NewsIndians have many options at catcher
Cleveland (51-66) vs. Los Angeles (71-45), 7:05 p.m. ET
By Thor Nystrom / Special to MLB.com
08/16/09 6:32 PM ET
MINNESOTA -- Prior to Sunday's game, Indians manager Eric Wedge spoke of a desire to continue evaluating Kelly Shoppach for the duration of the season. Later that day, Shoppach showed him plenty, including a towering home run off Twins starter Nick Blackburn in the second inning. "I want to keep getting a good look at Kelly," Wedge said. "I feel like his at-bats have been better and his overall game has been better." The Indians trailed 3-0 on Sunday when Shoppach crushed Blackburn's first pitch of the third inning over the left-field fence. The Indians went on to bash two more homers in the inning en route to six runs. The big inning propelled Cleveland to a 7-4 victory. Shoppach went 2-for-3 in the game. Since Victor Martinez started his last game at catcher for the Indians on July 28, Shoppach has nine starts at catcher, Wyatt Toregas has five and Chris Gimenez has two. "We can pick spots with Wyatt, like we did [on Saturday]," Wedge said. "I thought he did a good job. The value of Chris Gimenez is that he can play all over, so we can still get him playing time without having to put him behind home plate, although I'd like to still get him back there a few more times, too." The future of Cleveland's catching position is probably in the Minors. With top prospects Lou Marson, acquired in the package for Cliff Lee, at Triple-A Columbus and Carlos Santana at Double-A Akron, the club has an embarrassment of riches at the position. "You can never have enough catching, especially if you are talking about good young catchers," Wedge said. Asked if the club could promote a catcher in September, Wedge said he didn't want to speculate on player promotion. He will sit down with general manager Mark Shapiro later this week to talk about September promotion candidates. Wedge also would not say if the club could promote a player directly from Double-A, but it's clear that he was impressed with Santana in Spring Training. "There is a lot of ability there," Wedge said. "You could see the kid could hit, [he's got] a lot of energy behind the plate, great tools-arm strength, quickness. Just from the reports this year, he has really improved running the game and handling the pitching staff." Pitching matchupCLE: RHP Fausto Carmona (2-7, 6.37 ERA)
In his previous start, Carmona pitched well for the third straight game, but he remains winless. Carmona lost for the first time since being recalled in late July, despite taking yet another step forward. He allowed just two runs on five hits with three walks and three strikeouts in six innings for the Tribe. He continued to show his improvement by getting himself out of jams with relatively little damage, which was something he had trouble with earlier in the year. He is 0-1 with a 0.96 ERA in five appearances -- two starts -- against the Angels. LAA: To be announced
Tidbits
Remember the highly-contentious shouting match between Wedge and home-plate umpire Bob Davidson on Friday night that led to Wedge's ejection? Don't assume there is residual bitterness. In fact, in a surprising twist, the pair is getting along famously. During Sunday's pregame media session, Davidson, in street clothes, walked by and shouted: "Hey Wedgey, tell them that's one of the best arguments that I've ever had." What follows is a verbatim transcript of the highly-entertaining ensuing exchange. Wedge: "Thanks, Bob, I appreciate it. I know you've had a few of them over the years." Davidson: "Nobody does that anymore!" Wedge: "That's old school, right?" Davidson: "I mean, Coxey [Bobby Cox] does it, [Jim] Leyland [does it]... that was great. I told my wife, 'You know what? That was the most fun that I've had in a long time." Wedge: "You got rid of some aggression, that's a good thing." Davidson: "I know!" Wedge: "And vice-versa. Very good. Thanks, Bob." When Davidson disappeared into the umpire's quarters, Wedge turned back to the media and said: "When I came off the field last night, I go out there to toe the line to shake hands. [Davidson] was coming off of third base, he said the same thing to me: 'Oh man, that was great. I can't remember the last time [I did that]. We used to do that all the time. Now they don't let us do [anything]. I'll probably get fined.' I said: 'Well, I'll probably get fined." As the media cracked up, Indians media relations director Bart Swain said: "I guess you're not getting suspended." Replied Wedge: "I guess not." Tickets
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• Wednesday: Indians (Jeremy Sowers, 4-8, 4.88) vs. Angels (Jered Weaver, 12-4, 4.12), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Thursday: Indians (Justin Masterson, 3-4, 4.70) vs. Angels (John Lackey, 8-5, 3.73), 7:05 p.m. ET
• Friday: Indians (David Huff, 7-6, 6.55) vs. Mariners (TBD), 7:05 p.m. ET
Thor Nystrom is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
