MINNEAPOLIS -- After getting within one game of last year's Fall Classic, many prognosticators picked Cleveland to win the Central Division this season.

It's true that the Indians remain in a standings race, but it's one they'd rather not win -- that of the worst record in the American League.

The Tribe, winner in 10 of its last 17, enters the final two months of the season at 47-60. Only Seattle (41-67) has a lesser record in the AL.

"Obviously, it's been a lot tougher than we expected, and that's hard, but that's just part of the game. You're going to have your ups and downs," said Grady Sizemore, who entered Friday's game with 27 home runs.

"We just need to try to get back on track. We still want to play hard every day and keep improving. Everyone's still loose and we're just trying to have fun."

Catcher Kelly Shoppach said the team is not hanging its collective head.

"The one thing that's been right is that we don't remember those things. We haven't held on to what we haven't done or what happened. It's the same attitude every day when we come in the clubhouse. That's what makes the clubhouse fun. It's much more fun to put the previous day behind you."

So what is expected of the final 55 games?

Other than getting injured players back, such as Travis Hafner, Victor Martinez and Josh Barfield, the team wants to look at its younger players and get a sense of who will be wearing a Cleveland uniform next year and beyond. Manager Eric Wedge said that includes spots in the outfield, first base and third base. He wouldn't specifically name anyone, but said there are 8-10 players they hope to learn more about.

"A lot of the young players we're looking at are inexperienced, but I want us to keep playing as hard as we are playing. ... I want to see the execution," Wedge said. "What I saw the last couple of days was unacceptable."

The Indians, who have the best fielding percentage in the Majors (.987), committed seven errors in the last two games.

The back of the bullpen remains unsettled. Cleveland relievers have converted just 17 of 31 save chances entering Friday's game.

"I want it to get better, but I don't know if we're going to be able to find a true closer by the end of this year," Wedge said. "I don't know if we have him here. I'd say it's a long shot that we do. We've got to have somebody try to do it."

Masa Kobayashi, who has six saves,was unavailable Friday after pitching the previous three days. Wedge said Edward Mujica would likely be Friday's closer, if one was necessary.

Mujica had four saves earlier this year at Triple-A Buffalo, but has had no save opportunities with the Indians.