Clippings 5-7-09

* The Clippers lost both games of Thursday’s doubleheader in Norfolk 5-2 and 4-3. Columbus has dropped five straight and finished the road trip 3-7.

* Tomo Ohka was scheduled to start the second game of the twinbill, but was scratched. Greg Aquino started and pitched one inning before newcomer Frank Herrmann entered to pitch three innings. Torey Lovullo said Ohka has been pushed back until Friday, moving the entire rotation back one day.

* Zach Jackson will be the replacement for Jeremy Sowers in the rotation.

* Jack Cassel is still slated to pitch when his turn in the rotation comes around. Cassel was transferred to the Mahoning Valley roster on Wednesday.

Projected Rotation:
Friday – RH Tomo Ohka
Saturday – RH Kirk Saarloos
Sunday – LH Zach Jackson
Monday – RH Jack Cassel
Tuesday – LH David Huff

* Clippers PR guru Anthony Slosser pointed out this statistic: The Clips are the only IL team that does not have a homer from the #3 spot in the lineup. Wes Hodges has mostly occupied that spot and he is homerless in 90 at-bats.

* Hodges has not played third base since last Monday because of a sore shoulder. The soreness doesn’t hamper his swing, but prohibits Hodges from lifting his arm above his head to make a throw.

* Rafael Perez, Tony Graffanino and Jamey Carroll are all expected to join the Clippers for Friday’s game versus Pawtucket:

Perez was optioned from Cleveland on Wednesday. He made 13 appearances this year for the Indians going 0-1 with a 15.19 ERA (10.2IP, 19H, 18R/ER, 9BB, 5K).

Graffanino was designated for assignment last Saturday. He was 3-for-23 (.130) in 7 games for Cleveland this year. Graffanino was ticketed to begin the season with Columbus, but he joined the Major League roster when Jamey Carroll went on the disabled list.

Carroll is on a rehab assignment after suffering a fifth metacarpal shaft fracture on his left hand.

He was hit by a pitch by Astros reliever Doug Brocail in the 9^th inning of an April 4th exhibition game against Houston at Minute Maid Park. It is Carroll’s first career stint on the disabled list at the Major League level. He batted .295 (18-61) with 7 runs scored, 2 doubles and 6RBI in 20 games this spring.

* Carroll does not count against the Clippers 24-man roster, but with the addition Perez and Graffanino a roster spot must be opened. The Columbus roster was a 23 after Jeremy Sowers was recalled by Cleveland.

It’s picture time…

HARBOR PARK WITHOUT THE TARP

DOWNTOWN NORFOLK

THIS IS A STATUE OF NEPTUNE (ROMAN GOD OF THE SEA) AT VIRGINA BEACH

That’s my broadcast partner (lower left corner) giving praise to Neptune.