Cord Phelps

[pup]

Rumors flying around Twitter that he is on his way to Cleveland.

[WVTF]

http://connect.cleveland.com/user/dmanolof/index.html

[skatingtripods]

Wow. Unexpected move to say the least. I wonder what the corresponding move will be. Either somebody's going to the DL or Everett's getting DFA'd. Could demote Herrmann I guess, but that leaves them with a short bullpen.

[pup]

Hanrahan to DL? Don't want to waste the move w/ Chiz so bring Phelps up for a couple weeks?

[skatingtripods]

Hannahan played today. Seemed fine to me. Didn't see any lingering effects.

I don't think Phelps has played 3B all year and I don't know how good he really is over there. Has to be a move to spare OC and give a decent option to give AC a day off.

[motherscratcher]

Hannahan played today. Seemed fine to me. Didn't see any lingering effects.

I don't think Phelps has played 3B all year and I don't know how good he really is over there. Has to be a move to spare OC and give a decent option to give AC a day off.

I think he has one game at 3rd a few days ago and was schedule another one but something happened. Still, I don't think they're bringing him up for 3rd.

Either way, though, I'm excited to see what he can do. Maybe he can shoot some epi into this offense.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

its gotta be either Everett or Kearns.

Im all for Kearns getting the boot, at least Everett still looks like he has a little something left.

[pup]

They really going to bring him up to play a couple games a week?

[skatingtripods]

They really going to bring him up to play a couple games a week?

Ease him in rather than throw him in to the fire?

I have no idea.

I think they like the idea of him in the lineup against RHP. If OC can take an ego hit, Phelps v. RHP makes the lineup look considerably stronger.

[pup]

They really going to bring him up to play a couple games a week?

Ease him in rather than throw him in to the fire?

I have no idea.

I think they like the idea of him in the lineup against RHP. If OC can take an ego hit, Phelps v. RHP makes the lineup look considerably stronger.

Makes sense. Plus give them a bat off the bench late in games?

[bookelly]

In a way the five game skid may have helped un-handcuff the FO. Now they don't have to worry much about "if it ain't broke" anymore and can put Uncle on the bench where he belongs. I'm looking forward to the Cord Phelps era at 2B and having Uncle drive everyone crazy on the bench with his incessant chatter.

I think we're likely done with both Kearns and Everett. Johnson should be here soon and that leaves no room for the vets.

[skatingtripods]

I don't get the Kearns hatred. Duncan's been basically useless against everyone lately. Kearns is hitting more balls hard (compared to Duncan) and playing good defense.

We have no RH bench bats as it is. Why replace one with Nick Johnson, who is left handed?

I'd keep Kearns over Duncan. Kearns can probably play 1B in a pinch along with being a far more capable OF than Duncan.

Not to go off on a tangent cause this thread isn't about Kearns.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

They really going to bring him up to play a couple games a week?

Ease him in rather than throw him in to the fire?

I have no idea.

I think they like the idea of him in the lineup against RHP. If OC can take an ego hit, Phelps v. RHP makes the lineup look considerably stronger.

I would imagine they will split him at DH and 2nd. I dont want him at third regulary because I could care less about getting offense from Hanahan. All we need from him is that defense that has been lacking for years and is sorely needed.

I think he is going to get a shot and if he runs with it in this first week or so then you might see him take over 2nd for good at least for this year.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

I don't get the Kearns hatred. Duncan's been basically useless against everyone lately. Kearns is hitting more balls hard (compared to Duncan) and playing good defense.

We have no RH bench bats as it is. Why replace one with Nick Johnson, who is left handed?

I'd keep Kearns over Duncan. Kearns can probably play 1B in a pinch along with being a far more capable OF than Duncan.

Not to go off on a tangent cause this thread isn't about Kearns.

Duncan is a great pinch hitter and while he may be in a little rut, he has more life/pop in his bat overall when they are compared against each other. But thats just my opinion. I dont hate Kearns, I just think he is the least valuable.

[Dnthateonthepronk]

We have no RH bench bats as it is. Why replace one with Nick Johnson, who is left handed?

Im not for bringing Nick Johnson up. Although I dont think it will matter because he will get hurt and make the point moot.

[bookelly]

We have no RH bench bats as it is. Why replace one with Nick Johnson, who is left handed?

Im not for bringing Nick Johnson up. Although I dont think it will matter because he will get hurt and make the point moot.

If he's healthy he is an instant upgrade offensively. Especially while Pronk makes his way back and he can DH.

[Symbolic47]

This is great news. About time!

[British_Pharaoh]

I'm excited to see the kid play but I don't think he's ready yeat. I would have preferred him to have been a September call up. But we are getting very little production from guys not named Asdrubal from the infield

[gotribe31]

Cord Phelps is free.

[WiscTribeFan]

I don't get the Kearns hatred. Duncan's been basically useless against everyone lately. Kearns is hitting more balls hard (compared to Duncan) and playing good defense.

We have no RH bench bats as it is. Why replace one with Nick Johnson, who is left handed?

I'd keep Kearns over Duncan. Kearns can probably play 1B in a pinch along with being a far more capable OF than Duncan.

Not to go off on a tangent cause this thread isn't about Kearns.

Duncan is a great pinch hitter and while he may be in a little rut, he has more life/pop in his bat overall when they are compared against each other. But thats just my opinion. I dont hate Kearns, I just think he is the least valuable.

It's like choosing between getting beaten to death with a bat or a crowbar. Either option sucks.

Duncan's got more pop, Kearns is a much better fielder and can play all three OF positions. Both are totally sucking at the dish this year.

I'd vote keep the guy who can play some defense versus a very one dimensional guy in Duncan, whose one dimension isn't all that great.

[WiscTribeFan]

According to Tom Hamilton on FB, they optioned Duncan to Columbus and put White on the 60 day DL./

[Lokais]

Yeah, that's what I saw on the Indians page as well.

[andrew6586]

Excited to see him get the call. Hopefully he works out and we can get some production out of him. Thank God we can all watch him play today. Oh wait...

[skatingtripods]

According to Tom Hamilton on FB, they optioned Duncan to Columbus and put White on the 60 day DL./

Tom Hamilton has a Facebook? And I'm not his friend?

[WiscTribeFan]

He reports during the games. Pretty interesting. Just look him up, he friends everyone.

[British_Pharaoh]

Excited to see him get the call. Hopefully he works out and we can get some production out of him. Thank God we can all watch him play today. Oh wait...

Ha. It's funny how me and Daz who are 3,000 miles away can watch the game today and Ohio natives cannot.

Rotten luck.

[motherscratcher]

I'm excited to see the kid play but I don't think he's ready yeat. I would have preferred him to have been a September call up. But we are getting very little production from guys not named Asdrubal from the infield

You don't think he's ready yet because...

[peeker643]

Excited to see him get the call. Hopefully he works out and we can get some production out of him. Thank God we can all watch him play today. Oh wait...

Ha. It's funny how me and Daz who are 3,000 miles away can watch the game today and Ohio natives cannot.

Rotten luck.

It's on MLB Network too if you happen to have it on Time-Warner or wherever else.

Plus you get to hear Blyleven's call and potentially the F-bomb that gets him run.

[Lokais]

Circle me, Bert!

[TribeinLA]

I don't get the Kearns hatred. Duncan's been basically useless against everyone lately. Kearns is hitting more balls hard (compared to Duncan) and playing good defense.

We have no RH bench bats as it is. Why replace one with Nick Johnson, who is left handed?

I'd keep Kearns over Duncan. Kearns can probably play 1B in a pinch along with being a far more capable OF than Duncan.

Not to go off on a tangent cause this thread isn't about Kearns.

You're likely going to be in the minority there. I haven't seen Kearns do anything worth a flip. Sloth has been a great pinch hitter.

[Symbolic47]

Alex White to the 60 day DL? Fuuuuuu

[WiscTribeFan]

Alex White to the 60 day DL? Fuuuuuu

Not a shock. He's not pitching again this season. They won't push this, not after Miller.

[Symbolic47]

Alex White to the 60 day DL? Fuuuuuu

Not a shock. He's not pitching again this season. They won't push this, not after Miller.

Geezus this is getting old. This damn team is snake bitten. How many vital injuries have we had over the past 4 years? Not including Adam Miller..

[TonyIPI]

Alex White to the 60 day DL? Fuuuuuu

Not a shock. He's not pitching again this season. They won't push this, not after Miller.

Correct. Small chance he comes back, but as I wrote a few weeks back I would not expect to see White again this season. Team is downplaying it, but it is very close to the exact same injury Miller had. Also if you go back to what was said when Miller originally had the injury in 2007, it is almost the same thing today with White. Hopefully it turns out better as the one good thing going here is White doesn't have callous issue Miller had prior to the injury.

[Symbolic47]

Alex White to the 60 day DL? Fuuuuuu

Not a shock. He's not pitching again this season. They won't push this, not after Miller.

Correct. Small chance he comes back, but as I wrote a few weeks back I would not expect to see White again this season. Team is downplaying it, but it is very close to the exact same injury Miller had. Also if you go back to what was said when Miller originally had the injury in 2007, it is almost the same thing today with White. Hopefully it turns out better as the one good thing going here is White doesn't have callous issue Miller had prior to the injury.

Not saying your wrong, but I did read a comment from Lonnie Solof saying the only similarity between white's injury and Miller's was its a finger injury. So they may be blowing smoke, but I doubt it. Ill see If I can dig up the link.

Here it is- take it for what its worth-http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110609&content_id=20254278&vkey=news_cle&c_id=cle

How similar is Alex White's right middle finger injury to the injury that has robbed Indians fans of Adam Miller?
-- Dave S., location unknown

Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said the only similarity is that both injuries deal with the right middle finger. Miller's was far more serious. White is expected to be back on the mound and potentially available for the Tribe later this season.

[gotribe31]

Don't forget too that Miller came out of the game immediately after suffering the injury and White felt good enough to throw 36 pitches afterwards. Sure it's good to be cautions, but this shouldn't (knock on wood) turn into an Adam Miller situation just yet.

[Symbolic47]

Seriously. God knows we need BOTH White and Pom to pan out. With those two and Masterson, Tomlin, CarCar and McAllister, we got the making of a VERY nice rotation for the next 5 + years. barring injuries of course.

[gotribe31]

Seriously. God knows we need BOTH White and Pom to pan out. With those two and Masterson, Tomlin, CarCar and McAllister, we got the making of a VERY nice rotation for the next 5 + years. barring injuries of course.

I'd put Barnes and De La Cruz over McAllister down the road. Much higher ceiling for both of them. And don't forget Knapp, who should start throwing pretty soon here.

[Symbolic47]

Seriously. God knows we need BOTH White and Pom to pan out. With those two and Masterson, Tomlin, CarCar and McAllister, we got the making of a VERY nice rotation for the next 5 + years. barring injuries of course.

I'd put Barnes and De La Cruz over McAllister down the road. Much higher ceiling for both of them. And don't forget Knapp, who should start throwing pretty soon here.

Oh yea I agree with you on those guys. My statement was more based on the fact that Zach is the closest to his time. I think he can make a very nice 4 or 5, which is a valuable piece. I still think Tomlin is more of a 4 myself. Granted a very good 4. But I don't think hes a 3 on a champion club. I could be way off base though, which Im aware of. But I think its obvious our immediate future(as in next season on) our top 3 horses will be Masterson, White and Pom. Heres hoping Knapp can stay healthy, as he's probably got as much upside as Pom.

[TonyIPI]

Not saying your wrong, but I did read a comment from Lonnie Solof saying the only similarity between white's injury and Miller's was its a finger injury. So they may be blowing smoke, but I doubt it. Ill see If I can dig up the link.

Here it is- take it for what its worth-http://cleveland.indians.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110609&content_id=20254278&vkey=news_cle&c_id=cle

How similar is Alex White's right middle finger injury to the injury that has robbed Indians fans of Adam Miller?
-- Dave S., location unknown

Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff said the only similarity is that both injuries deal with the right middle finger. Miller's was far more serious. White is expected to be back on the mound and potentially available for the Tribe later this season.

Be careful what you believe or read. Injuries with the Indians (or any sports team) are not often in full disclosure to the public/fans. Not everything is always said as it helps no one to publicly say some other things going on until there is more information on things. Having dealt with this now for a few years with what is on the record with injuries and off the record, you would be amazed.

With White, there is sincere concern in the organization. I am not saying the situation will play out exactly as Miller's, but the injury and situation is practically the same. From May 29th:

http://www.stohd.com/Blogs/MinorHappeni ... ncern.aspx

While the Indians are downplaying the injury right now, there is certainly some concern that this could be the Adam Miller situation all over again. Miller had other complicating factors involved with his middle finger sprain he initially suffered back in May of 2007, but back then he was initially diagnosed with a “slight” sprain of his middle finger and not considered “serious” and expected to only be out for six to eight weeks.

To go back in time and recollect what Miller initially went through with his middle finger sprain in May of 2007, here is an excerpt from Miller’s scouting report from my 2008 Top 50 Prospects listing:

"Miller was scratched from a scheduled start in May with a slight strain on the last digit of the middle finger on his pitching hand, an injury commonly found among rock climbers. The Indians put him on the disabled list and he was out of action for 45 days as a precautionary move. The Indians caught a big break in that the finger injury was not serious, and the Indians were extremely conservative with Miller's progression back and followed the recommendations and protocols of hand specialist Dr. Tom Graham. After returning to the rotation in late June from the finger injury, Miller was shutdown for a month because of inflammation in his pitching elbow."

Sound familiar?

The same thing is being said right now about White as the injury is similar to Miller’s in that it is uncommon in baseball and commonly found in rock climbers. Also that the Indians are cautiously optimistic he will be okay and that rest and rehab will get him back in six to eight weeks.

Miller certainly had some other complicating factors that were involved, but as we know his career took a turn for the worse as he had multiple surgeries and missed almost three full seasons before making his triumphant return this year. His case was an extreme one, but also one where with him and White sharing the same uncommon injury that White’s status for this season and beyond could be in jeopardy.

[TonyIPI]

Don't forget too that Miller came out of the game immediately after suffering the injury and White felt good enough to throw 36 pitches afterwards. Sure it's good to be cautions, but this shouldn't (knock on wood) turn into an Adam Miller situation just yet.

Actually, he did not come out of a game, he was scratched from a scheduled start.

[TonyIPI]

And don't forget Knapp, who should start throwing pretty soon here.

Gonna be out awhile longer....

[TonyIPI]

Oh yea I agree with you on those guys. My statement was more based on the fact that Zach is the closest to his time. I think he can make a very nice 4 or 5, which is a valuable piece. I still think Tomlin is more of a 4 myself. Granted a very good 4. But I don't think hes a 3 on a champion club. I could be way off base though, which Im aware of. But I think its obvious our immediate future(as in next season on) our top 3 horses will be Masterson, White and Pom. Heres hoping Knapp can stay healthy, as he's probably got as much upside as Pom.

I undervalued McAllister a ton coming into the season. Had an off season last year with an very infalted home run rate, but he is a legit prospect and is considered the Indians best starting pitching prospect after White/Pomerance/Knapp. Barnes is also on the rise, though De La Cruz is fading fast. Not many believers in him anymore.

[gotribe31]

Don't forget too that Miller came out of the game immediately after suffering the injury and White felt good enough to throw 36 pitches afterwards. Sure it's good to be cautions, but this shouldn't (knock on wood) turn into an Adam Miller situation just yet.

Actually, he did not come out of a game, he was scratched from a scheduled start.

OK, but the point is Miller couldn't throw another pitch after he did his, and White threw 36. Better?

[TonyIPI]

Don't forget too that Miller came out of the game immediately after suffering the injury and White felt good enough to throw 36 pitches afterwards. Sure it's good to be cautions, but this shouldn't (knock on wood) turn into an Adam Miller situation just yet.

Actually, he did not come out of a game, he was scratched from a scheduled start.

OK, but the point is Miller couldn't throw another pitch after he did his, and White threw 36. Better?

Yeah, but lets not assume had Miller been pitching in the game he couldn't have continued like White.

[gotribe31]

Don't forget too that Miller came out of the game immediately after suffering the injury and White felt good enough to throw 36 pitches afterwards. Sure it's good to be cautions, but this shouldn't (knock on wood) turn into an Adam Miller situation just yet.

Actually, he did not come out of a game, he was scratched from a scheduled start.

OK, but the point is Miller couldn't throw another pitch after he did his, and White threw 36. Better?

Yeah, but lets not assume had Miller been pitching in the game he couldn't have continued like White.

I'm not assuming that. It's what he told me.

[TonyIPI]

I'm not assuming that. It's what he told me.

Huh? Back in May of 2007?

It certainly is a similar situation. Not exactly similar, but very similar yes. One we really won't be able to truly judge until White returns (or doesn't) this year and how he is affected going forward. There is concern though.

[gotribe31]

I'm not assuming that. It's what he told me.

Huh? Back in May of 2007?

It certainly is a similar situation. Not exactly similar, but very similar yes. One we really won't be able to truly judge until White returns (or doesn't) this year and how he is affected going forward. There is concern though.

No, in May of 2011.