A's 9, Indians 7

Who would've thought that the Oakland A's would totally have the Tribe's number this year? Another loss, and at home...kind of depressing. Here are my thoughts:

• Whaaaaat is the deaaaal with C.C. (said in Jerry Seinfeld's voice)? Is he pressured to play for a big contract next year? Is he thrown off by Fausto's brand new deal? I can't decide if he's offended by it, or if he's threatened.

• By the way, if anyone thinks we should trade him, you're an idiot. If it's inevitable that he's leaving, and he performs to his capabilities, we'll reap the benefits. It's a win/win for the Tribe.

• As I said before, Ryan Garko's legend is building in Cleveland. He is definitely the kind of player the citizens of Cleveland identify with, and don't be surprised if you start seeing Garko jerseys around here.

• I know Travis Hafner has built the reputation as a home run masher. However, I think it's refreshing that we're seeing him actually hit base hits, gappers, and really filling the role as a real hitter. Don't be aggravated if he doesn't get his .300/40/120. I'd rather have .315/32/135.

• It was nice to see Rafael Bentancourt throw at least two pitches. He mixed in that changeup nicely. It's kind of when Michael Scott from "The Office" that isn't completely incompetent.

• One thing I was REALLY unimpressed with: Casey Blake going down on three pitches in the 9th. Come on now. That's bush league. Still diggin' the beard though...

The silver lining (and yes, that depresses me that I have to use that phrase so often, so early), is that this team can play from behind. When they were down 9-1, the team looked surprisingly upbeat and eager. Just as Trent Dilfer said about Charlie Frye, this team has moxie (sorry, bad comparison. But it's true). They believe they can overcome any deficit, and that is an intangible that will prove to be invaluable.

Currently in bars across the Cleveland area, people are starting to panic about the 2008 Indians. They're gonna be fine. They're gonna be more than fine. There's no telling what this team will accomplish once they hit their groove.

And these people will be eating their words when they do.