The Tribe bounced back this afternoon with a 9-4 victory over the Rangers to take the series and move within two and a half games of the A’s for the Wild Card.

The race is on folks. In many ways this has been a frustrating season, but the fact is this team is in the hunt in the middle of August. They are contenders, and frankly, with their pitching, if they make the playoffs they could be very dangerous. It should be a fun ride.

Veteran cornerback Ray Mickens signed a one-year contract with the Browns, who are suddenly thin at the cornerback position after Michael Leehan came up with a pulled hamstring. Daylon McCutchen has yet to practice during training camp due to headaches and dizziness, so Savage and Crennel felt the need to make this move.

As for the defense as a whole, I think everyone is jumping the gun with all the concern over the performance in the first preseason game. Relax. It’s early. Give Crennel time to teach his system to the players.