Cleveland Indians Finally Back in the Game

It hadn’t been since 2007 that the Cleveland Indians were in playoff contention. The following year, 2008, the Indians barely made it to a .500 winning percentage finishing the season even, with an 81-81 record. Things only got worse for the Indians in 2009 as they finished the season with a dreadful 65-97 record. In 2010 they failed at their attempt of a comeback season winning just four more games with a record of 69-93. Losing superstar Grady Sizemore to season-ending microfracture surgery definitely did not help their cause.  Sizemore played a mere 33 games in 2010. Without many additions in the off-season, in 2011 things have been looking up for the Indians, way up. With a League best 31-20 record, the Cleveland Indians have found resurgence. They are tied in the loss column with the Major League best Philadelphia Phillies who have actually played three more games than the Indians. It has been their young Right Handed hurlers leading the way for the Indians in 2011. Led by Josh Tomlin with a 6-2 record and a sparkling 2.74 ERA, the Cleveland Indians are no longer looking up but instead finally looking down in 2011. Stud catching prospect Carlos Santana who is receiving everyday playing time in 2011 has done quite the job behind the plate this season. The Indians are confident his average will go up from the current mark of .214, and are very pleased with his poise and ability to handle their young pitching staff. With Carlos Santana, hitting is of no concern. Both the Indians and scouts know the hitting will come along. Now, for those of you wondering “What about Cabrera?” don’t worry here it is. The biggest surprise this season for the Indians has been their 25 year old shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera. Cabrera has never hit more than 6 homeruns in any of his 4 major league seasons, 3 of which were full. In early 2011 Cabrera was asked by a teammate why he doesn’t try and hit more homeruns during games like he does in batting practice. (Cabrera is a homerun machine in BP).  He felt that if he were to go for the long ball more often, his batting average would go way down. His teammate suggested however, that instead it could go way up. Cabrera clearly took the advice as he now stands with an impressive line of .298 10 HR 35 RBI which is on pace to shatter all of his career highs. His 10 homeruns in 2011 is already more than half of his career total coming into the season of 18. Only time will tell if the Indians can keep up their surprising and successful first 51 games of 2011 but as of now, the Cleveland Indians are the League’s best.

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