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The 2020 Cleveland Indians

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Strange schedule setup..

6 vs Pitts, 4 vs Cinci & ChiCubs all evenly broken home/ away
1 road series in StL & 1 home series vs MKE

10 vs Twins (7 are there) & 10 vs Detroit (7 there)
10 vs Chisox (7 are here in CLE) & 10 vs KC (7 in CLE)
 
MadThinker88 said:
Strange schedule setup..

6 vs Pitts, 4 vs Cinci & ChiCubs all evenly broken home/ away
1 road series in StL & 1 home series vs MKE

10 vs Twins (7 are there) & 10 vs Detroit (7 there)
10 vs Chisox (7 are here in CLE) & 10 vs KC (7 in CLE)
Click to expand...
I noticed that imbalance right away. I wonder how they determined who got the dominant home schedule against division opponents.
Red Sox have 3 home games against the Yanks. I'm sure they're thrilled.
Just another asterisk for this season*****
 
Another reason for optimism this season is the makeup of the entire organization. From the top on down, the adjective that comes to mind is 'meticulous'.

From scouting of other teams minor league and fringe players, to off season preparations, to in season routines, there appears to be no stone left unturned as the total franchise strives to compete at the highest level that is possible within the parameters of its resources

If there is a way to get the slightest edge over the opposition in any and all aspects of the game, this org seems to do it. And each and every player buys into it. Those that dont, know matter how talented, arent around long. The FO doesnt acquire players for the long term that lack character.

If there is a way to guard against the virus, this franchise will figure it out. If there is a way to successfully adjust to a 60 game season, or health protocols, or no fans in the stands...and do it better than the opposition...this org will figure it out.

The players still have to stay healthy and they still have to produce, but the overall culture of this org is a plus. Many folks dont believe in anything that cant be measured by a bunch if statistics. They don't believe in intangibles.

But I do. And the Tribe has them.
 
CATS44 said:
Another reason for optimism this season is the makeup of the entire organization. From the top on down, the adjective that comes to mind is 'meticulous'.

From scouting of other teams minor league and fringe players, to off season preparations, to in season routines, there appears to be no stone left unturned as the total franchise strives to compete at the highest level that is possible within the parameters of its resources

If there is a way to get the slightest edge over the opposition in any and all aspects of the game, this org seems to do it. And each and every player buys into it. Those that dont, know matter how talented, arent around long. The FO doesnt acquire players for the long term that lack character.

If there is a way to guard against the virus, this franchise will figure it out. If there is a way to successfully adjust to a 60 game season, or health protocols, or no fans in the stands...and do it better than the opposition...this org will figure it out.

The players still have to stay healthy and they still have to produce, but the overall culture of this org is a plus. Many folks dont believe in anything that cant be measured by a bunch if statistics. They don't believe in intangibles.

But I do. And the Tribe has them.
Click to expand...
Not with the worst OF in modern history. It's time to start Zimmer
 
Bradley Zimmer: The modern-day Vince DiMaggio!
 
MadThinker88 said:
Strange schedule setup..

6 vs Pitts, 4 vs Cinci & ChiCubs all evenly broken home/ away
1 road series in StL & 1 home series vs MKE

10 vs Twins (7 are there) & 10 vs Detroit (7 there)
10 vs Chisox (7 are here in CLE) & 10 vs KC (7 in CLE)
Click to expand...

Playing more games against the Pirates than any of the other NL Central teams is a huge boon to the Tribe.
 
Two things are nearly as certain as death and taxes.

1) Every year somebody (plural,) says that we have the worst outfield in modern history.

2) Every year somebody (plural) anoints Zimmer, 33% Ks and .652 OPS, as an answer.
 
sportscoach said:
Since we have a 26 man, we got DeShields/Allen as our pinch runner/defensive replacement as well. We overall have a solid crew of players in the OF, just no one special at the moment
Click to expand...
We just might consider Reyes quite special before this is all over. I was at the game in Tempe where he popped out 2 homers, and those were hit very, very far. (He flexed as he went around 3B and Rendon was not pleased)
 
MadThinker88 said:
Strange schedule setup..

6 vs Pitts, 4 vs Cinci & ChiCubs all evenly broken home/ away
1 road series in StL & 1 home series vs MKE

10 vs Twins (7 are there) & 10 vs Detroit (7 there)
10 vs Chisox (7 are here in CLE) & 10 vs KC (7 in CLE)
Click to expand...
Somebody pointed out we have 26 of the 60 games against the Royals, Tigers, and Pirates. We need to dominate those games.

We have as many games against the Pirates as against the Brewers and Cardinals combined. Nice.

There's a four-game series in Minnesota early. That would be like an 11-game series in a normal season.
 
TFIR said:
We just might consider Reyes quite special before this is all over. I was at the game in Tempe where he popped out 2 homers, and those were hit very, very far. (He flexed as he went around 3B and Rendon was not pleased)
Click to expand...
I find this hopeful but not at all crazy. I believe Reyes will be a good, helpful player at the minimum...lots of upside with the bat, it will be interesting to see if he can contribute in the field.
 
Mercado hit 19 dingers last year over 145 total games and stole 29 bases. That's pretty fair production and fits an upward offensive trend. Couple that with above average defense in center, and he looks like a decent bet in the middle of our outfield.

The downside is that he was not good in the corners, and one rookie season does not ensure much of anything. I wish Tito would stick him in center, and let Deshields do the utility bit.

Still, Mercado is likely solid.

Everything about a Luplow/Naquin platoon indicates plus production and above average defense in one corner.

Which leaves one OF spot to be managed by Tito. Deshields-Reyes-Santana-Allen-Zimmer ought to be able to combine to decently fill one spot.
 
It's obviously hard to predict a 60 game season like this, but the White Sox, in my opinion, are less threatening in a condensed season.

With young position players and young pitchers (especially) with no/limited major league experience, they seemed like a team who could be dangerous in the 2nd half of 162 once their players got their footing. Eloy Jimenez was a league average hitter for most of the season and then appeared to really break out of his shell in the final 2 months.
 
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