Indians - Twins : 12-3 Minnesota.

In another sub-par performance, the Indians went down meekly to the Minnesota Twins 12-3 behind another bad outing by Paul Byrd.

Independence day had a lot of meaning for Tribe fans.  They were finally rid of closer Joe Borowski.  Can Masa Kobayashi take the role?   I say yes.  Bring him on.  Please,  please be the man. 

Not since Jose Mesa lost the World Series can the Tribe claim dominant closer leadership.  Kobayashi may be that guy.  He’ll probably have the rest of the season to prove it.

In another bad outing, the Indians were stomped by an AL Central rival.  The Minnesota Twins, now winners of nine of their last 11, got out a can of whoop-ass, taking the Indians to the house 12-3.

Paul Byrd has been done for a while, but there isn’t anyone in the farm system to replace him.  He’s the best option the Indians have, as they are missing Westbrook to injury and could use Carmona back in a bad, bad way.

With strong starting pitching being all they had, the Indians are down to three options: Cliff Lee, Aaron Laffey, and soon-to-be-traded C.C. Sabathia. 

Westbrook and Carmona being hurt have sent the Indians into a tailspin. 

The July 4 loss is hardly worth a recap.  With Byrd on the mound, you could have just chalked up the loss and moved on.

His numbers?  Five and one-third innings, eight hits, and six runs—numbers that deserve a loss, especially when your run support is lucky to get more than two runs.

The closest the Indians got was tying up the game at two apiece after falling in a 2-0 hole.  Quite frankly, that’s as good as it usually gets in the 2008 season.

With Byrd gone, just-recalled Brian Slocum entered the game and exited with a 54.00 ERA, giving up five hits and four runs in two-thirds of an inning.  He made Byrd look like an All-Star.

This was after Jensen Lewis, the other relief call up, went one and one-third and gave up two runs.  Ouch.

Kelly Shoppach had a good night out, going three for three with two RBI.  He and Ben Francisco homered for the Indians, offsetting the two homers the Twins registered.  

The Twins had five of nine starters with a multi-hit game.

These two go again on Saturday.  Aaron Laffey versus Kevin Slowey.  Game time is 7:10 EST.