Goodbye, August.
The Cleveland Indians just finished off their worst month ever, going 5-24 to end wild-card hopes and drop into a battle with Minnesota for last place in the AL Central. The Indians’ previous worst month was 6-24 in July 1914.
The only thing Tribe fans can look forward to now — other than the 2013 season — is the influx of new faces coming in as rosters expand, starting Saturday. The Indians announced three additions (outfielder Russ Canzler and pitcher Scott Barnes from Class AAA Columbus and outfielder Thomas Neal from AA Akron) after Friday’s game. More moves are expected after Columbus’ season ends Monday.
Considered the Indians’ No. 4 prospect by MLB.com, Barnes, a lefty reliever, struggled in seven games in two previous call-ups this season, posting an 8.10 ERA.
Two players I would like to see called up are infielder Jared Goedert and outfielder Tim Fedroff. Fedroff, who hit above .300 this season at Akron and Columbus, might be in the mix for the open left-field job next season. Goedert might be an option at first base to take over for Casey Kotchman or at DH for Travis Hafner.
Meanwhile, the NL wild-card chasing Pittsburgh Pirates recalled outfielder Alex Presley and starter Kyle McPherson from Triple-A Indianapolis Friday. They are expected to add five players Saturday, including pitchers Chris Leroux, Jeff Locke and Justin Wilson, catcher Eric Fryer and infielder Brock Holt.
