Snakebitten

Westbrook's bad luck continued last night as the Fatolo Colon shut down the Tribe's bats, running Jake's record to 0-4. This despite a 3.81 ERA, a WHIP of 1.04, and 2 complete games. Outside of his one hiccup, he's been very steady and the worm will turn for him. Let's hope it's sooner rather than later.

Some items of note I saw on the Tribe Website (which annoyingly asks me to download Macromedia Flash THREE times every time I go on the site):
-Tribe is last in AL in Batting Average and RBI's (on a related note, also Runs)
-Tribe is 2nd last in AL in OPS (only Jose Hernandez is over .800, at a blistering .802)
-Tribe is 2nd best in AL in team ERA (behind the ChiSox)
-Tribe is 3rd best in AL in team WHIP (behind Minnesota and ChiSox)

The bats have to turn around. Don't they? Last year, the offense cruised while the bullpen blew up. When will everything come together all at once?

On another note, the Cavs fired Jim Paxson today, giving a sense of closure to The Collapse. Watching the scores last night and hearing that the Cavs would not be in the playoffs, it made me think:

People in their 50's often say that they remember exactly where they were when JFK was killed, then a later generation knew where they were when the Challenger exploded (Miss Vercilleno's 3rd grade classroom).
As a long suffering Cleveland sports fan, there are certain events that I can pinpoint where I was. Though they certainly pale in social significance to the events listed above, I can clearly remember where I was for The Drive, The Fumble, and The Shot (all in my old house's family room), Game 7 (236 Kiefaber, Dayton OH), and when the Ping Pong ball turned up for the Cavs to get LeBron (in my current kitchen, listening to the TV in the other room). I don't think The Collapse makes this list. Are there any events that I'm missing? Where were you when these things happened?
After The Shot happened, I ran up to my bedroom to tear down all of my Jordan posters and ripped up my Air Jordan Flight Club Membership Card. After Paul Alten told me that the Browns had moved (in my freshman year dorm room, Sheehy Hall 3rd floor), I tore my Browns shirts and posters apart in a fit of rage.

As I write this the bases are loaded in the first against Washburn (a solid lefty, something we've struggled against). Hernandez just hit bases-clearing double. God, I love this game. There's some run support K-Mill.

Heading West

The Tribe split a pair in KC, thanks to the sudden transformation of Angel Castillo from a light hitting Royal to Albert Belle in his prime (Lee Smith, Troy Percival), and the Indians head to the Left Coast for a 3 game set with the Angels.

I didn't get to see the end of the game, as it was not shown on local TV. After my initial outburst (thinking I would get home to catch the last few innings), I calmed down and got to listen to the mellifluous tones of Hammy.

Elarton started the season on my bad side and he's slipping into Scott Stewart, Chad Durbin territory for me. I know that I should be patient, but it's hard with Tallet tearing it up in Buffalo and JD fighting for innings. I would say by the middle of May, if Elarton hasn't put together some solid outings - it may be back to the scrap heap.

Cliff Lee and Rocky Betancourt were very tough last night. I hope that Lee can build on the strong outing, and the strong starting pitching (Elarton included) can continue.

The D seems to be improving. Even though Boone hasn't yet found his swing, his defense has been strong. Peralta ("Einar's little brother" - Cy Slapnicka) seems more comfortable every day too. But Jelly seems slow at second. His transfer hasn't been the lightning fast exchange of last year. But again, it is mid-April. I will hold serious reservations and comments until the quarter mark of the season.

Here's one vote for The Stick and Belliard to take the braids out to maximize the 'fro factor on the team. Coco's has never looked better, and Grady can't seem to decide if he's on board or not. The addition of Martinez and Ronnie would give an Oscar Gamble look to the lineup.

With the late games of the next few days (sorry 1AM is past my bedtime on a school night), I'll peruse the Media Guide for items of note that caught my eye.

As I write this, Boston just pulled to within 2 at 83-81. Will this collapse become known as a two word descriptor? The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, Joe Table, The Collapse? Why, oh why, am I a Cleveland sports fan?