Draft Update: While the Indians had a day off yesterday in the field, they were involved in the top of the MLB amateur draft that goes on all weekend. The Indians had the fifth overall pick which they used to take high school outfielder/third baseman, Clint Frazier. Following that, the Tribe took seven straight pitchers (four left handed) and a second baseman to end the day. Rounds 11 through 40 will take place tomorrow as teams finish up the draft. We will bring you further analysis along with a complete list of players drafted after things wrap up.
Player of the Game
Drew Stubbs scored two of the Indians five runs and hit a solo home run late in the game to win his third award of the season. Nick Swisher also deserves credit here for his score of -4.49, giving him the worst game of the season for a fielder. He essentially single handedly lost the game when his errors are combined with his poor effort at the plate, including ending the game with a runner on second.
Feathers Up
The Indians managed to slap together an inning in the fifth against Justin Verlander. The speedsters Mike Aviles, Drew Stubbs and Michael Bourn each hit singles and Jason Kipnis finished things off with a two run double.
The Indians team ERA won't take a hit, despite the team giving up six runs. Three of the runs were unearned thanks to two Nick Swisher errors, each of which could have lead to double plays if properly turned (although the margin for error was slim on the first one). Because of these extra outs, Ubaldo Jimenez and Matt Albers' games looked worse than they actually were. Specifically, Ubaldo did a good job in the second inning by striking out Andy Dirks after the error, but an infield single ruined the inning for the Tribe.
The Indians mounted a little comeback against the Tigers closer, who came in despite Detroit's four run lead. Jason Giambi lead the inning off with a solo home run against Jose Valverde and Drew Stubbs came through one out later with a solo shot of his own. Michael Bourn tried to do the same, but came up short in Comerica's cavernous outfield.
The Indians kept the combination of Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder 0-7 tonight. Of course, the errors and unearned runs well made up for the loss of these two hitters for the Tigers.
Feathers Down
A dumb play by Nick Swisher turned into an error to extend the second inning for the Tigers. With the hit and run in effect, Swisher decided to throw a ground ball to second instead of taking the simple play at first. His throw to second hit Brayan Pena, giving Detroit runners at first and second with one out instead of just second with two. With the extra out, the inning would have ended without any damage, but instead, a Torii Hunter infield single and a Miguel Cabrera walk gave the Tigers a 3-0 lead.
Final Score: Cleveland Indians 5 – Detroit Tigers 7
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