April 2009

More rain in Indy…

Last night’s game was delayed just over an hour because of rain, but the Clippers pulled out a 3-2 win. Tonight will be another cold, nasty night. Temperatures are in the low 40′s and the infield is covered because of a light rain that has been falling most of the day.

Here are tonight’s lineups:

Clippers
1. Michael Brantley CF
2. Luis Valbuena 2B
3. Wes Hodges 3B
4. Matt LaPorta LF
5. Michael Aubrey 1B
6. Chris Gimenez C
7. Stephen Head RF
8. Jordan Brown DH
9. Wilson Valdez SS
P – Jack Cassel

Indianapolis
1. Andrew McCutchen CF
2. Brian Bixler SS
3. Neil Walker 3B
4. Garrett Jones RF
5. Steve Pearce 1B
6. Robinzon Diaz C
7. Jeff Salazar LF
8. Andy Phillips DH
9. Shelby Ford 2B
P – Jason Davis

Tonight’s game notes:
Game Notes 4-14-09.pdf

The multimedia section of the Clippers website is starting to bloom. You can hear radio interviews and highlights from each game here.

The “Clippers TV” portion is up as well. Video interviews can be viewed here.

Also for you viewing enjoyment…

A dark and gloomy Victory Field in Indy
IMG00012-20090414-1650.jpg

Louisville’s Slugger Field during Saturday’s doubleheader…

IMG00010-20090411-2124.jpg

Laffey to Cleveland

The Indians have announced that Aaron Laffey will get the start in Kansas City on Wednesday. A roster move will be made to add Laffey to the 25-man roster and the Clippers will need a starter for Thursday’s game in Toledo.

Here is the story from MLB.com: Laffey to start for Tribe on Wednesday

Staring Lineups and Game Notes

The sun is trying to peak out here Indy. Here are the lineups:

Clippers
1. Michael Brantley CF
2. Luis Valbuena 2B
3. Wes Hodges 3B
4. Matt LaPorta LF
5. Michael Aubrey DH
6. Chris Gimenez C
7. Stephen Head RF
8. Jordan Brown 1B
9. Wilson Valdez SS
P – Jeremy Sowers

Indianapolis
1. Andrew McCutchen CF
2. Brian Bixler SS
3. Neil Walker 3B
4. Robinzon Diaz C
5. Andy Phillips DH
6. Garrett Jones RF
7. Steve Pearce 1B
8. Jeff Salazar LF
9. Anderson Machado 2B
P – Virgil Vasquez

Tonight’s game notes:
Game Notes 4-13-09.pdf

Sowers will start tonight

Jeremy Sowers will indeed start tonight in Indianapolis. That means he won’t be called up to make Wednesday’s start for Cleveland.

The mostly likely options seem to be Zach Jackson or Aaron Laffey. If it’s Laffey, the Indians will have to open a spot on the roster. Masa Kobayashi and Jackson both have options left. Vinnie Chulk could also be sent back after making one appearance.

Game time changes

In conjuction with the Columbus Blue Jackets making the playoffs, the Clippers have announced they are moving their games on April 21st vs. Louisville and April 23rd against Indianapolis up 1/2 hour to 6:05 PM. Gates to Huntington Park will open at 5:00 P.M.

The change of game times will help alleviate traffic congestion in the Arena District.

Clippers Fans are reminded that some parking opportunities will change with the playoffs; parking will still be available at $3 per car in certain areas; BUT please review these options BEFORE arriving at the park on these two dates.

The Columbus Clippers’ first homestand at Huntington Park opens Saturday, April 18th and runs through Sunday, April 26th.

Who will start for Indians Wednesday?

Scott Lewis will miss 2-4 weeks with a mild forearm strain. His next scheduled start was Wednesday and the Indians should announce today who’ll take that spot.

One option is Zach Jackson, who the Indians kept on the 25-man roster as a reliever. Zackson is stretched out enough to make a start if needed.

Other options include Clippers starters Jeremy Sowers (scheduled to pitch tonight in Indianapolis), Jack Cassel (scheduled for tomorrow), or David Huff. Huff would be on regular rest pitching Wednesday, but has yet to make his big league debut.

An announcement should come today… I’ll keep you posted!

Today’s starters and Ryan Edell

Speaking of lineups, here are today’s starters:

Clippers
1. Michael Brantley CF
2. Luis Valbuena C
3. Wes Hodges 3B
4. Michael Aubrey 1B
5. Chris Gimenez LF
6. Stephen Head RF
7. Andy Marte DH
8. Wyatt Toregas C
9. Wilson Valdez SS
P – Kirk Saarloos

Bats
1. Drew Stubbs CF
2. Danny Richar 2B
3. Chris Valaika SS
4. Kevin Barker DH
5. Adam Rosales 3B
6. Danny Dorn 1B
7. Craig Tatum C
8. Wilkin Castillo LF
9. Luis Bolivar RF
P – Ben Jukich P

Game notes are here:
Game Notes 4-12-09.pdf

Also, LHP Ryan Edell has been promoted from Akron to take Vinnie Chulk’s spot in the bullpen. Edell, 25, made one appearance with the Aeros, pitching two shutout innings on Thursday. He’ll be available in the bullpen today.

Here is the updated roster:
Roster 4-12-09.pdf


Lastly, but most importantly… HAPPY EASTER!!!

LaPorta update…

Matt says he’s doing fine after tweaking a muscle during yesterday’s doubleheader. Here’s his quote from today’s Columbus Dipstach: “I’m all right,” LaPorta said. “The first at-bat of the first game, I just felt a little something. I just tried to play as long as I could. Hopefully, (today) I’ll be better.”

To read the full story click here.

LaPorta is also are guest in today’s pre-game show. You can listen to his interview here: 
Matt LaPorta 4-12-09.mp3
.

He is not in today’s lineup and I’m doubting that he’ll play tomorrow in Indianapolis.

LaPorta hurt in sweep

The Clippers dropped both games on Saturday night, 5-1 and 5-4. Matt LaPorta left the second game in the 5th inning with an injury. Apparently, he strained an oblique muscle during a plate appearance. Should have more details tomorrow…

Here is the game story from Jim Massie of the Dispatch.

Game #1 starters and notes

Here are the lineups for Game #1 tonight. The Clippers are exactly the same as last night and Louisville’s only change is at catcher:

Clippers
1. Michael Brantley CF
2. Luis Valbuena 2B
3. Wes Hodges 3B
4. Matt LaPorta RF
5. Michael Aubrey DH
6. Chris Gimenez LF
7. Jordan Brown 1B
8. Wyatt Toregas C
9. Wilson Valdez SS
P – Aaron Laffey

Bats
1. Norris Hopper RF
2. Drew Stubbs CF
3. Chris Valaika SS
4. Kevin Barker 1B
5. Jonny Gomes DH
6. Adam Rosales 3B
7. Wes Bankston LF
8. Craig Tatum C
9. Danny Richar 2B
P – Matt Maloney

Tonight’s game notes:
notes_4-11.pdf

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