I am not yet screaming for Talbot's head. I am willing to give the man one more start to prove that he belongs in the rotation of a contending ballclub. Should he falter again, the time will have come for Zach McAllister to ascend to the big leagues. No Jeanmar Gomez. No David Huff. No more scrubs. Even if Talbot cannot produce a quality start in his next appearance, he should still have a spot on the major league roster as the long man. Sliding into the role that he was destined for before Alex White stubbed his finger, Talbot would push Frank Herrmann (11.42) back down to AAA. Herrmann's day was just as bad as Talbot's and his numbers at both levels this season have been no good. I do not have an explanation for Frank's hardships, but the Tribe does not have the luxury of investigating on the fly. There is no time for projects this season. There is only for the best 25-men to win.
What does this mean for the men with the sticks? It means sayonara to Austin Kearns (.599 OPS), happy trails Adam Everett (.642), arevia durche Shelly Duncan (.632). It may just mean a fond farewell to Jack Hannahan (.687). Jack has made a solid case to stay as an integral cog in the Indians' winning ways of 2011. The other three have made little, if any contribution. Rave all you like about Duncan's leadership and clutch hitting, the man in batting .121 in May and that is after two hits today. Grady is ready to come off of the DL and Cord Phelps, at the very least, is ready to splash down lakeside. What is the downside of giving these kids a look? Oooh, we will not be able to find another right handed outfielder to hit Mendoza with zero taters? Please.
What else can I say about a 14-2 dog? Vinnie Pestano is still nasty.
Cheers.
P.s. It was Josh Judy that got booted down to Columbus so that Talbot could make his glorious return.