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CLEVELAND—The New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox are battling to season’s end to determine which will enter the playoffs with Major League Baseball’s best record. However, the pranksters that are the Cleveland Indians told reporters Wednesday night that it was they who had baseball’s highest winning percentage.

As reporters laughed, expecting to see sheepish grins emerge on the Indians’ players’ faces, they were shocked to see how committed to the prank the players showed.

“After they said they had the best record, they didn’t even crack a smile,” said Indians manager Eric Wedge. “If you didn’t know any better, you might have believed them.”

“Seriously, we are the best team in baseball right now.” Indians third baseman Casey Blake continued by comically adding, “We hope to enter the playoffs with home field advantage throughout.”

The Plain Dealer sports columnist Terry Pluto was amused by the lighthearted joke but thinks the players should give up the act before it becomes jaded. “I thought it was really great to see the players joking around whimsically, but enough is enough,” said Pluto. “It’s just so ridiculous thinking of the Cleveland Indians atop Major League Baseball. That is pure comedy.”

Outfielder and amateur comedian Grady Sizemore even made remarks about returning the Indians to glory after many years. “I want this team to be remembered as the one that ushers in a new era of winning in Cleveland,” joked Sizemore with a flawless deadpan delivery.

Yankees and Red Sox players all refused to comment but were reported to be amused by the Indians’ tongue-in-cheek remarks.