Cleveland Indians Overcome

While other teams, GM€™s, and fans cite injuries and under-performance, the Indians have flat out gotten it done. What issues have the Tribe overcome?

Back in April, the Indians opening day roster included Trot Nixon, David Delluci, Josh Barfield& Andy Marte. All four are no longer in starting roles.

On the pitching end, number two, three, and four starters Jake Westbrook, Cliff Lee, & Jeremy Sowers have flamed out, with Westbrook (and his new contract) sporting a 5 “ 8 record, Cliff Lee being relegated to the minors (now back in a bullpen role) and Sowers being sent back to AAA for seasoning.

Off-season acquisitions in the pen such as Roberto Hernandez didn’t work out. Keith Foulke upped and retired. Hafner has taken close to .250 points off of his regular OPS. Organizational depth and a bit of luck have helped the club out in 07. In the pen, contributors such as Jensen Lewis & Raffy Perez made jumps from the minors. The ability of Casey Blake to play multiple positions (in single games, Blake has played RF, 1B & 3B) has eased the burden of Andy Marte. Gutierrez and Fransico, along with the addition of Lofton have helped the Indians cover up for often injured off-season acquisitions Delluci & Nixon. The awesome low-risk/high reward signing of Joe Borowski. I don’t think I need to talk about Carmona & Byrd (combined 28 “ 13).

I applaud the job that the Mariners have done this season but if anyone other than Mark Shapiro is executive of the year¦ I will be upset. Yes, a threat indeed. Go Tribe!