Yards against the Orioles. It'll be a tough trip, as Baltimore strive to stay in touch with the giants of the AL East, but the Indians should have no reason to fear them and could even come away victorious if everything breaks just right for us. Until then...
Thanks for reading.
Good to have you back, Ash.
ReplyDeleteIts been a massive relief to see Tribe get some form back after a grim few weeks, albeit largely against mediocre opposition (Texas arguably less so). I fear for our chances in Bawlmore, another away series in the AL East, god help us. But then we can put some space between us a few div rivals in next few weeks.
JK's form has been amazing and props to Bourn and Brantley too of late. Is the jury still out on Swish though. I've grown to like the bloke but .231? Hmmm ... I'm assuming he isn't there on another Giambi-style 'don't matter what he hits, its his locker room influence that matters' ticket.
Really looking forward to seeing how Ulbado rises to the challenge tonight. I'm becoming slightly obsessed with the Jimenez sub-plot this season.
Thanks for commenting Matt. It's been great to watch the Tribe rebound from that awful losing streak. I feared for a while that it was the beginning of our collapse for 2013, like the previous 2 seasons. Thank goodness they've turned things around. I've been pleasantly surprised with how well we've done in Baltimore and can go for the outright series win tonight. So nice to have some success against the AL East for once!
DeleteI know what you mean about Swisher and I have a bit on him scheduled for my next post. Stay tuned....
The Ubaldo story this year has been a like a soap opera, but it's fantastic to watch a game he's pitching now without hiding behind the sofa. No longer do I fear that every time he toes the rubber he'll get shelled. Callaway and the pitching staff have worked wonders there but Ubaldo himself deserves the credit for correcting himself. If he maintains this form, I kind of hope we hold on to him for 2014, but at $8 million I don't know if the team will...
Thanks again for reading Matt, always appreciate your feedback!