Tribe Observations

The best way to describe this season would be the season that got away. From the beginning up to the end of the ten game losing streak, Cleveland looked like it was going to have perhaps it’s most horrific season in the last 20 seasons. However, there was life that got breathed into that team and showed that it could finish near .500 but is going to actually finish at that level with an 81-81 record.

I will say that I am not happy with this team but not overly angry. You can blame injuries all you want but the bottom line is that the offense and the bullpen really damaged this team greatly. There are going to be lots of questions regarding who is going to be doing what in order for this team to look better than this year.

Cliff Lee is probably and should by all accounts win the AL Cy Young. He will need to be just as tough if not tougher. Having him pitch really well should help this team out greatly. He is the primary reason as far as starters on why the Indians didn’t finish as bad as they could have been.

Fausto Carmona returned and looked like he wasn’t there mentally. I don’t know if it is just me but that’s just what I think on that. Had that injury not show up, who knows if he would have done better. He needs to be that guy that everyone knows he can be. Possible comeback candidate right there.

Anthony Reyes from when he played showed he could fill in for the Indians rotation and be the #3 starter at least going into the season. If he can stay healthy, he should be a great addition to the Indians starting pitching crew.

Scott Lewis had a couple rough starts but still managed to win. He is new to the majors and could fit in being the #4 starter. From what I’ve seen so far, he has the tools to fit in the majors but the question will be can he keep himself healthy and durable. He has promise and that is all I can say at this moment.

The 5th spot will be hard to figure out. I do not know who is the one for it and perhaps maybe they can look at the Free Agent market and see what is out there.

The offense however will need to pick it up much better. While it can be decent, there can be no room for error. Travis Hafner has to prove that he isn’t washed up and is ready to call it a career. Same goes for Victor that he can regain his power. Could be potential candidates for comeback players if they can put together a strong season. The key will be for the majority of the starters to show they can hit and play well. Perhaps look in the off-season and find at least a 3B and see what happens.

The bullpen needs work and may have found their closer and set-up guys in R. Perez and Jensen Lewis. Who knows for sure. Bullpens are strange.

This season I will give maybe a C and that’s being nice. It would have been an F had they finished dead last in the division. Strong comeback, just wish they could have done better earlier in the year.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS