INDIANS Rebuilding showing progress signs



Second baseman Brandon Phillips has been demoted.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Once he presented his analysis of the Cleveland Indians' season at the unofficial midway point, rookie outfielder Jody Gerut offered one more interesting thought.
"I wish we didn't have to take a break right now," he said.
Imagine that. Following a winter of dreary expectations, a horrible start in April, losing streaks, season-ending injuries and an assortment of roster moves, the Indians are playing well enough that they don't want to quit.
That's just what general manager Mark Shapiro had hoped for.
Shapiro's rebuilding plan for the Indians, which kicked into high gear about this time a year ago when he traded several high-priced veterans for prospects, seems to be working.
It's a long way from completion, but there are definite signs of progress.
Rebound
After a 7-20 start during which the Indians' inexperience was evident from pitch to pitch, inning to inning and game to game, Cleveland has gone 34-33 since May 1.
On some nights, first-year manager Eric Wedge's starting lineup has included seven rookies.
But Cleveland's youngsters have not only held their own with some of the AL's weaker teams, they recently won three of four at Minnesota, took two of three against the New York Yankees and split four games with the underachieving, but still dangerous Chicago White Sox.
"This has been a great experience for our young players," Shapiro said. "I'm more happy with how we have played, with the fact that we are executing more consistently with the game on the line.
Pleasant surprise
Like Gerut, one of the club's most pleasant surprises.
The 25-year-old nearly made the club following a strong spring training, but he started the season at Triple-A Buffalo before being called up in late April when Milton Bradley went on the disabled list.
From the moment he arrived, Gerut, who sat out in 2001 with a knee injury and spent last season in the minors, has displayed a veteran's savvy whether making acrobatic catches in the field or delivering a clutch hit.
Almost all the young Indians are contributing. Second baseman Brandon Phillips (.210) has been the exception to the success of the Indians' young players.
Considered their top prospect, Phillips' difficulties at the plate got him sent back to Buffalo. He had played well in the field, posting a .983 fielding percentage that's fourth among American League second-basemen.

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