I'm sick. That's why you haven't seen much in the past few days. Somehow I managed to make it to the game last night (I'm feeling it today though). The first six innings were a rainy, cold, bore. Than came the 7th. A picture essay of what ensued is above. All you need to know is that a 4-1 deficit was erased thanks to an old friend (David Riske!) and the Tribe's magic number is now 10. Franky Guitterez deserves as much credit as Asdrubal Cabrera gets for sparking this team. It was his HR in the 7th that started the comeback.
With the Angels loss last night to the White Sox, the Tribe now is tied for second for the best record in baseball at 86-61, just two games back in the loss column of Boston. This is significant because a second or first place AL finish would pit the Indians against the red-hot Yankees in the ALDS. Finishing third would have the Tribe facing the Red Sox. I have completely changed my stance - i'd much rather face the Red Sox who's bullpen all of a sudden looks vulnerable. Hideki Okajima has never pitched this many innings or this late in a season. Manager Terry Francona, as evidence in last night's implosion against the Yankees, clearly has no faith in Eric Gagne (he went to closer Jonathon Papelbon for a full two inning save); Mike Timlin is still Mike Timlin.
Who knows. Lets just close it out and get there.
Linkage:
Late Longballs Save Tribe - Paul Hoynes, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Blake a Hero in Comeback Win - Sheldon Ocker, Akron Beacon-Journal
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