Zach McAllister makes his long awaited (at least by yours truly) major league debut against the Blue Jays. Last night, however, was completely owned by an already established starter.
Holy 8 shutout innings, Bat Masterson!
McAllister has been officially added to the roster at the expense of Cord Phelps, who was optioned back to Columbus. While I do not disagree that Phelps struggled with both the bat and the glove during his 19 games (.196, 5 E), I cannot condone leaving the team without a single backup at either middle infield position. None of the media outlets like to raise a stink, but this move is plain stupid. Thank god that we have four corner outfielders and three first basemen (+ a full time DH). If there is a need to pinch hit for Orlando Cabrera, no can do. If, heaven forbid, Asdrubal Cabrera (or even O-Cab) injures himself, we are going to see Lonnie Chisenhall playing shortstop for the first time since 2008 at Mahoning Valley. Sure, neither of these possibilities are likely. Nor is using seven relief pitchers in the same game. Could any quartet be more redundant than Matt LaPorta, Travis Buck, Shelley Duncan and Austin Kearns? I hope the Tribe goes up 12-0 in the second inning at which point both Cabreras come down with the 24 hour flu and the brass looks like the pack of slobbering morons that would take such an unnecessary risk.
Enough.
Roll Tribe.
Cheers.