Cleveland Indians - Putting Me To Bed Early

This is how bad it's gotten. I have DirecTV and get the MLB Extra Innings package. This year, DirecTV actually started offering both the home and away broadcasts of each game. But there are only so many channels, so occasionally you only get one broadcast of the game.

Of course today was a long day of work, followed by an even longer run after that, and when I hunkered down with a snack and a beverage to watch the game and saw there was only one broadcast of the Indians-White Sox game I turned pale. For the couple of minutes before 8 PM with the blank screen starring at me I prepared for the worst... The Hawk.

Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson, one of the most biased, unbearable, annoying homers ever known. Maybe he does it for you, but not for me. I want the game called, I want some excitement and I expect a little home team rah-rah but to say The Hawk is over the top is the understatement of the millennium. To say I was relieved when the SportsTime Ohio logo flashed across my screen wouldn't do me justice. Unfortunately, it was the highlight of the night.

I say this because I have had the MLB Extra Innings package since 2002. Obviously, 2002 to 2006 were not "prime years" for the Indians. But I stuck with them. If they had a weekday afternoon game or a West Coast tilt and it was impossible for me to watch I would DVR it and watch the highlights when I could. If the game was an extra inning affair or an 8 PM EST start time I would always finish up watching the game. Always. The Nationals were not in DC when I first moved here and the Orioles are in the AL, too far away and I ain't rooting for the Rat Capital of the USA, Baltimore. (It IS the Rat Capital of the USA, FYI.)

But for the first time ever, I turned off the game and went to bed. On back-to-back nights no less. That is how bad of baseball the Tribe is playing right now. It's not just that they are losing, you can play an entertaining game and lose or play well and simply come out on the short end, but they are losing in such weak and meager ways there was no doubt in my mind that the game was over when I shut my TV off.

The script is still the same. Inept offense hangs the starting pitching out to dry wasting an excellent effort that 32 of 32 MLB teams would die for. And the offense is so ugly it's not just that they aren't scoring runs, they aren't even getting hits to threaten to score a run. Maybe they do get a hit but it's not usually for extra bases. If they do get extra bases, unless Casey Blake is up, the runner stands there helplessly. And if they do must up a home run odds are it is a solo shot. Thanks, Michael Aubrey! Double plays are the norm. Throw in a runner getting thrown out at the plate or getting caught too far off second base and there is a scoring opportunity squandered routinely.

But the starting pitching is SO good somehow the Indians remain with a chance in the game. But the bullpen can't keep a small led small or a tied game tied or a close game close lately. It started at home against Toronto with Rafael Betancourt and worked its way to Masa Kobayashi in Cincinnati. Jensen Lewis made me turn off the TV last night in the bottom of the 8th for the first time ever. Jorge Julio outdid him tonight when he failed to keep the game close in the 5th and looked like he wanted to fight Victor Martinez on the mound shortly thereafter. The TV was off once again.

This team has no fire, no spark, no life when they are at bat and it makes them difficult to watch. Right now, at no point do you feel good about any at bat unless it is Ben Francisco. Everyone wants to blame Eric Wedge and Derek Shelton, but honestly, there are so many players horrendously under performing I don't know what else they can do.

I am not defending Derek Shelton, he may need to go, but what happened when Eddie Murray was cast aside and Shelton was hired is not the norm. The Tribe hitters from top to bottom are so incapable of putting together a good plate appearance right now that it really doesn't matter who the hitting coach is. And even with good hitters, turning it completely around was a statistical anomaly.

I am neither an Eric Wedge supporter nor a detractor. But you have to give him credit for trying. He has tried everyone possible in the #2 hole. He moved Travis Hafner, Jhonny Peralta, Franklin Gutierrez and everyone else up, down and around to try and wake them from their slumber. He's given guys days off who were slumping. He's benched guys for poor approach at the plate. He's spot started some of his reserves, minus Andy Marte, to try and shake things up. But when not a soul is producing, it doesn't matter what Uncle Eric does, it's not going to work.

So we are 46 games into 2008 and it already feels like the Cleveland Indians are Dead Men Walking. I have no faith they can get more than 2 runs a game. No faith they can get more than 6 hits a game. No faith the bullpen can keep them in the game. And yet they still sit only 3 1/2 games out of the AL Central lead after losing 5 in a row.

If they want to be the contender that they have the potential to be they need to do something to wake themselves up. Whatever it is they need to do it quickly. Why? Because they are putting me, and a lot of other frustrated Tribe fans, to be early each and every night... and it's not even Memorial Day.

2008 Cleveland Cavaliers Cut List

Every year after my beloved Cleveland Browns finish up their season, I come up with a satirical look at the roster. Who I'd like to see stay, who I'd like to go and who I'd like to be hit by an oncoming 18 wheeler (you're still on that list Dennis Northcutt). Some reason are performance related, some as obscure and some are just plain asinine, but hey, it's my list.

Well over the past few years I have actually started caring about the Cleveland Cavaliers for the first time since the days at the old Richfield Coliseum that featured Larry Nance, Brad Daugherty and Mark Price. So at the request of one of my pals let's take a shot at the first ever Cleveland Cavaliers Cut List.

Now the NBA works a little different than the NFL in the way contracts area handled so for clarification purposes, if I declare someone CUT, I realize that it probably would be better served if they or their expiring contract would be used in a trade. But, quite frankly, just to make it easier on me I am just going to declare them cut.

Is it lazy? Yes. But I'm writing the damn list, not you. So deal with it, please and thank you.

Without further ado...

The 2008 Cleveland Cavaliers Cut List

#23 - LeBron James - 6'-8" - F/G
I think you're safe, Bron Bron. But since I've got you here... You're really good. Like really, really good. But there are a number of things that are lacking in your game that could really put you over the top, because honestly, you are no where near as good as Kobe. Maybe if you worked on some facets of your game like your mid-range jumper, or developing some post moves, or (going out on a limb here) free throw shooting. Also, the acting is a little over the top. I know you are getting hit, jabbed, poked and bumped multiple times each play. But if you get hit in the scrotum and you grab your face NO ONE IS GOING TO BUY IT. Grab your scrotum if you get hit in the scrotum. Maybe you've been following the NHL and are emulating Sydney Crosby. Talent wise that is great, acting and diving not so much. Plus he's a douche bag who plays in Pittsburgh. That should tell you enough right there. Also, be nice to Mom, she popped your 6'-8" butt out of her hoo-ha which is amazing in of itself. Don't get me wrong, LeBron, you are amazing, but you could be epic. You just need to focus on it and work at it.
LBJ - KEEP

#11 - Zydrunas Ilgauskas - 7'-3" - C
You did the one thing you really needed to do to take your game to the next level this year. Shaving the dome. It actually makes you look respectable... and like a monster in an horror film, but hey it works for you. Seriously, there are not many talented big men and we are fortunate to have you. After all those foot surgeries you've had an above average career. If anything you are not utilized enough as you seem to be the forgotten man on offense for periods or games at a time.
Z - KEEP

#41 - Lance Allred - 6'-11" - C
You are the first legally deaf player in NBA history, Caucasian and your name is Lance. Lance! An NBA player named Lance! Who would have thunk it?!? I can't cut the partially deaf guy.
LANCE ALLRED - KEEP

#33 - Devin Brown - 6'-5" - G
You were actually a nice, pleasant surprise this season and then you disappeared in to Mike Brown's doghouse, never to be seen again. I mean you were productive, played good defense and hustled. Those are all things Mike Brown likes, what happened? The only thing I can think of is when Marv Albert has his off-court "issues" he would sign into hotels under an assumed name. Steve Albert, his bother! Maybe you were doing some freaky-deaky S&M stuff at the Downtown Sheraton and signed in as Mike Brown. I don't know I can't figure it out. You are not signed for next season, I'd like to see you back.
DEVIN BROWN - KEEP

#1 - Daniel Gibson - 6'-2" - G
You were money in the 2007 playoffs and I wonder how you would have been this year if you hadn't have gotten hurt mid-season and again in the play-offs. You desperately need to work on your ball handling skills but have shown you can hit some big shots. It was only your second year. We need you to continue to develop. Plus your nickname IS Boobie. Hee hee!
BOOBIE - KEEP

#19 - Damon Jones - 6'-3" - G
You have no D and no J hence you are Amon Ones. An oldie but a goodie. And it still fits. Mike Brown doesn't like you as you seem to find your way into his doghouse annually. I actually find you quite entertaining on the bench and before the game but you do have a $4.4M expiring contract next season! Plus you wear #19 and are ruining it for Bob Feller, Bernie Kosar and Lenny Wilkins.
AMON ONES - CUT! (EXPIRING CONTACT TRADE BAIT)

#27 - Dwayne Jones - 6'-11" - C/F
You don't play. When you do it's uninspiring. You don't have a contract next season. Do the math.
DWAYNE JONES - CUT!

#3 - Aleksandar "Sasha" Pavolvic - 6'-7" - G/F
I am going to come out and say it... you are my Dennis Northcutt. I cringe when you check into the game. I cringe when you get the ball. You actually started to "get it" last season and you showed flashes of breaking out. And then you held out. You. Sasha F'N Pavlovic. Then you got hurt, probably because you weren't in playing shape, and floundered the entire season. Somehow you worked your way back into the rotation for the playoffs and were so awful that it was like watching a monkey try to (expletive deleted) a football. You have 2 year at $4.5M left on your new contract. I hope you are shipped out of here well before that.
PAVLOVIC - CUT! (FOR MY HEALTH)

#32 - Joe Smith - 6'-10" - F
You were an effective role player after the big trade and you can actually hit a mid-range jump shot. You are going to be 33 next season but I think bringing you back on a short term deal could be an asset. People often bash you for being a #1 overall pick, but you didn't pick yourself, you're a solid vet and this team could use a few of those.
JOE SMITH - KEEP

#20 - Eric Snow - 6'-3" - G
Kudos for being the hometown boy who came home to play. Kudos for playing through an injury and I hope it doesn't hinder your life after basketball. You do tons of stuff for the C-Town community and I hope that continues. But, in the eyes of The Cut List, all you are is a $7.3M expiring contract.
ERIC SNOW - CUT! (EXPIRING CONTACT TRADE BAIT)

#10 - Wally Szczerbiak - 6'-7" - F
You were a hired gun. You fired blanks. Especially in Game 7 against Boston when you scored 0 points. 0 points. Your last three games against the Celtics: 3-8, 2-11, 0-3. The 0-3 tells me you were afraid to put the ball up or your teammates were afraid to pass it to you. Not good for a shooter. Maybe you need a year to get accustomed to the team or maybe your gun is empty. You are $13M expiring contract, however.
WALLY WORLD - CUT! (EXPIRING CONTACT TRADE BAIT)

#12 - Billy Thomas - 6'-5" - G
You hit a 3 in the Playoffs against the Wizards but have bounced around the NBA for 3 years. I haven't seen anything to warrant keeping you around. Maybe you'll surprise me.
BILLY THOMAS - CUT!

#17 - Anderson Varejao - 6'-10" - C/F
Are you Brazilian or retarded? Seriously, if I see you try to drive the lane off the dribble one more time I might bash my head through the kitchen cabinets. It's THAT BAD of a move. And the flopping continues to get worse and worse. I personally get embarrassed when you do it so imagine how Dan Gilbert, Danny Ferry, Mike Brown, LeBron and everybody else feel. You may have had the most poorly thought out hold-out in the history of sports, too. What were you thinking? You used to be one of my favorite players but now you just gnaw and gnaw at me with each passing flop and turnover. It would not surprise me that you think they speak Spanish and not Portuguese in Brazil, and you are from Brazil. That's how stupid I think you are. But that $5.8M contact next year with a player option the next may look tasty to somebody else.
WILD THING - CUT! (EXPIRING CONTACT TRADE BAIT)

#4 - Ben Wallace - 6'-9" - C/F
We have you for 2 more years at $14M/year so I don't think anyone is going to want to take you off our hands. You have games here and there where you look like the defensive force you were in Detroit. Maybe the karma in Chicago put you in a funk and you haven't shaken it off yet. But you need to. You could play a huge role for the team if you can just get motivated and focus on what you do best, play defense and rebound.
BIG BEN - KEEP

#13 - Delonte West - 6'-3" - G
You too showed flashes of brilliance here and there and maybe playing with LBJ can bring out the best of you. But for the love of Pete, STOP DRIBBLING THE BALL OFF YOUR FRIGGIN' FOOT. Seriously, you do it 2 or 3 times a game. Listen, I could do that. You should not. It's your 4th year, you're a restricted free agent and I think you could form a nice rotation with Boobie. We need you to continue to get better, especially with the dribbling.
DELONTE - KEEP

So that's all she wrote. LeBron work on your game. Mike Brown PLEASE hire an offensive consultant. Danny Ferry please use expiring contracts, anyone but LeBron and anything you can to get LBJ some much needed help. And Cavs Fans stay strong, keep the faith and get ready to Rise Up in 2008-2009.

Indians Fall Flat On Their Face in Cincinnati

All the good work that the Tribe put together last week to climb to three games over .500 at 22-19 and vault into 1st Place in the AL Central was undone in one weekend in Cincinnati. The Reds swept away the Indians in three straight in the first Interleague weekend of the season. The Reds came into the series 17-23, dead last in the NL Central.

Once again the dormant Cleveland offense proved fatal as it spoiled excellent outings Friday and Saturday by Jeremy Sowers and Fausto Carmona, respectively. Sunday the offense managed to put a few more runs on the board but continued to struggle with runners in scoring position. They could not pick up starter Cliff Lee who got knocked around for the first time all season.

The bullpen inconsistency reared it's ugly head as Jensen Lewis walked in the winning run on Friday night and Masa Kobayashi blew his first save opportunity of 2008 when he gave up a 3-run bomb to Adam Dunn on Saturday night. Both winnable games that the Indians managed to blow by failing to score more than 4 runs, failing to keep a game tied or failing to hold a late lead.

So the Indians, after winning 8 of 10 games against the Yankees, Blue Jays and Athletics, are back at .500, sitting at 22-22, once again searching for answers for what ails them.

Some interesting notes from the series:

• The Indians failed to win the series opener for the first time in four series.
• The Indians have scored 3 runs or less in 23 of 44 games. Their record in those games... 6-17.
• The Indians started the Reds series 0 for 22 with RISP until Casey Blake hit an RBI single in the 4th Inning of Game 3. They got a couple more hits later in game but it was too little too late.
• The Reds trotted out three right-handed starting pitchers for the series and Travis Hafner did not start any of the three games. Are his rumored shoulder problems more than the Indians' are letting on?

The only player on offense who really stood out was Ben Francisco. 5-11, 2 R, 1 HR and 1 RBI. Kudos to Ben, but when your offensive force scores 2 runs and only has 1 RBI, you have a problem. Michael Aubrey also deserves some props for getting his first ML hit, a home run no less, in Sunday's game. Other than than, nothing much positive on the offensive end.

The Indians play 9 of their next 12 games against AL Central foes Chicago and Kansas City, so it would be a nice time to starting playing like the defending Division Champions and put some distance between themselves and the rest of their neighbors. Whether or not they are capable of that is yet to been seen.

It's Tribe Time Now. Believeland.

Cleveland Indians Quarterly Report Card

The Cleveland Indians finished the first quarter of the MLB season at 21-19 after C. C. Sabathia blanked the Oakland Athletics, 2-0, tossing a complete game, 5 hit, 11 strikeout shutout. The fragile Tribe offense managed only 5 hits of their own but one was a lead-off homer by Grady Sizemore and another was a solo poke by Ryan Garko. It is the first real measuring stick of the season so it's time to hand out first quarter grades to the Erie Warriors.

Eric Wedge - Manager - C

You are only as good as your record and they fact that you are only 21-19 is disappointing. I know you can't hit for or make the offense take a better approach at the plate but you need to find a way to convey that to your team. You did it last year, you need to do it again. You do deserve some credit for not letting the team fall into oblivion with the offense being so poor.

Rafael Betancourt - RP - C-

I know you were thrust into the closer's role and that is not your comfort zone. I didn't expect you to be as dominant as you were in 2007 but an ERA of 6.89 and 21 hits in 15.2 innings is god awful. You're lucky I only gave you a C-.

Joe Borowski - RP - D-

Your performance was awful but that's not why you get a D-. If you are hurt and you know it then sit the F down. The fact you tried to pitch with the condition your arm was in is embarrassing. Jackass. That being said, I hope you heal up and become as asset as the bullpen has been somewhat shaky since your departure. I threw up a little in my mouth after I typed that.

Craig Breslow - RP - Incomplete

I am trying to figure out if you are still on the team. I thought the situational lefty pitched like 1/3 of an inning in 80 games not 2 innings every 2 weeks in a blowout. The starters have been so good you haven't been called upon in the clutch yet.

Paul Byrd - SP - B-

Those first two starts had me freaked out but you rebounded. I hope it's because you are a crafty veteran and not because you got a new prescription from your dentist.

Fausto Carmona - SP - B+

The only reason you are not getting an A is because you are walking 6.47 batters per 9 innings. It's not cold anymore you can use the excuse of you can't grip the balls properly anymore. Yes, I said grip the balls. Grip the balls better.

Jorge Julio - RP - C+

You started off shaky but have settled down. But you only pitch in blow outs and that only counts for so much.

Masa Kobayashi - RP - A

I like the way Uncle Eric has slowly worked you into crunch time. You may end the season as the closer if Borowski is unsteady and Betancourt continues to struggle. 2-0, 1 save, 1.93 ERA and the best number of all... 0 appearances in an Japanese alternative lifestyle films. Outstanding.

Aaron Laffey - SP - B

You should be 3-0 if we could score more than 0 runs in a game. Sorry. Keep pitching like this and we may deal someone else to get us a bat and you into the rotation. Or we may deal you... I prefer the former.

Cliff Lee - SP - A+

7 starts, 6-0, 0.67 ERA, 53.2 IP, 32 hits, 4 ER, 4 BB, 44 K. Words don't do you justice. Neither does 0 runs in a game to cost you 7-0.

Jensen Lewis - RP - B-

You've lowered your ERA from 5.06 to 2.95 in the last 3 weeks. Kudos. You had me worried in April.

Tom Mastny - RP - Incomplete

Thanks for the 2 game cameo. Even better, you pitched like poo and got demoted. Have fun in Buffalo and get your head out of your ass.

Rafael Perez - RP - C

You also have had a good 3 weeks lowering your ERA from 6.52 to 3.78. We need you to return to full 2007 form. Please do.

C. C. Sabathia - SP - B
You get a B because you decided to throw almost a month of BP before reverting back to Cy Young form. Look at all the National Media bashing you were exposed to during that time and you pitch in Cleveland. Imagine how much worse it would be if you worked in say, New York? Cleveland is a very nice place, huh? Hint, hint, nudge, nudge...

Jeremy Sowers - SP - Incomplete
You had a very nice 1 game cameo and have another coming up Friday. Take advantage of it. See my comments about "The Joker" Aaron Laffey above. I have a hunch you may be the one that may be traded.


Jake Westbrook - SP - A-
You were brilliant in the spring and were great once the season started and then you got hurt. Luckily The Joker has picked up where you left off but I am always nervous when a pitcher comes off the DL. Heal up. We need your moxie.


Victor Martinez - CA - B
You are the leader of the team and the heart an soul as well. But the clean up hitter has to have more than 0 home runs. I don't like zeroes when it comes to offense. We need you to pick this offense up mi amigo, badly. You're my favorite player, help a brother out!


Kelly Shoppach - CA - C+
Great back-up catcher. I love how you call a game but you have had some really awful ABs lately. Really, really awful.


Casey Blake - 3B - B-
You lead the team in RBIs and are hitting .223 and bat NINTH! NINTH! I have to give you a B- just because you are the only guy who can hit with RISP. And you're Casey Blake! You're Casey F'N Blake!


Asdrubal Cabrera - 2B/SS - D
If this were all heart, effort and defense you'd get an A. But your O has been so bad it's killing us. You were the spark plug last year and this year you are a rally killer. I am not calling you The As-Man anymore until you start living up to the coolness of the nickname instead of demeaning it. For Christ's sake, you're The As-Man dammit!


Jamey Carroll - IF - B
You can't hit but you're spunky, I like than. That's spunky not sparky. Sparky is Clark W. Grizwold's per name his wife Ellen calls him.


Ryan Garko - 1B - C-
You came out like gangbusters and now you are mired in the first prolonged slump you have had in quite some time. We need you to figure it out and be an RBI machine. Two homers in the last two games is a nice start.


Andy Marte - 3B - Incomplete
What are you doing here? I thought you were supposed to get some quality PT so we can see what you can do? Do you have pictures of Mark Shapiro or Uncle Eric with a donkey or something because I can not figure out why you are here.


Jhonny Peralta - SS - D
I'll keep it simple. You are not a great defender for a SS. Because of this you need to hit. You are swinging at high heat and breaking stuff away, not good, Jhonny. Not good.


David Dellucci - OF - B
You're David F'N Dellucci and I have to give you a B because at least you get hits. They may not always be productive but some of them are and it helps. The Looch is hitting .245 and I gave hit a B. I want to punch myself in the face.


Ben Francisco - OF - Incomplete
You here now, thankfully, and have been a bit of a catalyst. I wish they'd play you a little bit more so we can see how you handle the day to day grind.


Franklin Gutierrez - OF - C-
You are sick on D but the league has adjusted to you at the plate. We badly need you to adjust back.


Grady Sizemore - OF - A-
You are the only one who has been alive all year. You lead the team with 7 homeruns from the lead off spot. That tells you the state of the offense. You are well on your way to Gold Glove number 2. The only reason you got a A- is that you are still striking out too much (but are improving) and are only hitting .179 versus lefties. To be elite that has to improve.


Jason Tyner - OF - Incomplete
And you are... And you're hear to see... About what... Have a seat he'll be with you in a moment.


Travis Hafner - DH - F
You unfairly get blamed for all the Indians offensive woes. No one is hitting and the runs have been hard to come by. But the fact is, the Indians were a semi-offensive juggernaut from 2004-2006 when you were dialed in. If you just come within 75% of that production, good lord, with this pitching staff I can only imagine what the Tribe would be capable of. But you are the DH and are hitting .218 with 3 homers and 18 RBI. Your OBP is .316 and you're slugging only .346. You are only hitting .190 at home. Your at-bats are painful to watch. You look lost. Balls you used to crush are whiffed at, weakly grounded to the infield or lightly popped up. I don't know what is wrong with you but you are the keystone. With you as the catalyst this offense runs smooth. We've seen how it runs when you are dormant. Help up Pronk, you're our only hope..


It's Tribe Time Now. Believeland.

Indians Squander Away 4 Game Sweep

When you play a double header and both your starting pitchers go 9 strong innings without giving up a run and you turn an unassisted triple play, you should win both games, unless you are the 2008 Cleveland Indians. The Indians got gems from Fausto Carmona in the afternoon affair and Cliff Lee in the nightcap but only managed a 3-0 win for Carmona and rewarded Lee with a no decision and a 3-0 loss for his effort.

Lee went 9 shutout innings giving up 7 hits and 2 walks but it was all for naught. The Indians wasted a number of amazing defensive plays including two in the 9th inning with Victor Martinez's snare of a liner and Franklin Gutierrez's diving catch to end the inning. The Tribe also wasted Asdrubal Cabrera turning the 14th unassisted triple play in major league history as he snared a Lyle Overbay laser beam in the 5th inning.

The offense continues to kill the club as the Indians managed only 3 hits in 10 innings of the second game and had no one reach base after Victor Martinez led off the fourth inning with a single. After that 19 Indians went to the plate and 19 Indians made an out. Travis Hafner hit a bloop double down the left field line in the 10th to end the string but that was as big of a threat as the Indians mounted in Game 2.

We also got to see that when the Cleveland Indians closer comes into a game with the game tied, even if his name isn't Joe Borowski, bad things happen. After Lee's 9 dazzling innings, Rafael Betancourt came on for the 10th an promptly gave up two singles. After a sacrifice bunt, intentional walk, sacrifice fly and another single it was 3-0 Toronto and all hopes of an Indians' sweep were dashed. Betancourt now sports a 6.89 ERA and has yielded 21 hits in 15 2/3 innings on the campaign.

The Tribe notched a 3-0 win in the afternoon contest when David Dellucci delivered a clutch 2-out single in the 6th for a 1-0 lead and Asdrubal Cabrera drilled a 2-run HR in the 7th for a 3-0 lead. Fausto Carmona's 4 walks were the only blemish on the 5 hit complete game shut-out he tossed. But it still was a grind as the Indians managed 5 hits in the afternoon affair despite the victory.

The Indians got above .500 for the first time April 3, when they were 2-1, by winning Game 1 but promptly failed to stay there for more than 4 hours later with the loss in the nightcap. They now sit at 19-19, still muddled in the middle of the AL Central pack, unable to get over the proverbial hump that is .500.

They have won 2 series in a row, against the Yankees and Blue Jays, both solid AL East foes. They continue to look a little better with each recent contest, but the fact that the offense seems to disappear with the best pitching performances is maddening to all Cleveland Indians fans. The Oakland A's come in for a 3 game set before a 6 game road trip to Cincinnati and Chicago (AL). Let's win a couple more series and get the offense back on track before we come back to The P for Memorial Day Weekend.

It's Tribe Time Now. Believeland.

Sabathia outduels Halladay, Tribe Wins 6-1

If you are a Cleveland Indians fan it had all the makings of another 1-0 loss starting you right in the face. The Blue Jays had managed to push a run across the plate in the top of the 5th against C. C. Sabathia and Toronto ace Roy Halladay was equally, if not more, dominant. But as Sabathia was able to work out of trouble in the 7th, Halladay was not, and the Tribe took advantage for a 6-1 victory in the series opener at Progressive Field.

Scuffling Travis Hafner and Ryan Garko started the Indians' 7th with back to back singles. Eric Wedge called for Asdrubal Cabrera to bunt, but Halladay was unable to find the strike zone and walked Cabrera on four straight pitches. Casey Blake continued his reversal of fortune from 2007 as he delivered a 2-run double off the wall in left for a 2-1 Tribe lead.

Grady Sizemore weakly popped out to shortstop and it looked as if the Indians were poised to squander another opportunity. But Toronto walked Franklin Gutierrez to load the bases with one out and set up a lefty on lefty match-up of Jesse Carlson versus David Dellucci.

But Eric Wedge played the odds to perfection as he sent up Ben Francisco up to pinch hit and Toronto counter with Jeremy Accardo. Francisco hammered a 2-run double of his own for a 4-1 lead. A wild pitch and sacrifice fly made it game, set, match Cleveland as Jensen Lewis and Masa Kobayashi each pitched a scoreless inning of relief to close to door on the Blue Jays.

Despite the offensive struggles lately, the Indians have a few good trends they are starting to repeat. They won the first game of the series, as they did consistently in 2007, for the second series in a row. Sabathia seems to be back to form after his "Half an April from Hell". Lewis and Kobayshi look to have become alternative options for Uncle Eric out of the pen so he won't have to pitch the Fightin' Raffy Brothers to death.

Travis Hafner did go 2-3 with a double and a walk and looked more composed at the plate for the first time in a while, but gosh did he look awful of that strikeout in the 9th. Regardless, the Indians remain a game and a half out of first in the underachieving AL Central as they approach the quarter-pole of the season.

It's Tribe Time Now. Believeland.