Game Five: Athletics 6, Indians 1

I just don't know what to make of the Indians start. They looked pretty good against the White Sox who - judging from how they're smokin' the nominal "best team in the AL" - must be pretty good. And then they go to Oakland and make a coupla palookas look like the second coming of Jim Palmer. Hafner flailings look pathetic and then his one AB I don't see and he uncorks a homer.

Other than Grady and Garko - throw Gutz in there and we got the "Killer Gs" - nobody else looks like they're interested in actually hitting the baseball. Anyhoo, I'm anxious to see how my boy Cliff does today. After all Jay and I still have our bet as to who comes back first: Lee or Hafner. In my mind the jury's still out.

CC has been erratic all Spring. Wedge (or it might have been Willis) said during one of his spring starts that he needed to start bearing down; in that game, he did and pitched a string of good innings. But, he looks like he's having trouble getting in the groove mentally. I wonder if he's a bit gassed (not physically, but in terms of ability to concentrate) from last year plus the contract discussion.

I know week isn't a long time, but the left field platoon really doesn't look promising (not that it ever did). And having Michaels batting third is absurd. Put Garko there, for goodness sake!

The Indians always seem to have trouble with starters they haven't seen previously, so I don't think this is anything new. But, Wedge criticized their approach, which tells you they're not being patient and are doing things like over-swinging. I think that's where Victor is important -- he rarely does that and "models" what a good at-bat what look like to the team as a whole. He really has become one of the team's leaders, both vocally and by example. That's why losing him has a disproportionate effect, I think. Hurry back!

Oh, and did Andy Marte die or something?

guys, focus. it's five games into the season. remember june-july last year? we'll be fine.

At least there's small good news on the injury wire, with Rodney remaining out of action. The Tigers, despite their recent suckitude, remain the primary threat, of course. I expect the Tigers will further eviscerate the farm in order to get some bullpen help.

Halladay and The Jays are beating Beckett and Boston 6-2 in the 7th; Ortiz and Lowell struck out in between Manny's 2b. Beckett's line resembles CC's recent outing, mixing effectiveness with wildness, leading to a few earned runs.

Lastly, Free Marte.