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Cleveland Indians; Problems??? Let's talk!
Thu, 06/26/2008 - 8:30am
I have recently traveled up to Cleveland to watch the Indians play live. Well, as everyone has been hearing, they have no offense. They are hitting the ball(Of course five hits aren't enough)but they need to be able to take advantage of the opportunities to execute and score runs. Their defense(Other than some pitching)is pretty locked down. It all stems back to offense. For one(And this will never change)you always see the batter watch the first pitch go by. I think this is stupid. The first pitch you get is most likely going to be the best one to swing at. Instead of getting yourself down 0-2 in a count and then swinging at crap, they need to swing at the first pitch(Yet again, never will happen). Second, there are too many players looking to get on base in a 2-2 and 3-2 count. Ok, getting on base isn't free. You have to go up to the plate expecting good pitches will be thrown. So you must swing the bat if you're in a situation like that. And finally, when given the opportunity to score, both go into effect. Therefore, stranding runners on base which could ultimately lead to runs and/or a win. Now, with Kansas City winning last night, the Indians are in last place of the division. Going from one win from the world series to last place in the division doesn't make sense one bit. What do you think is/are the cause(s) of the Indians demise this year? Please, feel free to share your opinions in this forum. For it is neither right nor wrong to give an opinion. If you're going to state a fact though, please have it correct.
Fri, 06/27/2008 - 7:25pm
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Indians problems...
I still insist they just weren't agressive enough in the offseason...they were too content with what they had. Boston won the World Series but was still very agressive and had some changeover to their team...they weren't content with what they did.
They should have gone after a corner outfielder of some kind, although now the trio of Francisco-Sizemore-Choo looks to be very solid with Gutierrez coming in to spell each guy. But breaking camp with Michaels/Dellucci in left field for the sake of keeping Marte on the team since he was out of options was a BIG mistake. I'm sure they were afraid of another Brandon Phillips issue happening and they don't want to look foolish for trading their every day, .300 hitting left fielder (Crisp) for a 3b of the future that ended up being a bust.
Hard to really say what's gone wrong with the offense. Everyone knew the pitching would be solid and it has, but the bullpen woes seem to be hit and miss in Cleveland. 2004-2006-2008 were terrible bullpens, while 2005-07 were spectacular. Go figure.
I really believe despite all the injuries and offensive woes, this team is a simple 4-5 game winning streak away from being right in the thick of the race. I think at this point it is fair to say nobody in the AL central is going to runaway and hide from the pack and 86-88 wins is probably going to get it done.
They will entertain offers for Sabathia (although I don't think they should even do that), but they will be very STRICT offers. For example, if a team calls about his availability, I believe Shapiro will say we want player 1, player 2, player 3 from your team, and if the team won't budge then the conversation is over.
It was also recently reported that we are again going to make another last-ditch effort to open contract talks with the big fella, which is always encouraging...I'd rather lose Sabathia to free agency and get two draft picks then trade him now. I just think it sends the wrong message to not only the fan base, but the players on the team.
One thing I can't agree with you on JStrohm is the first-pitch approach. Barry Bonds and Manny Ramirez are NOTORIOUSLY patient hitters and watch a LOT of pitches, and although I've only been around 28 years, those are EASILY the two greatest hitters I've ever seen play...but they both watch a LOT of first pitches go by, and they do just fine with it. I just think it varies with each player and their respective tendencies.
Realistically, Cleveland will be 79-83 and hang around until early September, although best case is everyone comes back to the lineup like gangbusters and they go 83-79 or better and contend into the final week of the season.
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