The Indians went back to the Earl Weaver formula they had used to during their hot streak in last night’s 6-0 win over Tampa Bay, but with a little twist. Weaver, the former manager of the Baltimore Orioles during their halcyon days of the 70’s, used to say you win with pitching and three run homers. Last night, the Tribe did it with pitching and a pair of two run dingers by Travis Hafner and Ronnie Belliard, and a solo shot by Jhonny Peralta.
So, this weekend means everything is on the line against Chicago. The White Sox have clinched the Central Division title, so whether Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen decides to rest any of his regulars is something to watch. The Tribe needs to win at least two out of three to insure they will at least have an extra game to get into the playoffs. A sweep means the team is in regardless of what happens in Boston.
One thing Manager Eric Wedge should do is play Ben Broussard against lefthanders. His platoon partner at first, Jose Hernandez has hit just .196 with 1 HR since the All Star break, mostly against lefties. I’m pretty sure Broussard could accomplish those numbers.
This could have been avoided if the team would have done what I advocated a month ago, that is to bring up Ryan Garko and let him play against lefties. I’m sure Garko could have done better than the numbers Hernandez put up, and it would have given him valuable experience.
After this weekend, eveything will be decided. Maybe.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 