Back On Track

That title is a reference to this blog, not the Indians. I wouldn't call a 2-1 win with double digits hits back on track so much. Although it does apply to Paul Byrd, who has done what he's done all year long, which is give us a chance to win. A tip of the hat to Byrdie for his 11th win.

Josh Barfield is out of the line-up again tonight. I understand that he's not hitting the ball, but I have to wonder about using Cabrera as his replacement. Everything I've read about Cabrera is that he's an amazing infielder, the best in the Tribe's system, but that no one knows if he'll be able to hit at the major league level. So why is he getting a test at such a crucial time, particularly when we have Chris Gomez on the bench -- a guy who's hitting .309?

I understand that Cabrera is the future, but is now the time to take that chance on him? Buffalo isn't that far away.

For that matter, someone is going to have to go down when the fifth starter is called up. Do we short our bullpen a reliever? It seems pretty clear that we'll hold on to five outfielders. The only other option is to move an infielder, which means Cabrera or Barfield.

And speaking of our fifth starter, everyone seem to be assuming it will be Cliff Lee who returns. But if you look at the numbers, Sowers has been better in Buffalo over the past month. But Aaron Laffey actually has the edge, as he's made one start in Buffalo since his return and went 8 innings giving up 2 earned runs. Going solely on numbers, Laffey deserves to return.

But I doubt that will happen. I have a feeling the front office really wants Lee to return no matter what, which is understandable considering what they're paying him. I'd be shocked if one of the other two didn't get a call up for the post-season, though.

The upside is that no matter who gets the call, they face the Royals.

There's been a lot of question lately as to who will lead off for the Tribe when Kenny Lofton isn't in the line-up (a possibility that will get less and less likely, I think). There is, as always, also some talk about Casey Blake not being the best guy in the #2 spot.

I have an odd answer to both questions: Franklin Gutierrez.

I'll admit that he strikes out WAY more than you want from a lead off guy, but let's remember who we had up there until recently. An argument could be made that he's the lead off guy of the future for the Tribe and the sooner we move him up in the order, the better off we'll be. So why not move him up to the second spot when Lofton is playing and the lead off spot when he's not?

Hey, if we're going to give Cabrera a tryout now, why not Gutierrez? At least we know he can hit.