C.C. Gets Number 18 Tribe Sweep Tigers Win 4-2
Leyland Concedes Division
Remember how everyone said last year that Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leyland with "his never say die attitude" shook the team up and led them to the World Series on his sheer force of character and willpower? Well, that Jim Leyland was nowhere to be found Wednesday afternoon as a beaten and contrite Detroit Skipper addressed the media after his Tigers lost to Cleveland 4-2, sweeping the three game series. The Tigers now find themselves 7.5 games behind Cleveland in the American League Central, and the Indians "magic number" is now down to 3. Even though his team is mathematically alive, Leyland blew taps on the season after the game saying to reporters "They're going to be the Central Division Champions, obviously. They did what a championship team does." Jim, while I admire you giving the Indians the proper respect, I am shocked that you have conceded the division while you still have life left in the season. Is that really the message you want to convey to your team, when the going gets tough just give up? I can assure you after covering Indians manager Eric Wedge from his rookie season as manager in 2003 through the 2006 season, if the roles were reversed there would be no concession. Eric Wedge has far too much pride for that.
As for the game Indians Ace C.C. Sabathia is back in contention for the Cy Young as well as winning 20 for the first time in the Majors after seeing his record grow to 18-7. Sabathia, should have reached 20 earlier this season but lack of run support cost him many games he should have won. Sabathia went 7 allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. Joe Borowski got save number 42 of the campaign. Offensively for the second time in three games MLB's most underrated player Indians third baseman Casey Blake got the key hit a homer in the bottom of the third. It was a key point for the Indians because Sabathia had given up 2 runs in the top of the frame, and they answered back by cutting the lead in half.
© Copyright 2007 thesackattack.com
Post a Comment