Mediocre Monday

Losing the last three series's has been frustrating. The Cleveland Indians have been struggling since game three, not doing anything particularly well. It took Cliff "the stopper" Lee to end a second consecutive 3 game losing streak. Yesterday's game was the first since the second game of the season that the Tribe actually had a lead in the early innings. Stringing a few wins in a row at home would go a long way in providing momentum to a lackluster ballclub. The good news is at least they aren't playing as bad as the Tigers.

Here were some of the highlights:

Cliff Lee: 8 innings, 1 earned run, 2 hits, 8K's. Clifford pounded the strike zone consistently, broke lots of bats, came up huge again when the Tribe needed him. Had No-hitter type stuff.

Ryan Garko: 4-10 2RBI's, 2BB's. Has been on base every game this season, consistently produced solid numbers, has a .325 batting average.

Grady Sizemore: 4-12 4RBI's. 2 hits with runners in scoring position yesterday, made an unbelievable catch on Friday. Is the catalyst in the Indians order.

Jamey Carroll: 1-1 2BB's 1HBP, 3 runs scored. Played a great game, plays solid defense, adds a spark. Huge upgrade over Mike Rouse.

David Dellucci: 3-9, 2 runs, 4 RBI's. Seems to have a solid stroke going. I imagine he will be taking time away from this guy.

Areas of Concern:

CC Sabathia: 3 1/3 innings, 12 hits, 2 BB's 9 earned runs. Pitched really bad, didn't go to his fastball when he needed it, too many 2 strike change-ups. The talk of him worrying about his contract is absurd. Even if CC pitched terribly this year someone will give him a huge contract due to him being young, left-handed, and a Cy Young under his large belt. CC just needs to start blowing people away again or the Tribe will be in trouble.

Fausto Carmona: 3 1/3 innings, 2 hits. 3 earned runs, 8 WALKS. Fausto may have been overthrowing a bit, trying to prove his new contract. It is not like the A's put the ball in play much. Carmona may struggle more against patient hitting teams like the A's and Red Sox.

Casey Blake: 0-8. batting .143 on the season. Is just not looking good at all at the plate or in the field.

Victor Martinez: 1-11. Tough series for Victor, may still be experiencing tightness due to the cold weather.

Andy Marte: 0-2. He just is not very good. Looked clueless striking out with the bases loaded.

The Indians try to get a 2 game winning streak going tonight against the Red Sox. Jon Lester takes on Jake Westbrook.