I don't always get a chance to watch the Tribe game, so as a result I'm left to start my day with the poorly written and often depressing ESPN "Recap".  I've come to the conclusion whoever is writing these things doesn't have much in the way of league awareness, because they always seem to focus on traditional stats as the method by which they determine who "played good" and who did not.

I had a quick idea to see how many pitchers have been deems good performers as a result of being the lucky recipient of this years Indians team that has become quite good at striking/grounding/flying themselves out with almost no effort by the pitcher.

Just last night:

The 22-year-old Hernandez showed why he is one of the only Mariners who is untouchable in the trade market. He struck out eight and allowed just four hits and two runs in six innings, throwing 98 pitches in his second start since returning from a sprained ankle that had him on the disabled list.

The Indians PH for the DH, who bats seventh.  That's about all you need to know about last night's lineup.

In Cinci:

Johnny Cueto added a few wrinkles and changes to go with his crackling fastball.

The rookie right-hander won for the first time in four starts for Cincinnati, combining with four Reds relievers to shut out the Cleveland Indians 5-0 on Saturday night."I've been working on my changeup and slider," Cueto said through an interpreter.

Cueto lost two of his next three; his era is hovering around 5 [Note: I understand those aren't the best stats to be using, point still stands]

Probably the most embarrassing of them all:

Barry Zito finally placed as much faith in himself as the San Francisco Giants did when they signed him.

Signed to a $126 million, seven-year contract before last season, Zito (3-11) got his first interleague win for the Giants on Wednesday night with a 4-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians."That's the Zito we know," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "He had great rhythm, pounded the strike zone and threw all his pitches very well."

If you follow baseball even in the slightest you know Barry isn't having a totally awesome year, except against the Indians.  To this day, he is owned by just 5% of fantasy owners.  A strange stat, I know, but still telling.

I could go all day but I'll finish with just one more:

Greg Reynolds wasn't worried about a return trip to the minors. He just didn't want to have two bad starts in a row.

Five days after giving up eight runs in 3 1/3 innings, Reynolds pitched six strong innings and led Colorado's season-high 17-hit attack by going 2-for-3 with a run scored as the Rockies routed the Cleveland Indians 10-2 on Tuesday night.

Nothing to add except, ya, the Indians were shut down in the best hitters park in baseball by a guy who just got back from the minors and was fresh off of an 8 run 3.3 inning start.

My point is one we've known all along, this team cannot hit.  But I find it a little sad/amusing how hard a time ESPN is having catching on.