News
Crowe comes out swinging after callup
Cleveland (44-62) vs. Minnesota (53-53), 7:05 p.m. ET
By Matt ODonnell / MLB.com
08/05/09 12:36 AM ET
CLEVELAND -- Trevor Crowe struggled in his first two stints in the Majors. But he's come out swinging this time around. Going into the Indians' game against the Twins on Tuesday at Progressive Field, Crowe, who was a first-round pick in the 2005 First-Year Player Draft, has been one of the team's hottest hitters since being recalled from Triple-A Columbus on July 31. After hitting less than .200 in 30 games before his most recent callup, Crowe's recent string of success has him hitting over the Mendoza line once again. "He's more under control at home plate," manager Eric Wedge said. "He's doing a better job with his balance and his overall approach to the baseball." In his two previous stints in the Majors, Crowe combined to hit just .169 with no home runs and four RBIs. The Indians sent him back to Triple-A on June 23 to work on his approach. And work he did. Wedge and hitting coach Derek Shelton have been impressed with the adjustments Crowe made. In just more than a month in the Minors, he hit .352 with a home run, nine doubles and 14 RBIs in 27 games. He was 6-for-15 (.400) in three games for the Indians going into Monday and had increased his average to .213. "The biggest thing is that he's controlling his effort level," Shelton said. "The first time he was here, he was inconsistent with the control of his swing. It had to do with that it was his first time in the big leagues and he was trying to do well." Crowe admitted that he was trying too hard earlier in the year. But now that he has his first hit and first RBI out of the way, he's feeling more comfortable. "The awe of being in the big leagues hadn't worn off," Crowe said of his play earlier in the year. "Now, it's all about taking care of business on the field." Earlier this season, Crowe had to battle for time with Ben Francisco. But after Francisco was dealt to the Phillies in the Cliff Lee trade, Crowe is going to get more opportunities to get into a rhythm, which he said, can only help. "Baseball seems to be a rhythm-confidence sport," Crowe said. "You get a little confidence and a little rhythm going, you can keep it up for a long period of time." Pitching matchupCLE: LHP Aaron Laffey (4-3, 4.08 ERA)
Laffey had an up-and-down outing in Anaheim on July 29. He gave up two runs in the first, settled down through the fourth, then imploded in the Angels' five-run fifth and was sent to the showers. In all, Laffey was charged with seven runs -- six earned -- on seven hits with two walks and two strikeouts in four-plus innings. He faced the Twins on April 26, allowing a pair of runs on five hits over 6 1/3 innings for a victory. That was before a move to the bullpen and then a stint on the DL with an oblique strain and then a return to the rotation. He's had uneven results in four starts since coming off the DL. MIN: LHP Francisco Liriano (4-10, 5.56 ERA)
Liriano was scratched from his last start with inflammation in his left forearm and was replaced by rookie Brian Duensing. Liriano is currently tied for most losses in the American League with 10, and hasn't won since July 4 against Detroit. In his last outing, Liriano gave up six runs in 5 1/3 innings -- highlighted by three home runs -- versus the Angels in his third consecutive defeat. He has yet to face Cleveland this season. Tidbits
Jake Westbrook pitched two innings, giving up two runs on four hits with two strikeouts and no walks for Double-A Akron in his first outing since June 12. ... The Moyer Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Phillies starting pitcher Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen, and Cornerstone of Hope Bereavement Center, are opening Camp Erin Cleveland, a special camp for kids ages 6-17 who've lost someone close to them. It will be held at Camp Y-Noah on August 14-16. ... Two teams from Cleveland have advanced to the RBI World Series, which will be held in Jupiter, Fla., from August 4-14. The Junior Boys team and Girls Softball teams from Federation RBI program advanced. Tickets
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• Thursday: Indians (Fausto Carmona, 2-6, 7.13) vs. Twins (Nick Blackburn, 8-5, 3.83), 12:05 p.m. ET
• Friday: Indians (Jeremy Sowers, 3-7, 4.97) at White Sox (Mark Buehrle, 11-5, 3.79), 8:11 p.m. ET
• Saturday: Indians (Carl Pavano, 9-8, 5.37) at White Sox (TBD), 7:05 p.m. ET
Matt O'Donnell is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
