This is my favorite Indians team of the past 30 years. And they might wind up the best. I know, they won't rival the 1995 squad for winning percentage. But this team has the edge in a lot of areas.
- They are unbelievably likeable. Sizemore, Martinez, Hafner and CC are all good guys. But the same can be said up and down the roster. Really, I can't think of a jerk in the group.
- The starting pitching is very good. And there isn't another Indians squad with "very good" starting pitching in the past 30 years.
- Young talent. The Indians have two type of mainstay players right now -- young, emerging players, and young, veteran players. It's a beautiful thing to see.
- Built to last. They'll be competitive for years.
- Sizemore. The easiest player to root for that the Indians have had in my lifetime. I'm 33.
- Hafner. Even when he's slumping he's intentionally walked. By left-handed pitchers. The guy is feared at the plate.
- Martinez. Guy can rake it. But ore than that, he's now a bona fide leader and his defensive play is much improved.
- Peralta. This was a dangerous, nearly make or break year for him. He's making it. He's been good in the field, and good at the plate. That's big.
- Jason Michaels. He's been a very good player since day one last season. He almost always has good at bats, his defensive play is good and hustle has been exemplary. He's the perfect type of player to fill out a roster. And I love the "J-Mike" nickname.
- Casey Blake. His bat has been an asset this year, and his play in the field has been great when you consider that he could almost play anywhere.
- Paul Byrd. Yes, Paul Byrd. He's the veteran who's eaten innings and has been good most starts. His performances allow the bullpen to be effective.
- Cliff Lee. He's still getting it together. But look at his numbers of the years. He's got a lot of good years ahead of him too.
- Carmona. Are you kiding me? He may not keep it up down the stretch, but he's been a real hero in the first half.
- CC Sabathia is a true ace. And he's becoming dominating. And he's so young that he could have one of the best careers of his generation.
- Borowski. 22 saves -- tops in the AL. Scares the crap out of everyone, but the guy has somehow done it almost everytime out there.
- Kelly Shoppach. I thought he was the key to the Coco Crisp deal and (amazingly) I was right. His defense is great, and his bat has (amazingly) been better. He's won a couple games for us all by himself.
- Eric Wedge. Give him some love. He's level-headed and tough, and all business. Let's appreciate him while we can.
- Mark Shapiro. Has any Cleveland GM done a better job in Cleveland? John Hart build some great teams but Shapiro has had to make many more tough decisions and endure far more criticism -- and he's been forthcoming about it all, and correct most of the time.
- The bench, and the new guys. The Indians have been ridiculed by fans for signing a bunch of lesser names in the offseason. But c'mon -- Barfield, Trot Nixon, and the bullpen have done a fine job and their production has been better than signing one or two "big names." Credit where it's due.
- Betancourt. This guy is hardened now. He's the type of guy who can win postseason games.
- Garko. This kid loves the game and is fun to watch. I would have never expected him to become as much of an asett as he has.
- Whoever I'm forgetting. Sorry.
The only thing the Indians are really missing is fan support. Why? I don't know. Cleveland baseball fans are loving the Tribe. But this team hasn't caught the imagination of the more casual fans. Hopefully that changes fast. Summer is here -- and seeing this Indians team is a wonderful way to spend it.
I loved the 2005 squad for similar reasons. But this team is better, with better pitching and young stars who've gone from being "emerging" to "established." 2006 was dashed by a terrible start, but it's matured the team. The team might get beaten down the stretch this season, but we won't see a let down -- the Tribe will be in it all season and a true threat in the post-season.