Indians vs. Red Sox

Santana is beautiful in saving Hand’s messes

Santana...thank you. I’m too tired for extras.

Whew. Stressful baseball in August! 2 wins in a row for Hand lol. Hell yea Santana, what a signing he has been. So glad to have him back. 

That was great!

(so glad, also, we didn’t go extras!)

Tribe wins 6-5

CARLOS FREAKIN SANTANA!!!!!!

Party at Jim Rice's

Go Tribe

posted by iclfan2

Whew. Stressful baseball in August! 2 wins in a row for Hand lol. Hell yea Santana, what a signing he has been. So glad to have him back. 

Trade.

It makes giving Yandy up for Bauers ok because it was part of the trade bringing Santana home. 

Solo first place!

posted by iclfan2

Another blown save for Hand

posted by Ironman92

Hand blowing it again

 

 

posted by Laley23

 ....but Hand can’t groove a first pitch fastball in that situation.

very concerned about Hand right now, but hopefully this is just a glitch--being a closer is just as much mental as physical, and right now he's not in a good place....and how about Slamtana!!!
 

posted by Laley23

Trade.

It makes giving Yandy up for Bauers ok because it was part of the trade bringing Santana home. 

Duh. Brain fart last night.

posted by vball10set

 

posted by Ironman92

Hand blowing it again

 

 

 

 

posted by Laley23

 ....but Hand can’t groove a first pitch fastball in that situation.

very concerned about Hand right now, but hopefully this is just a glitch--being a closer is just as much mental as physical, and right now he's not in a good place....and how about Slamtana!!!
 

 

I don't trust Hand going into the playoffs (if they make it). Granted, he's their best option but even when he does get the save he has that Bob Wickman-like shakiness. Doesn't seem like he's had too many smooth 1-2-3 ninth's.

Agreed on Hand.  He needs to figure his shit out smh.  

The confidence in Hand is shaky now, especially against the good teams. I’ve never liked how he pulls up on his follow through. Hopefully, he can get his shit together. 

posted by BRF

The confidence in Hand is shaky now, especially against the good teams. I’ve never liked how he pulls up on his follow through. Hopefully, he can get his shit together. 

The biggest problem is that he's not likely to be demoted to setup because they'd really screw with his confidence. Plus, I'm not sure they have another potential closer even if Tito wanted to do that (which he won't).

posted by BR1986FB

The biggest problem is that he's not likely to be demoted to setup because they'd really screw with his confidence. Plus, I'm not sure they have another potential closer even if Tito wanted to do that (which he won't).

This

Off topic but does anyone else seem more engaged/interested in this season versus the last few seasons because they are actually in a fight for the division? In season's past they're usually up 8-10 games and it's "ho hum" but this year just seems a bit more exciting, to me. Kind of like Lebron-era Cavs seasons. You knew they were winning the division and making the playoffs. Not so much this year (with the Tribe).

posted by BR1986FB

Off topic but does anyone else seem more engaged/interested in this season versus the last few seasons because they are actually in a fight for the division? In season's past they're usually up 8-10 games and it's "ho hum" but this year just seems a bit more exciting, to me. Kind of like Lebron-era Cavs seasons. You knew they were winning the division and making the playoffs. Not so much this year (with the Tribe).

Sure, but I would still prefer to coast to a division title lol.

I am not panicking on Hand.  He has been all-star last 3 years.  Has been dominate until recently.  Closers go thru this.

posted by BR1986FB

Off topic but does anyone else seem more engaged/interested in this season versus the last few seasons because they are actually in a fight for the division? In season's past they're usually up 8-10 games and it's "ho hum" but this year just seems a bit more exciting, to me. Kind of like Lebron-era Cavs seasons. You knew they were winning the division and making the playoffs. Not so much this year (with the Tribe).

I have felt the opposite until recently, mainly due the mess in the outfield/DH until the Bauer trade for Puig and Reyes

Looking at a Naquin, Allen, Martin, Bauers, Luplow outfield and Hanley DH was very non-exciting

posted by BR1986FB

Plus, I'm not sure they have another potential closer even if Tito wanted to do that (which he won't).

Right. We’re going to have to ride this out. 

Hand is probably the best closer the Tribe has had in 20 years — statistically — this season. I’m not concerned yet because it’s just a bit off on his slider. Maybe tipping it? Guys are laying off the pitches they usually swing at. Once he figures that out, he will be back to striking out 2-3 batters every save situation, imo.