Location: Cleveland, Ohio | Ballpark: Progressive Field (43,415) | Spring Training: Winter Haven, Fla.
Owner: Lawrence Dolan | GM: Mark Shapiro | Manager: Eric Wedge | World Championships: 2
The Indians capped a 6-1 homestand with a 4-2 victory over Oakland on Thursday. The homestand was highlighted by a spectacular performance by the Cleveland pitching staff, particularly the starters.
In winning six of the seven games, the Indians had a team ERA of 0.70. The starters had a 0.16 ERA in the seven games, and in the one game the Indians lost, their starter -- Cliff Lee -- pitched nine scoreless innings.
During the homestand, Indians starting pitchers had a streak of 44 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings, a run that was snapped when Aaron Laffey gave up an unearned run in the second inning Thursday.
All that pitching has helped the Indians vault into first place in the Central Division. And it's clear that pitching and defense -- the Indians lead the American League in fielding percentage -- will have to be the areas the club leans on in 2008.
The hitting remains inconsistent. But in winning six of the seven games on the homestand, the Indians pitched so well they were able to win with minimal offense.
INDIANS 4, A'S 2: Aaron Laffey pitched seven innings, allowing one unearned run, as the Indians completed a three-game sweep of Oakland. Laffey gave up an unearned run in the second inning, which snapped a streak of 44 1/3 consecutive scoreless innings by Indians starting pitchers.
Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.
Why don't the Indians go after Huston Street. It's pretty well known that the closer for next year isn't in the bullpen now so why not make a push for him now. Hermie is Street a FA at the end of the year or is he locked up for a while?
CC Sabathia is a beat. With the Indians in his final starts, and now with the Brewers in his first four starts. He is a 1.38 ERA and 4-0 with 3 CG and 2 SO's. He has simply been amazing. I think he will ge
CC Sabathia is simply not living up to expectations with the Brewers so far. He is hitting only .154 with one measly HR. Last night he stunk it up again with an 0-4 and 2 strike outs. Guess he's not the hitter we all thought he was.
