Saturday, July 08, 2000
INDIANS NOTEBOOK
Tribe could use Neagle
By JOE KAY
AP Sports Writer
The Cleveland Indians sure could use someone like Denny Neagle. And they might have a chance to trade for him later this month.
“I don't know what it would take to get him,” manager Charlie Manuel said after Neagle (8-2) pitched eight shutout innings in the Reds- 2-1 win over the Indians Friday night. “Neagle's a good pitcher. He always has been.”
Although the Indians fell a season-high 111/2 games behind the Chicago White Sox in the AL Central on Friday, they're still in the running for the wild card — if they can get starting pitching. And it's unclear when disabled starters Jaret Wright and Charles Nagy might return.
Neagle, a free agent at the end of the season, knows that Cleveland will be one of the teams inquiring about him if the Reds decide to trade.
“Yeah, they're a possibility,” Neagle said. “A lot of teams are possibilities. The best thing for me to do is not think about it. A couple of weeks ago I caught myself thinking about those possibilities and let my focus drift. I decided I'm still pitching for the Cincinnati Reds and my job is to try to pitch this team into the postseason.”
Indians loser Chuck Finley (7-6) tipped his hat to Neagle.
“I kind of got outpitched, basically,” Finley said.
“Neagle pitched a heck of a game,” Manuel said. “He threw his changeup over the plate, moved his fastball in and out and wasn't afraid to throw inside. He's a smart pitcher.”
NOT SO SMART: Why in the world did third base coach Jim Riggleman send Travis Fryman to his death at home plate with two outs in the ninth inning?
“There are times with two outs that you shouldn't send 'em and that was probably one of them right there,” Riggleman said.
Russell Branyan's pinch hit into the left-field corner scored Roberto Alomar from second, but Fryman was easily out at the plate on Barry Larkin's relay from Alex Ochoa.
RAMIREZ BACK SOON: Outfielder Manny Ramirez could be activated when the Indians resume play after the All-Star break.
“I hope that's what's going to happen,” Manuel said Friday.
Ramirez has been sidelined since he strained his left hamstring on May 29. He began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday, going 2-for-5 with a homer and three RBI.
Manuel would like to have Ramirez play the outfield to test the leg before he's activated, but figures that's not mandatory.
“At the same time, I can always DH him,” Manuel said.
SEXSON 4th: Richie Sexson batted cleanup Friday for the first time this season.
Manuel decided to give first baseman Jim Thome a day off against left-hander Denny Neagle. Sexson, who had a homer in three career at-bats against Neagle, seemed the best choice.
Manuel didn't think it would bother Sexson to bat fourth.
Sexson struck out three times. Branyan batted for him in the ninth.
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Tribe could use Neagle
