Lee shares some thoughts with pen. Joe Maxse, PD.
Cliff Lee's most likely not going to pitch in any more meaningful games the next couple months, so the Indians are already talking about what he needs to do in order to return to the rotation next year:
"We're going to make sure he does what he needs to do so when he comes back he's ready," said Wedge. "I'm sure Cliff feels the same. I think [the problems] are fixable, and he's a competitor."
There's a very good reason why the Indians are going to go out of their way to fix Lee; he's locked up through 2009 (a combined $9.5M), and the Indians hold a $8M option for 2010. As far as pitching salaries go, that's very affordable even if Lee turns into a back-of-the-rotation pitcher.
Sunday Notes. Terry Pluto, PD.
Speaking of 2007 flameouts...
That's the problem with a guy like Sowers: a slight loss in velocity means he can't stay even in a major-league rotation. He's slated to start one of the games in the Seattle doubleheader, but shouldn't see much more action this season.
On the other side of the spectrum is Asdrubal Cabrera:
The Indians might delay any drastic moves until they figure out what they have with Josh Barfield and Andy Marte, but I'd have to think that eventually Cabrera will be the Indians' shortstop. Jhonny Peralta has gotten a bit better with his range and cut down his errors, but Cabrera's the better defender.
Another big decision the Indians must make next season is whether to keep Shin-Soo Choo:
I'm having a difficult time figuring out a situation where Choo is in the organization next April. I don't believe Dellucci is going anywhere, and that means the fourth outfielder will be right handed. Gutierrez has locked down right field. Maybe if the Indians carry five outfielders, but they also have to somehow find a way to carry Andy Marte.