FanPost

40 game mark

The Indians are quickly approaching the 40 game milestone that Mark Shapiro talks about as the proper time to review the team's progress.  So, what will he conclude?  Here's what I'd say if I were in his position.  Maybe we can all help him out and tell him what our eyes are telling us? (he probably doesn't need the help, but whatever):

Starting pitching:  no problems.  Even CC has pitched better, and the "depth" guys in the minors have come through, and how!

Relief pitching:  spotty.  Lewis and Perez seem to have come around, Masa looks OK despite first batter  problems.  Betancourt has been inconsistent.  The team has to settle on a closer -- Raffie hasn't seized the job and JoBo's status is unclear.  Do they need to look at other options?  It really depends on Borowski's velocity.  If he can pitch adequately, they can probably muddle through with what they have, but if some depth falls into my lap, I'll take it. The rest of the bullpen has been irrelevant.

Hitting:  awful.  Too many guys not getting on base.  Can the problem be fixed by adding one hitter, though -- Shapiro has already said he doesn't really think so.  If I were Shapiro, I would be reluctant to trade a valued asset (Miller, Cabrera, even Sowers, although I could be persuaded on that one) to get one hitter unless that person solved a long-term problem (e.g., 3rd Base).  I would look for a deal that wouldn't cost me my most valued young players but would add a veteran right-handed bat with some power, probably in the outfield or at 1B (since guys at other positions would be harder to find and would "cost" me more).  I would continue, irrationally, to hope that Hafner will improve.

Defense:  no major concerns.

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