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The Indians still have a pulse. Though their playoff chances have most likely disappeared, they are showing some signs of life. The Tribe completed their interleague season by beating the Reds 6-3 Sunday afternoon. The win gives them two series victories in a row and they are 4-2 in their last six games. The Tribe got three home runs in the finale of the Battle of Ohio. Aaron Boone came through with a two-run shot in the eighth to break a 3-3 tie. Bob Wickman made it interesting in the ninth by letting the tying run come to the plate but struck out Ken Griffey Jr. to earn his 12th save of the season. C.C Sabathia had another quality outing, giving up three runs in six innings.

“We’ve definitely been playing better baseball,” manager Eric Wedge said. “We should have been 6-0 on the trip. Hopefully this is a good start for us.”

Finally, Aaron Boone was able to get a hold of one. For a player who tries to pull the ball, it was good to see him stay on the baseball and go the opposite way with his eighth inning home run. Guillermo Mota came on in relief of C.C and has recently been displaying the successful pitcher he was in LA. In his last five innings pitched, he has not given up a run and has only allowed two hits.

The Indians did all they could to win a ballgame. They also did all they could to lose it. You would think a 7-0 lead going to the bottom of the eighth is pretty darn safe. Well, think again. The Tribe blew that lead Friday night and lost 8-7 in the first game of their series against the Reds. The Indians put on a hitting clinic early and put up five runs in the first. Todd Hollandsworth and Ronnie Belliard each had two RBIs and a home run, Grady Sizemore added two doubles, and Paul Byrd pitched six innings of shutout ball to help give the Indians the large lead.

Unfortunately for the Tribe, they had to turn it over to their horrific bullpen. Rafael Betancourt gave up four runs, including two homers, and failed to record an out in the eighth. The Indians tacked on a run in the ninth but it wasn’t enough insurance. With the Tribe holding on to a three-run lead, Bob Wickman walked two straight batters to load the bases for Adam Dunn, who ended the game with a line drive grand slam.

“I had nothing tonight,” Wickman said. “It was ridiculous and embarrassing. I can’t throw a strike.”

I can’t even make this stuff up.

Indians’ first baseman Eduardo Perez was traded Friday to the Seattle Mariners for infielder Asdrubal Cabrera. Cabrera, who hit .236 this season with AAA Tacoma, will be assigned to Buffalo and first baseman Ryan Garko will join the Indians. With the log jam the Indians have at first base, Perez became expendable. Does this signal the beginning of more trades for the Indians now that the season is a lost cause?

Cabrera is only 20 years old and is known for his above average speed and defense. Last season, he was rated as the Mariners’ 6th best prospect and was voted the best defensive second baseman in his league. The Indians clearly are thin at second base and shortstop when it comes to minor league talent so Cabrera may be able to fill that void. I wonder if this trade was made simply to dump Perez and give Garko a chance up at the big league level or if Shapiro really does see a future with this Cabrera kid. Remember, Ronnie Belliard’s contract is up after this season.