The ball club from the North Shore began their season April 1st in Detroit with snow flurries, 33 games in the books for 2021 and a 19-14 record; the Indians are one game behind the retooled powerhouse that is the Chicago White Sox in the A.L. Central. To be completely upfront and honest who would thought they’d have a winning record? They are known for slow starts because as Bob, my step-father said, “The bats don’t warm up until mid-May.” I suppose there’s a lot of truth in this, seeing as the Tribe has been no-hit twice in 33 games, REALLY, Yes! (No MLB team has ever been no-hit 3xs) The Indians rank 2nd to last in the A.L. with a cold batting average, (.209) and dead last in hits (224). So how have they managed a winning record with so many new additions, the loss of their cornerstone player, Francisco Lindor, and a roster that is not up to challenging the Sox?
Just as it snowed on opening day in 2016, which brought the ball club to game 7 of the World Series, a lot of luck, and, starting pitching! 2020 A.L. CY Young, Shane Bieber, holds down the Con and sets an example for the staff that he learned from Kluber, Cookie, and Bauer. Aaron Civale is a throw-back contact pitcher with 5 wins and no loses in 7 starts, a 2.91 ERA, and is holding opponent’s batting average at .207. Wow! Watching his games is more “democratic,” Kevin Costner would say. Zach throws darts but hasn’t settled in yet to the performer we all know him to be with a 3.83 ERA. The Tribe has only scored 6 plus runs 8 out of the 33 games, putting pressure on youngsters like Triston and his 4.94 ERA. McKenzie is 1-1 and has potential seeing as he weighs nothing soaking wet, (165lbs) and hurls a red stitched Rawlings baseball 93 mph. His downside is his up, youth, 22 walks in 23.2 innings. Just like the team, average age 26; the youngest in the MLB.
The Tribe was no-hit by Cincinnati’s quick working southpaw, Wade Miley, 5 days ago. “He put on a clinic. He cut the ball in on the righties, threw a change-up, threw a four-seamer in—he just went back and forth, that was pretty impressive,” Tribe manager Terry Francona said. “We’d like to see our guys make some adjustments but he pitched his ass off.” And there lies the criticism, no modification or corrections. Wade worked fast like I did in little league, in the box, I’m winding up. (Although Manning commented that he enjoyed the pace) No one felt comfortable digging in and tapping home plate, their rhythm was their curse. Miley reminded me of a Scott Kazmir, painting the black stripe of the outside corner like he was hitting a double bull at the bar and drinking for free.
Although the Dolan owned Indians have been held hitless twice in 33 attempts, they have won 11 of their last 14 with a payroll of $50 million, last behind the Pirates! Just for some perspective the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers payroll is $250 million; $50 million ahead of the Yankees. Maybe you feel my surprise in the winning record now. I mean Lindor’s replacement, Gimenez, 22, acquired from the Mets, has 13 hits in 73 at bats with 5 RBI’s is less than adequate but being paid pocket change; $577K. At least his defense is A+. The W’s have come from the long ball (42), 12 comeback wins, and a solid bullpen.
Jose remains a MVP candidate with 10 homers, 20 RBI’s, at 3rd base and the 3 hole in Terry’s lineup. Reyes massive power from the right side of the batter’s box has been as advertised, when he gets hot, it’s hot! Cesar and Eddie lock in 2nd base and left field respectively with a professional approach for the love of the game, they can be counted on. Luplow continues to crush left handed pitching and fills in nicely. Hedges has stepped right into starting catcher replacing Perez for time being and working the staff, it’s been impressive. And one my favorites, Josh Naylor, the guy just looks like a ball player with his stir-ups, pudge, intensity, and willingness to play different positions as if his life depended on it. His mother, Jenice, nicknamed him the Tasmanian devil because of his energy. On the trade last year to the Erie Warriors Naylor said, “It’s an incredible experience to get traded because you battle both sides of the ball, the evil and the good. As you go on in your career, and in your life, you kind of realize everything happens for a reason.”
More logic that backs the winning record is the Indians “Bullpen Mafia.” Clase is back from his year-long PED suspension touching 100 mph consistently with 7 saves. Karinchak, #99, is the set-up man and has been electrifying! 31 strikeouts in 16.1 innings pitched, he’s twitchy but solid. Scary Shaw always makes me hold my breath but he has been a sturdy veteran in the presence of a shaking Nick Wittgren. Bottom line, if the Indians hold a 2 run lead by the 8th there’s a more of a 50/50 chance they lock in the W; better than the 50% chance they have making the play-offs according to baseballreference.com.
The team’s youth is anchored by pitching coach, Carl Willis, 1st base coach, Sandy and Terry guiding the ship into uncharted seas. They’re a scrappy team with a chip trying to prove they belong in the thick of it with the Twins and Sox. It’s a long 162 games and I’m reminded of Moneyball, “Come the dog days of August Justice will be lucky to hit his weight.” Can these young men hold on, be patient, and to borrow a golf term, play what the course gives them until the break? Chris Antonetti, President and Mike Chernoff, GM, have their hands full with limited resources and a surprising winning record. I look forward to the growth of a retooled competitive product at the Jake.
