Series Preview: Indians vs. Orioles

How about that first half? Did anyone predict that? I know I certainly didn’t, but now is where the fun starts. The script will undoubtedly be fun to watch for the remaining months of the season. We’ve wanted winning baseball in Cleveland, and that’s what we have right now. Had the Tribe knocked off the Jays on Sunday they would have entered the All-Star game in first place for the first time since 1999. Pony up Tribe fans. The Indians are 26th in the league in attendance, and three of those four teams are in LAST PLACE. The Pirates are drawing more fans per game and they haven’t had a winning season in 18 YEARS! Kids are able to drive to the ballpark to see a team that hasn’t had a winning season IN THEIR LIVES. I know you’re out there. Let’s get behind these guys.

July 14-17, 2011

Progressive Field

Scouting Report

• Cleveland – Prior to the break, the Indians had a week of highs and lows. After taking two of three from the Yankees and a walk-off home run via Travis Hafner in the series opener with the Jays, emotions were high on the lakefront. However, three straight losses to the Blue Jays sent the club into the All-Star break just 1/2 game behind the Tigers for the lead in the AL Central. They kept pace despite a rash of injuries to core players and have shown their depth throughout the first half. Coming out of the break the Tribe will be sporting a different rotation. Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin and Carlos Carrasco will be the first three arms in the rotation.

• Baltimore – The Orioles landed at the All-Star break with a bit of a thud. Tenants in the basement of the American League East since May 26, the Orioles have lost seven in a row and nine of their last ten. During that span the offense is averaging 3.3 runs per game while the starting pitching, although not bad, has been victimized by lack of run support and bullpen collapses. Matt Wieters, the clubs lone representative in the Mid-Summer Classic, leads all big league catchers by gunning down 24 runners this season, and he’s the only starting catcher that hasn’t been charged with a passed ball.

Pitching Match-up(s)

Game 1 – Justin Masterson vs. Jeremy Guthrie

• Justin Masterson  7-6, 2.64 ERA

Masterson silenced a powerful Yankees lineup in his most recent start, allowing just three hits in eight scoreless innings. His seven victories are a career high.

• Jeremy Guthrie  3-12, 4.18 ERA

In his final outing before the All-Star break, Guthrie appeared in relief of Mitch Atkins, taking the loss (his 12th of the season and third in as many outings) despite holding Boston to one run over 3 1/3 innings.

Game 2 – Josh Tomlin vs. Jake Arrieta

• Josh Tomlin  10-3 3.81 ERA

Tomlin didn’t have his best stuff on Saturday, when he allowed four runs and seven hits in six innings vs. Toronto. Still, he leads all the Majors in fewest walks per nine innings and pitched no fewer than five frames in any of his 30 career starts.

• Jake Arrieta  9-6, 4.90 ERA

Since getting off to an 8-3 start, Arrieta has dropped three of four decisions, his most recent loss coming on July 7 at the hands of the Red Sox, who drew four walks and struck out just once in 4 1/3 innings against the right-hander.

Game 3 – Carlos Carrasco vs. Alfredo Simon

• Carlos Carrasco  8-6, 4.20 ERA

Carrasco has struggled in two starts since compiling a 4-2 record and 1.90 ERA in the month of June. In his most recent outing on Sunday, he surrendered five runs and seven hits in three innings against Toronto.

• Alfredo Simon  1-2, 4.85 ERA

Simon made his first start since 2009 his last time out, allowing the Red Sox three runs on eight hits over 4 2/3 innings in defeat. Despite the loss, the reliever-turned-starter was able to push his pitch count to 87 in the start.

Game 4 – Jeanmar Gomez vs.To Be Determined

• Jeanmar Gomez  0-1. 4.91 ERA

Gomez takes Mitch Talbot’s spot in the rotation after Talbot landed on the 15-day disabled list Wednesday with a lower back strain. Gomez has made four appearances for the Indians this year, including three starts.

Probable Lineups

Cleveland

1. LF Michael Brantley
2. SS Asdrubal Cabrera
3. DH Travis Hafner
4. C Carlos Santana
5. CF Grady Sizemore
6. 2B Orlando Cabrera
7. RF Travis Buck
8. 1B Matt LaPorta
9. 3B Lonnie Chisenhall

Baltimore

1. SS J.J. Hardy
2. RF Nick Markakis
3. CF Adam Jones
4. DH Matt Wieters
5. 1B Derrek Lee
6. LF Felix Pie
7. 3B Mark Reynolds
8. 2B Blake Davis
9. C Craig Tatum