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Yesterday's Game
Danny Salazar strikes out 10 as Cleveland Indians beat Minnesota Twins, 4-2 | cleveland.com
Danny Salazar, Roberto Perez lead Cleveland Indians to much needed 4-2 victory - Let's Go Tribe
Perez homers, Salazar fans 10 as Indians top Twins | indians.com
This was a win driven by players who spent at least some time in AAA a year ago. Nick Hagadone, who has been on the Cleveland-to-Columbus shuttle since 2011, picked up where Salazar left off, throwing two perfect innings of relief. Roberto Perez, who until last spring was seen as only a defensive specialist, had three hits, including a home run that reached the upper deck. Jose Ramirez, who took over for Asdrubal Cabrera late last year, had two hits as well. But the most promising performance was Danny Salazar, who had lost out to Zach McAllister and TJ House after an awful spring. He struck out 10 in 6+ innings, looking completely different from his Arizona appearances. This time, though, he was able to spot his off-speed pitches, which made all the difference. A 97-mph fastball is only as good as an off-speed pitch thrown from the arm slot, for otherwise the batter will know what is coming, and most hitters in the majors can hit a fastball even if it's in the upper 90s.
Before the game Terry Francona noted that Salazar's start would not be just a spot start; he would take McAllister's spot, with McAllister moving to the bullpen. The issue is that now there's no real starting depth in the minors should the Indians need another pitcher, unless Bruce Chen or the recently-outrighted Shaun Marcum can recapture their past success.
Indians News
Pluto notes a story from Terry Francona's playing days:
And that led to yet another story about when his father was trying to get a better contract out of the Tigers in 1958. John McHale was the general manager. Tito Francona mentioned how his wife was pregnant, so there was a real need for more money. McHale's response was "that's not my problem."
After Terry Francona signed with Montreal for the $100,000 -- Tito Francona placed a call. It was to McHale, who then was president of the Expos.
"Guess what?" said Tito Francona. "Remember when my wife was pregnant and I wanted a raise. Well, that baby is Terry and he just cost you $100,000!"
Pluto also notes that although Gomes is going to be out for a while, it's certainly not as bad as it could have been. Gomes should be back in the lineup in early June, and the way Roberto Perez has played in the past week, the Indians should be able to weather the injury.
More reaction to Salazar's outing against the Twins.
Hagadone backs up Francona's confidence with stellar effort | indians.com
Games like yesterday show you why the Indians have been so patient with Hagadone.
MLB News
Lawrie, Escobar have different takes on text apology | MLB.com
A text that was sent (but not received) led to Royals starter Yordano Ventura plunked Brett Lawrie in yesterday's game. On Friday Lawrie slid hard into second base to try to break up what he thought was going to be a potential double play and took out Alcides Escobar, who had to leave the game with a knee injury. After the game, Lawrie texted an apology to what he thought was Escobar's number, but apparently the Royals shortstop didn't get it. As mentioned above, drama ensued:
Bryant drives in run on first career hit | MLB.com
Top prospect Kris Bryant got his first major-league hit on Saturday.
Latest 25-man/40-man Roster
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For the first time since the beginning of the season, the Indians shouldn't have to make any roster moves. Yesterday's swap of Salazar for Adams should be it unless there's another injury. Nick Swisher and Zach Walters continue to rehab in Arizona, but I don't think either is going to be ready for at least couple weeks.