Cliff Lee has one more loss than he had in all of 2008, but that doesn’t mean he’s not doing his job. ¶
After giving up seven runs in five innings to the Rangers in his first start of the season, Lee had a 12.60 earned-run average. That has fallen to 3.45, despite a 1-5 record, including his tough 1-0 defeat to the Tigers Friday night. ¶
In his past four starts, Lee has allowed a total of six runs in 31 innings for a 1.74 ERA, but he is 0-3 with one no decision, because the Tribe has scored only two runs in those games. ¶
Despite the lack of support, Lee has resisted blaming others for his poor record. ¶
“”When you’re a No. 1 starter, you go up against a lot of other No. 1 starters,” manager Eric Wedge said Saturday. “”It happened with C.C. Sabathia, Jake Westbrook, Kevin Millwood. You have to deal with it. ¶
“”The only thing Cliff should be thinking about is giving his team a chance to win a ballgame. That’s the only part he can control. He can’t let the other stuff get to him.” ¶
STILL SITTING — Slumping Jhonny Peralta was kept out of the lineup for a second consecutive night. ¶
“”I’m not sure whether Jhonny will be back in there tomorrow or not,” Wedge said. “”I’ll have to see tomorrow.” ¶
GRASPING AT STRAWS — After watching veteran reliever Luis Vizcaino in a tryout, the Indians apparently have signed him to a minor league contract, though no announcement has been made. ¶
“”We’re giving him strong consideration,” Wedge said. “”We’ll look at him for a couple of days and make a decision.” ¶
Vizcaino, 34, hasn’t pitched since April 21, two days before he was designated for assignment by the Cubs. In four appearances with Chicago, he pitched 32/3 scoreless innings. ¶
Last year, Vizcaino missed two months because of a shoulder injury but still pitched in 43 games, compiling a 5.28 ERA for the Rockies. ¶
LAPORTA IN HOF — Matt LaPorta has been in the big leagues less than a month, and already he’s in the Hall of Fame. ¶
At least his batting gloves are. LaPorta donated the gloves for an exhibit entitled “”Olympic Baseball.” LaPorta was a member of the U.S. team that played in the 2008 Olympic Games. ¶
STAY TUNED — Monday night’s game against the White Sox will be aired on WMMS-FM (100.7) instead of flagship station WTAM-AM because of a conflict caused by the Cavaliers’ playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks. ¶
FARM FACTS — Lonnie Chisenhall doubled, singled and drove in two runs, as Kinston defeated Myrtle Beach 9-3. Matt McBride also had to hits and one RBI, but his average fell to .420. Paolo Espino gave up two unearned runs and three hits in five innings. ¶
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Well, after Saturday night’s loss to Detroit, I’ve reached MY breaking point with the Tribe…how about YOU? It’s time. It’s just *time* for a change in leadership, followed by a change in players. The “system” Shapiro and Wedge have hasn’t worked, and that includes several years of an ANEMIC offense and no urgency to upgrade it. Years of quality pitching were just squandered away, because Shapiro thought stiffs like Francisco, Choo and Dellucci were OF answers. And Grady? Simply overrated. The whole organization is a mess.
Derek Shelton….is this guy for real? What does he do to help players HIT? We can’t bunt, don’t run, don’t hit for power, don’t field well, have disastrous relief. We’re FIVE-TOOL, alright.
Since Wedge finally noticed that the Tribe better “pick it up a little,” we’ve fallen even further behind. At this rate, we’re a 100+ loss team and out of the race by Mother’s Day.