The Genius Maker #86

Good to see a few blow outs to give us a few easier wins!

The other day (I need to comment) on a really good tag at SS from Jeter on a high throw from Cervelli. I am usually very critical of how slow Jeter tags or his lack of quickness around the bag, but on the high throw he reached up and then quickly brought the ball all the way down to get the tag on the runner and did so in a way he usually doesn't...and it was very well done!

I also wanted to point out how quickly Cano doubled off a guy at 1st base on a line drive to him where he fired to get the guy before he could get back. Of course, last night he did the same exact thing again...So answer this question, is Cano's offense or defense the best part of his game?

Burnett's curve on Wednesday was as good as we have seen it in awhile. Great bite and that was the difference in him putting up zeros because he let the first runner on base it seemed like every inning; he now has over 11 innings of scoreless ball.

Last night game had some frustration early (until we put up a touchdown in the 7th inning). Cabrera for the Indians got hit by Moseley on a pitch that looked to be over the plate. What made it worse was Cabrera stuck his elbow out. The umps need to use the rule and not award for 1st base on some HBP's... A different frustration happened in the 2nd inning. The Cleveland pitcher was struggling with control and walked ARod, then Cano worked a walk then Swisher flew out followed by another walk by Gardner. So the pitcher has now wlaked teh bases loaded...and Cervelli is coming to the plate. What would your approach be?...especially when you are Cervelli who can't hit righties and have no power? You have to at least take a pitch...right? Nope, he swings at the first pitch and weakly hits back to the pitcher for the start of a 1-6-3 DP to end the inning. Terrible!

In the 5th inning we caught a little break as we had 1st and 3rd with one out and Cano ripped a ball to the 1st baseman in a tailor made 3-6-3 DP, but instead they checked the runner on 3rd and just got Cano at 1st base. this gave us 2nd and 3rd with 2 outs, but unfortunately, Swisher could not take advantage of this as he flied out. BTW, not really sure why Swisher would be dropped in the lineup to 6th and move up Granderson to 2nd? The guy that should be lowered is Jeter as he is one of the weaker hitters in our lineup - Jeter did give us a good 2 out hit in the 6th to give us a 2-1 lead after Gardner worked a great walk (about 9 pitches) and stole 2nd base.

As for trades, Oswalt going to the Phillies will help them and all I can say is that I hope we see him in the World Series...although I do think the Phillies, when healthy, are the best team in the NL. We shall see if any more deals get done...I don't feel pressed to make any deals, but I would always keep an eye on what is out there.