Bloody Sox

-Jul 24, 2007 12:28 PM

Even as a die hard Indians fan it was extremely hard to root against John Lester last night as he made the Cleveland Indians lineup look like little more than a little league all-star team. However, now that my heart has been touched it is time to get back to my Boston blood thirst. I cannot wait to take the train down to Jacobs Field tonight to watch C.C Sabathia destroy Japan's finest as I eat a gross amount of one dollar hot dogs. Is there any better way to spend a night?

Though Sportscenter anchors continually remind us the July series are still just July series, I'm tempted to put more stock in this week. The number 2 and 3 records in baseball are facing off in what could be a series that drastically changes the rest of each team's season. This is just the type of series Cleveland needs. Fausto Carmono, the 12-4 phenom is finally going to get a serious threat against Josh Becket, and tonight against Dice-K, C.C will be forced to wake up and pitch like he did before the all star break. If Cleveland looks good and wins this series, Shapiro will be forced to go out there and make a move to sure up that bullpen or add an arm for the run. While C.C, Fausto, and Paulie Bird have been doing their parts, it has been excruciating watching the likes of Jake Westbrook and Cliff Lee go out there and throw B.P. With C.C looking to make Barry Zito's contract look like a joke, this needs to be the year that Shapiro and Wedge put it all together and lead these young players into the post season and on to the 'ship.'

The 3rd best staff in the bigs vs. the number one run scoring team. Hard not to be excited. Look out for Travis Hafner this week, it looks like he is finally shaking off the rust and he thrives in situations like these; this could be the resurrection. Also, Josh Barfield is hot, his game winning performance in Texas is what Cleveland should now be expecting. Aaron Fultz, its time to get healthy or get gone. Batencourt can't pitch every game, Shapiro is going to go get someone with you out, and it is going to get tough to find your way back into innings if that bullpen fills up. Fernando Cabrera? Goodbye friend, I thought you were gonna be the closer, now it looks like you wont even be around.

Everyone, get excited, the race is heating up, Detroit and Cleveland are neck and neck. New York is going to put some heat on Boston and the Seattle Mariners are going to force a wild card race. Do not grow complacent in the dog days of July, this is when things start to get exciting!