Indians mercifully end season in Chicago

At this time last season, Manager Eric Wedge and his staff were being shown the door out as the team finished the season 65-97. This season ended Sunday afternoon against the White Sox with the Indians capping off a slightly improved 69-93 campaign.

The main difference between the two is that Acta and his staff will be back next season with hopes of improving an Indians franchise that has been stuck in neutral for years. There are hopes that things will be better next season with young starters such as Josh Tomlin, Carlos Carrasco, Jeanmar Gomez looking to improve on impressive rookie years.

White Sox manager sent out his best lineup on Sunday against Indians starter Justin Germano in what could have been his last game on the bench while Paul Konerko and A.J Pierzynski may have made their last appearances in Sox jerseys on the same day.

The Indians do not have to deal with any such emotions. Shelley Duncan could leave via minor league free agency but all of the other players in the lineup will be back next season if they are capable of making the major league club. Here is looking at you Luke Carlin.

Even with the loss and rough outing by Germano, who was making his first start in 2 years, the Tribe were still able to clinch the 4th spot in the AL Central. Another year of staying out of the gutter, a place the Royals proudly hold onto for an umpteenth consecutive season.

So begins another off season where unrealistic Indians fans such as myself will think wonderful thoughts about what next March could bring.