What a month for the Cleveland Indians. Nobody, not even the most optimistic Tribe fan could have foreseen an 18-8 start to the 2011 season.
The good start extended to 19-8 after Sunday’s 5-4 win over Detroit, which was the fifth series sweep of the season by Cleveland.
There are several reasons for the good start, but one that is getting a tad overblown is the veteran leadership factor.
When Orlando Cabrera was signed, there were mixed emotions here. He has been on a lot of playoff teams over the last several years, so he can translate what teams need to do to win. However, his offense the past couple of years was a concern.
There is no question that Cabrera’s attitude has rubbed off on the rest of the roster, but if everyone was hitting .200 with no power, and the pitchers were getting shelled on a night in, night out basis, the Tribe wouldn’t be sitting at the top of the division.
The reason this ballclub is winning is simple, they are scoring a lot of runs and not giving up many. They lead the American League in runs scored and the pitching staff is 3rd in the league in ERA.
That’s a winning combination no matter what kind of veteran leadership you have.
Most times, good chemistry in the clubhouse comes as a result of winning.
Offensively, besides leading the AL in runs, they also are #1 in on base percentage, and rank 3rd in slugging percentage.
And it is not the result of one or two players getting scolding hot and carrying the club. The Indians have no one in the top ten in the league in RBI’s.
However, they do have five hitters in the top 30. That shows balance and it bodes well for the rest of the season. Shin-Soo Choo hasn’t had a good start to the season, yet he still is one of the players with 15 runs batted in.
One player who has been maligned by some fans, but has had a good start is 1B Matt LaPorta, who is hitting .263 with 4 homers and 15 ribbies. He currently has an OPS of 857, which ranks 4th on the Tribe, behind only Grady Sizemore, Travis Hafner, and Shelley Duncan, who has only 30 at bats.
The pitching staff has heeded the advise of coach Tim Belcher and is throwing strikes, allowing the 6th lowest total in the AL. Last year, Tribe hurlers had the 2nd most walks in the junior circuit.
The number of strikeouts is up as well. Last season, Indian pitchers struck out the least number of batters in the American League. This year, they still aren’t flame throwers, but they have upped that ranking to ninth.
And there is no question the defense has improved. Third base was a black hole in 2010, and Orlando Cabrera’s glove has upgraded the defense up the middle.
Don’t overlook having a healthy Asdrubal Cabrera either. And having Sizemore back and moving Michael Brantley to LF means Cleveland has three speedy outfielders to chase balls in the gap.
Improvement in every aspect of the game is the reason for the fast start by the Cleveland Indians. Yes, having guys who know how to play the game helps, but if you can score runs like the Tribe has thus far, and get solid starting pitching, you are going to win games.
Let’s not discount that.
KM
Cleveland Sports Perspective 