(Over the next 30 days, BERNing on Sports will be previewing every team in the majors, yes, even the Royals. Only one a day, every day, so try not to get too hooked.)
Can Lee And Carmona Be a Great 1-2?
Well, if the Indians want any semblance of a shot to win the AL Central this year, that answer must be a resounding yes. Cliff Lee was maybe the best pitcher in the game last year, winning the AL Cy Young award in the textbook definition of a career year. Dude went 22-3 with a 2.54 ERA, struck out 170 and walked only 34. Let the dominance of these numbers wash over you for a second. Now, let the fact that it was Cliff Lee of all people to put up these numbers wash over you. Yeah. Big question mark for this season. As for Fausto Carmona, after a great 2007, the 2008 season was a big step backward. He won eleven less games in 2008 than 2007, and his ERA jumped nearly two and a half runs. Now that C.C. Sabathia has left for some mega cash and the New York spotlight (he did start last season with the Indians, remember) the depth of this rotation will be be lacking. That's why Tribe General Manager Mark Shapiro is praying for good years from his new one-two punch every night before he goes to bed.
The New Guys From the North Side
One of the biggest points of criticism in my neck of the woods this baseball off-season was Cubs GM Jim Hendry's decisions to let beloved former starter turned closer Kerry Wood go to Cleveland (even though he wanted to return to the Cubs) and to deal the popular and versatile Mark DeRosa to the Indians for three minor league pitchers. Assuming health, which is a lot to assume with Wood who has already had an achy back in spring training, these two guys could be valuable pieces to the puzzle should the Tribe win the division this season. Since "Sweaty" Joe Borowski donned Tribe colors and held the closers role, the ninth inning at an Indians game was a roller coaster ride. With Woody replacing him roller coaster should become more of a merry-go-round. It'll have it's bumps along the way, but for the most part it'll run smoothly. As for DeRosa, he's one of the most valuable players in baseball if you ask me. He's a very good hitter (although he's coming off a career year) and he can play not only adequate but good defense at nearly every position on the diamond except center field or behind the plate. Good moves by the Tribe. (And, the Indians visit Wrigley June 19th, if you're looking for some drama during interleague play.)
Project Donkey
Those are the two words that were shortened to give Indians embattled D.H. Travis Hafner his endeering nickname "Pronk". Whether the man who was one of the most feared hitters in baseball in 2006 can return to that form this year remains to be seen, but boy could the Tribe use his production again. Last year Pronk played in just 57 games, and hit just .197 as he was hampered by a shoulder injury. Questions about whether he was on steroids have swirled, but that's true of basically every player in baseball at this point. With Hafner in the line-up, and hitting well, the Indians were legitimate competition in the AL Central. Without his bat last year they weren't serious contenders most of the season. They're working him back slowly in camp this spring and believe he's going to be back on track. He better be, for his sake.
Kobayashi Out of the Pen
Did you know the competitive eater was coming out of the bullpen to pitch for the Indians? I certainly didn't. I know the guy can eat 60-plus hot dogs in twelve minutes, but how does that translate as a right handed reliever? If you haven't figured this out by now, I'm kidding, it's not the same guy. The Tribe's reliever is Masa Kobayashi. The eating champ is Takeru Kobayashi. If only there could be a fourth "Major League" movie made, because imagine the comedic possibilities for famed Indians broadcaster Harry Doyle.
Bold Predictions
- The Indians will compte all season, but will not win the AL Central as some others believe. I think the winner of this division will either be Minnesota or the White Sox.
- Victor Martinez will come back from the injury-plagued 2008 season he suffered and have a big 2009. He'll lead all major league catchers in home runs.
- Jeremy Sowers will finally put together a year showing the promise the Indians organization believes he has. 12 wins for the former 1st round pick.
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