Up next for the Rays: Cleveland

© St. Petersburg Times
published August 13, 2002

SCOUTING REPORT: When new general manager Mark Shapiro said it was time to dump salary and rebuild, he wasn't kidding. Since the end of last season, the Indians have gotten rid of Roberto Alomar, Bartolo Colon, Juan Gonzalez, Chuck Finley, Paul Shuey and Ricardo Rincon. They also fired manager Charlie Manuel.

That leaves the Indians with slugger Jim Thome, defensive whiz Omar Vizquel and ... and ... well, that's the point. The goal is to rebuild with the prospects they acquired and be competitive in 2004 or '05.

For now, even with recognizable names such as Ellis Burks, Ricky Gutierrez, Travis Fryman and Bob Wickman, they're not very good. Since an 11-1 start, the Indians have gone 40-64.

C.C. Sabathia, who pitches tonight, could be a key piece of their future. So, too, could outfielder Milton Bradley. Otherwise, well, they still have a cool stadium.

TAMPA BAY CONNECTION: Right-hander Charles Nagy lived in St. Petersburg for several years as a child.

ALL-TIME SERIES: The Rays are 11-27 vs. Cleveland, third-worst against an AL opponent. They are 6-11 at the Trop and have lost five in a row.

WHO'S HOT: Burks is hitting .330 with 11 homers and 26 RBIs over his past 27 games.

WHO'S NOT: Vizquel is 2-for-31 since ending an 18-game hitting streak Aug. 1.