Two Guys Sports
Bruce BostwickDespite the strong ending, uncertain questions arise for the Tribe
September 26th 2008 00:07
You may be thinking that I don't like how the Indians are doing or what the future seems going into Spring Training but it's more of a concern factor. I've looked over the schedule and in a shocking turn of events, they don't start against rival Chicago White Sox in the season opener. Now the season is going to be later than normal due to the World Baseball Classic coming up next season. I do however wish to look at the Indians directly at some issues that must be addressed if they are to contend and not be pretenders.
I'm going to be looking at the offense and trying to figure out what would be the best possible line up assuming that they do not go into the free agent market and pick up players. Now, do I believe that it will happen? I would like to believe that the powers that be in Cleveland would put some effort and show that they want to win and not give the fans more frustration. Well, without further or do, this is what I think the line up could look like barring injuries of course, which is easier said then done.
1B-V. Martinez
2B-A. Cabrera
SS-J. Peralta
3B-J. Carrol
DH-T. Hafner/R. Garko
LF-B. Francisco
CF-G. Sizemore
RF-S. Choo
Back-ups
A. Marte
F. Guitterez
D. Dellucci
S. Fasano (or a possible coach)
Here is what I think the rotation could look like possibly.
SP-C. Lee
SP-F. Carmona
SP-A. Reyes
SP-S. Lewis
SP-A. Laffey/J. Sowers
Bullpen positions could look like this.
BP-R. Bentancourt
BP-M. Kobayashi
BP-Vacant
BP-Vacant
I know Jake Westbrook won't be back until at least the 2nd half of the season but he should be something in a long reliever, double header starter because there is going to be a question of can he stay healthy long enough to do so. I don't believe Mujica, Mastny, or Rincon will be guaranteed starting out in the bullpen for the Indians.
The set-up and closer could look something like this.
Set-up pitcher-R. Perez
Closer-J. Lewis
As you can see, I've had a bit of a stump on it. Could this type of team win? On paper, they have a very good rotation and could really win some games but there's a difference between on paper and actually playing. I do believe there needs to be some looking in the free agent market to see if there could be anyone that could fit. Doesn't have to be an all-star performer, just someone that can get the job done when called upon. Perhaps also try to see if you can get your starters to go 9 innings more often so you don't have to depend on the bullpen so much. I think it could help and it'd be worth a shot.
I'm still unsure about 2009 but would it be too much to ask to go for it all and win the whole thing? The Cleveland Indians must be prepared to make some serious moves and figure out what they are going to do going into the season.
I'm going to be looking at the offense and trying to figure out what would be the best possible line up assuming that they do not go into the free agent market and pick up players. Now, do I believe that it will happen? I would like to believe that the powers that be in Cleveland would put some effort and show that they want to win and not give the fans more frustration. Well, without further or do, this is what I think the line up could look like barring injuries of course, which is easier said then done.
1B-V. Martinez
2B-A. Cabrera
SS-J. Peralta
3B-J. Carrol
DH-T. Hafner/R. Garko
LF-B. Francisco
CF-G. Sizemore
RF-S. Choo
Back-ups
A. Marte
F. Guitterez
D. Dellucci
S. Fasano (or a possible coach)
Here is what I think the rotation could look like possibly.
SP-C. Lee
SP-F. Carmona
SP-A. Reyes
SP-S. Lewis
SP-A. Laffey/J. Sowers
Bullpen positions could look like this.
BP-R. Bentancourt
BP-M. Kobayashi
BP-Vacant
BP-Vacant
I know Jake Westbrook won't be back until at least the 2nd half of the season but he should be something in a long reliever, double header starter because there is going to be a question of can he stay healthy long enough to do so. I don't believe Mujica, Mastny, or Rincon will be guaranteed starting out in the bullpen for the Indians.
The set-up and closer could look something like this.
Set-up pitcher-R. Perez
Closer-J. Lewis
As you can see, I've had a bit of a stump on it. Could this type of team win? On paper, they have a very good rotation and could really win some games but there's a difference between on paper and actually playing. I do believe there needs to be some looking in the free agent market to see if there could be anyone that could fit. Doesn't have to be an all-star performer, just someone that can get the job done when called upon. Perhaps also try to see if you can get your starters to go 9 innings more often so you don't have to depend on the bullpen so much. I think it could help and it'd be worth a shot.
I'm still unsure about 2009 but would it be too much to ask to go for it all and win the whole thing? The Cleveland Indians must be prepared to make some serious moves and figure out what they are going to do going into the season.
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