The B-List: 5/6

The B-List The Indians got back to their winning ways, beating the worst pitcher on the best team they’ve faced in a while, and today’s B-List looks at the length of Ubaldo Jimenez’ leash, the resurgence of Asdrubal Cabrera, the intercontinental ballistic capabilities of Mark Reynolds, and a contrast between relief pitchers Nick Hagadone and Chris Resop. He also calls Jason Giambi “old,” which is a bit of pot-and-kettling by the columnist. At least Joe Smiff is back from whatever strike zone insanity afflicted him.

Posted by Steve Buffum May 07, 2013 1:03 PM Last Updated: May 07, 2013

Hitting the Mark

There were more naysayers than supporters when the Indians signed Mark Reynolds in December to kick off their winter spending spree. Despite the team’s obvious need for a right handed power hitter, Tribe fans voiced their displeasure with that slugger’s strikeout totals and low average. Not only has Reynolds hit .250 or higher at the conclusion of every game since April 12, but he has not struck out more than twice in a game to date.

Some might scoff at these numbers and call them an aberration, citing the old-fashioned baseball cliché of a small sample size or attributing it to luck. The small sample size argument may have some credence, but a look at the numbers tells us that Mark Reynolds is just continuing a series trends that have been building over the last four seasons.

Posted by Adam Burke May 06, 2013 5:00 PM

The B-List: 5/3 - 5/5

The B-List The Indians briefly surfaced over the .500 mark with a win Saturday, then dropped the third game of the season to return to sea level. Buff looks at the series win by comparing the performances of the three starters, wondering where the Twins plan to get offense from this season, considering unlikely performances, and considering exactly how large the mythical “margin of error” is for the most important elements of the team. He also waves good-bye to Zeq Carrera, which happens periodically.

Posted by Steve Buffum May 06, 2013 2:02 PM Last Updated: May 06, 2013

The B-List: 5/7

The B-List The Indians took a second straight from the A’s behind an exceptional performance by Zach McAllister. In today’s B-List, Buff makes a bold pronouncement that is almost certainly temporary, lauds the comedic value of the Oakland defense, wonders about the genealogy of Yan Gomes, welcomes back a formidable foe, and can’t even come up with a lie about the Seattle GM that is more damning than the truth. He also thinks that Jason Kipnis’ skills with a bat are better than those with his feet.

Posted by Steve Buffum May 05, 2013 11:00 PM Last Updated: May 09, 2013