Category: Cleveland Indians (Page 95 of 96)

Jake Westbrook was good (8 IP, 5 hits, 2 ER, 4 K) but Bartolo Colon was better, pitching eight shutout innings and striking out six in the Angels’ 2-0 win over the Indians Wednesday night. The Tribe had very few scoring opportunities, totaling just four hits off Colon, though they squandered a first-inning chance when Casey Blake grounded out with runners on first and second to end the inning.

In what is quickly becoming the theme of this young season, the Indians got a solid performance from their starter but the bats couldn’t back him up. Despite allowing just four earned runs in three of his four starts this year, Westbrook finds himself at 0-4 while the Indians continue to sputter at 6-9.

I was only able to catch a small portion of C.C. Sabathia’s interview with Rome today, but what I heard made me smile. They were talking about Sabathia’s comments that he hated the Twins, and C.C. said that while he has several friends on Minnesota (Torii Hunter and Jacque Jones were two of the guys he mentioned), he hates the Twins because they have what he wants: the division crown. He added that the really frustrating thing is that, for the past couple years he felt like the Indians had a better team but the Twins have still consistently beat them. Then, he guaranteed the Tribe would win the Central this season. When Rome asked him for confirmation, C.C. said they’d “definitely” win the division.

I love it. You’ve got to love that kind of confidence. You get the feeling that the entire team feels the same way, kind of like the Indians of the mid-90s did. They’re good, and they know it and, better yet, they’re ready to prove it. If nothing else, C.C.’s comments add fuel to an already flammable rivalry with the Twins.

Three times this team has the bases loaded with less than two outs and not once do they score. What does Wedge do? Nothing, as usual. They might as well have a wooden doll in the dugout, as Wedge hasn’t done a thing to shake this offense out of its early season woes. Has this guy ever heard of a squeeze bunt? A double steal? A hit and run? The manager is the leader of the team, if he sees the team struggling, he has to shake things up. Instead, Wedge sits on his hands, massaging his ugly mustache.

A ninth-inning homer from Alberto Castillo off Arthur Rhodes gave the Royals a 6-5 win over the Tribe Tuesday afternoon. Cleveland managed 14 hits off KC pitching but left 13 men on base, including three in the eighth when Travis Hafner grounded out with the bases loaded to end the inning. Starter Scott Elarton, meanwhile, lasted just 3.2 innings while giving up 10 hits and five earned runs. As well as the frontline starters have been pitching (C.C., Westbrook and Millwood), Elarton is easily the rotation’s weakest link and seems destined to be replaced at some point this summer, considering the number of quality arms the Tribe has in the minors, not to mention Jason Davis, who’s currently pitching out of the ‘pen.

Cliff Lee was very impressive in the Tribe’s 5-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals. The Tribe pitching staff looks like it could be one of the best in the AL this season. C.C. looks like he’s capable of becoming a true ace, and Millwood looks like he’s healthy. If Cliff Lee can build on this performance, the rotation looks very solid, and the bullpen has been fantastic. Just as important is their depth. Miller was sent to AAA, but he clearly belongs on the big league team, and Brian Tallet has looked great at Buffalo, giving the Tribe an excellent option if any of the starters falter. The offense should come around, so this team should make some noise this year.