Wedge wants more from Baez, Riske

Wedge wants more from Baez, Riske
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Eric Wedge is trying to stay open-minded about having Danys Baez as his closer. And set-up man David Riske? He better step it up, Wedge said.
Both right-handers failed the Indians manager on Friday night in a 6-5 loss to the Minnesota Twins, the latest collapse by Cleveland's unreliable bullpen.
So far this season, Indians relievers have blown 17 save chances and Cleveland is only 33-12 when leading after the sixth inning.
With the Indians protecting a 5-3 lead with two outs in the seventh, Riske relieved starter Jake Westbrook and gave up consecutive RBI hits. Baez then gave up two-out RBI single in the ninth to Doug Mientkiewicz that stood up as the game-winner.
Wedge, who received a two-year contract extension on Friday, didn't hide his disappointment afterward and criticized his players.
"When we have the lead in the seventh, eighth, or ninth innings, and we give the ball to our setup man and closer," an irritated Wedge said, "we need to win those games."
Wedge was still miffed before Saturday's game.
"I want to make sure we can count on these guys day in and day out," Wedge said.
That's certainly not the case with Baez right now.
He took the loss Friday night, dropping the former starter to 0-7. Baez's seven-game losing streak is the longest for a Cleveland pitcher since Jose Mesa lost eight in a row from Aug. 23, 1996, to June 29, 1997.
Wedge said he's not ready to give up on Baez as his closer.
"I'm not to that point yet," he said. "But wee need to see more. They need to step up. We need to know what we're going to get from them when we hand them the baseball. They are capable, and have shown that, but they need to take the next stop."
Part of Baez's problems have stemmed from him not being able to get out the first batter he faces with any consistency.
Entering Saturday's game, Baez, who was pulled from the rotation to become Cleveland's closer late last season, was just 29-of-48 in retiring his first hitters.
"Strike one is the most important pitch, and the first out is the most important," Wedge said. "We need to make sure we throw the ball over the plate."
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COCO CRISPER: As the summer has progressed, Coco Crisp has steadily heated up.
After batting just .211 (16-for-76) in June, Crisp is hitting .348 (31-for-89), has scored 13 runs and driven in five runs in 21 games since July 1.
In his last 15 games, the 23-year-old is batting .381.
Wedge said Crisp's turnaround can be traced to his work ethic.
"He goes about his business in a strong fashion and it's paying off for him," Wedge said.
Crisp has been effective in the leadoff spot, something the Indians haven't had since the departure of Kenny Lofton.
It's a role that Wedge says suits the speedy Crisp, who entered Saturday night with seven steals.
"I want Coco to be a disrupter," Wedge said. "Get on base, cause havoc and score runs."
Wedge would like to see more steals out of Crisp, who has been caught five times. Wedge thinks Crisp's steal totals will rise as he learns more about AL pitchers.
"I hope he can go out there and steal 50-plus (bases) a year," Wedge said. "That's what I'd like him to do."
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ODDS AND ENDS: Wedge said the Indians will soon know whether SS Omar Vizquel needs season-ending knee surgery. Vizquel has been running, hitting off a tee and in the past few days beginning to make stronger lateral movements. Wedge indicated the Indians were waiting to see how Vizquel's knee responded before making any decisions. ... Former pitcher Charles Nagy, who was named a special assistant to general manager Mark Shapiro this week, helped with infield drills while dressed in a golf shirt and jeans. "Look at Nags," Wedge said. "It only took him three days to go from the khakis to the jeans."