Will the Cleveland offense (et al, Roberto Alomar, Richie Sexson) ever come around?
Buck Martinez: Alomar’s shoulder might be worse than we know. He hasn’t been able to swing the bat as effectively as we have seen in the past. Sexson is starting to hit better but he got off to a horrible start. Once again, these are veteran hitters who appear to be coming into shape. My only concern is how bad Alomar’s shoulder really is. Marty: What attributes make up the perfect catcher? Who’s the best right now? Buck Martinez: Jason Varitek has the philosophy that his No. 1 job is to have the pitcher succeed. I think that is the most important thing. Look at every team in the postseason and the managers put emphasis on the defensive aspect of catching. Joe Girardi played in 68 games during the regular season but caught in the postseason. Varitek is rapidly becoming one of the best in the league. Physically no one is on the same plane as Pudge Rodriguez as far as quickness, accuracy and arm strength but Varitek is becoming one of the best. Mike Lieberthal in Philly has become a very
