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This week, I had the privilege of participating in a Cleveland Indians' roundtable for Cleveland.com and their Cleveland Sports Blog Network. I want to thank Dan Labbe for sending me the questions and giving our site a chance to respond to the Tribe's struggles. You can find the roundtable in its entirety at the following location, http://www.cleveland.com/sportsnetwork/index.ssf/2009/05/cleveland_sports_blog_network_12.html#post. Here are my responses along with the questions posed by Labbe.
**A special note that is mentioned in the full article is that some responses (mine included) were submitted prior to the Tribe sending Rafael Perez to Columbus, designating Vinnie Chulk for assignment, calling up Jeremy Sowers and Matt Herges, and moving Aaron Laffey to the bullpen.
Who deserves to shoulder more of the blame for the Indians' performance the last two seasons: Mark Shapiro or Eric Wedge?
Kirk: Can I do a write-in vote for Dolan? If I have to choose, I say Wedge. His inability to get his team off to a good start in April during nearly his entire tenure has made it difficult as the Indians have to play catch-up for the rest of the season. Shapiro has done as well as he can with the budget provided. In a way, it is neither's fault because last year's struggles were largely due to Hafner's and Martinez's injuries, and this year Hafner and Westbrook currently sit on the DL.
Would firing Eric Wedge change anything?
Kirk: No. We're already through April, and the Indians historically should only improve from here. I like the way Wedge tries to keep his players on an even keel and alleviate the pressure, but at some point, some accountability needs to be addressed. If the Tribe goes through May like they did April, I see someone else walking out to the mound to make pitching changes in June.
How does this team fix the bullpen on the fly?
Kirk: The bullpen is the number one reason we are in last place in the Central. Seven blown saves in 27 games is absolutely unforgivable. But what can they do? Many thought this bullpen would be a strength at the outset. Besides Kerry Wood and, for the most part, Betancourt, the pen has been wildly inconsistent. The Tribe went out and acquired Joe Smith and are counting on established pitchers in Perez, Lewis, Kobayashi and Chulk. I think they might have something in Tony Sipp, but is there really that much else down in Columbus? You cannot survive two of your top four pitchers in the bullpen not just pitching poorly, but absolutely imploding. Perez and Lewis might each need a trip down to Columbus; it worked for Lewis last season.
If you were charged with fixing the Indians, what changes would you make today?
Kirk: First, I would send down Perez and Lewis. Who they bring up (Meloan, Jackson, Herges?) isn't the point. The key is getting those two fixed. On offense, I would make sure to give LaPorta everyday at-bats while still riding out David Dellucci's hot streak. Also, Ryan Garko should be hitting higher in the order (fifth) because he sees a lot of pitches and finds a way to get on base. Peralta should be hitting seventh or so while getting a few off days because his swing is all out of whack. They need to start playing even more small ball and running. Sizemore, Francisco, Choo and Cabrera can all run when given the opportunity to in good situations.
Considering how weak the Central is, do the Indians need to take a win-now approach, even if it seems unrealistic at this point?
Kirk: They absolutely need to take a win-now approach. As horrific as the '09 campaign has been thus far, they sit just 6 games out of first place [as of this answer]. 88 wins might win this division. If that's true, the Tribe gets there with a 78-57 mark, a .578 winning percentage. This team certainly has the potential to right the ship, and they have the luxury of being able to punch a playoff ticket without having to climb over a team like the Red Sox, Yankees, or Angels. If they do not take a win-now approach, they are doing themselves a disservice.
Who has been the biggest disappointment?
Kirk: A tie between Jhonny Peralta and the bullpen as a whole. If Peralta isn't hitting, his fielding sure won't keep him in the lineup. His range has cost the Tribe several times this season, but his silent bat stings much more. The bullpen speaks for itself; Perez and Lewis are the two who stand out as the biggest duds at this point.
Who has been the most surprising?
Kirk: Aaron Laffey and Tony Sipp. After losing out on the fifth starter battle, Laffey received an opportunity after Scott Lewis went on the DL. He's pitched fantastic with the exception of his last outing, and he doesn't show signs of making a return to Columbus. Sipp in his short time has been very effective. His only bad outing came when he pitched on back-to-back days. Considering the injury he came off of and the fact that there wasn't much talk about him in spring training, he could be the most surprising player.
A lot of guys are struggling, but what one player does this team absolutely need to perform well for things to turn around?
Kirk: This team needs Travis Hafner healthy. They can compete without him, but to have a well-balanced lineup and truly make a run at the division, Pronk needs to be batting cleanup.
Feel free to add any quick-hit random thoughts
Kirk: The main reason for the Tribe's struggles is the lack of performance from "proven" guys. Grady Sizemore isn't getting on base like he normally does, Jhonny Peralta and Kelly Shoppach look like they are spinning themselves into the ground half of the time, and the bullpen has failed largely because of Jensen Lewis and Rafael Perez's struggles. Combine that with a lack of hitting with runners in scoring position and carrying a 13- or 14-man pitching staff for periods, virtually eliminating your bench, and you arrive at a 10-17 record.
Once again, thanks to Dan Labbe, Cleveland.com, and all of the other panelists who provided great answers as well. Let's hope the Tribe takes some of our advice and gets things rolling and fast!
TALKIN' TRIBE,
Kirk
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Being an Indians fan since I started watching TV, I have learned to look past these struggles. With the 162 game season the guys have to play through it's only inevitable that we will experience some key injuries and with our lack of funding we don't stand the greatest chance of having all the right pieces at the right time.
Always hopeful though.
Go Tribe