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Never have I been as glad to flip the page on the calendar. And with September 1st here, the major-league roster can expand, and the Indians haven't lost any time in taking advantage of it.
Hernandez scratched; Tribe calls up three - Tribe Matters - Ohio
The big news is that Roberto Hernandez has been scratched from his start tonight because he felt a twinge in his ankle. I would assume that Jeanmar Gomez would be making the start.
The other piece of news is that the Indians will be calling up three players to the 40-man roster before tonight's game:
- LHP Scott Barnes (on 40-man roster)
- OF Thomas Neal (not on 40-man roster)
- 1B/OF Russ Canzler (on 40-man roster)
Both Barnes and Canzler have played at the major-league level before, but this will be Neal's major-league debut. Here's Neal's reaction on Twitter:
I don't think words can really express my feelings right now. But
— Thomas Neal (@TdaddyNeal) September 1, 2012#HardWorkPaysOff#DreamsComeTrue#PrayersGoUpBlessingsComeDown#GodIsGood
I'll have more on these callups later today.
Baseball Prospectus | Baseball Prospectus News: Goodbye to the Internet
Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein has been hired by the Houston Astros as Pro Scouting Coordinator. Goldstein has been one of the Internet's best baseball writers and thinkers; his prospect writing in particular was a must-read, and his podcast was IMO was one of the best around.
Minor League Prospect Report: Luigi Rodriguez, OF, Cleveland Indians - Minor League Ball
John Sickels takes a look at the Indians' "other" Rodriguez, Luigi:
Rodriguez best tool is outstanding speed, rated at least a 70 on the 20-80 scale. His basestealing technique needs work, but it has improved as the season wears on (he's 11 for his last 13). Originally an infielder, he's still learning the nuances of outfield play and needs to cut back on mistakes, but he has the speed for center field. His arm is average but accurate, and he's seen some innings in right field.
Sickels gave him a C+ rating before the season, and that hasn't changed. Luigi is 19, young for a full-season league, and is holding his own at the plate (.268/.338/.406). I don't see any reason why he wouldn't get promoted to Carolina next season.