Cleveland Indians...playoff bound?

Question

was last year just a minor disappointment? can base-stealer grady sizemore and homerun-maniac travis hafner lead them to the playoffs?

Answer 1

Not sure they have enough pitching. I like CC, Westbrook and Byrd but need another top of the rotation starter. Their offense should crank again. Also, very tough division except for Royals

Answer 2

Actually, if you look at runs scored vs. runs alowed last year, the Indians acutally performed much more poorly than they should have in terms of record. Mostly this was due to the failures of the bullpen. The signings of Foulke and Borowski addressed this weakness, but it did not by any means turn the Indians bullpen into a strength. However, Foulke and Borowski aren't alone; there is enough talent remaining from the best bullpen in baseball two years ago that one would believe that the bullpen shoudn't blow nearly as many games in '07 as they did in '06.

As far as the rotation, it is solid but unspectacular. Remember, however, that the White Sox won the series 2 years ago with the same type of rotation: no truly dominant no. 1 starter, but a solid top to bottom layout nonetheless. The offense was just fine in '06 and should continue their ways in '07, barring an injury to Hafner or Victor Martinez. And the Trot Nixon signing should go a long way towards creating a positive, winning atmosphere in the clubhouse. If a few of the pieces fall into place and the rotation remains healthy and reasonably productive, I see no reason why Cleveland can't make it to the postseason in 2007.

Answer 3

I love the indians there my favorite team but I dont know if I can honestly say they can make the playoffs.The indians were supposed to go to the playoffs last year but instead they were 78-84.I think the Indians will improve but playoffs might be stretching it unless CC stays healthy year round and Sizemore,Hafner and whoever else have great years.

Answer 4

They'll be part of it ... but Cleveland has done more to address their previous year's weaknesses than any other team in baseball this past off season. Added three guys who can close games (Foulke, Hernandez, Borowski), STOLE Barfield from San Diego, picked up Trot Nixon and Dave Dellucci to help the bench and OF and they get a full season out of Jeremey Sowers. If Marte starts slowly, they can go back to Blake. The have several options at 1st base - all they really need to be dominant is for Peralta to come back to his 2005 form.

I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were the Sox or the Tigers.

Answer 5

Everybody has a chance but the Indians are looking good but overcrowded in the outfield. I'll be rooting for them and the Cubs
and the Nationals. Would sure like to get Zooooomaya away from the Tigers to be legitimate closer. That guys consistently throws 100+ mph and with good control.

Answer 6

i defiently think they have a chance. unlike the first answers they do have a very good rotation with CC, Lee, westbrook, byrd and the one no one is talking about the young rookie Jeremy Sowers. With their explosive hitting from Hafner, Martinex and sizemore they might have a big year. (also remember they signed trot nixon and he could prove to be a vital veteran to this organization)

Answer 7

There is no way the indians make the playoffs. 1st of all they are in the hardest division in Mlb, Not to mention they are not that talented. They have a pretty good offense but thats about it. They should be Lucky to finish over .500, and o yeah the indians short-stop is a over-weight loser.

Answer 8

That team is about to blow up at any minute now.

Detroit and Chicago better on the look out. The Tribe is about to go on a warpath. Don't be surprise if they are in 1st place this year. I won't be.

Answer 9

Yes. I know for a fact the tigers will not repeat as AL central champs. I don't like the Sox this year either. So it will come down to the Tribe and Twins. I think the Tribe win the central.

Answer 10

i became particularly bowled over. i found out approximately it so late interior the day that i did no longer particularly have a huge reaction. He became an extremely promising catching prospect and hit ok interior the minors (yet no longer out of the accepted). i do no longer all the data yet. He might admit complete cover like Melky Cabrera did or he might combat it like Ryan Braun. It kinda shows that weren't totally out of the steroid era purely yet.