SCOUTING REPORT: The Indians, in a way, are what the Devil Rays hoped to be: a group of aggressive young players, combined with a few proven veterans, who are hanging close to .500 with better days ahead.
Most of the names in the Cleveland lineup are unfamiliar to most fans, but they combine to do an impressive job at the plate, ranking first in the AL in on-base percentage, second in average and third in runs.
Second baseman Ronnie Belliard ranks third in the league with a .358 average and fourth with a .448 on-base percentage, catcher Victor Martinez is tied for the AL RBI lead, Travis Hafner ranks among the league leaders in doubles and Jody Gerut had a league-high 17-game hitting streak.
Veterans Matt Lawton, the still speedy outfielder, and Omar Vizquel, a dazzling defensive shortstop, add experience and savvy.
The rotation is similar, with relative unknowns such as Jason Davis, Cliff Lee and Jake Westbrook joining All-Star left-hander C.C. Sabathia.
Where the Indians have struggled is in the bullpen, which is 6-12 with an AL-worst 6.61 ERA and four saves in 14 opportunities. Letting Danys Baez leave to sign with the Rays may not have been the best idea.
CONNECTIONS: Indians reliever Rick White was with the Rays from 1998-2000. ... Backup catcher Tim Laker also is an ex-Ray. ... Northeast High product Jeff D'Amico is on the Cleveland disabled list. ... Baez spent four years in the Cleveland system.
SEASON SERIES: The Indians swept the three-game series last weekend, scoring 27 runs, getting 31 hits and drawing 25 walks. Overall, the Rays are 14-37 vs. Cleveland, their second-worst record against an AL opponent, and 7-16 at the Trop.
