Indians notebook: The hits will come
Not every Indians batter has been productive at the plate so far. 3B Casey Blake is 4-for-26 (.154) in the postseason, OF Franklin Gutierrez 3-for-20 (.150) and 2B Asdrubal Cabrera 5-for-25 (.200).
"You're going against the other team's best pitchers," Indians hitting coach Derek Shelton said. "The only numbers that matter in the postseason are wins and losses. There are fundamental adjustments we can make at any time, but there's not always a fundamental adjustment we need to make."
JHONNY BE GOOD SS Jhonny Peralta, conversely, is 11-for-24 (.458) in the postseason with four doubles, a home run, six RBIs, four walks and a stolen base. "He's going through a good streak at the right time, but we're also seeing how Jhonny has grown up," Shelton said.
MASTNY MANS UP Indians fans were still talking Sunday about RHP Tom Mastny, infrequently used during the latter part of the season, having retired David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez and Mike Lowell in order during the 10th inning of Game 2. "To retire those three guys, when no has else has done that in the last three weeks, was really gratifying," Cleveland pitching coach Carl Willis said.
BE PREPARED Red Sox Game 3 starter Daisuke Matsuzaka was asked if he was prepared to face the waves of midges that distracted New York reliever Joba Chamberlain during the Division Series. "I did bring along some bug spray," Matsuzaka said. "But, in terms of preparation, that's about it." Boston Manager Terry Francona said he also won't be worrying about another hatch of the mosquito-like insects. "If it rains, you handle it," Francona said. "If it snows, you handle it. If it's cold, you handle it. I guess if there's bugs, you get bug spray."
NO DOUBT Francona said veteran knuckleballer Tim Wakefield will start Game 4, regardless of the outcome of Game 3.
HARD DAY'S NIGHT Saturday marked the first time the Red Sox have ever lost an extra-innings playoff game at home. The Red Sox had been 7-0-1 (with a tie in 1912).
THROW A STRIKE An interesting trio of celebrities will throw out the ceremonial first pitches this week. Today Show weatherman Al Roker will do the honors tonight, world middleweight boxing champion Kelly Pavlik of Youngstown will do so before Game 4 and Olympic figure skating gold medalist and Bowling Green native Scott Hamilton will throw out the Game 5 first pitch.
- ANDY CALL