second thoughts on the Tribe

| April 4, 2012 | 0 Comments

In Tuesday’s DR, my preseason outlook at the Indians wasn’t real positive. But, before the first pitch of the 2012 season has been thrown, I think I need to add a little bit of hope to what’s going to happen this season on the corner of Carnegie and Ontario.

Why am I backtracking so soon? Simple — I forgot how absolutely awful the American League Central division is, other than Detroit.

The Twins lost 99 games last summer, watched Jason Kubel and Michael Cuddyer — two of their better hitters — depart, and Carl Pavano is their No. 1 starter. Kansas City has a decent every-day lineup, but the Royals can’t score enough runs with their mediocre pitching staff. Chicago’s got decent pitching and new manager Robin Ventura will keep things on an even keel after Ozzie Guillen more than overstayed his welcome. But the Sox are counting on Adam Dunn to be a big part of their offense, and the big stiff didn’t even hit .160 last season.

Detroit should run away with the division, with one of MLB’s best starting pitchers in Justin Verlander, one of MLB’s top closers in Jose Valverde, and the Tigers added Prince Fielder as a free agent, who will more than make up for the offseason loss to injury of Victor Martinez.

But the Indians get to play the other three 18 times apiece, forcing me to re-do my math. They’ll be closer to .500 than my predicted 70-92 — if that’s any consolation.

Category: Cleveland Indians

Mike Plant

About Mike Plant: Mike Plant has been in the business long enough to remember when cut-and-paste involved actual cutting and pasting. Having been alive in 1964, he does not believe in the curse on Cleveland’s sports teams, although Game 7 of the 1997 World Series made him waver a little. A graduate of Wooster High, Northwood University and Kent State, Plant has two sons making their way out in the world, neither of whom ever ask him for money. And, although he tries to avoid cliches when writing, he does, indeed, have an ex who lives in Texas. Plant lives in Wooster, and can be reached at 330-287-1649 or mplant@the-daily-record. He gladly welcomes all story ideas. View author profile.

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