Deep Left Field | A Cleveland Indians Blog

Paul Byrd Aiming to Get Single-Digit ERA

The Indians probably won’t make any drastic changes right away, considering Paul Byrd has only pitched in two games this season - both losses.  But he looks almost nothing like the command master of last season, especially after Wednesday’s implosion (his ERA is now a hefty 11.05).  You obviously know something is wrong when a pitcher gives up three home runs in only three innings of work, one being a grand slam.  Byrd hardly lasted that long, giving up six runs.  The Indians made a late run, putting up four in the sixth, but a Vladimir Guerrero three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh pretty much put the game out of reach at that point.

Granted, it has only been two games for Paul Byrd.  But one should think that the leash should be short with Aaron Laffey and Jeremy Sowers waiting in Buffalo.  What is encouraging, however, is the possibility that Cliff Lee has returned to his old form.  And yet, he’s only pitched in one game.  It’s just too early to tell; let’s give it a few more starts before the clamoring really begins.  The same goes for the “platoon” of Jason Michaels/David Dellucci.  Dellucci did manage to go 2-4 on the afternoon, but seeing those two in the lineup at the same time makes my skin crawl.  One can hear the unrest beginning to swell with Ben Francisco also wasting away in Buffalo.

• Not a good sign: The Indians are currently tied with the Cincinnati Reds for most home runs allowed with 14.