A's dealing with injuries to key players

Originally Published: September 21, 2005
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN Insider
Welcome to the C. Everett Koop edition of Baseball Insider, in which we take a peek into the trainer's room and assess the various aches, pains and other maladies that might be standing between your favorite team and a berth in postseason play.

Several other factors -- such as pitching, hitting and fielding -- are likely to enter the equation between now and October. But health will clearly play a role. Here's a look at the 12 postseason contenders (sorry, Washington Nationals) and where they stand in the rankings. The healthiest clubs are at the top, and the most banged-up at the bottom.

1. Cleveland Indians
The Indians' late-season run has been fueled in part by manager Eric Wedge's ability to field a healthy lineup. C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee, Jake Westbrook, Kevin Millwood and Scott Elarton have combined to make 147 of a possible 151 starts. The lineup is also fine with the exception of second baseman Ronnie Belliard, who missed four games with an abdominal strain before returning Tuesday night.


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Jerry Crasnick | email

ESPN.com MLB Sr. Writer
  • ESPN.com senior writer
  • Author of "License to Deal"
  • Former Denver Post national baseball writer

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