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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even though the Indians had won eight straight, it’s good to see some sure things continue to happen.  One such thing is Jose Contreras’ domination of the Tribe when they are going good.  Yes, the Tribe has had success from time to time against the Cuban righthander, but for the most part he has owned Cleveland.  Even in a year where he has lost 16 games and has an ERA over 6.00, he can still cool the Indian bats.  Of course, it didn’t help that the Tribe ran the bases like they were drunk.

 

**Trot Nixon may be just getting into second base about now trying to advance on a ball in the dirt in the third inning yesterday.  Terry Pluto’s column in today’s Plain Dealer capsulized all Indian fans’ thoughts on giving Nixon anymore meaningful playing time this year.  Now is no time for sentiment.

 

**I know many baseball managers like veterans, but shouldn’t the performance of Franklin Gutierrez, Asdrubal Cabrera, Rafael Perez, and Fausto Carmona mean Eric Wedge and GM Mark Shapiro can give young players more of a chance in 2008?  I realize you have to have a contigency plan, so you have to have a veteran back up, but these rookies have been key players for the ’07 Tribe.  Maybe Wedge shouldn’t have been so anxious to give up on Andy Marte after 50 at bats.  Shin Soo Choo should also get the first chance to win an outfield job in spring training next year.

 

**Was anyone else a little curious about the first wave of call ups from Buffalo?  I can’t see Luis Rivas doing anything to help out, and why was Cliff Lee brought up right away when another pure reliever is needed?  I know it’s a moot point since Buffalo ends its season today, but I thought Edward Mujica would have been here.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Adam Miller is called up to give the bullpen another hard thrower.

 

**Romeo Crennel tipped off the release of Ken Dorsey when he played the "you have to be able to help us win" card on Friday.  As much as Dorsey helped out Brady Quinn, Crennel had no confidence in playing the former Hurricane signal caller. 

 

**GM Phil Savage showed he is expecting more wins this season by cutting several of his draft picks in getting the roster to 53.  Some of this year’s picks will be added to the practice squad, but no longer is proving his picks are legitimate a consideration in making the team.

 

**Despite drafting Joe Thomas, Quinn, and Eric Wright, the Browns season still depends on whether or not they can run the ball on offense and stop the run on defense.

 

**People criticize LeBron James for hosting the ESPY’s and making several other "non basketball" gigs, but obviously he’s been working on his game.  Media reports have James working with Chris Jent on his shot, and it did look much better in the FIBA Olympic qualifier.  The King looks poised for a big season in 2007-08.

 

**Speaking of the Cavs, they will make another move before training camp opens.  I like the idea of a starting backcourt of Larry Hughes and Daniel Gibson.  It’s not a traditional point guard/shooting guard set up, but both players are combo guards so it might just work.  Plus playing the two together should make for a more up tempo attack.  I still want to see a better offensive set from the coaching staff though.  Mike Brown has to make use of the offensive abilities of Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Drew Gooden.

 

MW