2011 Cleveland Indians MLB Preview (2010 record: 69-93, fourth place in AL Central)
The Cleveland Indians were one of the best teams of the '90s, but the following decade has not been kind. For the team and its fans, however, a new crop of talent that has been bubbling over may signal a new horizon for The Tribe.
Over the past few years, injuries have befallen two of the team’s most valuable hitters: Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner. That’s why the arrival of Shin-Soo Choo and switch-hitting catcher Carlos Santana last year was so welcome. These were two young hitters who were getting it done. Alas, Santana had a freak accident that put him on the disabled list for the rest of the year, but Choo kept on hitting and stealing bases. This year, both are healthy could possibly lead a Tribe team back to respectability after a long wait in the cellar.
Unfortunately, the pitching staff is somewhat up in the air. Outside of Fausto Carmona, who had a good season in 2010, there is very little for Indians fans to hang their hats on. Young right hander Justin Masterson has shown promise, but how effective he can be in the rotation remains to be seen, and whether or not Chad Durbin is a reliable starter is questionable as well. To bring this team back, the rotation finally needs to be able to keep the score low now that their line-up has enough pop to make a run for the W.
2010 Cleveland Indians MLB Preview:
Because of the parity across the American League Central Division, it seems like every season a playoff spot is up for grabs in the last week of the season - making every game vital for the 2010 Cleveland Indians. All summer long, the Tribe will aim to stay a step ahead of their division rivals by relying on their established stars, while developing the promising young talent that they've collected through several offseason trades in the past few years.
Newcomers Justin Masterson and Chris Perez will be thrown into the Indians bullpen, giving the pitching staff a jolt of youth and high hopes for the 2010 season. If veteran righty Fausto Carmona can stay healthy all year and pitch up to his potential, it could be a long season for the Indians' opponents. The squad's lineup includes a similar mix of proven stars and hopeful prospects. This may be the year that infielder Matt LaPorta shows why he was worth giving up Cy Young Award Winner CC Sabathia.
Despite the question marks surrounding the 2010 Cleveland Indians, it's almost a guarantee that centerfielder Grady Sizemore will continue to distinguish himself as one of the flashiest young players in the league today.
2008 Cleveland Indians MLB Preview:
The Cleveland Indians are one of the marquee teams in Major League Baseball (MLB). The Indians are one of the oldest franchises in baseball and the team has provided Cleveland residents many thrilling memories throughout the years. So those Indians fans fill up Progressive Field to show their appreciation to the team. And Cleveland has in return continued to make a strong showing over the past dozen years. That combination of fan support, and solid team play, makes the Indians one of the top draws in baseball.
Cleveland Indians fans have to be excited heading into the 2009 season. The reason for the excitement? The formidable looking pitching staff the Tribe can call on in 2009. Cleveland returns ace hurlers Cliff Lee (2008 Cy Young winner) and Fausto Carmona. Also taking the mound for the Indians this year will be Carl Pavano and ex-Cub closer Kerry Wood. In the field the Indians will count on Asdrubal Cabrera, Grady Sizemore and Travis Hafner to carry the load. If Cleveland gets solid hitting and the pitching lives up to expectations then don't be surprised to see the Cleveland Indians playing deep into the playoffs.