The train is officially off the track
If the hitters don't produce, it doesn't matter if Greg Maddux 1995 is out there. And right now, the offense is just a theory.

It's easy to blame Eric Wedge, so I will.

- The eighth inning last night, and Lofton is set to leadoff the inning. But because a lefty is on the mound, Eric Wedge chooses to go with that dependable leadoff hitter, Jason Michaels. Lofton is being used as a platoon player, and I just don't understand that. Lofton has speed and a slashing swing. He's different than everyone else on the roster. But Wedge sticks with Michaels, who is pretty much the same player as every other veteran outfielder on the roster.

- Trot Nixon. Why?

- Chris Gomez hits a double to leadoff the ninth, and the Indians can't even be bothered to put the ball in play before calling it an inning. I don't expect Jhonny Peralta to bunt, but he should at least be disciplined enough to put the ball in play.

- I am always tough on Casey Blake, but the reality is, at least he gets on base, which is more than I can say for much of the lineup.

- I never feel good when Joe Borowski comes in, but he seems to be much worse when he pitches in a non-save situation. Wedge went to him last night in the 10th, for reasons I can't phathom. Yes, the Indians bullpen is mediocre, but there are some guys who can pitch a scoreless inning every once in a while. Rafael Perez?

-And if I hear one more person say "if someone had told you the Indians would be a game out in August ...", well, first off, no one ever says anything like that. Secondly, Most of the Indians good work was done in April and May. So there's little immediate evidence the team will turn it around any time soon. That's cause for concern.

- The Tigers are probably smelling blood. They have been miserable, but they know they have no excuses. Yes, Detroit has injuries, but the talent is still superior to Cleveland.