Francisco...That's Fun To Say

After limping into the All-Star break at 1-4, the Tribe seems like they're ready to lay down on the couch and do some good, old-fashioned soul searching. Coming into the second half down a game to the Tigers and after losing 1-0 to Kevin Towers and the Blue Jays (blowing a rare Paul Byrd gem), we can see why the Erie Warriors are looking for a few answers. We can think of no better place to start throwing knives than Fernando Cabrera. Who the hell knows what happened to that homeboy, but he's got zero game at this stage. Talk about a fall from grace--he went from Fat Wickman's surefire replacement to Fausto Carmona's personal valet in about 8 seconds flat. We say get rid of him. It's a bit like Jeremy Guthrie: he will probably be good again, but he's got no chance in C-town...too much baggage.

Also, what in the name of Sam Hell is going on with astrophysicist Jeremy Sowers? 5+ ERA in AAA? Uh, you stink. At least he has a fledgling career in NASA onto which he can fall back...

Finally, we ask if Ben Francisco can play third base? Clearly, Andy Marte isn't, uh, panning out, as far as that Hall of Fame hot-corner career is concerned. Given that he hasn't played in a big league game since who knows when, we're not sure what to expect. Anytime your future cornerstone is supplanted by Casey Blake, well, you're headed to troubletown. Francisco, however, looks like he's ready for Cooperstown. Let's teach him to play the bunt.