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.
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.
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