Rotation

I meant to post something today about Byrd's performance last night, which was incredible. He's really turned it around this season.

In fact, look at the last four starts by our rotations: 6 earned runs in 30 innings of work. They've been really impressive lately.

Which, of course, leads to the misery of today's game.

It's just the bottom of the 5th now, and Sowers is no longer in the game. It's 6-0 Angels.

I like Jeremy Sowers. I think he's talented. I think he's smart. But I think expectations are getting to him. I think he's pitching scared.

Look at Fausto. I would imagine he goes out there and pitches without fear. After what he went through last season, what could possibly happen to him this year? And it's not like he has to worry about whether or not he's going to get sent down, because he's pretty sure he will.

It's 8-0 now.

But Sowers is a different story.

He joined a Tribe staff that had already destroyed one potential 5th starter (Fausto) and had no other options. He joined a team that was already out of it. He was facing teams for the first time. There was no pressure.

It's a whole different story now. The Indians are expected to win and Sowers is a big part of that. And there are two or three guys in AAA waiting for their shot.

Now there's no reason to panic, not with the rest of our rotation throwing like they are. But you have to wonder how many starts like this they're going to let Sowers have and how much damage they're causing his pysche.

My theory? Well, if his next outing is like this, send him down. Give him a chance to right himself against the AAA batters. Get his confidence back. And give Miller a shot. What do we have to lose?