With the Indians’ recent August surge, winning 15 out of their last 20 games, maybe talk show hosts (read: WKNR) seem to be upset that the ballclub is finally playing well. I can understand the frustration since this season started with so much optimism, but continuing to be angry about the situation is a little odd.
When a team determines that they are out of the race, they can do two things: 1). They can continue to play the same people showing their fans they haven’t given up (Baltimore, Chicago Cubs) or 2). They can start looking at things with an eye toward the next season, like Mark Shapiro did. I prefer the latter.
I grew up in the sixties and seventies when the Indians were out of the race by June in most seasons, and they did little to find out about the young players they had during the periods of non-contention. Instead, they were happy to keep playing the Tom Veryzers and Duane Kuipers of the world, not bothering to find out if younger guys could help the team. Instead of giving guys like Lou Piniella, Richie Scheinblum, and Jay Bell chances to play on bad teams, the front office let them go. None of those guys could play for a team usually in the bottom half of the standings?
As for this year’s team, should they try to lose the rest of their games? They brought in some young guys who appear to have some talent and can help this club in 2007 and beyond. That’s what the Indians should do. Find out about the Joe Ingletts and Ryan Garkos and Kelly Shoppachs. This knowledge will help them in the off season as to what their needs are.
I always laugh at people who complain about winning. If the Tribe continued to lose, they would bitch and moan whether the squad was ever going to turn it around. These same people are irritated that some of the wins came against the Royals and Devil Rays. Would they prefer getting swept by those teams?
What is happening is that the Indians are showing they were not that bad all along. They aren’t the best team in the American League, but they are clearly better than the two teams just mentionned along with the Mariners and Orioles. Things are beginning to balance out. A little too late for a playoff run, but not too late to give hope in 2007.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 