***Official 2007 CLEVELAND INDIANS Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[wadegarrett]

Wow. Cliff Lee looking STRONG. Could have been his best pitching performance ever. Complete game 3-hitter. Flirted with a no-no for almost six innings. Awesome to see.

 

[wadegarrett]

Peralta is looking like a new man

Shortstop's play greatly improved from last season

Akron Beacon Journal

May 9, 2007

ANAHEIM, CALIF. - It's probably not an overstatement to conclude that the vast majority of Indians fans believed that shortstop Jhonny Peralta would be part of the problem rather than part of the solution in 2007.

It wasn't difficult to see where they were coming from. Peralta made a mess out of 2006, after batting .292 with 24 home runs and 78 RBI in his debut season of 2005.

Instead of getting better, he regressed, posting a batting average of .257 with 13 homers and 68 RBI.

And how about the show Peralta put on at shortstop? At times he looked like Will Ferrell doing a series of pratfalls as Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights.

Peralta actually committed three fewer errors in 2006 (16) than the previous year, but nobody was fooled into thinking he was a competent defender. And never mind that 41-game errorless streak that he had from July 9 through Aug. 30.

By that time, nobody was paying attention. But they are now. After an offseason workout regimen that seems to have made him stronger and quicker, plus laser surgery to correct his eyesight, Peralta is behaving like a new man on the field.

``I worked out hard over the winter,'' Peralta said Tuesday. ``I feel a little bit different. My body is stronger.''

Manager Eric Wedge thinks that the workouts and adjusting to a 1 ½-inch growth spurt in the winter of 2005 has made a difference in Peralta's ability to play shortstop.

``His agility is improved, and he has better first-step quickness,'' Wedge said. ``He's also adapted to his body after that growing period.''

That said, Peralta has six errors already. But there's a difference. They haven't cost the Tribe much in terms of runs, and he has mixed in several tough plays that he wouldn't have made a year ago.

``Jhonny has made more diving plays already this year than he did all last season,'' Wedge said.

Moreover, there has been a marked improvement in Peralta's workmanship at the plate. In the first two months of 2006, he batted .249 with five homers and 25 RBI.

With three weeks left in May, Peralta is batting .262 with seven home runs and 23 RBI. He also is one of three Indians hitting better than .300 with runners in scoring position. Victor Martinez leads (.455), followed by Peralta (.393) and Grady Sizemore (.313).

``You learn from experience,'' Peralta said. ``You have a bad season, so you come in the next year and do something different.''

Last year, Peralta was baffled by breaking pitches. Not only did he swing at too many curves and sliders off the plate, but he also didn't hit the hangers that crossed well into the strike zone.

``They still throw me breaking balls that are low,'' Peralta said. ``But now I take them, so they have to throw me a strike. And I'm hitting breaking balls better. Last year, they would throw a breaking ball for a strike, but I would miss it.''

Wedge thinks that this improvement is a product of better preparation.

``It's more about Jhonny's approach,'' Wedge said. ``He has better balance, and he's using the whole field. He's not trying to do too much.

``When he has a bad day or he's hitting balls right at guys, he stays with his approach.''

Only time will tell whether Peralta's transformation is permanent.

``When all is said and done, Jhonny is going to be better,'' Wedge said. ``Not just his numbers. People got caught up in his offensive numbers two years ago.

``We need his total game: offense, defense and being able to take charge out there, which I've seen him do this year. Jhonny seems more at peace with himself. He's letting his guard down and saying, `Let's just play.' ''

 

[BGP]

Peralta is a 3B. They should move him there and find a real SS.

 

[INDIANSummer]

Peralta is a 3B. They should move him there and find a real SS.

Have anyone in mind?

 

[The Man With No Name]

Peralta is a 3B. They should move him there and find a real SS.

Have anyone in mind?

Omar Vizquel . Man, do I miss him.

 

[wadegarrett]

Hate losing games like that. Missed golden opportunity with the bases loaded and 1 out. Both Shoppach and Barfield K'd. Oh well. Try to get the series today at 3:35pm.

 

[Bobcat10]

Peralta is a 3B. They should move him there and find a real SS.

Have anyone in mind?

Omar Vizquel . Man, do I miss him.

He is a free agent this year.

 

[INDIANSummer]

Peralta is a 3B. They should move him there and find a real SS.

Have anyone in mind?

Omar Vizquel . Man, do I miss him.

Didn't he just turn 65?

 

[INDIANSummer]

Tough loss last night. Cabrera has to know the situation he's coming in to...tie game in the 9th...he has to know guys are looking to go long, especially the other team's #3 hitter!

 

[wadegarrett]

Jeremy Sowers may not make it to June.

 

[wadegarrett]

8-0.

 

[BGP]

I'm going to focus in on a big 4-game series between the Tigers and Indians at Jacobs Field. May 31st and June 1st-3rd. We won't see them again for over a month.

Here is how I'll lay out the series each club will play heading into that one.

Indians:

@OAK (17-16) 1 win, 2 losses

MIN (17-17) 2 wins, 1 loss

CIN (15-20) 2 wins, 1 loss

SEA (15-15) 1 loss

@KAN (11-24) 2 wins, 1 loss

@DET (21-12) 1 win, 2 losses

@BOS (23-10) 1 win, 2 losses

record during this stretch: 9-10

record heading into 4-game series with Tigers: 29-22

Tigers:

@MIN (17-17) 1 win, 2 losses

@BOS (23-10) 2 wins, 2 losses

STL (14-18) 2 wins, 1 loss

LAA (19-16) 2 wins, 1 loss

CLE (20-12) 2 wins, 1 loss

@TAM (14-20) 2 wins, 1 loss

record during this stretch: 11-8

record heading into 4-game series with Indians: 32-20

So I'll say the Tigers ought to open up a 2.5 game lead in the division heading into that 4-game series.

At this point, the Tigers haven't gone on the road and beaten any strong clubs yet. The Tigers have already played the lowly Royals NINE times and went 7-2. The Tigers are 3-3 against clubs with a winning record. Yes that is correct - we are nearing the middle of May and the Tigers have only played SIX games against winning clubs.

The Indians biggest accomplishment is facing the Angels and White Sox back-to-back-to-back to open the season, surrounded by a awful rain delay and the home games in Milwaukee and going 6-3. It may not be appreciated so much, but beating THREE winning clubs right off the bat, coming out 6-3, that will be a TREMENDOUS help down the line.

 

[BGP]

Detroit Tigers Looking Ahead:

June:

total games: 27

games against --

winning clubs: 12

500 clubs: 2

losing clubs: 13

July:

total games: 27

games against --

winning clubs: 16

500 clubs: 8

losing clubs: 3 (Royals)

WEST COAST TRIP (@LAA, @OAK)

HUGE ROAD TRIP (11 games, overlaps into August)

August:

total games: 30

games against --

winning clubs: 14

500 clubs: 0

losing clubs: 16

games against Indians: 5

September:

total games: 26

games against --

winning clubs: 11

500 clubs: 9 (MIN and SEA)

losing clubs: 6

Detroit Tigers Looking Back:

April:

total games: 25

games against --

winning clubs: 6

500 clubs: 3

losing clubs: 16

May:

total games:

games against -- 28

winning clubs: 11

500 clubs: 6

losing clubs: 11

Summary:

The Detroit Tigers have just completed the easiest part of their 2007 schedule. They opened with lots of games against the Royals, Blue Jays and Orioles. They SHOULD have a strong record right now. And they will NEED it because its going to get a LOT tougher for them looking ahead. The rest of May they are getting looks at the Red Sox, Angels, and Indians. June is an average month, split between good and bad clubs. The month of July has a chance to eat the Tigers alive, as they only play 3 games against losing clubs PLUS they have a west coast trip on the docket. They better be at the absolute top of their game. August is another average month but the 5 games against the Indians could swing things one way or another. Finally, September looks a little rough as well. Only 6 games against losing clubs. The 9 games against the Mariners and Twins means the month could turn out to be ugly or softer, depending on which way those two clubs go in 2007.

Honestly, the Tigers needed to absolutely crush in April to keep their heads above water. They needed MULTIPLE sweeps up to this point to give them breathing room. They only got one, a 3 game sweep of the Royals. I doubt that effort is going to be enough on their part. This team isn't going to win 100 games. Maybe more like 90.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Herd the same, you havent beat anyone yet crap from Chisox fans last year.

 

[BGP]

Cleveland Indians - looking back and looking ahead

April:

total games: 22

games against --

winning clubs: 9

500 clubs: 2

losing clubs: 11

May:

total games: 30

games against --

winning clubs: 13

500 clubs: 4

losing clubs: 13

June:

total games: 28

games against --

winning clubs: 10

500 clubs: 1

losing clubs: 17

From June 5th-24, the Indians play 19 games. Only 3 against winning clubs.

July:

total games: 26

games against --

winning clubs: 10

500 clubs: 3

losing clubs: 13

August:

total games: 28

games against --

winning clubs: 9

500 clubs: 8

losing clubs: 11

September:

total games: 28

games against --

winning clubs: 15

500 clubs: 7

losing clubs: 6 (ALL Royals)

TWO WEST COAST TRIPS (once to LAA, later on to SEA)

SUMMARY:

The Indians so far are way ahead of the pace. They really shouldn't have this good of a record considering they have played a fair amount of good clubs already and are in the middle of a west coast trip. The Indians are 7-5 against clubs with winning records, which is excellent. The Indians also have posted THREE sweeps already. Two 2-game series sweeps (MIN and TEX back-to-back) and a 3-game sweep of TOR.

June is the easiest month for the Indians, as they draw 17 games against losing clubs. But June, July and August overall have the potential for being easy. The Indians set this up for themselves by annihilating good teams early on. It is the month of September that will hurt the Indians. It going to be a shock if the tribe doesn't swoon heading to the finish line. Can you believe only 6 games against losing clubs AND two west coast trips to end 2007? Yipe.

Indians vs Tigers:

The month of July should be a great one for the Indians. While the schedule is soft for the Indians, the Tigers are facing a crushing month. This is where the Indians should pull back into 1st. Padding that in August is possible, especially if they beat the Tigers head-to-head in the 5 games there. September could be rough for both the Indians and Tigers, so perhaps a third team could steal the AL Central at the end? Let's look at the september schedules for other AL Central foes:

Twins September:

total games: 27

games against --

winning clubs: 19

500 clubs: 0

losing clubs: 8

end year with 10 straight games against winning clubs AND on the road (CWS, @DET, @BOS)

White Sox September:

total games: 27

games against --

winning clubs: 14

500 clubs: 6

losing clubs: 7

Everyone in the Al Central is going to have a rough schedule. This might mean whoever is in first at the end of August (the tribe) will win the division, as everyone backslides a bit. It also probably means the WC will come from one of the other two divisions. Perhaps OAK and LAA both get in?

 

[Bobcat10]

Herd the same, you havent beat anyone yet crap from Chisox fans last year.

I'm sure you did. BGP's analysis isn't so bad though. He brings up some good points. The schedule so far has clearly favored the Tigers. That is an absolute fact. What that doesn't do is translate to what happens later in the season. That's why we play the games.What sucks is the Indians should have had that opening day win vs Seattle, and if the weather was better that weekend they could easily have taken 3 of 4 the way the teams were playing. Oh well. One thing I will point out...52 games into last season (which is about when the Tigers/Indians will square off for the first time this year), the Tigers were 35-17 and 9.5 games ahead of the Indians. That obviously won't be the case this year and I'd make an educated guess that the Tigers will not have that many wins this year.

 

[Bobcat10]

Another interesting tidbit. The Indians had those four games snowed out and they have not made them up yet.....but they still have played more games (32) than some other AL teams and only two teams have played 35 games (KC/BAL).

 

[BGP]

Herd the same, you havent beat anyone yet crap from Chisox fans last year.

I'm sure you did. BGP's analysis isn't so bad though. He brings up some good points. The schedule so far has clearly favored the Tigers. That is an absolute fact. What that doesn't do is translate to what happens later in the season. That's why we play the games.

Good baseball teams usually do two things:1. beat up on the bad clubs2. play .500 against winning clubs.That alone will get you between 90-100 wins.Then you have great clubs, clubs that win 100+. The difference between good and great clubs is that the great clubs SWEEP the bad clubs. That's it. The 95 Indians went 11-1 vs the Royals. They swept 13 series, 12 of which were against losing clubs.

 

[BGP]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

 

[BGP]

The Indians are a candidate to be a great club. They already have those three sweeps. They still have a soft month of June ahead of them. It really depends on how hard they blast the losing clubs then. The Indians could slice thru that June schedule with a record of 21-7.

 

[Bobcat10]

Bulletin board material from the Astros thread today.

That's a fun division with 3 pretty good teams in Detroit, Chicago and Minn. I'm not listing Cleveland because I don't think they can hold up with that starting pitching (I reserve the right to change my mind if Carmona stays up).

 

[BGP]

Bulletin board material from the Astros thread today.

That's a fun division with 3 pretty good teams in Detroit, Chicago and Minn. I'm not listing Cleveland because I don't think they can hold up with that starting pitching (I reserve the right to change my mind if Carmona stays up).

I'll grade the Indians rotation:Cliff Lee: 1.00 WHIP...only 2 starts in 2007 due to injury, but he has a track record of success...have to count him has a quality pitcher.Fausto Carmona: 1.20 WHIP...young kid...just basically breaking in...no track record...might give us a strong first half...might have a great season....I agree you can't rely on him tho to make an arguement that the Indians are a great club.C.C. Sabathia: 1.26 WHIP...pseudo stud pitcher...track record of success...has shown flashes of greatness in recent years...have to count him as a quality pitcher.Paul Byrd: 1.29 WHIP...WHIP in line with career average and its a good number...veteran with track record of success...has to be counted as a quality pitcher.Jeremy Sowers: 1.63 WHIP...second year as a starter in the bigs...not much of a track record...have to be concerned about him...can't be counted as a quality pitcher.Jake Westbrook: 1.68 WHIP..was having a bad season before the injury...at best a mediocre starter...not a quality pitcher.---------------------The Indians have 3 quality starters (Sabathia, Lee, and Byrd). That IS enough to be a great club. They really don't NEED Carmona to have a spectacular season. But as long as he produces they have four.

 

[Bobcat10]

Bulletin board material from the Astros thread today.

That's a fun division with 3 pretty good teams in Detroit, Chicago and Minn. I'm not listing Cleveland because I don't think they can hold up with that starting pitching (I reserve the right to change my mind if Carmona stays up).

:X

I'll grade the Indians rotation:Cliff Lee: 1.00 WHIP...only 2 starts in 2007 due to injury, but he has a track record of success...have to count him has a quality pitcher.Fausto Carmona: 1.20 WHIP...young kid...just basically breaking in...no track record...might give us a strong first half...might have a great season....I agree you can't rely on him tho to make an arguement that the Indians are a great club.C.C. Sabathia: 1.26 WHIP...pseudo stud pitcher...track record of success...has shown flashes of greatness in recent years...have to count him as a quality pitcher.Paul Byrd: 1.29 WHIP...WHIP in line with career average and its a good number...veteran with track record of success...has to be counted as a quality pitcher.Jeremy Sowers: 1.63 WHIP...second year as a starter in the bigs...not much of a track record...have to be concerned about him...can't be counted as a quality pitcher.Jake Westbrook: 1.68 WHIP..was having a bad season before the injury...at best a mediocre starter...not a quality pitcher.---------------------The Indians have 3 quality starters (Sabathia, Lee, and Byrd). That IS enough to be a great club. They really don't NEED Carmona to have a spectacular season. But as long as he produces they have four.

And IF need be, they have Miller clawing at the majors in AAA. I suspect his promotion will be due to either major injuries, Sept callup, or the Tribe needing a major boost in July.J. Stanford is also pitching very well, but another guy with not much track record at the ML level.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

Of course you do. Considering the adversity the Tigers have been facing, I still like their chances to win the division.

 

[wadegarrett]

Bulletin board material from the Astros thread today.

That's a fun division with 3 pretty good teams in Detroit, Chicago and Minn. I'm not listing Cleveland because I don't think they can hold up with that starting pitching (I reserve the right to change my mind if Carmona stays up).

Whoever that is doesn't know much about the Indians.

 

[wadegarrett]

 

[Doctor Detroit]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

Last four series:Baltimore sweepRoyals sweep (before you wrote this post even)Mariners (two of three)Twins (two of three)I won't make any excuses for the Tigers having the best record in the AL Central either. They played like #### in April injuries or no injuries and still find a way to stay near the top of the standings. Off to Boston for four games now so you better hope the Red Sux can step up. The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

 

[wadegarrett]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

 

[Bobcat10]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

Of course you do. Considering the adversity the Tigers have been facing, I still like their chances to win the division.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

 

[Bobcat10]

Borowski has absolutely imploded twice this year in the 9th when he had 2 outs and nobody on base (2-run lead yesterday and the Yanks game I think 5-run lead). Unacceptable.

Once he blows the save, he needs to be replaced immediately if runners on base or after giving up one more hit if the bases are empty. The pen needs to be up earlier in the 9th, like as soon as one runner reaches. Does anyone know if Cabrera was completely warmed up yesterday? I heard they basically rushed him in.

 

[wadegarrett]

Borowski has absolutely imploded twice this year in the 9th when he had 2 outs and nobody on base (2-run lead yesterday and the Yanks game I think 5-run lead). Unacceptable.

Once he blows the save, he needs to be replaced immediately if runners on base or after giving up one more hit if the bases are empty. The pen needs to be up earlier in the 9th, like as soon as one runner reaches. Does anyone know if Cabrera was completely warmed up yesterday? I heard they basically rushed him in.

Totally blew it yesterday.

 

[Bobcat10]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

What is so funny? Is it that you think your pitching is so superior to the Indians? Just curious....if you're just looking at stats, they are almost identical. Starters depth? That's darn close too.

 

[wadegarrett]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

Their pitching stats are nearly identical. The fact that you can't see it that way is the funny part.

 

[wadegarrett]

What is so funny? Is it that you think your pitching is so superior to the Indians? Just curious....if you're just looking at stats, they are almost identical. Starters depth? That's darn close too.

Their pitching stats are nearly identical. The fact that you can't see it that way is the funny part.

Great minds...

 

[Doctor Detroit]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

Their pitching stats are nearly identical. The fact that you can't see it that way is the funny part.

Tigers pitchers have actually won games in October, the fact that you can't see that probably means you are living in West Virginia.

 

[Bobcat10]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

Their pitching stats are nearly identical. The fact that you can't see it that way is the funny part.

Tigers pitchers have actually won games in October, the fact that you can't see that probably means you are living in West Virginia.

Diggin' deep there. GLWT.

 

[wadegarrett]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

Their pitching stats are nearly identical. The fact that you can't see it that way is the funny part.

Tigers pitchers have actually won games in October, the fact that you can't see that probably means you are living in West Virginia.

Congratulations on those October wins last year. What does that have to do with this year?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

What is so funny? Is it that you think your pitching is so superior to the Indians? Just curious....if you're just looking at stats, they are almost identical. Starters depth? That's darn close too.

Rogers, Verlander, Bonderman, Robertson, and Maroth. Cleveland's starters are almost identical? Give me a break. It's not close at all and any neutral baseball fan will tell you as much. We are less than two months into the season, when the Indians are first in ERA or something in September call me.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

FWIW if you guys want to argue position players, the Indians have quite a few advantages there.

On a related note, the Indians and Tigers get the FOX afternoon game on May 26th and ESPN Sunday night baseball on the 27th. I guess the Yankees and Red Sux don't play that weekend.

 

[Bobcat10]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

What is so funny? Is it that you think your pitching is so superior to the Indians? Just curious....if you're just looking at stats, they are almost identical. Starters depth? That's darn close too.

Rogers, Verlander, Bonderman, Robertson, and Maroth. Cleveland's starters are almost identical? Give me a break. It's not close at all and any neutral baseball fan will tell you as much. We are less than two months into the season, when the Indians are first in ERA or something in September call me.

When I said starting depth, I was thinking 7/8-ish deep.I'd love to have seen the Indians with the Tigers bullpen the past few years. IMO you are overhyping your starters when you act like they are light years away from others in the AL Central. The main edge you have right now is #2 starter.

 

[wadegarrett]

When I look at the Tigers, and I see them taking 2 of 3 from the Royals, and not getting lots of sweeps at the marshmallow soft part of the schedule, I know they aren't a great team. We can beat them. The Indians ALREADY have 3 sweeps. I like our chances.

The Indians are not a team that is likely to catch the Tigers if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

And vice versa...The Tigers are not a team that is likely to catch the Indians if they get too far behind. Not enough pitching.

What is so funny? Is it that you think your pitching is so superior to the Indians? Just curious....if you're just looking at stats, they are almost identical. Starters depth? That's darn close too.

Rogers, Verlander, Bonderman, Robertson, and Maroth. Cleveland's starters are almost identical? Give me a break. It's not close at all and any neutral baseball fan will tell you as much. We are less than two months into the season, when the Indians are first in ERA or something in September call me.

I'll give you that the Tigers SP right now is better than the Indians. And that would work out great for you if they all pitched 9 innings every start. But...TEAM ERA

DET = 4.45

CLE = 4.54

From the original point...I just don't see how you can imply Detroit could catch the Indians but not vice versa.

FWIW if you guys want to argue position players, the Indians have quite a few advantages there.

As a hitting team, Indians really haven't hit that well. They strike out too much and Hafner, Sizemore and Peralta have struggled so far. But their 4th in the AL in runs scored which is why their keeping pace with Detroit.

On a related note, the Indians and Tigers get the FOX afternoon game on May 26th and ESPN Sunday night baseball on the 27th. I guess the Yankees and Red Sux don't play that weekend.

 

[Bobcat10]

We're scoring alot of runs because of the long ball and walks. They also have alot of 3+ run innings, but I don't know a site that compares those stats.

The Indians, Royals and Rays are striking out at an alarming rate, especially the Rays.

If the bats don't heat up (which would help out our horrible LOB stat), we won't sustain this winning % all year unless the pitching is lights out.

 

[RedRaiders]

When will Josh Barfield start running? I know in the last couple weeks he's raised his average about 100 points. I stuck him in the lineup this week. 13 rbi's isn't great but he is batting 8th. Just need him to run a little more.

 

[wadegarrett]

Twins in for 3. Wonder if there will be any retaliation for the beanings by Santana in the first meeting.

 

[GamerBoy61]

Just got a phone call from a friend.. They have season tickets and they can't use them Friday night and wondered if I could use them

Battle of Ohio

 

[Bobcat10]

Twins in for 3. Wonder if there will be any retaliation for the beanings by Santana in the first meeting.

They'd only have themselves (Santana, Gardenhire, whoever) to blame.

 

[wadegarrett]

Just got a phone call from a friend.. They have season tickets and they can't use them Friday night and wondered if I could use them Battle of Ohio

Will be there for Saturday's game.

 

[s_ezy]

Just got a phone call from a friend.. They have season tickets and they can't use them Friday night and wondered if I could use them Battle of Ohio

Will be there for Saturday's game.

going tonight

 

[Funkley]

Hurt someone we don't need. TIA.