NOTEBOOK From Jacobs Field

Hafner seeks wins, not revenge: Travis Hafner doesn't remember getting an apology. Then again, the Cleveland Indians' designated hitter doesn't recall too much of what transpired for a couple of weeks after getting hit in the face by a pitch from Chicago's Mark Buehrle on July 16. "Maybe their trainer came over that night and said something, but I was so out of it I can't really recall," Hafner said Sunday before the Indians headed to Chicago for the start of a key three-game series against the White Sox beginning tonight. Hafner said winning and not revenge will be on his mind when he is scheduled to face Buehrle on Tuesday night for the first time since being sidelined for three weeks with post-concussion syndrome. "All of the games right now are big, so I just hope we go out and score 10 runs off him," he said. "They're in first place and we're in second. Let's go out there and see who has the best team." The Indians have moved within 31/2 games of the AL Central Division leaders, gaining 111/2 games on the White Sox since Aug. 1. Hafner said that fact, rather than Cleveland's 3-10 record thus far against the White Sox this season, is more important at this time of year. "It's like facing a pitcher that you're 0-for-10 against," he said. "That doesn't matter. It's a whole new time at bat. "We're a better team now with a lot better offense. Our pitching has been solid all season, but when the offense started clicking, we got a whole new attitude." Since being activated Aug. 3, Hafner has hit .283 (42-for-149) with eight homers and 27 RBIs in 40 games. Overall, he's hitting .300 with 25 homers and 90 RBIs in 124 games.
Scoreboard watching: All of the Indians have denied paying special attention to the scoreboard during the wild-card race involving multiple AL teams. But outfielder Coco Crisp was very upset after seeing one result Sunday. "That really ticks me off," said Crisp as he flung his jersey into his locker. "Can you believe that?" The subject of his ire was the performance of some NFL players on his fantasy football team. As for the pennant race, Crisp said he only pays attention to what the Indians are doing. "I know we've got three big games in Chicago, but I couldn't tell you who's pitching for them Monday night," he said. "I'll find out tomorrow, then prepare. Just like I always do. Heck, my wife is more excited about making the trip. She's looking forward to a big shopping trip. She just takes me along for my credit card."
Wash out the Sox: Jeff Liefer has played in only 18 games for Cleveland since being recalled from the minors in August, but he's among the most excited Indians heading into Chicago -- where he played four seasons for the White Sox through 2002. "You bet this is special," said Liefer, whose biggest contribution in 55 at-bats for Cleveland was a game-winning grand slam in Kansas City on Aug. 11. "You always want to beat your former team, but I'm really caught up in what's going on with us. I've never seen a team do what we've been doing. Every player contributes, the whole pitching staff has been tremendous and every night, the lineup from one through nine takes a solid approach to the plate. It's really pretty amazing."
Associated Press