Things Don't Get Better with Win for Indians

Even when the Cleveland Indians win, they find a way to lose.

The Tribe broke a five game losing skid on Wednesday beating the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but in the process suffered a blow to their trading deadline supply when second baseman Ronnie Belliard left the game in the fifth inning with a mild left hamstring strain.

Belliard is on the short list of veterans - along with Aaron Boone, Bob Wickman, Ben Broussard and Todd Hollandsworth - who the Indians hope can bring in some pieces for a fresh start next year to go with the younger, core players of the 90+ win season of 2005.

Indians mangager Eric Wedge said he doesn't know when Belliard will be ready to go again, but with the trading deadline only 11 days away, the severity of this injury could mean a lot for the Tribe, this year and next. Even if Belliard is back on the field by next week, teams still may be hesitant to trade for a recently-injured player.

Belliard is currently in a one-year deal with the Indians and, while they don't have a minor-league player ready to fill the role and the second base free agent market this summer will be scarce, he's not in the Tribe's long-term plans. If Belliard isn't traded this summer, the Indians may be forced to try to sign him to another one-year deal after the season.

Belliard was injured when while beating out a high chopper he hit to Angels' shortstop Orlando Cabrera. Ramon Vasquez entered as a pinch-runner and scored as part of the Tribe's five-run inning.