I dont want to get too much into the problems with the current Indians team and I dont want to go on and on about all of my opinions about what is wrong, what they should have done, and what they will do.

What I do want to do is make an obvious statement...A CHANGE NEEDS TO OCCUR.  I am not here to suggest what it is but one must occur and now!

Are we all in agreement on this?  Do we all think a change needs to happen? 

Here is my question...will it happen, when will it happen, and how big will it be?

As casual fans we observe many things.  Some of us may hate a player like Barfield or Peralta or Borowski and usually there is good reason but a lot of times it is because of a what have you done for me lately (or havent done lately) feeling.  All of us including myself are guilty of it.

For example, a lot of us are very down on Casey Blake and we dont understand why he bats second in the order.  We have good reason to feel this way because he has really stunk the last couple of months.  But, Wedge likes him and has faith in him and is very slow to move him.  The issue really is this, who else should we bat second.  Without an obvious choice, we leave Blake in the spot and pray.

But, this brings me to my point.  Why the hell is Trot Nixon playing more or as much as Gutz?!?!?!?!?!  As casual fans, we bitch and complain every night about this with good reason.  We basically do it because we know how bad Nixon has been offensively and defensively.  Both are fabulous reasons to replace him for even Jason Michaels at this point.  But, I have done a little research to prove my point.  The research was done so we cant just say this is a typical case of complaining and moaning.

Since July 5 (dreadful Detroit serious), Nixon has started 22 games...21 in RF and 1 at DH.  Gutierrez has started 22 games...19 in RF and 3 in LF.  Included in these games are 3 that they started together (the 3 Gutz was in LF).  

Here is the breakdown with the Indians record...

Nixon in RF without Gutz - 5-13
Nixon at DH without Gutz - 0-1
A Total for Nixon without Gutz - 5-14

Gutz in RF without Nixon - 11-8
A Total for Gutz without Nixon - 11-8

Both of them in the lineup - 3-0

Grand Totals -
Nixon in the lineup - 8-14 (including 3 wins with Gutz)
Gutz in the lineup - 14-8

Now, we arent talking .700 baseball but it is definitely a very strong indicator as to who should be in the starting lineup.  How does Wedge not recognize this?!?!?!  How did Wedge get extended!!!  This is not brain surgery here...

I just read that he was designated for assignment by the Yankees.  Does anyone else think this would be a great pick up for the utility guy we have been waiting for?  I think this would be amazing.  

He can play every infield position and he has a lot of postseason experience.  Also, keep in mind we have an upcoming series against the Yankees.  How exciting would that be if he came back against them in a Tribe uniform?!?!?!  Also, no one would want to beat the Yankees more for a playoff birth than him.  

What do you all think?  Also, what are the chances of us landing him?

Just to let you know, Jeremy Sowers had another strong performance in Buffalo.  It was his third straight strong outing.  I think his ERA since mid-June is under 1.00...somewhere around 0.95?!?!?!

If this is true, it sounds a lot like the Sowers of last year where he was dominating AAA and he came up to the MLB team and continued to pitch well.

I think we can all agree that his main issue in April/May was control.  He appears to have fixed that now and if that's the case, that is a good sign for us.

I would feel a lot more confident with him pitching successfully along with Westbrook pitching like he did that last two times.

Taken from rotoworld.com.

The Diamondbacks are shopping Carlos Quentin in a bid to land a starting pitcher.

The Nationals and Indians are known to have interest, and we're sure a bunch of other teams do as well. Neither Washington nor Cleveland can offer Arizona the immediate SP upgrade the team desires. Quentin would be a worthy piece in a deal for Jon Garland or Joe Blanton, but we're not sure either of those have been discussed. If the Diamondbacks were to move Quentin, they'd probably give Justin Upton a try.

I would love this kid...it wouldnt help us short term but I would justify trading Lee to Arizona in a heartbeat for this.  And, I actually think Lee could help Zona.

CLEVELAND (TICKER) -- The Cleveland Indians on Monday claimed lefthander John Koronka off waivers from the Texas Rangers.

The Indians also optioned the 27-year-old to Class AAA Buffalo. Koronka was designated for assignment by Texas on July 1.

Koronka has spent most of the 2007 season at Class AAA Oklahoma. The lefthander posted a 6-4 record with a 4.41 ERA in 14 starts for the Red Hawks. In two starts for the Rangers this year, Koronka was 0-2 with a 7.84 ERA.

In 2006, the southpaw went 7-7 with a 5.69 ERA in 23 starts with Texas.

I dont think I am alone in stating that we need the July desktop calender.  I love this thing.  It is on my desktop at home and at work.  Please, please, please provide us with the new July 2007 version.  I use it everyday to find out what time the Tribe plays and who they play next.  It is something every Tribe fans loves and wants.  I know my friends that are fans of other teams are jealous of this neat desktop.  BRING IT ON...GIVE US A JULY 4TH PRESENT!!!

I dont think I am alone in my thoughts...who else loves this?

I hate to bring this up and I wish the best for the Harang family but I just ran across this on Yahoo.

"CINCINNATI (AP) -- Right-hander Aaron Harang went on the bereavement list Thursday, leaving the Cincinnati Reds unsure of their weekend pitching plans.

The Reds completed a three-game series in San Diego with a 3-2 loss Wednesday night. Harang remained in San Diego to be with his ailing grandfather.

Cincinnati was off Thursday before opening a weekend series against the Cleveland Indians at Jacobs Field. Harang is scheduled to pitch Sunday. The Reds planned to fill his roster spot before the series opener Friday."

Once again, good luck to Aaron and the Harang family from all of us but it is nice to not face the top pitcher in the Reds system.

In my fantasy league, I just traded Joe Blowrowski and Bartolo Colon for Billy Wagner.  I did this thinking Borowski would not hold the position through the summer.  A 9.00 ERA just doesnt cut it for any pitcher.  I have been defending him all year cause his only two bad performances were against NY and OAK but I cant take it anymore.  I had to cut my losses!

What do you all think?

End all the speculation...Rafael Perez is on the Major League...at least for tonight.

From Rotoworld...

"Indians recalled LHP Rafael Perez from Triple-A Buffalo."

"Perez, 24, had a 4.38 ERA in 12 1/3 innings for Cleveland last season. He's up to give the Indians innings in case of a short outing from Cliff Lee tonight."

Francisco and Choo are both in AAA again.

This was done in case they need an extra arm tonight.

Next decision is what will happen with Westbrook.  Carmona will be called up but will it be with Perez being sent down and one of the OF moving back up???