Cleveland Indians: How Can They Stop the Bleeding?

Let's discuss the ongoing free-fall of the Cleveland Indians. After a road trip that mercifully ended with a hideous 0-9 record, the Tribe lost their 10th in a row last night at home to Minnesota and sits 10.5 games back in the AL Central, having been outscored 88-31 during that stretch.

Fans can look back to June 23, and wonder what happened to the team that was in first place for 48 days this season.

What is it that has caused this disaster? Is it pitching, the offense, the stagnant roster? Could the players have lost all hope after no help was given to the club at the trade deadline?

The Indians have gone 6-18 since the All-Star break, collapsing completely, as the club was just three games back at that point.

With general manager Chris Antonetti stating that Manny Acta would be welcomed back in 2013, is he the problem or is Acta just suffering from roster limitations created by the front office?

Whatever it is that has the club playing through one of the worst stretches in the history of the franchise, ownership does not seem to be panicking. They have not seemed to care much all season, waiting for attendance to go up before acquiring more talent. It can't work that way.

Having watched the club cut ties with Derek Lowe and Johnny Damon, what else can they do for the 2012 season? Where do you see the team finishing in the AL Central? They have the third-worst record in the American League, only five games better than the worst team, the Kansas City Royals.

What is the best-case scenario for the 2013 season, based on how far back the 2012 season has pushed the team's plans?