Looking at the standings in the American League, an Indians fan can be discouraged by the fact the team is 12-1/2 games behind the front running Chicago White Sox. I look at the standings another way–
- Baltimore 42-31 —–
- Minnesota 39-32 2
- Cleveland 37-34 4
- Texas 37-34 4
- New York 37-36 5
- Detroit 35-34 5
- Toronto 37-37 5-1/2
These are the American League Wild Card Standings, and although it is much too early in the season to watch the scores of these teams every night, these are the clubs the Indians will be battling for one playoff spot.
In the East, the Red Sox will get Curt Schilling back and will add another arm for their bullpen in a trade, so the Orioles best chance is the Wild Card. In the Central, no one is catching the Pale Hose unless they suffer a monumental collapse, so the rest of the division’s best hope is the extra team in the postseason. The Angels look to be the class of the West, especially after sweeping the Rangers this past week.
So, Tribe fans, forget about Chicago and check once a week on where Cleveland ranks with those teams I just listed.
The other thing that concerns me about Eric Wedge’s crew is the amount of work for one of the best bullpens in the AL. The Tribe ranks in the top four in the league in innings pitched by relievers, so overwork is starting to be a concern. Wedge needs his starters to go longer in games, so the pen only has to work an inning or two each night.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 