Despite the ninth-inning collapse, let’s not lose sight of one very important indicator today:

Kevin Millwood
6 IP, 4 hits, 2 BB, 0 ER, 88 pitches

I would’ve liked to see more than one strikeout, but Millwood was really throwing the ball well today. He consistently hit 92-93 with his fastball and he made some great pitches throughout.

First Westbrook, now Millwood. Sure, the Tribe is 0-2 but there have been some very good early signs in those two losses.

Bob Wickman has always scared me. ALWAYS. His meltdown this afternoon (4 hits, 4 ER, 1 out, 1 blown save) will not be the last of the season. I mean, the Sox were teeing off on Wickman in the ninth — Paul Konerko crushed his homer and Jermaine Dye sent his shot into orbit. Even Juan Uribe sent Casey Blake to the track in right with the bases loaded.

The good news is, Arthur Rhodes mowed down Chicago’s hitters in his 1.1 innings of work, striking out two and giving up just one hit in an efficient 19 pitches. There are several good arms in the bullpen, but if Arthur Rhodes can start pitching like he was with Seattle a couple years ago, he’ll be the best of the lot.

One thing’s for certain — Wickman better recover quickly or he’ll find himself demoted. There are too many talented guys behind him that could take over the ninth inning if he’s ineffective for long.

Besides growing that stupid mustache that makes you look like a creepy “B” actor from the 70’s, when are you going to “grow” your managing abilities? We keep hearing about his genius…yet going by last season and today’s game, it’s obvious he doesn’t have a clue when it comes to the bullpen. Fatman Wickman had nothing this afternoon, yet Wedge leaves him in there to lose a game. This manager and coaching staff better concentrate on this bullpen or we’re in for another disappointing season.

An ESPN Insider article (subscription required, unfortunately) by John Hollinger offers some compelling analysis of the Cavs’ backcourt problems, concluding that the team’s best option is to play Eric Snow and Jeff McInnis together. Hollinger suggest that, rather than relying on ineffective players like Lucious Harris, Jiri Welsch, Ira Newble and Sasha Pavlovic, McInnis should be starting at the two alongside Snow, not bolted to the bench (’DNPs-Coach’s Decision’ each of the last two games). Plus, you’ve also got LeBron creating instead of running the point, and the Cavs are a much better team when LeBron’s not bringing the ball up the court.

Hey, they’ve lost nine of 12 and are plummeting out of the playoff race. This makes more sense than playing Jiri Welsch 16 minutes a night.