Results tagged ‘ Travis Hafner ’

Game 16 & 17 – Heading to KC, The Battle for First

Game 1 of this four game series against the two teams battling for the top spot in the AL Central ended as one might expect:  in extra innings.  Fortunately for the Tribe, they came out on the better end of the score, after putting across 4 runs in the top of the 10th, to put the Royals away for good.  

What I liked most from that game was that the Tribe trailed and were able to battle back.  Most of their wins so far this season, the Tribe have never had to come back from a deficit.  It was nice to see that they have that in them.  Oh, and Shelley Duncan, you are a pinch-hitting machine.  My goodness.
Game 2 of the serious felt similar, however, with a different outcome.  Bruce Chen was fantastic, and the Indians had a hard time figuring him out.  The Royals were up 5-0 before the Indians were able to get involved late.  
Down 5-3 going into the 9th, Cleveland was able to push one more across on the Shin Soo Choo bases loaded walk.  At that point, it was all up to the ice cold Carlos Santana.   He watched three pitches go by.  Oh, and they were all strikes.  Can’t hit if you don’t swing, Carlos.  
Now, I know he’ll come around.  He’s got the talent, no doubt.  But I think Manny Acta should consider dropping him down in the lineup a bit and giving Travis Hafner the #4 spot in the order.  I feel if Pronk is up in that situation, the Tribe wins the game.  
Anyhow, the Indians still have a hold of first all by themselves in the AL Central, with the Royals a game back.  Game 3 of the series is tomorrow night, 8:05 ET.
Go Tribe

Game 13: Back Home Strong

This was a big game for the Indians.  They needed to come back home and show a (little) more optimistic crowd that they were serious about this season.  And they did just that.   Cleveland was mashing yet again.

Travis Hafner blasted his 3rd shot of the early season, in convincing fashion.  And Justin Masterson continued his strong start of the 2011 campaign.
I wasn’t able to catch this game live unfortunately, so I don’t have too much to say.  I’m just pleased with the “W”.  This team has some serious drive.  The AL Central might just be a 5 horse race the whole way through.  It’s going to be a fun year.

Game 10: The Mitch Talbot Show

My goodness did Mitch Talbot pitch well tonight in Anaheim.  He had it all working tonight.  He was efficient with his pitches, got the strike outs when he needed them, and kept the baseball in the yard.  The second time through the rotation, the Cleveland Indians staff has been fantastic.  

The Angels countered with 21 year old Tyler Chatwood, making his MLB debut.  He wasn’t awful, but had trouble finding the plate at times, and when he did he left pitches right over it.  Asdrubal Cabrera took advantage early, belting his 3rd home run in 4 games, as did Matt LaPorta who hit an opposite field  3-run shot to right in the 2nd inning.
As it turned out, Cabrera’s would have been enough, as Mitch Talbot went 8 innings without giving up a run.  In fact, he was given the opportunity to get the CG shutout, but when Bobby Abreu lead off with a double, manager Manny Acta turned to the bullpen.
Vinnie Pestano did his job.  Angels weren’t able to score Abreu, and the shutout was intact.
In addition to the win, Michael Brantley and Travis Hafner were both able to extended their hitting streaks.  I believe Brantley’s is at 10, and Hafner’s is currently at 8 games.  I need to double check… but hey, this is a blog and I’m not getting paid, so it works for now.  I’ll correct if I’m wrong in another post.
Game 2 of the series tomorrow night at 10:05 ET.  Let’s keep rolling Tribe.

The Power In Pronk

travis-hafner.jpg

What I saw Travis Hafner accomplish in 2006 was simply incredible.  It was such an amazing display of power.  He truly was a force at the plate.  His 6-Grand Slams that year tied the all-time record in a season with Don Mattingly.

2006 Stats:

  • 42 HR
  • .308 AVG
  • 117 RBI

Pronkville was officially born in the right field mezzanine at Progressive Field, then, The Jake.

We all know what happened next.  Pronk suffered a severe power outage in 2007, hitting only 24 home runs.  He still, however, was able to drive in 100.  The Tribe managed to fall just one game short of the World Series, despite Hafner’s substandard offensive numbers.  2008 would prove to be even worse for Hafner, who found himself on the DL the majority of the season as he watched his Indians have a disappointing .500 season.

In the upcoming ’09 season, one thing is certain:  The Tribe needs the Travis Hafner of old.  He needs that confidence and swagger he had in ’06.  He walked up to the dish and you could see it in his eyes.  He was going to crush it, and he knew it.  In ’07, it was clear that he was really pressing… thinking far too much, and just didn’t look at all comfortable (which was probably partially do to the shoulder problem he would go on to endure in ’08).

But now, all looks and sounds to be on the up and up.  Reports are that Pronk is feeling great, and looking fit.  The shoulder surgery was a success, and Hafner is eager to prove he can be the Tribe’s everyday clean-up hitter. 

Pronk, make us proud.

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