AL NOTEBOOK
It's 'Make It or Break It' Time for the Indians
The next eight games could determine whether Indians left-hander C.C. Sabathia finishes the season in Cleveland.
(By Tony Dejak -- Associated Press)
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The Indians went 6-12 against NL teams and have lost eight of their last 12 overall. Today, they go to Chicago to open an eight-game trip -- all against AL Central opponents.
It will be the most crucial stretch of the season for the injury-riddled Indians, who have two starting pitchers and three position players from last year's division champions on the disabled list.
"It is going to make it or break it for us," Indians Manager Eric Wedge said. "This is what it's all about. These are the teams in front of us and it will tell us what we need to know one way or the other."
More losses could lead GM Mark Shapiro to decide to dump high-priced veterans -- including free-agent-to-be C.C. Sabathia, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner who is coveted by so many clubs.
"We're trying to hold the fort until we get guys back," Sabathia said. "We get some wins, get players back, we're still good."
· OUT AT HOME, OUT OF GAME: Royals OF David DeJesus, who leads the majors in hitting with runners in scoring position, was removed from the game against St. Louis after a collision at the plate with C Jason LaRue.
The Royals said DeJesus had bruises to his lower right rib cage and would be day-to-day.
He tried to score from second on a single by José Guillén in the first inning but was thrown out on a terrific throw by LF Skip Schumaker that carried all the way to the plate. After crashing into LaRue, DeJesus got up and walked to the dugout but was replaced at the top of the second by Esteban Germán.
DeJesus, who has a 13-game hitting streak, is batting .463 with runners in scoring position.
· LITTLE RELIEF: Red Sox LHP Hideki Okajima gave up a run in relief for the second time in three days. Boston's bullpen had allowed just one run in its previous 13 innings before the Astros scored five on Saturday night and the game-winner yesterday.
· NOTHING DOING: Athletics RHP Brad Ziegler has yet to allow a run in his 13 innings, the longest streak by an Oakland pitcher at the start of his career since Jeff Jones went 13 1/3 innings in 1980.
-- From News Services
