Indians-Reds Series: Cleveland Gunned Down in the Queen City

Just when you think your team is on a roll, disaster strikes. Sunday was a crappy day in Cleveland sports, as the Cleveland LeBrons were beaten in seven games by the geriatric Celtics. Looks like two years left of professional basketball in Cleveland!

Getting back to baseball. We have all heard that the season is a marathon and not a sprint. Well, interleague play became an annoying bunion on the big toe of the Indians as they were swept by the Cincinnati Reds over the weekend.

The hitting continued to suck dramatically, and our bullpen savior decided to recreate Bob Wickman's Great American Ballpark meltdown of 2006. How is it that Adam Dunn can be a slow, underachieving, below-average fielder most of the season, and then see Cleveland across the jerseys of the opposing team and immediately become Ken Griffey Jr. in his prime? (Not the Griffey now, he looks about done.)

Watching Dusty Baker chew on his toothpick and re-adjust his wristbands in the dugout made me want swallow my remote. The Reds are playing well now, but I am sure that reality will strike them by the All-Star break, as it usually does.

Their general manager will hang on to Griffey and Dunn for too long, because the organization feels that they can compete this year. The two will leave for free agency, bringing no prospects in return. Also, what team starts Jerry Hairston and Corey Patterson? Those guys make Dellucci and Blake look like cornerstones to any franchise.

The Reds did uncover the flaws that have been plaguing the Tribe for most of the season. Through the first two games, the team went 0-15 with runners in scoring position. Some of that was due to pitchers batting, but most of it was due to the ineptitude of the lineup as a whole.

I understand that Wedge is pretty much clueless as to who to bat where in the order (understandably so), but batting Dellucci third is downright ridiculous. He has had some clutch hits with runners on this year, but that is way too high of a spot for a journeyman, fourth outfielder.

It killed them in the first inning Sunday, as he was up with two on and no outs, and flailed away at a high fastball. Might as well let Francisco hit third, as he right now is swinging the best bat. I would prefer just sticking Hafner back in there on Tuesday and letting things sort themselves out.

Also, the savior to the bullpen, Masa Kobayashi became ordinary again. I like his demeanor on the mound, but if he ever were to become the closer, these sort of blown saves may occur due to his stuff not being overpowering. His fastball to Dunn was right in his kitchen.

The media has reported that JoeBo will probably be back in a week, and they seem to believe this will settle things down. Most fans will believe what I do, that the ninth will not be safe unless a legitimate closer is brought in. I was all for Raffy, but he wilted under the pressure of the ninth. Kobayashi provides a decent option, but he is suspect to the gopher ball. As for JoeBo, get out the heart medication because he is excruciating to watch.

Highlights

Michael Aubrey: First Major-League hit was a home run. This one-week honeymoon by Aubrey will be interesting to watch. His call up may show how committed they are to Garko for the long run. He now has one more than our cleanup hitter.

Ben Francisco: 5-11, first HR of the season. I think his teammates should take some notes on his hitting style. Don't over think, see the ball, hit the ball. Has played himself into the everyday lineup.

Fausto Carmona: 7 1/3 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 4 K, 1 ER. Continues to deal, was robbed of a victory by the bullpen and the offense. No walks is an excellent sign.

Jorge Julio: 1/3 IP, 0 ER. Got to pitch, probably a big deal for the Julio family.

Areas of Concern

Ryan Garko: Got thrown out Sunday at second base after hitting the ball off of the wall. Decided to watch his stroke instead of getting out of the box and hustling down the line.

Wouldn't be surprised to see him in a platoon with Aubrey over the next week as Wedge usually does not tolerate lazy play. Also, I'm gettin tired of his front knee hitting the dirt when he swings at a low pitch. Probably not the best form.

Masa Kobayashi: 1/3 inning, three-run bomb to Adam Dunn in the ninth, blown save. Crushed the hopes and dreams of every Tribe fan hoping we finally found a closer.

Asdrubal Cabrera: 0-10. Even though his glove has been superb, he may need to be sent down to regain confidence in his bat. He is only 22, but he is pulling the ball and hitting way too many flyballs.

David Dellucci: 1-9. Rough weekend for DD. Wedge is asking too much of him by batting him third. Needs to be dropped down immediately.

The Indians get a much needed day off Monday before they face the Chicago White Sox for a three-game series in Chi Town. 52 year old Jose Contreras battles CC Sabathia Tuesday.