Spring officially begins in Cleveland today, despite what the weather tells us. It’s Opening Day at Progressive Field, and the Tribe takes on the White Sox for what seems like the 23rd consecutive lid lifter against Chicago. After winning 96 games a year ago and winning the Central Division title, hopes are high that the Indians can celebrate the 60th anniversary of the 1948 World Champions by winning another one. Here are five reasons why the Tribe will get back to the post-season in 2008.
The Return of Pronk. Travis Hafner had a disappointing year in 2007. Disappointing for him that is. Pronk still hit 24 HR’s and knocked in over 100 runs last season, a far cry from his performances in 2004-06. For the most part, baseball players seek their own level. Guys who have a history of hitting .260 usually find their way back to around that average. Every once in a while, very good players have mediocre years, and that’s what happened to Hafner last season. He may not reach his lofty heights of three or four years ago, but he will smash over 30 HR’s and knock in close to 120, while getting on base 40% of the time. That alone will help the Cleveland attack.
New Bullpen Additions. Many baseball experts agree that the bullpen is the most volatile part of any team. Last year, the Tribe relief corps was one of the best in the game, led by Rafael Betancourt, who Baseball Prospectus.com said had arguably the best year by a set up man in history. However, GM Mark Shapiro did not stand pat, and that is a good thing. He brought in Japanese free agent Masa Kobayashi, who closed overseas, and Jorge Julio, who closed in Baltimore several years ago. He also changed the club’s situational lefty in Craig Breslow. These guys will give the Tribe more depth not only with the big club, but also throughout the organization.
Twin Aces. There was a lot of mileage put on the arms of C.C. Sabathia and Fausto Carmona last season, but Eric Wedge and pitching coach Carl Willis will be careful with both pitchers early this season, and the two aces will both have good campaigns. Already, C.C. will not start on Saturday as he could based on his normal rest, and that will be the norm early on. Carmona’s stuff looked as good as ever in his last two exhibition starts, and again the skipper will be very judicious with him. If the Tribe gets big leads in either of their outings early on, look for Wedge to pull them out and go to his deep bullpen.
Organization Depth. The Indians have alternatives if things don’t work out in some areas. If some relievers aren’t getting the job done, Tom Mastny, Scott Elarton, and later in the year, perhaps Tony Sipp can help out. If the corner outfielders aren’t hitting, Ben Francisco and Shin-Soo Choo are just a phone call away. If Paul Byrd or Cliff Lee don’t hold up their end of the bargain in the starting rotation, then Aaron Laffey, Jeremy Sowers, and maybe even Adam Miller can come up and help out. That depth made the difference last season, and may just be it again in 2008.
A Man Named Grady. Travis Hafner was the whipping boy for what troubled the Indians’ offense in 2007, but Grady Sizemore didn’t produce the same power numbers he put together in 2006, either. Although his on-base percentage jumped from .375 to .390, but his extra base hits dropped to 63 from 92 in ’06. Look for a jump in power now that the Gold Glove centerfielder has a year of being more selective under his belt. Sizemore will be a front-runner for the MVP award in the American League this season.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 