Cleveland Indians: 2011 Season Preview

     Opening Day.

     The magic of those 2 simple words is understood by baseball fans everywhere.  They signify hope, a fresh start, and the prospect of a bright future.  For the Cleveland Indians and their fans, Opening Day cannot arrive soon enough.

     Since its magical run to the American League Championship Series in 2007, the Tribe has repeatedly underachieved.  The Indians' cumulative record during that time is a woeful 215-271.  However, all is not doom and gloom in regards to Cleveland's beloved baseball franchise.

     The Tribe's front office has made its share of mistakes in recent years, but it has succeeded in building a young team with the potential to be a contender in the seasons to come.

     Although not expected to compete in 2011, the Indians could surprise some people if the young players continue to develop and the veterans remain healthy.  And that optimism is what makes Opening Day so special.


Roster Analysis (2010 Statistics)

Starting Pitchers
Fausto Carmona (13-14 (Win-Loss Record); 3.77 Earned Run Average):
     No Indians player epitomizes the team's recent struggles better than Carmona.  The 28-year-old right-handed hurler keyed the Tribe's '07 playoff push by winning 19 games, but he is yet to regain that dominant form.  Carmona, though, did take a step in the right direction last year, and Cleveland needs its ace to pitch well this season if a division title is to be a realistic possibility.
Carlos Carrasco (2-2; 3.83 ERA):
     Carrasco has been a September call-up each of the past 2 seasons, and, as a result, he has never pitched in a truly meaningful game.  Despite his relative inexperience, the Indians have high hopes for their young pitcher, in large part due to his tremendous career strikeout to walk ratio (49-25).
Justin Masterson (6-13; 4.70 ERA):
     The majority of Tribe fans believe Masterson, a hard-throwing sinkerballer, is better suited in a relief role, but the Indians apparently do not share that opinion.  A solid September of a season ago probably saved Masterson's job, and the 26-year-old will now attempt to build on his limited success.
Josh Tomlin (6-4; 4.56 ERA):
     Tomlin captured the final spot in the rotation during the final week of spring training as he narrowly beat out Jeanmar Gomez and David Huff. Tomlin pitched very well following the 2010 All-Star break, but he is without a doubt a liability due to his minimal experience.
Mitch Talbot (10-13; 4.41 ERA):
     Talbot's 2010 campaign was a tale of 2 halves.  During the 1st half of the season, Talbot was a legitimate contender for the American League's Rookie of the Year award.  Talbot's production then proceeded to drop off, and his final record was sub-.500.  Hopefully, Talbot's late-season swoon was merely an anomaly because the Indians desperately need him to be solid in 2011.

Relief Pitchers
Chris Perez (2-2; 1.71 ERA; 23 Saves):
     Perez is only 26 years of age, but he has already established himself as one of the best closers in baseball.  With Perez looming in the bullpen, the Indians will force their opponents to play 8-inning games, thus creating an advantage the Tribe has not enjoyed since the days of Jose Mesa.
Chad Durbin (4-1; 3.80 ERA):
     The off-season acquisition of Durbin, an 11-year veteran, will bolster a relatively young relief corps.  Durbin can serve in a variety of roles, but he will predominantly be the Indians' set-up man.
Frank Herrmann (0-1; 4.03 ERA; 1 Save):
     Herrmann was a pleasant surprise for the Indians a year ago after he was called up from Triple-A Columbus.  The Harvard graduate barely made the Opening Day roster, and he will now prepare to make the best of his opportunity.
Justin Germano (0-3; 3.31 ERA):
     Following a flurry of deadline deals last July, Germano was pressed into action as the Tribe's long reliever.  Germano often pitched multiple innings, and he saved the bullpen on numerous occasions when the starter failed to reach the the 4th or 5th inning.
Vinnie Pestano (0-0; 3.60 ERA; 1 Save):
     Very few Indians fans even know who Pestano is; yet, despite his relative anonymity, the young right-hander captured the final spot in the 'pen.  Due to the fact that he has only pitched a total of 5 innings in his career, there is no telling how he will perform this season.
Rafael Perez (6-1; 3.25 ERA):
     Perez possesses a nearly unhittable slider, but the problem for him has always been command.  If he can control his pitches, he has the potential to become one of the best relievers in the game.
Tony Sipp (2-2; 4.14 ERA; 1 Save):
     There were times last year when Sipp literally could not record an out.  However, there were also times when he appeared to be flawless.  If Sipp hopes to become an integral part of the Tribe bullpen, he will have to develop some level of consistency.
Joe Smith* (2-2; 3.83 ERA):
     The Indians have already promised Smith a spot in the bullpen as soon as the sidewinding righty recovers from a left knee injury.

Catchers
Carlos Santana (.260 Batting Average; 6 Home Runs; 22 Runs Batted In):
     A severe knee injury cut short Santana's rookie campaign, but the young phenom will be ready to play come April 1st.  During his 2 months at the major league level, Santana displayed all the tools, both offensive and defensive, that will make him a superstar for years to come.
Lou Marson (.195; 3 HR; 22 RBI):
     In an attempt to lighten the load on Santana, the Indians will allow their starting catcher to play 1st base in addition to his backstop duties.  Therefore, Marson, who is an above average defensive catcher, will be given ample time behind the plate this season.

1st Base
Matt LaPorta (.221; 21 HR; 41 RBI):
     On paper, LaPorta has what it takes to become a bona fide slugger.  However, the Tribe's 1st baseman has never been able to produce consistently at the major league level, and that disturbing trend must change if LaPorta is to have a future in Cleveland.

2nd Base    
Orlando Cabrera (.263; 4 HR; 42 RBI):
     In an effort to strengthen ther middle infield, the Indians signed Cabrera to a 1-year contract on February 16th.  Cabrera, who is 37, will provide the Tribe with veteran leadership in the clubhouse and dependable play on the field.

Shortstop
Asdrubal Cabrera (.276; 3 HR; 29 RBI):
     Cabrera is a tremendous talent, but the Indians have begun to question his work ethic, or lack thereof.  Assuming Cabrera regains his willingness to improve, the Indians will be blessed with a perennial all-star.
Adam Everett (.185; 0 HR; 4 RBI):
     Everett is expected to be Cleveland's utility infielder.  He can play shortstop, 2nd base, or 3rd base.

3rd Base
Jack Hannahan (Did Not Play):
     After Jason Donald suffered a finger injury in early March, Hannahan surprisingly won the 3rd base job.  Even though Hannahan compiled very good spring training statistics - .340; 4 HR; 7 RBI - Donald will man the hot corner as soon as he is healthy.
Jason Donald* (.253; 4 HR; 24 RBI):
     As I mentioned in the above paragraph, Donald will be the Tribe's 3rd baseman when he fully overcomes the injury to his left middle finger.  In 2011, Donald should be able to improve upon a decent rookie season.

Outfield
Austin Kearns (.263; 10 HR; 49 RBI):
     The Indians traded Kearns to the Yankees last July but then proceeded to sign the outfielder to a 1-year contract in December.  Kearns will start the year in left field, but he will most likely be a reserve following the return of Grady Sizemore.
Michael Brantley (.246; 3 HR; 22 RBI):
     Brantley is an exciting young outfielder who is beginning to realize his vast potential.  Brantley will play center field until Sizemore's return.
Shin-Soo Choo (.300; 22 HR; 90 RBI):
     Choo, a native of South Korea, is inarguably the Indians' best player.  Choo possesses all 5 of the proverbial tools - power, batting average, base running, fielding, and throwing - and can beat the opposition in a variety of ways.
Travis Buck (.167; 1 HR; 2 RBI):
     An impressive spring landed Buck a spot on the Tribe's roster, but he may be ticketed for Triple-A when Sizemore returns.
Shelley Duncan (.231; 11 HR; 36 RBI):
     A great role player, Duncan simply does whatever is best for the team.  In addition to outfield responsibilities, he also is capable of playing 1st base.
Grady Sizemore* (.211; 0 HR; 13 RBI):
     The face of the franchise missed nearly the entire 2010 campaign due to a knee injury suffered on May 16th.  Sizemore will begin this season on the disabled list but should return in early April.  The Tribe will need its center fielder to perform at a high level if a trip to the playoffs is to be even the remotest of possibilities.

Designated Hitter
Travis Hafner (.278; 13 HR; 50 RBI):
     In the years since his spectacular 2006 season, Hafner has been plagued by a nagging shoulder injury.  Now completely healthy, "Pronk" appears primed for a return to glory.

* - Disabled List


Prediction: 81-81 (3rd Place in the American League Central)
     A .500 record may be a bit optimistic, but, like I said in the opening, that is the beauty of this time of year.

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Kentucky Halts OSU's Title Run

3-25-11     vs. Kentucky     L, 62-60     34-3

     Ohio State's dream of a national championship dissipated in the East Regional Semifinals on Friday night as the Kentucky Wildcats dealt the top-seeded Buckeyes a devastating defeat.

     The contest, despite its unsatisfactory outcome, was indeed a classic, and it contained all the key elements of a memorable NCAA Tournament game.  Neither team led by more than 7 points, and 39 minutes of intense action set the stage for a memorable finish.

     Trailing 60-57, Thad Matta called a timeout and diagrammed a perfect play that resulted in Jon Diebler's 25-foot, game-tying 3-pointer.

     Kentucky, though, had an answer, and it was quick.  John Calipari decided not to stop the clock, and the move paid immediate dividends when Brandon Knight drilled an off-balance jump shot with 9 seconds remaining.



The shot that ended OSU's season



     Matta could have used another timeout, but he thought that would allow UK the chance to regroup defensively.  However, the 'Cats swiftly recovered and forced William Buford, who had previously missed 13 shots, to attempt a contested jumper from well beyond the 3-point arc.  The desperate heave almost went in, but it bounced off target as the buzzer sounded.  The Buckeyes' magical season, which included both a Big Ten regular season and a Big Ten tournament title, was over.

     Each squad was led by its dominant big man.  Kentucky's Josh Harrellson scored 17 and hauled in 10 rebounds while Jared Sullinger tallied 21 and yanked down 16 boards.  Following the game, Sullinger announced he would be returning for his sophomore year, and Buford also claimed he would be back next season.

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Relentless Buckeyes Crush George Mason

3-20-11     vs. George Mason     W, 98-66     34-2

     Jared Sullinger had seen enough.
     The top-seeded Buckeyes and their talented freshman were already in an 11-2 hole, and the contest was only 4 minutes old.
     Sullinger decided it was time to send a message.  Although he danced around the subject in the postgame press conference, Sully clearly turned to George Mason's Ryan Pearson and calmly said, "It's over."  And the Naismith Award Finalist was as good as his word.  Sullinger scored 13 points to key an incredible 50-15 run for Ohio State that spanned the 1st half's final 16 minutes.  Sullinger finished the evening with 18 points and 8 rebounds.


Sullinger's play spoke louder than his words, but both were effective



     Sullinger may have been the loudest Buckeye, but he was simply one piece of an unstoppable machine.

     David Lighty, playing in his hometown of Cleveland, swished all 7 of his 3-pointers, and he tallied a game-high 25 points.

     Jon Diebler drilled 4 3s, including a buzzer beater that gave OSU a 52-26 halftime advantage.

     William Buford poured in 18 points, marking the 2nd time he has done that in this tournament.

     Despite the fantastic performances turned in by Sullinger, Lighty, Diebler, and Buford, Aaron Craft had the greatest impact on the game.  The young point guard scored 6 points and pulled down 6 rebounds.  And, oh by the way, he dished out 15 assists.

     By virtue of the win over George Mason, the Buckeyes will advance to the Sweet 16 and play Kentucky in a must-watch basketball game Friday night.

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Buckeyes Cruise Past UTSA

3-18-11     vs. Texas-San Antonio     W, 75-46     33-2

     Ohio State's road to the Final Four began on Friday afternoon in Cleveland, and the top-seeded Buckeyes easily moved one step closer to Houston.

     William Buford played one of the best games of his illustrious career as the junior swingman scored 18 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists.

     The Buckeyes, though, are the furthest thing from a one-man show.  In addition to Buford's remarkable performance, Jon Diebler scored 14 and Deshaun Thomas, 13.  Jared Sullinger also tallied 11 while finishing one rebound shy of a double-double.

     Texas-San Antonio managed to remain competitive early in the contest, but OSU went on an 11-0 run minutes before halftime.  Ohio State led, 37-21, at the intermission, and UTSA's hope of a historic upset was gone.

     The Roadrunners then became roadkill in the 2nd half.  The Buckeyes outscored their opponents by a 33-11 count during the 2nd stanza's 1st 14 minutes.

     Devin Gibson led Texas-San Antonio with 24 points, but no other Roadrunner scored more than 6.

Diebler, Sullinger, David Lighty, and Buford enjoy OSU's 2nd round win

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Buckeyes Win Conference Tourney

3-13-11     vs. Penn State     W, 71-60     32-2

     Ohio State captured its 2nd consecutive Big Ten tournament championship on Sunday afternoon as the Buckeyes overpowered Penn State, 71-60.

     In order to reach the title match, PSU was forced to win 3 games, 2 of which were surprising upsets, in 3 days.  As a result, the Nittany Lions did not have enough remaining energy to stun the heavily favored Buckeyes.

     Thad Matta's squad was less than impressive in the 1st half, but Jon Diebler erased the poor start moments before the intermission.  Leading 26-23, Ohio State hurriedly placed the ball in Diebler's hands.  The senior guard quickly created space behind the 3-point arc and lofted a buzzer beating dagger.

     The Nits never recovered from Diebler's heroics, and the Buckeyes maintained a double-digit lead throughout the majority of the 2nd half.

     William Buford's 18 points led OSU, and it was his timely 3-pointer early in the 2nd stanza that sparked a critical 8-0 run.

     Jared Sullinger, the tourney's most outstanding player, chipped in 15 points and 11 rebounds.  Sullinger averaged 16 points and 15 boards during the tournament.

Jared Sullinger: The Big Ten Tourney's MOP

     Diebler's clutch 3 highlighted what was a 16-point outburst for the greatest long range shooter in Big Ten history.

     Taylor Battle's 24 points made him the game's high-point man, but the 2nd team all-conference performer never received the assistance he so desperately needed.

     Shortly after the victory, the Buckeyes were rewarded with the number 1 overall seed in the NCAA tournament.  Ohio State will play either Texas-San Antonio or Alabama State on Friday in Cleveland.

    

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Buckeyes Hold Off Michigan

3-12-11     vs. Michigan     W, 68-61     31-2

     Ohio State, the Big Ten tournament's top seed, nearly choked away an 18-point lead in the closing minutes, but the Buckeyes were fortunately able to hold on for the win.  OSU will now play Penn State in tomorrow's conference championship tilt.

     3 Ohio State players - David Lighty, Aaron Craft, and Jordan Sibert - picked up 2 fouls in the 1st half and consequently missed substantial playing time.  However, the Buckeyes weathered the storm and managed a 31-27 halftime lead.

     The 2nd half was mostly dominated by the scarlet and gray.  Ohio State went on a 16-0 run  to build up a seemingly insurmountable 63-45 advantage at the 4:45 mark.  The Bucks still led by 10 with 42 seconds remaining, but Michigan refused to quit.  A flurry of 3-pointers reduced the deficit to 4 before OSU finally sealed the victory at the free throw line.

     The Buckeyes scoring-wise were a three-headed monster.  Jon Diebler (16 points), William Buford (16), and Jared Sullinger (14) led Ohio State's efficient, though unspectacular, offensive attack.  Sullinger also pulled down 13 rebounds as he continued his dominant weekend at the Conseco Field House.

Sullinger's double-double fueled Ohio State

     Darius Morris's 16 points and Tim Hardaway Jr.'s 15 sparked a fiesty UM squad that came up just a little bit short.

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Buckeyes Survive and Advance

3-11-11     vs. Northwestern     W, 67-61 (OT)     30-2

     Northwestern's Princeton-style offense, which minimizes the number of possessions in a game, has obviously given Ohio State some serious problems this season, but, once again, the Buckeyes prevailed, and they will play Michigan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals tomorrow afternoon.

     The contest was close throughout, and it came down to the final minutes of regulation.  Alex Marcotullio's 3-pointer at the 2:09 mark gave NU a 52-51 lead before Jared Sullinger evened the score 69 seconds later with a free throw.  Following Sullinger's charity toss, each team missed a potential winning shot, including Sullinger's turn-around jumper as time expired.

     The Wildcats, who had played the previous day, ran out of gas in overtime.  Ohio State quickly built up a four-point lead, and Jon Diebler's clutch 3 moments later sealed the Buckeyes' victory.

     Jared Sullinger was nearly unstoppable in his 1st career postseason game.  The conference's freshman of the year scored 20 points and hauled in 18 rebounds.  Sullinger also made 10 free throws in the extra session and a mind-boggling 16 overall.

Sullinger's impressive double-double helped OSU escape

     Meanwhile, the Big Ten's 6th man of the year, Aaron Craft, was almost as good as Sully.  Craft scored 17 in addition to compiling 7 boards, and the point guard's play at the end of the 1st half was nothing short of magnificent.  Craft tipped in a Deshaun Thomas miss at the buzzer, capping off his streak of 7 consecutive points.

     Northwestern did not have Jon Shurna when the Cats lost by 1 point to OSU on January 29th, and, even though Shurna scored 23 on this day, the final result was the same.

Ohio State Football: Continued Speculation on the Tressel Situation

     The headline immediately caught my eye as I scrolled through ESPN.com's New Year's Day college football stories.  It read, "Meyer Could Wind Up at Ohio State," or something to that effect, and it referenced the possibility of Urban Meyer, who coached his final game at Florida on January 1st, coaching the Buckeyes in the near or distant future.

     I then proceeded to forget the article, but it resurfaced in my mind the moment this Jim Tressel report appeared on the scene.  And as the Tressel debacle becomes exactly that with every passing minute, "Meyer to Columbus" is making more and more sense.

     Allow me the privilege to explain why.  Meyer is a native of Ohio and he previously headed the Bowling Green football program.  If OSU were able to lure Meyer out of his shocking retirement, it has the potential to be a perfect fit.

     However, Tressel is, as of now, only facing a 2-game suspension, but the NCAA is yet to issue its own ruling.  Tress, though, is beginning to look like a liar, a cheater, and a hypocrite, which may force Ohio State's hand.

     In conclusion, I offer a warning to Buckeye fans: Tressel could still be innocent simply because we do not know the entire story, but, if he is guilty and the NCAA does drop the proverbial hammer, Meyer might be headed north.

Ohio State Football: Tressel Breaks Rules and is Suspended 2 Games

     Standing before a large assemblance of media members on Tuesday night, an emotional Jim Tressel admitted that he had indeed violated NCAA rules, confirming a report originally released by Yahoo! Sports.

     As a result, Ohio State will suspend its football coach for the 1st two games of the 2011 season.  Tressel will also be fined $250,000.  These self-imposed sanctions, though, could be altered by the NCAA, depending on how that organization views the offense.

     The entire ordeal is filled with numerous details; so, I will offer a simple version of the story.  On April 2, 2010, Tressel was notified of a drug-trafficking incident, possibly involving 2 of his players.  However, Tressel neglected to inform his superiors, in direct violation to a NCAA rule, because he believed the message, delivered to him by an "attorney", was intended to remain confidential.  Tressel thought that by notifying an Ohio State official, he would be interfering with a federal investigation.  The situation then disappeared until 5 OSU players - Terrelle Pryor, Dan "Boom" Herron, Devier Posey, Mike Adams, and Solomon Thomas - were suspended by the NCAA in December for the 1st 5 games of 2011.  Although the owner of the tattoo parlor whom the players swapped gear with was a part of the drug crimes, the players themselves were fortunately not.  Last night, Tressel said he was relieved his players were not involved in a criminal activity, but he was alarmed by the fact that 5 players were in trouble and not only 2.  Following the Sugar Bowl, which the Buckeyes won, 31-26, over Arkansas, Ohio State was made aware of Tressel's mistake, leading to this announcement.

     In addition to Tressel, Athletic Director Gene Smith and President E. Gordon Gee also spoke, and both were very supportive of their football coach.  Meanwhile, Tressel apologized and attempted to give a reason for the way he responded to those April e-mails.

     If one reads between the lines of the press conference's transcript, it is quite easy to see the predicament Tressel was in after he received the report from the aforementioned "attorney."  Tressel did not want to interfere with the federal investigation, and he was obviously concerned for his players as well.  Therefore, Tressel remained silent when he should have immediately contacted Smith or someone at Ohio State's compliance office.  This mistake clearly does not warrant a contract termination, as some have suggested, but a 2-game suspension is definitely fitting.  And, do not be surprised if the NCAA adds a 3rd game, in part because the Buckeyes do not play a competitive team in either one of the season's opening 2 contests.

     The Vest will undoubtedly be criticized in the coming weeks and months, but his body of work, both on and off the field, will eventually speak louder than one mistake, albeit a serious one.

     In his closing comments, Gee said to Tressel, "Jim, I am proud to call you my friend."

     Buckeye fans should still be proud to call Tressel their coach.

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Deal With It: Buckeyes Humiliate Wisconsin

3-6-11     vs. Wisconsin     W, 93-65     29-2

     Senior Day in Columbus was simply perfect.

     The top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes avenged a frustrating loss to Wisconsin on February 12th and concluded the greatest regular season in school history.

     OSU passed out 1400 "Deal With It" towels to the student section before the game in hopes of firing up the "Nut House."  The towels, a mock reference to UW coach Bo Ryan's comments following "spitgate", worked their magic as the Value City Arena crowd was whipped into a frenzy long before the opening tip-off.

    Inspired by the electric atmosphere, the Buckeyes built up a double-digit lead early in the 1st half, and Jon Diebler's 3-pointer from well beyond the arc moments before halftime enabled Ohio State to enter the locker room with a 47-32 advantage.

     The Bucks proceeded to pile it on in the 2nd half, leading to the lop-sided final score.

     Jon Diebler canned 7 of his 8 3-balls (the team as a whole made an incredible 14 of 15), and the senior guard known as "3bler" scored 27 to lead all scorers.

Lighty celebrates OSU's Big Ten title

     Jared Sullinger, the victim of "spitgate", played like a man possessed.  Sully tallied 22 points and corralled 8 rebounds.

     Aaron Craft, as usual, was the unsung hero for the Buckeyes.  The crafty freshman point guard single-handedly shut down Jordan Taylor, the same Jordan Taylor who scored 27 on Ohio State in Madison.  Taylor totaled only 8 on this day. 

     Leading 87-62 late in the contest, Thad Matta replaced Diebler, David Lighty, and Dallas Lauderdale, a gesture that enabled the crowd to recognize those 3 seniors 1 final time.  As the fans rose to their feet, Lighty bent down and kissed the Ohio State midcourt logo.  It was the perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.

Ohio State Men's Basketball: Diebler, Buckeyes Dominate Penn State

3-1-11     at Penn State     W, 82-61     28-2

     Penn State simply could not stop Jon Diebler.

     Diebler, the Big Ten's career leader in made 3-pointers, swished 10 more treys, and Ohio State clinched at least a share of the regular season conference title.

     Diebler's long-range barrage established a new school record he had previously shared with Jay Burson.  The senior's 30 points also set a new career-high.

     Diebler canned 5 3s in the 1st half, leading the Buckeyes to a comfortable, 33-18 advantage.

     The Nittany Lions probably should have remained in the locker room because the 2nd half was a complete disaster.  OSU rolled to a 24-point cushion before eventually cooling down in the closing minutes.

Diebler scores 3 of his 30 points

     Diebler's performance obviously garnered the headlines, and deservedly so, but he did have the luxury of a supporting cast.  William Buford tallied 21 points and Jared Sullinger recorded a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds).

     Taylor Battle, arguably the greatest player in PSU history, was able to score 18 in his final game at the Bryce Jordan Center, but he received very little help from his teammates.