Mike and Mike arrive, hoping Tribe avoids bad fortune

CLEVELAND -- If the Indians are looking to differentiate themselves from the ultimately unsuccessful clubs of years past, overcoming the dreaded "Mike and Mike" kiss of death might be a good start.

Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic -- co-hosts of the popular ESPN morning radio show "Mike and Mike" -- will be at Progressive Field during the Tribe's two-game series with Detroit. Greenberg threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Golic before Tuesday's series opener. The two will broadcast live from Progressive Field on Wednesday from 6-10 a.m. ET. Tribe manager Terry Francona will pop in at 9:15 to chat with the Mikes, who will also have legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson on the show.

The Indians were 30-15 when "Mike and Mike" came to Cleveland in 2011, then went 50-67 the rest of the way. Last year, Greenberg and Golic arrived with the Tribe at 17-12 -- they finished 51-82.

Through 43 games this season, the Indians are 26-17 and in first place of the American League Central by 2 1/2 games entering their series with division-rival Detroit.

"I really hope that we are not about to destroy their season," Greenberg said before Tuesday's game.

"It's just brutal what we've done," added Golic, who was born and raised in nearby Willowick, Ohio. "We've come here and the Indians have been doing well, and we leave and they basically go in the tank for the rest of the year.

"Here we are again in year three. I'm hoping the third time's the charm, and we can be a positive influence on this team."