HGH scandal adds to Indians’ Game 7 complications
The Indians already had their hands full with the Boston Red Sox. Now they’ll have the media and questions about Paul Byrd’s HGH to contend with as Game 7 looms.
In what can only be considered conspicuous timing despite the newsworthiness of the San Francisco Chronicle’s revelation that Byrd spent thousands on HGH, the Indians must find a way to top the Red Sox while problems with their pitching staff continue to mount. Why now? The story couldn’t wait until tomorrow? Or perhaps the story was ready sooner?
On the field, the Indians look lost. C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona can’t seem to find the strike zone and Cleveland clearly appears rattled. The bullpen looks worn out. Perez isn’t trusting his stuff. Borowski is and always be a question mark in the ninth inning despite his ability to close out games.
Travis Hafner has barely put the ball in play and the defense has shown signs of shakiness. In all, it appears the Red Sox have made adjustments and now the Indians stubbornly stick to the plan despite being outscored 19-3 the past two games.
Tonight’s Game 7 will be all about adjustments. The Indians should count on a decent effort from Jake Westbrook, but should also count on him to get knocked around a bit as his groundballs have a tendency to find holes every so often. Of most concern for the Tribe will be how far they can ride Westbrook and get the game into the hands of the bullpen’s backend of Betancourt and Borowski.
On offense, Cleveland needs a spark. They’ve barely threatened against seeing Beckett and Schilling which again supports the theory that the Red Sox have adjustments and the Indians haven’t. After two duds in Games 5 and 6, the Indians should show up for Game 7. The problem being the Red Sox have already arrived.
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