We at Cleveland Sports Perspective like to think we are very patient baseball fans. Last year, when things were failing early, we believed the Tribe was a good team and some of the young guys would continue to improve. We bought into Mark Shapiro and Eric Wedge’s theory of taking it one game at a time. However, after last night’s game, the Indians need a good swift kick in the ass.
Why did Wedge let Scott Sauerbeck start the eighth with a two run lead? If it had been the ninth, he would have let right hander Bob Wickman pitch to Nick Swisher and Eric Chavez, so why doesn’t Rafael Betancourt get the same benefit of the doubt. Betancourt is Cleveland second best reliever. Sauerbeck has struggled getting tough lefties out all year, so it was no real surprise when Chavez took him out of the yard.
Another troubling event was an error by Aaron Boone which put the winning run on base. Boone has been a good defender, but has now made nine miscues on the season. Andy Marte has had a few good games in a row, might he be visiting Cleveland soon.
The point is, the season has gone through almost 60 games, and this team just can’t get it going. The patient route doesn’t seem to be working. Maybe it’s time for a shake up. Eric Wedge isn’t going anywhere, nor should he be after winning 93 games a year ago. But, something needs to be done to make the players feel a little discomfort. Maybe trading a guy like Ronnie Belliard or Boone, maybe releasing a ineffective reliever like Sauerbeck or Guillermo Mota.
Wishin’ and hopin’ is a Dusty Springfield song, not a management style.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 