In case you haven’t noticed, and judging by the attendance you haven’t,
the Indians have managed to win a few ball games, and are threatening
to climb out of the cellar.

Over the last few weeks the Tribe has begun to look like an actual Major League baseball team. Coming into this week’s Interleague series with the Brewers, the Indians had won 4 of their last 6 series, seeing huge improvements from guys like Mark DeRosa, Matt Herges, and Luis Vizcaino. The Indians (and their bullpen) managed to pull themselves out of last place in the AL Central (albeit briefly) with their series win against the Royals. Additionally, the starting pitching was seeing huge efforts from guys like Carl Pavano, David Huff, and Staff Ace Cliff Lee, who pitched a near no-hitter against Albert Pujols and the Cardinals on Sunday night. Yes, even the most pessimistic Tribe fan must have come to believe that, with their club only 6-7 games out of first, perhaps the Cleveland Indians could become serious contenders.

Then something like what happened on Monday night happens.

The Tribe put wins leader Carl Pavano on the mound against the mediocre Dave Bush of the Milwaukee Brewers for “Rick Vaughn Night,”honoring the movie “Major League,” which tells of a “worst to first” miracle Indians team that may just resemble the current Tribe club. Bob Uecker, aka Harry Doyle, who was on hand with the Brew Crew, threw out the first pitch. Naturally, Bill and I were in the stands, Dorn and Vaughn Jerseys on our backs.

Sadly, this would be the high point of the evening.

Pavano delivered his second straight poor outing of the year, giving up 6 runs in 5 innings of work. Still, he was saved by great offensive performances from guys like Shin-Soo Choo and Victor Martinez who both homered and put the Tribe ahead. In fact, the Indians led for most of the game, even as Greg Acquino gave up two runs in relief, the Indians managed to stay ahead, as Mark DeRosa Travis Hafner (who had a great night going 3-5) each hit homeruns.

Going into the 8th inning, the Indians were up 12-8 and looked to have it in the bag. Naturally, this would not last. Luis Vizcaino got an out then walked two men before being relieved by Matt Herges, who walked the bases loaded, then gave up a one run single. So, if you’re keeping score, it is now 12-9 Tribe with one out. Matt Herges, who has been very successful this year, is pulled to avoid facing the fearsome Prince Fielder. Of course Eric Wedge, in a moment that may define his season, turned the game over to…

RAFAEL PEREZ???

Now, I rarely blame the manager for a loss, but come on. Perez has an ERA of over 11, and has not been effective all season. With the game on the line, and against a hitter like Fielder, Perez would be the last man I would go to. Leave Herges in, call in Jensen Lewis (a groundball pitcher, for the record), drag Paul Assenmacher out of the halfway house, for God’s Sake, give me anybody but Perez!

And on the first pitch? You guessed it- Grand Slam. Brewers up 13-12.

The Brewers would add another run, and enter the 9th with a 14-12 lead, turning it over to Trevor Hoffman. Hafner worked the count, and found his way on with a single against the all-time saves leader, leaving the game on the backs of Luis Valbuena (hitting .181) and Kelly Shoppach (hitting .280). Despite Hafner reaching third, the Indians could not capitalize, and the bottom of the order failed to produce, leading to a Brewers win.

I really don’t understand the decision-making that lost that game. I mean, I understand the pitching staff underperformed. It is going to happen sometimes, even with a good team. But why not let a guy with an ERA of roughly 1.00 (Herges) try to work it out on the mound instead of handing the ball to a guy like Perez, who is throwing beach balls on a nightly basis. Also, why did we not see Ryan Garko in the 9th? Honestly, why put in an unproven rookie with a poor average and a backup catcher who simply isnt hitting this year in the game to face a guy like Trevor “Freaking” Hoffman? Garko has hit well this season, especially considering he has only been able to play in about 60-70% of games. Even Josh Barfield (who is completely underappreciated, for the record) would have had a better shot at taking out Hoffman, considering his time spent playing in San Diego.

Now, I’m not saying that I’m calling for Eric Wedge’s head just yet, but that kind of managing will get you working at Tire World in no time at all.

-Steve