If the return of Francisco Lindor presents a line of demarcation for the Cleveland Indians, let it be noted they survived quite nicely.
As the superstar shortstop returned for the second game of last night’s doubleheader against the Atlanta Braves, the Tribe’s record was 12-7 and they led the American League Central Division by a game over Minnesota.
It is crazy to think this kind of record was possible despite an offense that ranked 14th (second from the bottom) in runs scored per game, and last in the league in on base percentage, slugging percentage, and of course, OPS.
Pretty much the only decent ranking offensively for the Tribe was being 8th in the AL in walks. The team batting average was a paltry .201, barely over the Mendoza line.
Yet, Terry Francona guided the team to a winning record behind tremendous pitching.
While it is a fact the Indians played seven of their 19 games against the Blue Jays and Tigers, who rank 13th and 15th respectively in runs scored in the Junior Circuit, they also went to Seattle facing the best offense in the league, and held them to six runs in the three game sweep, including a 1-0 win on Wednesday.
They also played five games against the Twins and White Sox, currently 3rd and 6th in the AL in runs scored. Those two squads scored 23 runs in five games, but 17 of those were in the series finales.
The Indians held them to under three runs in the other three contests.
Long time stalwarts Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco have combined for four starts in the 19 games where they simply didn’t have it.
However, Carrasco fanned 12 Seattle hitters Wednesday in the 1-0 game and Kluber looked like himself in the game one win yesterday. If those two start pitching like they have in the past, this rotation is scary.
Imagine if Mike Clevinger didn’t go down with a muscle pull in the shoulder/back region. He was dominant in his two starts.
A big question going forward is who will replace Clevinger long term. Right now, because of off days, he’s missed just one start.
The bullpen is starting spring some leaks though.
Brad Hand is the closer, no problem there. But on the recent trip, the relief corps struggled.
Neil Ramirez has 13 strikeouts in 9 innings, but has allowed 10 hits, four walks, and three homers. Since arriving in Cleveland, the long ball has been a problem. He’s given up 12 of them in 50 innings.
That’s a no-no for a relief guy.
Oliver Perez has not been the pitcher he was in 2018. He’s been okay, but last year he was incredible.
And in the second game yesterday, Adam Cimber couldn’t throw strikes. Generally, he’s been better than last season, but we are sure Terry Francona lost some confidence.
Nick Wittgren continues to be intriguing. He closed out the 1-0 win in Seattle, and to date has made five scoreless appearances, giving up just two hits and striking out nine in seven innings.
We may see him start to ease his way into a set up role.
Why Cody Anderson is still here is a mystery. We understand he is recovering from Tommy John surgery, but have him go back to AAA to stretch out his arm so he can be a starter.
He was brought up to eat some innings after Carrasco was knocked out in the first against Kansas City. After he pitched two innings that night, we don’t understand why he wasn’t sent back.
So, the Indians are still searching for the correct bullpen combination.
All in all, they survived not having their best player for 19 games. And that’s a huge relief to the front office and the fans, for that matter.
MW
Cleveland Sports Perspective 