Don’t look now, but the Cleveland Indians are closing in on an AL Central Divison title, their seventh since they moved into Jacobs Field in 1994. The Tribe has got hot at the right time, winning 10 of 11, while the Tigers’ struggles since the All Star break continue. Since the team has won frequently in the last 13 years, some years seem like others. This season compares somewhat to 1996, although here’s hoping the campaign ends with better results.
In 1996, GM John Hart traded for Kevin Seitzer at the August 31st deadline, and skipper Mike Hargrove put him in the #2 hole in the lineup and the team took off. They got hot early in September and the Indians cruised to their second straight division title. This year, Eric Wedge put rookie Asdrubal Cabrera in the two hole, and once again the Tribe has started the last month of the season red hot, pulling away from the Tigers, whom they now hold a seven game lead over. Unfortunately, that year ended with a 3-1 loss in the Division Series to the Orioles, ending the dream of a World Series title.
The one thing this edition of the Indians have that none of those teams who ruled the division in the 90’s is dominant starting pitching. That alone is no guarantee for success, just ask the Atlanta Braves. However, the Tribe has two starters who could be in the top five in the AL Cy Young Award voting in C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona. ESPN’s Peter Gammons has suggested that Sabathia should finish in the top ten in the MVP voting, citing his record against Johan Santana and Justin Verlander.
An encouraging thing in last night’s 7-5 win was the performance of Travis Hafner. Pronk hit two homers, including the game tying shot with two out in the ninth, and hit a bullet in the eleventh for a sacrifice fly to put the Tribe in the lead. If Hafner starts swinging the bat like he did in 2005 and 2006, the offense will get a huge shot in the arm. Since moving back to the third spot in the order, Pronk has been slowly but surely putting together better at bats. Last night could be the start of something big.
It will be interesting to see if Andy Marte gets any playing time this month. If the ballclub is truly thinking of moving Jhonny Peralta to third base next season, Marte has to be traded. We’ve said it before, the biggest mistake on trading Brandon Phillips was the timing. GM Mark Shapiro allowed himself to get backed into a corner. If Marte will be dealt, the Tribe should do it in the winter, before spring training. And Marte can help his value by getting some at bats in September. Of course, he could hurt his value as well.
This weekend’s series against the Angels is a possible playoff preview, and the team will get some national exposure on Sunday Night Baseball. Enjoy these games, because the Tribe is driving to a division title.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 