Following Friday night’s 2-1 agonizing loss to Kansas City, Indians’ manager Eric Wedge went back to the beginning. He resumed using the lineup he used at the beginning of the season, with a few variations. Grady Sizemore returned to the leadoff spot and Travis Hafner moved back to the #3 hole. The Indians erupted with a five run first on Saturday night, and the offense has scored at least five runs since the change was made. The offensive resurgence is definitely just in time.
The Indians have now won four in a row and have stretched their lead in the AL Central to 3-1/2 games over the Tigers. They can deliver a death blow to the Twins’ playoff hopes by beating Johan Santana for a fourth time this season (no easy task) and sweeping Minnesota, putting them 8-1/2 games out. At the very least, the Tribe has won another series against a contender, and they did it at home where they have struggled since the All Star break.
Everyone sees the great job the starting pitching has done over the past few weeks. Since Jake Westbrook worked out the kinks after his oblique injury, the Indians are getting a quality start every night. However, an overlooked part of the equation has been the defense. The ballclub has gone ten straight games without an error, and they are covering more ground as well. Playing Franklin Gutierrez almost full time in right field gives Cleveland a very good defensive outfield of Kenny Lofton, Sizemore, and Gutierrez, three guys who are natural centerfielders.
You certainly cannot overlook the contributions of Asdrubal Cabrera either. The young infielder provides solid defense (not that Josh Barfield didn’t) and makes contact. He’s had several big hits since being recalled, including Sunday’s game tying single. He hit well in the minors this year, but eventually the major league pitchers will spot some areas to work on, and he will have to adjust. He still should be able to help since he puts the bat on the ball and can advance runners with a bunt here or there.
Apparently, Eric Wedge and Trot Nixon have reached an agreement where the veteran will play once a week. If you look at the starting lineup the past few weeks, that is exactly what has happened. I guess it’s the skipper’s way of keeping him involved, but if that’s all you are getting out of the outfielder, he shouldn’t be on the roster. Then again, on Saturday the roster will expand and at least one more relief pitcher (Mujica?) will be activated. Trot is being rewarded for his leadership.
If the bats continue to produce runs, this team will be difficult to beat. Baseball Prospectus has the Indians with an over 70% chance to make the playoffs. However, in 2005 they had the Indians at 97% entering the last week of the season and we all know how that turned out.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 