Jason Kipnis
Jason Kipnis has occupied the Indians' leadoff spot since Michael Bourn went on the disabled list on July 6 with a strained left hamstring.
(Carlos Osorio/Associated Press)
Hey, Hoynsie: Has Jason Kipnis ever led off a game with a hit since he has been at the top of the order? – Tim Florencki, Strongsville.
Hey, Tim: I sense a bit of frustration with your question. May I suggest a cool compress to the forehead and a brief midday nap. It always does the trick for me.
Michael Bourn went on the disabled list for the second time this season on July 6. On July 8 and July 9th against the Yankees, Kipnis started the first inning of each game with a single and run scored.
I think my work is done here.
Hey, Hoynsie: It seems when a Tribe starting pitcher has a nice game it's considered superb. Why when an opposing pitcher has a nice game is it considered an offensive clunker by the Tribe offense? Is it possible for an Indians' pitcher to have a nice game, while being an an offensive clunker by the Tribe's opponent? – Randy Rudolph, Beachwood.
Hey, Randy: You're not from around here are you?
Hey, Hoynsie: Am I the only one who is appalled that Mark Shapiro and the Indians are planning a Jim Thome statue night on August 2. Can you think of a bigger waste of money? Benedict Thome, who gave us all the indications of resigning with the Tribe only to bolt for a couple extra dollars to Philadelphia, will now be honored for his escape? I just see this as a disservice to the intelligent Indian fans who can see right through this – John Sikon, Garfield Heights.
Hey, John: No, you're not the only one upset by the Jim Thome statue, but we've talked about this many, many times. I have no problem with it. Thome left as a free agent, which was his right. It happens over and over again in professional sports. He even came back to the Tribe to make a curtain call late in his career.
The departure of established stars from their original teams is often contentious, but time heals most wounds. At Target Field, there is a statue of Rod Carew. At U.S. Cellular Field, there is a statue of Frank Thomas. Those Hall of Famers did not leave the Twins and White Sox, respectively, on good terms.
Besides, I like statues at the ballpark. I hope Thome's statue spawns a series of them at Progressive Field, starting with one of Larry Doby.
Hey, Hoynsie: The Tribe's minor-league system provides a lot of impact bullpen options, but few starters. Given the relative value/cost to acquire a starter, are they converting good arms to the bullpen too soon in their development? – Steve Cornelius, Rocky River.
Hey, Steve: I think the goal of every organization is to develop as many starters as possible. From what I know the Indians give their high-profile draft picks or acquisitions every opportunity to develop as a starter before moving them to the pen.
In the Indians' current big-league mix of starters – pitchers already in the big leagues or a phone call away at Class AAA Columbus -- they have Corey Kluber, Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin, Danny Salazar, T.J. House, Trevor Bauer and Zach McAllister. I know the Indians didn't draft them all, but with the exception of Masterson, they've all spent a considerable amount of time in their minor league system.
I think that's a pretty good inventory.
Hey, Hoynsie: Left-hander T.J. House keeps getting sent back and forth from Cleveland to Columbus. Is there a limit to the number of times a player can be optioned like that? Wouldn't that be really tough on the player? – Glenn Tapp, Bedford Heights.
Hey, Glenn: A player has three options, each of which lasts a full season. During that season, a player can be recalled and optioned as many times as the organization wants.
Riding the shuttle between the big leagues and minors is not easy, but in 2012, House was at Class A Carolina, seemingly an organizational afterthought. Now he knows he's a phone call away from the big leagues. He also knows he's made a good impression on manager Terry Francona and his coaching staff. Those are all things working in his favor.
Hey, Hoynsie: Do you think the Indians are mismanaging how they use Carlos Carrasco? While it's apparent he's not ready to be a big league starter and struggles to turn lineups over, he excels in a relief role and seems the Tribe should use him more frequently for longer stints. – Leslie Gorta, Sagamore Hills.
Hey, Leslie: I think Carrasco is right where he belongs. He pitched himself out of the rotation at the start of the year. Now he's emerging from the long-man role into tighter situations.
I think the Indians have handled him well and he's responded in kind. Some guys, as good as their stuff is, just aren't meant to be starters.
Hey, Hoynsie: We are steadily approaching the non-waiver trade deadline. Why would the Indians not trade Asdrubal Cabrera right now? I saw that the Giants may have interest, and, even with limited trade value right now, Cabby might be able to get the Indians a guy who might be able to shore up the fifth spot in the rotation. – Casey Dubiel, Belmont.
Hey, Casey: The fact that Cabrera is hurt and not playing well hasn't helped his trade value. Still, I think he'll be dealt eventually. Right now it seems more likely that it will happen sometime before the Aug. 31 waiver deadline instead of Thursday's non-waiver deadline.