I’m sorry to declare it, because I hoped I wouldn’t have to — but I think the Tribe has hit the wall and is now officially in the dumper.
It’s too bad, really, because this has been an interesting season for an overachieving team. After sprinting out to a big lead and then hanging on, winning games by hook or by crook, the Cleveland Indians stood only 1.5 games behind division leader Detroit only two series ago. Alas, they were swept by the Tigers, then lost three of four to the woeful Mariners. Now they are below .500 for the first time in months and have fallen into a tie with the White Sox, 6.5 games behind the Tigers. Their trades haven’t worked out. Their stout pitching has faltered. Their defense has given up errors and unearned runs that they can ill afford. And their hitters, for the most part, look timid and sphincter-clenched at the plate, like they are hoping desperately for walks.
It’s been a good season — but I’m calling it. The Tribe is done. There is no way the Tribe can possibly recover to compete for the division championship. There is no way the mighty Tigers will give up 6.5 games in the few weeks between now and the season’s end. We Tribe fans are just going to have to live with that harsh reality. Wait until next year!