It begins tonight!
The Detroit Tigers, leaders of the AL Central Division, are in Cleveland to open a three game series. This is the first of twelve games between the two teams from now until the end of the campaign, which totals 50 games.
In fact, 39 of those games will be played against teams from the division, so the Indians’ fate is definitely in their hands.
And as we have written before, it will be interesting to see Manny Acta at the helm of a team in contention for the first time.
The Tribe made some roster moves going into last weekend, when Jack Hannahan went on paternity leave for the weekend, and Shelly Duncan was brought back to play in the three game set against Texas.
Duncan immediately contributed, hitting a home run Friday, and knocking in the team’s first run in Saturday’s game. He will stay for the Tiger series, as Cleveland put RHP Carlos Carrasco on the disabled list with a sore elbow.
However, another move will need to be made on Saturday before the game against Minnesota, when the Indians need a fifth starter. More than likely, David Huff will be called up to make that start, so someone else will have to go.
By that time, OF Shin-Soo Choo may also be ready to be activated as well.
The point here is that right now, with the season on the line, Acta needs a 25 man roster that he has confidence in. And that means every player.
For instance, in the bullpen, it is clear that the skipper has no desire to see Chad Durbin and Frank Herrmann pitching with a lead. Durbin actually got in Friday’s game after Ubaldo Jimenez left, but that was because the relief corps was worn out in Boston and he had no choice.
In fact, Jimenez probably should have been lifted after five innings, but Acta tried to squeeze an extra frame out of him because he didn’t want to have to use Durbin.
Herrmann got the win on Saturday, but only because he entered with the Indians losing, and they rallied in the ninth.
So, perhaps it is time to bring back RH Josh Judy and maybe even southpaw Nick Hagadone to replace them. Yes, both pitchers have little big league experience, but it’s not as though the team is using the guys they would replace. Besides, an extra lefty out of the ‘pen would allow Acta more matchup opportunities.
As for the position players, Hannahan might be the guy to go when Huff is brought up this weekend. The choice would be between Duncan, Austin Kearns, and the veteran infielder. With Jason Donald having the utility role and being a right-handed bat, it’s hard to see where Hannahan can get at bats.
It would seem that Duncan’s power and his ability to be a good pinch-hitter would be useful coming down the stretch, particularly with the predominantly left-handed hitting lineup Cleveland regularly starts.
Kearns would provide a good defensive option in the outfield, unless the Tribe decides to bring up OF Jerad Head, who is hitting .290 with 21 HR and 63 RBI (882 OPS). Head is not considered a prospect, but he has been red-hot at Columbus, and the Indians may be looking to catch lightning in a bottle.
With 50 games remaining, if the Tribe is to catch and pass Detroit, and stay ahead of the White Sox (just a game behind Cleveland), they need the strongest roster possible. It’s no time to be sentimental.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 