Recap
Box Score
Win Probability Added @ Fangraphs
Highest WPA:
Rafael Perez .438
Kenny Lofton .309
CC Sabathia .238
Hello Kitty Squad:
Aaron Fultz -.352
Joe Borowski -.282
Franklin Gutierrez -.193
We can wax poetic about how bad the offense has been, but the two most reliable relievers on the team blew saves. There was no real strategy blunder, this was two normally trustworthy relievers not doing their jobs. You can say that the Indians shouldn't have been in a position to have to win a one-run game, but that's how they've been winning all year; 31 of their 64 wins have been by one or two runs, one of the highest percentages of any team in the majors.
Travis Hafner left the game in the sixth inning because of "tightness in his left knee." I suppose it's useless to speculated until we know what exactly the problem is, but at least for today's game, the Indians could insert Kelly Shoppach into the lineup to hit against a left-hander, move Victor to first, and Ryan Garko to DH.
Asdrubal Cabrera made his major-league debut in this game, starting at second in place of Josh Barfield. Judging from what the Underwood and Manning were saying, the Indians would like to play him mainly against right-handed pitchers. He can play third base, as we saw last night, so that opens up some interesting lineup combinations. I would think that he'd be in the lineup at least three times a week, mostly at second base.
Next Up: Laffey vs. Buerhle, 8:11 PM