• Preview
• Recap
• Bleachers

Indians eyeing best record in baseball

Sep 27, 2007 - 1:16 PM Cleveland (94-64) at Seattle (84-74),10:05 pm EDT

SEATTLE (Ticker) -- Even though they have clinched the American League Central Division title, the Cleveland Indians still have plenty to play for when they conclude their four-game series with the Seattle Mariners on Thursday.

The team that finishes with the best record in the AL will not only have home-field advantage throughout the playoffs but will also have the option of choosing its off days in the Divisional Series.

The Indians could opt for days off following Game 1 and Game 2, which would allow ace C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona to pitch the first two games of the series and still be able to pitch Game 4 and Game 5, if necessary, on normal rest.

Cleveland is currently deadlocked with the Boston Red Sox (94-64) for the best record in baseball as well as the top record in the AL.

Paul Byrd (15-7, 4.55 ERA) will try to help the Indians to the major's best record when he toes the rubber on Thursday.

Byrd was roughed up in his last start, surrendering six runs and nine hits, lasting just 4 1/3 innings. The 36-year-old righthander suffered just his third loss in his last nine starts as the Oakland Athletics handed Cleveland a 9-3 setback on Saturday.

After missing three months with right shoulder inflammation, Cha Seung Baek (3-3, 5.48) will make his return to the Mariners rotation for the series finale.

Baek has allowed two hits while striking out one and walking one over two relief appearances since being activated from the DL on September 18. The 27-year-old righthander hasn't given up a run over three innings.