"We're starting to come together"

[Steve_424]

In honor of Lou Brown, I'll start with that famous movie quote, which occurred as the fictional Indians started to come into their own. The same thing appears to be happening slowly for the real Tribe, and we're starting to develop a core.

Core Position Players

C-Carlos Santana
SS-Asdrubal Cabrera
CF-Grady Sizemore
RF-Shin Soo Choo

LaPorta and Brantley haven't performed as well in the majors thus far, but I believe they both have the talent to be successful long term.

That leaves the following positions with options listed:

1B-Matt LaPorta
2B-Jason Donald, Luis Valbuena
3B-Jhonny Peralta, Jared Goedert, Lonnie Chisenhall
LF-Michael Brantley, Trevor Crowe, Nick Weglarz, Jordan Brown


Starting pitching is the weakest area of the club. Core players are:

Fausto Carmona
Jake Westbrook (assuming he is here next year)

Guys Who Have Shown Potential to Be Middle to Back End Rotation Guys:

Justin Masterson
Mitch Talbot
Aaron Laffey
David Huff
Jeremy Sowers
Jeanmar Gomez
Kelvin De La Cruz


Guys That Have Potential to Be Front of the Rotation Guys:

Hector Rondon
Alex White
Carlos Carrasco
Nick Hagadone
Jason Knapp

Current (and Future) Bullpen Options:

Chris Perez
Tony Sipp
Rafeal Perez
Frank Hermann
Joe Smith
Jenson Lewis
Josh Judy


So What Must the Indians Get to Become a Contender?


1. Front of the Rotation Starting Pitching

2. Middle of the order bat - 1B, LF, or DH

3. Long-term closer


Hopefully this July and/or this winter, they can fill those needs while our young core continues to get better.

 

[Binkster]

The one point I disagree with is LaPorta. He's coming into his own:

In his past 15 games, Matt LaPorta is hitting .346 (18-52) with 4 doubles, one triple, 4 HR, and 12 RBI. Tonight he's already 2-4.

The offense is looking great and will be a force next season. The bullpen is solid. But as you said, our 5 man rotation is a disaster. If our offense is good enough, a trade or F.A. signing for a qualified starter could throw us into the conversation for contention in the Central next season - that's assuming our bats continue to develop.

Call me crazy.

 

[Chardon]

We came around the end of last season...

 

[Real Deal]

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Hurry!!!! Its catching fire with everyone!!!!

 

[Amherstcavsfan]

We came around the end of last season...

15-12 in August

7-21 in September

0-4 in October

We never "came around" at the end of the season. We had one above average month...

 

[Steve_424]

The one point I disagree with is LaPorta. He's coming into his own:

In his past 15 games, Matt LaPorta is hitting .346 (18-52) with 4 doubles, one triple, 4 HR, and 12 RBI. Tonight he's already 2-4.

The offense is looking great and will be a force next season. The bullpen is solid. But as you said, our 5 man rotation is a disaster. If our offense is good enough, a trade or F.A. signing for a qualified starter could throw us into the conversation for contention in the Central next season - that's assuming our bats continue to develop.

Call me crazy.

I went back and forth on LaPorta...I feel like he's a core guy, just hasn't proven it yet. It's awesome to see him swinging a hot bat though.

 

[Binkster]

I went back and forth on LaPorta...I feel like he's a core guy, just hasn't proven it yet. It's awesome to see him swinging a hot bat though.

Agreed. He has plenty of time to develop. This is the first year he's spent the majority of his time at the big league level. I think since he was the "big piece" we acquired for C.C., everyone was expecting him to be phenomenal right away. In time, I have faith that he will be.

 

[Gunther]

Anthony Reyes appears to be on his way back as well. It would be nice if he were in the mix next season.

 

[Chris]

laPorta has been hitting well for a while.

 

[col63onel]

I am hoping Acta figured out how many wins they'd need to make the playoffs, then made a cardboard cutout of Gloria, and they take off a piece of clothing every time they win....

 

[johnnycake44022]

Notice the improvement since James left town. Maybe something to Danny G's letter....the curse is lifted

 

[Blind_Sniper]

Masterson is an interesting situation to me. When he was with the Red Sox coming out of the pen he looked pretty good. I have always thought he would be a lights out back of the end bull pen guy but then again sometimes he looks like a solid starter. It will be interesting to see what the Indians do with Masterson next season.

 

[sjeppe]

To me ,i know highly unlikely, but if we came back and made it interesting and did win the division this year, it would be so much more exciting then winning the division the whole year. It would be an example of how our sport fan emotions have been, we could use a miracle season.

GO TRIBE!!

 

[OhioSlayer]

I agree, all of Ohio needs an up lifting. We need a TEAM to make some noise and come together while not focusing on one single player.

I sit back and day dream of a special and crazy season that the Indians were out of the talks and then slowly but surely come back and win it all. I know, its Cleveland, but all we have are dreams right?

 

[DJTJ]

We're 13 games out. If we can close the gap to ten next week, and chip away during august and september, maybe we can make a late break.