ALCS Game 3: Jake Westbrook comes up ‘ACES’ against Red Sox in a 4-2 Tribe victory
The Cleveland Indians have the two best front-line starters in baseball in C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona. We’ve all heard it, and we’ve all thought it. So when Sabathia and Carmona got knocked around like a pinball in game 1 and game 2, most Indians fans were left scratching our heads. What were the Indians supposed to do against a Boston team that could make our two best starters, two Cy Young candidates, look so bad?
It turns out the answer was Jake Westbrook.
Jake went 6 2/3 today, and was brilliant throughout most of the start. In the first inning, he gave up a one-out walk to the walk machine, Kevin Youkilis. He then forced Papi into a double play.
In the second, Manny Ramirez walked, Mike Lowell singled, and J.D. Drew got on thanks to a Ryan Garko error. There were no outs, and the bases were loaded. He then forced Jason Varitek to pop out to shallow left field, and forced Coco Crisp into a double play. Nobody scored.
In the fourth inning, Papi led off with a double. Jake induced Manny into a ground ball that beaned Papi, running to third. No, I don’t think he did it on purpose, he’s not THAT good, but the ground ball was just a big part of what made him brilliant tonight. Two more ground outs would get him out of the inning.
In the sixth inning, Kevin Youkilis singled, and Papi walked, both with one out. Manny then grounded into a double play to end the inning.
You get the point. Westbrook did what he does best. He forced ground balls, which in turn, got him through several innings. When it was all said and done, Jake gave up two runs on a Jason Varitek home run in the seventh inning. He did this giving up seven hits and three walks, and striking out two. In other words, it was typical Westbrook pitching when he’s on. No, he doesn’t blow it by you like the two Indians’ aces do. He just gets it done, and helps the maintenance crew mow the infield.
You just have to love the Kenny Lofton stroll. For those of you that have been Cleveland Indians fans for the past 20 years, we’ve seen it many times. His turn comes up, and up swaggers Kenny, like Ferdinand the Bull from the famous children’s story, staring out at the fans as though they were dandelions. The appearance is of a hitter whose last thought is on batting. The appearance is of a guy who is just happy to take it all in, that 40,000+ are there to actually watch him play. Then the Kenny chant begins, and Lofton steps in…his eyes zero in on the pitcher, and never leaves him, his bat waggles with a nervous intensity, and you realize that the stroll is all part of Kenny’s game. Dice-K found out the hard way tonight. You gotta love the gamesmanship by Kenny, who walked up to the plate even slower than normal, trying to get to Dice-K. He had Royce Clayton yammering to him from the dugout, and Jason Varitek from behind the plate? Kenny’s answer? A two-run jack just over the wall in the right-center power alley.
To watch Kenny in the dugout afterwards was like something you’d see on Christmas morning if you have kids. It’s good to see a guy who’s 40-years old really enjoying himself. That mentality most certainly is carrying over in the Tribe clubhouse. Welcome home Kenny.
Joe Borowski came up today with a day’s rest, and I couldn’t get what Geoff Beckman said the other day about his appearances with one day’s rest. He came up with a two run lead, and mowed down those Red Sox in order. I love the numbers of baseball…absolutely adore them to be honest…but don’t live and die by them. To look strictly at the numbers really dulls the nuances of the game for me, although you can’t ignore them. I’ve always liked the “feel” of baseball better…I’m the guy who always smells his glove when he puts it on. I’m the guy that walks through the concourse every time I’m at the Jake like a five year old, and it’s the first time I’ve ever been to a game. With that said, Geoff, you called that dead on.
Jensen Lewis relieved Jake Westbrook with a runner on first and two outs in the seventh. Lewis was facing Justin Pedroia, the Sox lead-off hitter, and promptly struck him out after Pedroia fouled him off several times. I know it seemed like a simple out, but it wasn’t. It’s just the kind of out we COULDN’T get in 2006.
Asdrubal Cabrera had another big hit tonight. He’s struggled overall in the playoffs, but still seems to find moments to come up with the big hit. He did tonight with his run-scoring single in the sixth inning.
How many people in America have sworn at Kevin Youkilis this season while he’s been up. Seriously, the guy adds on about 20 minutes to each ball game fouling off pitches. It’s just freakin’ mind numbing. Rafael Betancourt has thrown 200 pitches to him this series, then he steps out of the box because he sweats like 500 pounder running a marathon. The guy is the human heart attack…
Speaking of Rafael Betancourt, how many people think this kid is the Indians’ MVP. Here’s what you need to do. Think about the season. Then, think about last season. Then, think about what the Indians NEEDED. Then, think about what Betancourt did. Then, think about what the Indians DON’T need anymore. Then think about how many big innings he’s pitched this year. There’s something to be said for someone who comes up 100% of the time in need to lock down situations, and does it EVERY TIME. Here’s to you Rafael. If people didn’t know about you before tonight, they do now.
Dear American League–How do you like our bullpen?
I may be the only one in Cleveland that thinks this, but I sure hope Manny Ramirez finds his way back into a Tribe uniform someday. For me, it’s always gone far beyond the field. His offense is absolutely sublime. Sure, he sometimes forgets to play some defense, and on occasion, he forgets how to run the bases, and he’s become a bit injury-prone, but it’s all worth it when you take in the entire ballplayer. Evan Brunell e-mailed me today with this article about Manny. He mirrored my thoughts that if ever there was a chance for Manny to return, he would certainly take it. I don’t know how money will play into this down the line, but thinking past that, I would love to see Manny in an Indians uniform one last time. I think for the right price, Manny could finish his career as an Indian without breaking the bank. I know…wishful thinking…and probably coming from a guy with a big heart for stories like these…but watching Manny playing in Jacob’s Field during the playoffs has brought back a whole slew of memories.
Every time I see Julian Tavarez in the Red Sox dugout, I think about that stupid BW3 commercial that he did way back in the day. Do you all remember it? I also remember a game when I had season tickets and this girl in front of me stood up while he was working in the pen, and yelled, “Julian, HERE ARE MY NUMBERS!” She promptly lifted up her shirt, and sure enough, there were her numbers. No, Julian didn’t see them, but I sure did, and in 3-D too.
Tomorrow, Paul Byrd goes up against Tim Wakefield. There’s a part of me, even though they made a big deal about Beckett working out today, that thinks we could see Beckett tomorrow. I hope that’s true…because good or not…I think it would be a Boston mistake. I’m looking forward to seeing Byrd go again. The guy should be nicknamed smoke and mirrors. With Westbrook, you still have a guy that throws in the lower 90’s at time. Byrd never gets to 90, but still seems to get it done. It will be interesting to see if he can get the Sox to dance to his tune.
With that said, look for Beckett to start, and Wakefield to be on stand-by.
LET’S GO TRIBE!
This entry was posted
on Monday, October 15th, 2007 at 8:55 pm and is filed under Travis Hafner, Jake Westbrook, Paul Byrd, James Pete, Victor Martinez, Fausto Carmona, Rafael Betancourt, Asdrubal Cabrera, Jensen Lewis, Casey Blake, Eric Wedge, Franklin Gutierrez, Grady Sizemore, C.C. Sabathia, Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, Boston Red Sox, Ryan Garko, Kevin Youkilis, Daisuke Matsuzaka, Trot Nixon, ALCS, Jhonny Peralta, Kenny Lofton, Joe Borowski, Tribe Report.
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16 Responses to “ALCS Game 3: Jake Westbrook comes up ‘ACES’ against Red Sox in a 4-2 Tribe victory”
October 15th, 2007 at 9:10 pm
James, are you referring to the “my name is Julian, not ‘Hoolian’” commercial?! Wow. What a memory! I’d completely forgotten about that commercial!! Good call. That’s hilarious. Wasn’t he smothered in buffalo sauce at the end of the commercial? That’s the tribe version of “it’s Shake-n-Bake, and I hay-elpped …. ”
Actaully my memory of his pock-face is him bawling his eyes out after the third out of Game 6 of the 95 series in the dugout. I’m not mocking him … I was just a college freshman at the time … I think I was bawling too.
A lot of nothing I just said… so, GO TRIBE!!! As my dad said tonight, all is right with the world for another, well, 20 hours and 52 minutes…
October 15th, 2007 at 9:14 pm
Amazing performance by Jake, second best in this postseason perhaps only to Fausto’s Game 2 in the ALDS. I’ve said it all along, if either Jake and/or Byrd get it going this team is hard to beat in a 7 game series. Great job again by the pen, they made it look easy when it was anything but. JoBo keeps silencing his critics, and Jensen and Rafa-Rafa continue to amaze.
They’re all big games at this stage, but tomorrow is another big one. Byrd was ugly against the Yanks but got it done. Another such performance and the Tribe goes up 3-1 against a knuckleballer they’ve had pretty good success against. Up 3-1, I like our chances that one of CC, Fausto, and Jake can pitch another gem to take us to our first World Series in a decade. But there’s still a long way to go. One game at a time …
October 15th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
And how about Pronk beating out that fielder’s choice to prevent what would’ve been an amazing DP by Pedroia? That extra insurance run gave the bullpen some much needed breathing room. But please tell me I wasn’t the only one praying for a 2-run jack after Varitek’s HR so we wouldn’t have to see JoBo. I keep waiting for JoBo to blow a game and sink the ship … but so far he keeps getting the job done (knock on wood). Keep proving me wrong!
October 15th, 2007 at 9:31 pm
Yeah Jack…that’s the one…
My wife and I were dating at the time…and we used to crack up every time we saw it. Tonight…we’re watching the game, and she says…isn’t that that guy from the BW3 commercial…
I said yeah…how do you remember that…
and she says…his face…
She used to comment on how a guy with as many pock marks as he does shouldn’t be smearing wing sauce on his face…
And…ironically enough Jack…he was looking forlorn in the dugout, and my wife says, “Is he crying again?”
hahahahaha…
ahh…the mamories…er…memories…
October 15th, 2007 at 9:33 pm
Yo Charlie…
one of the most idiotic comments I’VE EVER HEARD was when Tim McCarver said, “People don’t think Travis Hafner can move, but he can…”
and Buck says, “He was a football player…”
morons…
October 15th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Would it be to much to name my firstborn boy Jake after tonight. I don’t think I have ever heard Jacobs Field as loud as it was tonight, it was incredible. Great game by Jake and I am looking forward to another great Paul Byrd performance tomorrow night.
October 15th, 2007 at 10:22 pm
WE’RE GOING TO THE SERIES WE’RE GOING TO THE SERIES WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHA!!!!!!!!!!
October 16th, 2007 at 5:20 am
James, I think everone is exhusted and perhaps a bit tense but that is no excuse for your thoughts on Manny. We have a team that hustles and helps each other. Then you take Manny who could care less when he is on the bases. He sits when he wants, plays when he wants. Support the team when he is injured? Not Manny. While I agree he may be the best natural hitter the game has seen he is a dog for sure. Take a few valiums and get some rest.
October 16th, 2007 at 6:54 am
James, thanks for the kind words. Just in case people don’t remember the context, here are Borowski’s ERAs broken down by days between appearances:
Days ERA As the splits show, Borowski is at his
0 4.84 best with one or two days between
1 2.95 appearances. If he works consecutive
2 1.80 days, or sits too long, his control suffers
3 12.72 and he gets hit.
4 4.91
5 4.50 After game one, James and I differed
6+ 12.00 about whether it was a good idea for
Eric Wedge to use Borowski. James was concerned about going to the well too often; I thought Borowski needed to shake off some of the rust he might have had from the layoff (he worked game one on three days rest).
He got through game two (on 0 days) OK, and he looked good yesterday (on one day).
I certainly agree that numbers aren’t everything, however. Yesterday morning, I looked at every appearance that Jake Westbrook had against Boston, saw that he hadn’t pitched well against them since 2004, and wrote that Westbrook had very little chance to win game three.
But he showed up with possibly his best stuff of the year and Boston couldn’t do anything with him. As Terry Francona said, Boston used the same strategy with Westbrook that they used with Carmona– don’t swing at the sinkers and hope he has to come in higher when he’s behind in the count.
The difference was that Westbrook was able to keep his sinker in the zone. (Even the erratic and arbitary zone of the umpire.)
He was lucky in two respects. The pitch Jason Varitek popped up in the second (with the bases full and nobody on) was nearly identical to the one he hit for a two-run homer in the seventh.
It seemed like Varitek wasn’t expecting the pitch the first time, but he was ready for it the second.
Second… I hate to sound like an old guy, but do any players understand how to run the bases anymore? David Ortiz ran his team out of an inning, by taking too long a lead off second and then breaking for third on a ball hit to his right.
Red Sock Fan will be howling about the colossal bad luck of having Ramirez hit the ball to where Ortiz was standing. But if he hadn’t been hit, Jhonny Peralta (who was already in position to field it) would have grabbed the ball and thrown Ortiz out at third.
It’s real simple. If you’re on second, and the ball is hit to your right, don’t run.
I’m not sure sure what the most impressive defensive play of the night was. I guess I’ll give it to Dustin Pedroia, for that near-double play on Hafner’s grounder. Throwing in the air– while your body is going toward third– is a play that the laws of physics say you shouldn’t be able to make.
But he nearly made it. And thank God Hafner isn’t one of those nitwits who thinks that sliding into a base gets you there faster (like Arizona’s Eric Byrnes, who made the last out of the NLCS by sliding on a ball he could have beaten).
Close runner-up was that first-inning double play. It’s the second time in the series Casey Blake has been asked to make a DP pivot. He did a decent job the other night, although Ortiz beat the throw. Last night, he was terrific.
Last, but not least, in the Betancourt-Youkilis battle on Saturday night featured 11 fastballs. Betancourt kept shaking off Victor Martinez (who kept wanting to mix in a breaking pitch or a change).
Last night, the battle lasted eight pitches, and the strikeout came on a changeup. It’s a lesson that Betancourt will need to learn if he really wants to become a closer– changing speeds and mixing pitches helps.
October 16th, 2007 at 7:32 am
Let’s give Borowski the credit he deserves. He came in, looked confident, got ahead of hitters for the most part and only faced three guys with little fanfare.
Good for Joe!
October 16th, 2007 at 7:39 am
I don’t think I’d want Manny Ramirez back in Cleveland, but for more mechanical reasons:
1. He’s 35– he’ll turn 36 next May.
2. He doesn’t have any value to a team, except as a hitter. I don’t think he’s as bad a fielder, a baserunner or an influence in the clubhouse as many other people, but you certainly wouldn’t sign him for those skills.
3. This season, Ramirez hit .296– the fourth-lowest batting average of his career. Only 2005, 1998 and 1994 were lower.
4. He also hit his second-fewest homers (again, 1994). And that year, he was a rookie who hit 17 in 290 at-bats. This year, he hit 20 in 483.
5. 2007 was the fourth season where Ramirez missed 29+ games. With Travis Hafner on the club, you can’t shield the guy by using him at DH.
6. He makes $18 million a year. Even if he has an awful 2008, he’ll probably get a new deal worth more than $10 million.
7. His agent, Jeff Moorad, will probably insist on a 4-5 year deal.
It becomes a little easier to make the call after 2008. Maybe his 2007 was just another blip– he hit .333 and .321 the year after his last dips. But, at some point, the stream of line drives will slow down for good.
I wouldn’t mind having Manny Ramirez back in uniform for a final tour. But I would never make the kind of financial commitment that it would require.
My guess is that he’s probably headed to Anaheim after 2007, and you’d only be able to get him after everyone realized he was done as a starter– and then his contract would be an issue.
I must admit, he’d be an intriguing possibility as a pinch-hitter. If his eye-hand coordination holds up, he could be a wonderful role player in the Julio Franco mode.
Ramirez’s personality leads people to assume that he’s a complete moron– a guy who does everything on physical skill. In reality, he’s one of the smartest, hardest-working hitters in the game. I could imagine him getting 30-40 key hits (with a few dozen walks) in 200 plate appearances for years, inching his way toward 3,000 hits and 600 homers.
But, since teams still like to have too many pitchers, it’d be hard to find a team who’d want to give him a spot.
October 16th, 2007 at 7:39 am
By the way, over the last three years Jake’s ERA at home is well over one full run lower than his road ERA.
I’d guess that’s pretty common for all pitchers, significant nonetheless when we saw how this series would unfold.
October 16th, 2007 at 8:00 am
One more on last night.
Dice-K threw a nice game, but his oops to Lofton was his undoing, giving the Tribe an early lead which in turn allowed Jake to be more aggressive on the mound.
Matsuzaka’s grooving one to Lofton also gives some insight as to Boston’s strategy against the Tribe. He threw a lot of fastballs early, trying to get ahead in the count. He also threw them often the first time through the order. The Red Sox (John Farrell) may be trying to take advantage of the Tribe’s penchant to take many pitches early in the game, both to see what the opposing pitcher has, as well as to get his pitch count to get into the other team’s bully sooner.
That’s one thing that seemed to be occurring often during the Tribe’s second-half swoon, pitchers were grooving strikes early in the count to get ahead. Let’s hope that, like Lofton, certain Tribe hitters in appropriate situations unloads on a first pitch meatball for a three-run dinger.
If Tim Wakefield makes that mistake they need to make him pay.
October 16th, 2007 at 2:35 pm
There’s a look at what WestBrook did last night here. Apparently that first pitch to Varitek was a mistake. Otherwise he was pretty good, and even got squeezed on the outside of the plate.
October 16th, 2007 at 2:51 pm
massfan…
If I had time to reply to your post…I certainly would…
and if I wasn’t moderately pleased with where the Tribe was at…I would debate your “valium” comment…
but I’ll just leave it where it is.
October 16th, 2007 at 8:57 pm
Hi guys- great blog. I’m a Sox fan in Portland, ME. I gotta say , as embarrassing as it is that the Sox are getting such a challenge from a buncha guys who’d be lucky to be on a Sox AA farm team, your Indians got it goin on. Everyone’s heard of Kenny Lofton and Sissy Sabathea, but outside of Ohio no baseball fan could name another guy on the roster (BOS fans might remember Trot), Talk about overachievers!!! As a baseball purist, I actually love seeing a team do well without any superstars. Every game these guys are able to somehow win in the post-season is good for baseball. I think the Sox have the 2nd or 3rd highest payroll in MLB, yet this pack of nobodys in Cleveland comes to play. And that crowd is sooo spirited. Decent stadium too. If the Tribe can somehow keep this charmed existence going long enough to beat the Sox, I’ll be rooting for them against the Rockies. But, alas, it aint over yet…
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