Do you want proof the young players brought in by the Indians have energized this team? The Tribe has won 13 of its last 18 games. Critics will say sure, but the schedule lightened up with seven games against the Royals and three with Tampa Bay. However, Cleveland won a series vs. the contending Angels to open this streak, and took two of three against the team with the best record in the American League this weekend. It hasn’t all been a cake walk for the young Wahoos.
One reason for optimism was the comeback victories against Jeremy Bonderman and Justin Verlander. The Tribe put a three run frame against Bonderman and a six run inning against Verlander. Both big innings were accomplished without a home run. The bullpen also did its job both nights, putting up five zeroes combined in the two games.
Yesterday was a different story. Cliff Lee continued his struggles giving up three HR’s to the Tigers in a 7-1 loss. Lee has now allowed 30 more hits than innings pitched, and hitters are batting .291 against him this year, compared to a lifetime figure of .263. The lefty from Arkansas has not been the same pitcher he was last season, when he went 18-5. The ballclub needs a return of the 2005 version of Lee to become contenders in 2007.
One of the dingers by the Tigers was a little suspicious. Marcus Thames hit a low and in fastball over the fence in centerfield for a two run bomb. On television, the ball looked like a routine fly to center off the bat. I understand the ball was carrying well at Jacobs Field yesterday, but still… I wonder if Thames’ bat could be used to seal up a wine bottle.
The Tribe announced Fausto Carmona had been sent to Buffalo to "lengthen" him out. I guess he will come back a little taller. It appears the Indians will give rookie Jeremy Sowers two more starts before being replaced by Carmona in the rotation. GM Mark Shapiro said around four hurlers will be recalled after the September 1st roster expansion. I’m guessing Rafael Perez, Carmona, Jeremy Guthrie, and Brian Slocum are the four in question. Among position players, it will probably be only Franklin Gutierrez and Kevin Kouzmanoff. The Indians only have 37 men on the 40 man roster, so they have room to add some guys not currently on the 40 man.
On the field, it’s the first look at the Blue Jays with six games against them over the next week and a half. When the team leaves for Texas on Thursday, they will get some reinforcements. The Wahoos need to go 21-12 the rest of the way to get back to .500. If they continue to play as they have for the past three weeks, it’s an attainable goal.
JK
Cleveland Sports Perspective 