Indians join the throwback craze

By Mark Bodenrader, MLB Contributing Editor

Indians team report

(Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians have apparently decided to jump on the throwback bandwagon by resorting to their old-school ways. All that's missing is Cory Snyder and those dark blue v-neck jerseys from the 1980's.

From 1995-2001, Cleveland averaged 93 victories a season and won the AL Central title six times. The Indians, who also made two World Series appearances during the span (1995, '97), had been revitalized after a stretch in which it failed to make the playoffs from 1955 through 1994.

However, last season the Indians began trading away high-priced names and finished below .500 (74-88) for the first time since 1993. They are poised for an even worse year in 2003.

Admittedly, the Indians are going through a rebuilding stage, which is the cause of this retro era. The shift in philosophy forced Cleveland favorite Jim Thome to reluctantly pack up and sign on with the up-and-coming Philadelphia Phillies.

At 7-19, the Indians off to their worst start in since 1969, when they were 5-21 through 26 games and finished with a 62-99 record. The team is currently riding a seven-game losing streak for the first time since June 27-July 3, 1991.

Cleveland has totaled just 16 runs during its losing streak. For the season, the team is second-to-last in the AL in both batting average (.243) and runs scored (89).

The Indians' most recent loss came at the hands of the Anaheim Angels in the opener of their three-game series on Tuesday. Ramon Ortiz tossed a complete game and Garret Anderson and Jeff DaVanon each knocked in three runs, leading the Angels to a 10-1 rout at Jacobs Field.

Ellis Burks homered for the Indians, whose home record dropped to 3-8. Cleveland also fell to 0-15 when trailing after six innings.

Ricardo Rodriguez (2-2) had his worst outing of the season and gave up six runs -- four earned -- in five innings of work.

"Anytime you lose a couple of games in a row, it's something you've got to deal with," Indians manager Eric Wedge said. "I think these guys do a good job of separating each game from the next. I think it shows because they keep battling every day."

As if the team's thin lineup wasn't trouble enough, the Indians are currently playing without their best hitter this season -- Milton Bradley. The centerfielder is on the 15-day DL with a hamstring injury.

Despite last playing on April 22, Bradley still leads the team in batting average (.375), hits (30), doubles (10), runs scored (16) and OPS (1.046).

On top of that, the Indians are receiving little help from their ace and their closer.

Working with weak run support, C.C. Sabathia (0-2) has yet to post a win six starts in 2003. The southpaw has gone 13-13 since posting a 17-5 record during his rookie season of 2001.

Danys Baez is 0-3 with a 6.00 ERA and just three saves this year. His three losses have come in his last four appearances and his last save occurred way back on April 9.

WHO'S HOT

Third baseman Casey Blake has gone 6-for-15 over his last four games with two homers, three RBI and two runs scored.

WHO'S NOT

Essentially the bulk of Cleveland's roster is struggling, but the player that stands out is Karim Garcia. The rightfielder has only one hit in his last 22 at-bats and owns just a .197 average this season.

COMING UP

After its series with Anaheim, Cleveland welcomes the Texas Rangers for three games at Jacobs Field. The Indians then embark on a six-game road trip that features the same two opponents.

04/30 15:14:15 ET