Cleveland rocks…scratch that. Cleveland sucks. The Cavaliers are the NBA’s worst team and lost an NBA record 25 games in a row. After a summer in which The Chosen One (LeBron) took his talents to South Beach, and a fall in which the Browns went 5-11, Cleveland sports fans need a pick-me-up. Keep looking Cleveland-ers, this Indians team will disappoint you. The 2011 Indians will have to follow a similar storyline as the 1989, Charlie Sheen classic, Major League. This group of Indians will need to surprise the experts and outperform their recent output to compete with the Tigers, Twins, and White Sox. With Grady Sizemore, Shin-Soo Cho, and Travis Hafner the team has talent. Can they perform this year like their capable?
Projected Lineup:
- Grady Sizemore (CF)
- Orlando Cabrera (2B)
- Shin-Soo Choo (RF)
- Travis Hafner (DH)
- Carlos Santana (C)
- Matt LaPorta (1B)
- Jason Donald (3B)
- Michael Brantley (LF)
- Asdrubal Cabrera (SS)
Projected Rotation:
- Fausto Carmona
- Justin Masterson
- Mitch Talbot
- Carlos Carrasco
- Josh Tomlin
Strengths:
Upside: Grady Sizemore was one of the top Center Fielders in the game before the injury bug. In 2009, Sizemore struggled hitting .248 before electing to get elbow surgery. His 2010 season was more disappointing. Sizemore hit .211 before knee injury ended his season after 33 games. Travis Hafner’s last full healthy season resulted in 24 HRs and 100 RBIs but, that was 2007. Carlos Santana is a top catching prospect and is expected to really contribute to the Tribe in 2011 but, logged only 150 ML at bats before a knee injury in 2010. These guys can seriously play and if healthy (and performing like their peak eyars) make this lineup above average.
World Series: The Indians haven’t won since 1948 – the longest drought outside of ChiTown. So… at least expectations aren’t too high in Cleveland!
Baseketball: In a surprise move, the Indians announced on March 4 that they will now be playing baseketball for all home games. Apparently Major League Baseball supports the move as it will create a more competitive atmosphere in Cleveland as Fausto Carmona in a master at the Psych Out. I like the Indians’ chances this season more after this announcement.
Weaknesses:
Roatation: Fausto Carmona had a 3.77 ERA last year with 210 IP but, had a losing record at 13-14. He is penciled in as the Indians number one, Opening Day starter. Their No. 2 is Justin Masterson (he of the 6-13 record, 4.70 ERA, and .278 BAA). Mitch Talbot showed some promise early in 2011, his rookie year. Barring any unforeseen pitching acquisitions, the rotation will be bad. Maybe Dennis Quaid can channel his inner Jim Morris (from The Rookie) and help the Indians out. Or the Indians find a Rookie of the Year similar to Henry for the Cubs that one year in that one movie.
Organizational Depth: This team has few high ceiling prospects and even fewer ready to contribute in 2011. With a below average Major League roster, one might assume the Indians are filled with prospects like Freddy Prince Jr. in Summer Catch? Nope. Oh well. Remember, Indians fans are used to the losing.
Storylines:
Injuries: I touched on this earlier but, if the Indians stay healthy in 2011, they can surprise some people. I’m not convinced Hafner still has was it takes to hit but, I haven’t seen him hit so I’m not a very good source of information (O… your not supposed to say that as a journalist?). Also, Sizemore just took fly balls for the first time since his late June knee surgery so its hard to imagine he will he ready for Opening Day.
Chris Perez: Perez is the Indians closer. Who is Chris Perez? Apparently, this is a guy we should get to know. He posted 1.71 ERA with 23 of 27 saves converted and a .182 BAA. Perez pitched very well and looks to repeat in 2011. If he does, the Indians may look to trade him at the deadline for some young pieces.
Predictions:
70-92, 5th Place, AL Central. I don’t see these guys losing QUITE as much as they did a year ago (they win 69). They won’t be good and without Sizemore at full strength to begin the season, things might repeat themselves. I’m intrigued to see if the Indians get some Angels in the Outfield and turn their season around.
Bold Predictions:
- Shin-Soo Choo continues to dominate for the Indians outfield. He hits .302 with 23 HR and 93 RBIs split between the Indians and Giants after a midseason trade.
- Chris Perez makes the All-Star game and pitches a perfect 5th inning. Perez has 30+ saves.
- The Indians are the first team since 1903 to hit six straight HR. Back to back to back to back to back to back jacks. They lose the game 7-6 to the Yankees.
- A blimp crashes into the Indians home field. The next 43 home games are played at Cleveland Browns Stadium. The new field comes to be known as “The Field of Dreams.”
And Now for Something Completely Different:
In case you missed it… Since nobody cares about the Indians, I tried to mix in as many references to classic baseball movies as possible. I only got 6. I’ll try to do better next time.
Japan and Hawaii are suffering from the effects of both an 8.9 earthquake and the ensuing tsunami that proved more dangerous. Hundreds are dead in Japan and the destruction is scary.
Here’s the new york times coverage of the same story. Keep up with your current events.
Funny youtube video. Its a very serious subject though. Happens to the best of us.
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