Well, the Indians managed to salvage the last game of the series against Toronto, so we can all head into this week with unconditional confidence. Right? At any rate, here's what's going on in Tribe world and around MLB:
Sunday's game: Indians 6, Blue Jays 4
Carlos Carrasco was dominant for a few innings and sloppy for a few others, but a strong performance by Michael Brantley and a clutch hit by David Murphy helped the Indians snap their losing streak at three.
Other Indians news
Swisher, Santana to stay near top of lineup | Cleveland.com - In keeping with Terry Francona's modus operandi, the Tribe skipper plans to wait it out a bit longer to see if Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana can recover from their early slumps. Tito's philosophy in a nutshell:
"I just think that when you believe in guys, you have to be patient. I think sometimes maybe I am to a fault. I don't want to be. I just think it's the best way to get the most out of our guys."
Francona calls team meeting after shutout loss | Indians.com - After dropping Saturday's game 5-0 to Toronto, the Tribe manager called a meeting to try to reassure his team. If you control+F'd "Francona" and replaced with "Wedge," you might get a little deja vu if you're just reading. But seeing the man speak gives an entirely different impression.
Runs at a premium as Tribe offense continues to stumble | Did The Tribe Win Last Night? - Bob Toth focuses on the Tribe's poor production with RISP and the slumping top part of the lineup, but notes that the offense still ranks sixth in the AL in runs scored. He mentions nothing about luck on batted balls from either side of the field. Maybe it *feels* like the offense has been worse, but the pitching may be more concerning.
Carlos Carrasco is the new Jeremy Sowers | It's Pronounced "Lajaway" - Legit LOL at this article.
Brantley's solid game and other notes | Cleveland.com - Dennis Manoloff has lots of great observations about Michael Brantley's game on Sunday, as well as the contributions of Asdrubal Cabrera, Lonnies Chisenhall, and Jason Kipnis.
Series preview: McAllister gets things started vs. Kansas City | Indians.com - The Indians host the Royals for the first time in 2014, a four-game series at Progressive Field.
Around MLB
Why young pitchers don't get better with age | Sports On Earth - Eno Sarris takes a longform look at TINSTAAPP, presenting evidence that pitchers are at their peak when they enter the league and only decline from then on. Drop in velocity as players age is a key factor.
Tigers cut Gonzalez | CBS Sports - Brought in to be the everyday starter when Jose Iglesias went down, Alex Gonzalez is now out on the street. But who needs a starting shortstop when your team can score from first on a walk:
Dodgers ace Kershaw eyeing early May return | LA Times - Reigning NL Cy Young Clayton Kershaw is scheduled for minor league rehab this week, and could return for the Dodgers' next road trip.
Yankees' Nova likely looking at Tommy John surgery | Bombers Beat - Jackass starter Ivan Nova is the latest to fall victim to the Tommy John bug, tearing the UCL in his right elbow. Jackass or not, you hate to see this.
Oversensitivity a problem in baseball | CBS Sports - Carlos Gomez was at the center of another "not playing the game the right way" incident the other day, and Matt Snyder of CBS Sports discusses why the uptick in complaints about this type of thing is silly.
Francoeur makes relief appearance | Hardball Talk - LGFTNRI Jeff Francoeur pitched a 1-2-3 inning for the El Paso Chihuahuas.