WaitingForNextYear

If you aren’t pumped about this quick 2 game series, you better check your pulse. I have an irrational hatred for any team that knocks Cleveland out of the playoffs, I admit that. Throw in the stereotypical Bawston fan’s attitude and my skin crawls at the mention of the Red Sox. I have to imagine the Indians are motivated as well to erase the bad memories of last season.

The Red Sox come to town with a 7-6 record, a half game out of first in the East. They beat the Yankees 2 games to 1 over the weekend, and aside from getting swept in Toronto, they have won all of their series this year. The big news coming out of Bean town (aside from that stupid jersey in Yankee stadium story) is the early season struggle of David Ortiz. (You knew that link would be to an ESPN story, what else do they have to report on?) Ortiz didn’t play in yesterday’s Yankee game.

Ortiz is 3-for-43, with one hit in his past 29 at-bats and none in his past 17. During an agonizing three-game stretch before his rest break, he whiffed four times and grounded into three double plays in a span of 10 at-bats.

There was talk that Ortiz may sit today as well, since he is 1 for 12 lifetime against Tribe starter Jake Westbrook. I’d be fairly surprised if the DH was given 2 straight off days however. That kind of move is usually reserved for rookies and utility players. As a team Boston is hitting .269 good enough for 6th in MLB.

Jake Westbrook gets the start tonight for the Indians. Westbrook has been sensational this season, and he will need to be sharp again tonight for the Indians to win. Jake is 3-2 in his career against Boston in the regular season, 1-1 with a 3.55 era in last year’s ALCS. The Boston hitter that gives Jake the most trouble- Manny Ramirez who is 8 for 16 lifetime against his former teammate. (That’s .500 for the mathematically challenged.)

Jon Lester (1-2, 4.50 era) goes tonight against Cleveland. The Indians as a team hit Lester pretty well, sporting a .308 average against the lefty. The Tribe catchers hit him particularly well, with both Martinez and Shoppach going 2 for 3 against him. The only two Indians that have homers against Lester are Victor and Grady Sizemore.

Tomorrow’s pitching matchup- Tim Wakefield, and that stupid dancing knuckle-ball against Paul Byrd. Wow. Better win tonight. Wakefield (1-0, 3,27 era) owns this Cleveland line-up. The only Indians that have a decent batting average against him are David Dellucci (4-12) and Victor Martinez (3-5). Travis Hafner is a big donut for 7 against the righty.

Tonight’s first pitch will be tossed by Jim ‘Mudcat’ Grant. In case you cared.