All fans of the Cleveland Indians have a two things in common: 1) Suffering and 2) Lots of unanswered questions. I can’t end the suffering, but I can answer the questions the Indians organization either refuses to address or doesn’t have the guts to tell you the truth about.
How can the team be competitive with a starting rotation anchored by Jake Westbrook and Faosto Carmona?
The Indians love to take chances. Not the kind of chances that have the potential to make the team better, but those that might alienate their fan base. The key to winning in Cleveland hinges on a No. 1 starter coming off Tommy John surgery (Westbrook) and a guy who can only pitch well if midges are swarming him (Carmona). This team will contend for the pennant because the team expects Westbrook to defy all odds after surgery and it has also invested in a midge harvesting company over seas that will release a a tornado of the little creatures every five days, no matter where Carmona is starting. Keep the faith.
What can we expect from Travis Hafner this year?
Good news, Hafner worked with Canadian doctor Anthony Gallea in the offseason. Hafner has assured the Indians organization his shoulder has never felt better and his bat speed is back to 2007 form. Sources close to the team have informed me Bernie Madoff helped structure Hafner’s contract extension in 2007 and Pronk seems to be the only client of Madoff’s who didn’t take a financial hit after his Ponzi scheme was unearthed stating, “I didn’t even know America went through a recession.”
Will the Indians make any moves before the trading deadline to improve the team?
It’s not in Cleveland’s nature to make moves before the trading deadline to improve their team, but many league insiders believe the Indians will let history repeat itself by trading some players to improve other teams. The talent pool for the Indians has been paramount in helping contenders reach great playoff success. Basically, the Indians have become a farm to grow the best crops and then deal them for 2-cents on the dollar. Every morning, owner Larry Dolan logs into his online bank account and smiles, then checks the box scores to see how his former stocks are doing: CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, and Victor Martinez.
What, if any, are the bright spots for the Indians this year?
Fortunately for the Indians, their is a small silver lining amongst the looming storm clouds. The offense will keep the team in games, but it can’t do anything about the glaring holes in the bullpen. Expect Grady Sizemore to thrive after moving from the lead off spot. He’ll have an increase in RBI, runs, and SLG%. Shin Soo Choo and Asdrubal Cabrera will have career-years regardless of who is batting around them.
Did we get anything for trading Cliff Lee, CC Sabathia and Victor Martinez?
Aside from those migraines crippling you for the past few years, the answer is yes. Matt LaPorta (OF/1B) is a power hitter who, if given enough playing time, will be a great addition to Tribe’s offense. With a clog in the outfield and the acquisition of Russell Branyan, LaPorta has to stay healthy and hope new manager Manny Acta isn’t filling out the lineup with a blindfold on, though.
Catcher Carlos Santana is starting the season in the minors, but a strong showing there should bump him up to the big leagues by late May. It’s unknown why Indians management didn’t throw him into the fold right away, but I’m here to answer questions, not pose them… plus, that would have been too obvious a move.
Michael Brantley is the odd-man out right now because of the abundance of outfielder’s the Indians have and the acquisition of Branyan. However, with Branyan on the DL to start the season, keep an eye on Brantley.
What is the status of closer Kerry Wood?
Wood is hurt again after reaching down to grab a $10.5 million check given to him by the Indians. What’s more surprising… the Indians paying him $10.5 million this year or Wood hurting himself picking it up? I’d say it’s a wash.
Can the Tribe’s bullpen keep a lead in 2010?
To be blunt, don’t count on it.
Is there any hope for Cleveland?
Sure, LeBron is still in town.
