The Cleveland Indians are off to an 8-2 start that no one could have ever predicted. It's not just that they are winning but it is the way that they are winning. They are winning on timely hitting, great starting pitching, a terrific bullpen, and stopper defense.
The Indians have the third best run differential in baseball (+19) and are in the top ten in every offensive category. Take away the opening day disaster and the Indians have the best ERA in baseball and the third best fielding percentage.
Asdrubal Cabrera has been hitting the ball the best he has in his career, with four early season home runs and ten RBI. Fausto Carmona came back from his dismal start in the opener to shut down the Boston Red Sox (my title pick!) last week and the young arms of Masterson, Tomlin, and Talbot have been great in the early going. There aren't many players left on the team from the 2007 team that was one win away from the World Series, but those that are are going to be key during the season. The leadership of Travis Hafner, Asdrubal, Fausto, and Grady Sizemore will be crucial in the team's success. Hopefully Grady can bounce back from injuries the past two seasons and be a key contributor out of the leadoff hole and in centerfield.
Now by no means do I expect the Tribe to play this well all season, but they give reason for hope to a city that hasn't had much luck on it's side the past 50 years. Let's make this an Indian Summer!
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