Cleveland Indians are heating up

To overcome the bullpen struggles and mistakes that had plagued the Cleveland Indians, Shapiro decided to sign veteran help for the outfield and bullpen in the 2007 offseason. The great veterans Aaron Fultz, Roberto Hernandez, and Joe Borowski joined Tom Mastny, Rafael Betancourt, and Fernando Cabrera in the team’s bullpen. Shapiro also signed left fielder David Delucci and right fielder Trot Nixon to short-term deals providing the lineup with veteran leadership.

In early April 2007, it was announced that Cleveland would play a “home” series in Milwaukee against the Los Angeles Angels due to heavy snow in the Cleveland area. The four-game home opening series against the Seattle Mariners had been snowed out. Cleveland took 2 out of the 3 games at Miller Park and won the 1st and 3rd games.

Currently, the Cleveland Indians are first in their division with 38 wins versus only 26 losses (.594). They are 21-8 at home and 17-18 on the road.

On June 10, 2007, the Cleveland Indians optioned left-handed pitcher Jeremy Sowers to Triple-A Buffalo; and recalled right-handed pitcher Matt Miller from Buffalo. On May 31, the team recalled outfielder Franklin Gutierrez from the Triple-A Buffalo; and optioned right-handed pitcher Mike Koplove to Buffalo. Left-handed pitcher Rafael Perez was also recalled from the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. The current team manager is Eric Wedge.