Tribe Rookie Ready To Fulfill His Dream

The Indians will put 49 years of failure into the hands of a 21-year-old.

Seeking its first World Series title since 1948, Cleveland will start rookie Jaret Wright against Florida’s Al Leiter in Game 7 of the World Series tonight.

Wright, who beat the Marlins in Game 4 and who has been the Indians’ pitching star this October, was chosen by manager Mike Hargrove over scheduled starter Charles Nagy. Wright, who will go on three days’ rest, will be just the sixth rookie to start a World Series Game 7 and the first since Joe Magrane of the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987.

“When you dream, you don’t dream of pitching in the playoffs,” Wright said. “You dream to pitch in Game 7 of the World Series.”

Hargrove’s decision to use Wright instead of Nagy isn’t much of a surprise, considering the postseason performances by the two.

“The outing he gave us in Game 4 led me to believe that he can still be effective,” said Hargrove, who was concerned that Wright’s arm was tired before his previous start.

The Indians used starter Chad Ogea and three relievers in Game 6, although Nagy was up in the bullpen twice, including in the ninth inning.

Hargrove was asked when exactly he chose Wright. Was it in the sixth inning when Nagy got up the first time or before the game?

“Both,” Hargrove said. “I really made the decision some time yesterday.”

Wright allowed the Marlins just five hits in six innings as the Indians won Game 4 10-3. He threw on the side Saturday and could have pitched in relief if needed.

Now, he’ll start the Indians’ first Game 7 since the 1920 World Series.

Wright, the son of former major leaguer Clyde Wright, beat New York twice in the division series and got a no-decision in the ALCS against Baltimore. He also pitched on three days’ rest in his second start against the Yankees.

And now, a season that began in Akron, Ohio, will end in South Florida in baseball’s ultimate game.

“It’s a good feeling,” Wright said. “It’s been a roller coaster ride definitely. Just when you think your up, there’s a new level of up. Hopefully, I can rise to the occasion tomorrow.”

Hargrove’s reluctance to use Nagy was based on the righthander’s recent struggles. Cleveland’s ace has fallen behind batters and has looked tentative throughout the playoffs.

Nagy has endured similar slumps, but Hargrove thought he may be emerging from his fall funk.

“He went through a period in the middle of ‘95 to where he was kind of like treading water,” Hargrove said, “and he came out that period and he was golden from then on. I feel like he’s kind of at the end of that period this time, too.”

Leiter, meanwhile, went through his usual off-day workout and was his usual affable self during batting practice, joking with teammates and reporters.

“I’m always like this,” the lefthander said.

Leiter also was long gone from Game 3 when the teams played one of the ugliest games in World Series history. He was tagged for six hits and seven runs in 4-2/3 innings. But most concerning to him were the six walks that allowed Cleveland to build a 7-3 lead.

“The walks hurt last time, but I had a pretty good idea about what I wanted to do,” he said. “It’s a matter of executing. I have a good feeling.”

Leiter was trying not let his last outing or the prospect of the Marlins wrapping up their first World Series affect his approach.

“It’s a day away,” he said. “That’s my approach. Baseball is meant to be fun through good or bad. I’ve played long enough to know you’re going to have good games and bad games.

“I’m totally mentally and physically prepared for the start,” he said. “I’ve got to prepare as though I’m starting tomorrow. It’s the only way you can do it.”