Tribe drop two in a row to lose series to Rangers

Look: a crappy but accurate headline! In light of these last two defeats and my general lack of interest in writing what is probably my 31st Indians series wrap this year, I'm not going to go over the individual games but just hit some general points of interest.

- Aaron Laffey might as well be the best pitcher we have right now. In a recap of his win to open the series, some Indians writer said Laffey was making a good case to be included in the rotation that already will include Carmona and Masterson. Hell, Laffey might as well be our 2010 Opening Day starter if I had to pick someone right now.

- Fausto wasn't too bad the other day; the Indians just couldn't give him any run support.

- Tom Hamilton informed me that the Indians have not hit a home run in the last six games at home and this is a Jacobs/Progressive Field record.

- The Rangers' pitching coach came straight out and said the Indians are a bad off-speed hitting team. Straight ball we hit very much.

- The Rangers are a good team and have a number of good young arms pitching for them.

- I hear it was in the mid-70s today in Cleveland. I would have really liked to been there today, except for the losing part.

- Hey did you know Jamey Carroll has more post All-Star Game starts than Kelly Shoppach? Neither did I until I read the most recent post from the DiaTribe.

- Chris Gimenez is now hitting .190 and looks to be having a rough go of it in this his first call-up.

- 17 of Luis Valbuena's 50 hits are doubles.

- Despite his dominating performance at AAA, Rafael Perez has given up three runs in 1.2 innings since being recalled.

Game 1: Justin Masterson, RHP (3-3, 4.22) vs. Scott Baker, RHP (9-7, 4.85)
Game 2: David Huff, LHP (6-6, 6.72) vs. To be announced
Game 3: Aaron Laffey, LHP (6-3, 3.25) vs. Nick Blackburn, RHP (8-7, 3.99)

The Indians head off to a three game series at the baggy dome against the Twins of Minnesota. Yes it is another three game road trip. Last time Masterson was cut off after 60 pitches and interim-Manager Eric Wedge has indicated that Masterson will probably get to go 75 or 80 pitches this time out. Hey look who it is, my favorite opposing pitcher...TBA! Carl Pavano originally looked to be on tap for Game 1, but instead took his first loss as a Twin today. Moving on, we have staff ace Aaron Laffey taking the mound to close out this road trip.

Go Tribe!

(AP Photo/Mark Duncan)