Depth is Helping the Tribe

 

The Cleveland Indians rebounded nicely from the devastating defeat at the hands of the Yankees just two weeks ago.  How nicely?  They have ripped off 11 victories in their last 13 games, that’s how nice.  They now sit with baseball’s best record at 17-8 and the much maligned bullpen is leading the way.  Obviously, the Tribe won’t continue this pace all year.  But GM Mark Shapiro has to be happy with not only the club’s record, but also with the way the organization’s depth has contributed.

 

Start with Fausto Carmona.  Carmona was supposed to begin the season in Buffalo, starting every fifth day until needed by the big club.  However, with Cliff Lee’s injury, the youngster made four starts, and was excellent in three of them.  Now, with Jake Westbrook likely headed to the disabled list, Carmona will get several more starts.  Compare this to the mess that is the Yankees’ starting rotation.  They do not have anyone who could step in and hold down the fort.  Not only does the Tribe have Carmona, they also have rookie Adam Miller in the wings pitching very well at Class AAA.  No one would be nervous if Miller had to make a start or two at the big league level.

 

The bullpen also has depth.  When Matt Miller had to be disabled in training camp, it gave an opportunity for Tom Mastny.  The right hander has responded with a 2-0 record and 2.92 ERA in 12-1/3 innings, striking out 12.  Mastny gives skipper Eric Wedge another option in the seventh and eighth innings, and it appears he may have passed veteran Roberto Hernandez in the pecking order.  Mastny also has closing experience, saving five games last year in his debut.  In addition to Mastny, the ballclub also has guys like Juan Lara and Edward Mujica pitching well at Buffalo.

 

When David Dellucci had a pulled leg muscle a couple of weeks ago, the team called up Shin-Soo Choo, who made several contributions to wins in his brief playing time.  Most notably, Choo threw out Kenny Lofton at the plate in a bases loaded, nobody out situation against Texas, stemming a Rangers’ rally.  Choo also helped cement a win against the Twins with a bases loaded single in extra innings.  With Dellucci back healthy, it’s better for the lefty hitter to get everyday at bats at Buffalo.  But, he will be ready again if needed.

 

In the next few days, Frankin Gutierrez or Ben Francisco will be recalled to get another right handed bat to platoon with Dellucci and Trot Nixon.  Both hitters are off to great starts at Buffalo, and the former got plenty of at bats last season in the big leagues.  They are needed because of Andy Marte’s hamstring injury, and Casey Blake’s slow start.  Again, organizational depth helps the Indians.

 

It’s rare that this type of depth has been useful this early in the season, but for the 2007 Indians’ it has been a big factor.  Having young players ready to step in not only helps with injuries, but could help by allowing Shapiro to make a trade if the ballclub is in contention come July and August.  Shapiro treats the Indians like they have a 30 man roster.  That’s how many players you need, at least, to win.

 

MW