Shell Shocked

Although the struggles of closer John Rocker (above) have been making most of the headlines lately, starting pitching has been the Indians' biggest weakness this season. At week's end seven of the eight pitchers Cleveland had used as starters (all except rookie Jake Westbrook) had endured at least one early shelling, defined here as a start in which the pitcher had surrendered five or more runs in five or fewer innings. In the American League only the much-maligned Rangers staff had more poor-quality starts than the Indians.

—David Sabino

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