This weekend, Cleveland sports fans were witness to victories by both the Indians (series sweep against Baltimore) and the Browns (21-13 win against the Lions). The only thing that would have been better is if the Browns win would have been in a game that counts.
The Tribe moved within a half game of the AL Wild Card lead with the sweep of the Birds, while the Oakland A’s dropped two of three to Kansas City. The key hit of the weekend was Casey Blake’s three run shot in the eighth inning Friday night to tie up the game after Baltimore took a 4-1 lead in the top of the frame. Blake’s blast turned what appeared to be a defeat into a win when Ben Broussard hit a walk off homer to lead off the tenth. Cliff Lee and C.C. Sabathia finished off the sweep with superb pitching Saturday and Sunday.
It was good to see Eric Wedge show confidence in rookie reliever Fernando Cabrera on Friday. The youngster picked up his first Major League win with 2-1/3 innings of shutout relief. With Matt Miller and Arthur Rhodes currently on the disabled list, the team needs someone new to step up or the veterans could be dragging down the stretch. However, Wedge did use Rafael Betancourt in Friday’s game and he made a 1-1 tie into a 4-1 deficit. Wedge should have learned by now that Betancourt doesn’t pitch well in the second game of back to back outings.
This week features four games against Tampa (who swept the Tribe in Cleveland last weekend) and three in Toronto against the Blue Jays who are also in the Wild Card race.
Meanwhile, the Browns showed improvement in practice game #2. The defense looked better and rookies Braylon Edwards and Charlie Frye showed potential. Wide receiver Antonio Bryant caught a touchdown pass and threatens to make the trade to get him for Quincy Morgan a heist. The Browns traded receiver Andre Davis to New England today because of the presence of Bryant and Edwards.
Also, free agent rookie Josh Cribbs continues to look good on special teams. He ran back three kickoffs very well, and made a tackle as well. Cribbs could get a bigger role on offense as the preseason progresses as the coaching staff may want to show off a wide receiver option pass since Cribbs played QB at Kent State last year.
More refreshing is the demeanor of Romeo Crennel after the games. He doesn’t blow smoke up the media or the fans’ collective rear ends. Here’s hoping the usually unrealistic Browns’ fans don’t start with playoff expectations.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 