Somehow, Someway, We’re Still In This
I’ve got to be honest, throughout most of this Indians season I did not believe in the Tribe. September was going to belong to the Browns, and baseball fans would just be begging for the Indians to end. The team didn’t show any consistency for a long time. For every step forward, two steps were taken back…sometimes three…sometimes four…sometimes even five. At the trade deadline, the Indians dealt solid players for what I thought were no-name prospects, while division leading Detroit picked up a pitching giant.
Amazingly, some how, some way these 2014 Cleveland Indians are just 3.5 games back of first place in the division with a record of 70-64. Winning 13 out of their last 18 has skyrocketed this team to into serious, not just imaginable contention.
Now, I’m proud to say that I BELIEVE IN THE TRIBE!
You should, too.
Just like last year, unexpected contributions are the reasons for success. Guys such as shortstop Jose Ramirez and no-name prospects Zach Walters and Tyler Holt are actually making huge contributions. Moreover, the pitching staff has gotten into a groove, and it is consistently shutting down opposing offenses, bullpen included. Oh, and Nick Swisher isn’t playing for the rest of this season. I hate to say it, but that helps too.
So yeah, I’m excited.
The Indians wrap up this series against Kansas City, and then face Detroit for a crucial four game series in the Motor City.
Tribe fans, forget about all the mistakes made earlier this year. Don’t worry about the fact that the Indians were sellers and not buyers at the deadline. Really, for just one second take your minds off of Johnny Football and LeBron James to appreciate your baseball team. (I can’t believe I just wrote that. Really, I can’t).
As August turns to September, each and every game becomes that much more crucial. Every series, every outing, and even every pitch will make a difference in this playoff race. That’s exactly what makes a relevant baseball team so exciting in the fall.
OF course ESPN and other sports networks will continue to talk about Detroit and Kansas City, but it’s the Cleveland Indians that they should start to pay attention to. This team is the real deal, and is hungry for a second consecutive postseason appearance. This time representing the American League Central Divison. Regardless, a team managed by Terry Francona will continue to compete all the way to the finish.
-Zach Shafron
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