The woe is us people were out in full force after the Cleveland Indians were swept by the Detroit Tigers over the weekend, giving the Tigers a 4-1/2 game lead in the AL Central. However, don’t give up the ship just yet.
This may be a cock-eyed optimist talking, but remember, the Indians are just three games out in the loss column, meaning the Tribe has played three fewer games that Detroit, and if they would win them all, this 4-1/2 game bulge would be just 3 games.
With the Tigers taking on Tampa Bay this week (although Justin Verlander will pitch one of those games), and the Indians making up a rainout against Seattle this week, it’s possible by the time next Sunday hits, Cleveland could be just two or three out.
The first place team isn’t exactly the 1927 Yankees. In fact, the Tigers are below .500 when Verlander doesn’t take the mound.
Unless you are 5 or more back on Labor Day, it says here that you still have a chance.
This much is clear. The Indians MUST play well on this homestand, consisting of 11 games against the Mariners, Royals, and A’s. That is followed by three more in Kansas City. Three teams playing out the string.
Cleveland has to win all three series to make sure the last six meetings with the Tigers, and the eight games against the White Sox have some meaning.
The Indians need to start hitting again if this is going to happen, because they scored just one run in each game in Detroit. When Michael Brantley, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Travis Hafner aren’t producing, this team can’t score. That’s why the impact of Jason Kipnis was felt so much. He gave Manny Acta another solid bat.
Now, for Ubaldo Jimenez. We were against the trade because it was felt the Indians gave up too much for a pitcher who was struggling in 2011. It was stated here before the deal that you couldn’t give up the organizations top two pitching prospects.
How’s that looking right now?
Jimenez has been bad in three of his first four starts. Meanwhile, Alex White, who the Tribe front office said would not be ready to start for the rest of the season, will make his first start for Colorado Tuesday night.
And people wonder why no one has confidence in the front office?
Supposedly, the reason the Indians got Jimenez was for games like Sunday afternoon in the Motor City, and the big right-hander failed the test, giving up eight runs in less than four innings. The Tribe needed something better, and they didn’t get it.
There is no question a roster move will be made on Tuesday before the day-night doubleheader against Seattle, in order to bring up a starter, probably Zack McAllister for one of the games. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Luis Valbuena sent out, with Cord Phelps replacing him after the twinbill.
However, they may have to make another move with Hafner coming up lame yesterday. although the DH did say his foot did feel better after the game.
And with Lonnie Chisenhall not really providing an impact bat, does it seem right to have him on the big league roster? It seems like Manny Acta seems more comfortable with Jack Hannahan playing the hot corner, and the latter does have a more patient approach at the plate.
So, perhaps Ezequiel Carrera stays when Shelley Duncan needs to be reactivated, with the rookie being sent down.
In the meantime, keep the faith. It would have been nice to take one game in Detroit and come home just 2-1/2 out, but they still have a decent chance to win the division. These next 11 games at Progressive Field will tell fans if they should prepare for meaningful September baseball.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 