A couple days off

After the past week of watching the Indians, I couldn't be happier that this team rendered only one all-star.
This team needs a rest. Physically, mentally and psychologically.
The reeling that began when the Indians lost the last two games of the series against Detroit turned into a weeklong backslide when they had the misfortune of finishing the first half with four games on baseball's biggest stage, Yankee Stadium.
To answer Zach's comment to the post below, yes, I do think the Indians had a sizable case of stage fright this weekend. They showed none of the poise and discipline that allowed them to win two of three in Boston, three of four in Baltimore, and dominate the July 4 doubleheader against Detroit.
The lack of composure was especially evident Sunday, when the Indians ran themselves into out after out on the bases. One at-bat resulted in an almost-always-inexcusable strikeout-throwout double play at third base.
miscalculated aggression on the bases is a hallmark of a team trying too hard to make things happen.
Factor in a red-hot Yankee club which has now won seven of eight, and it's easy to see how the Indians were put through the meat grinder this weekend. They barely hung on to win the lone game they did take, 8-7.
I am not stressing yet. The Indians enter the all-star break two games behind slumping Minnesota for the wild card lead. They have one of the softest schedules in the American League in the second half, packed full of dates against the Royals, Devil Rays and Mariners.
My biggest concern is that the Yankees might have found their stride, and could proceed to run away and hide with the wild card in the next four-to-six weeks.
As competitive as the first-half wild card race has been, it would be a shame if we have to endure another meaningless two-team race between the Red Sox and Yankees in the second half, with the wild card as the consolation prize.