If the Indians win the division this year...

**Alex** · April 8th, 2004, 08:50 PM

Might the depth they still have in the minors help them in the dog days of summer when we lose players to injuries?

**The RotoTribe** · April 9th, 2004, 01:41 AM

There is no law that says we have to lose players to injury (ha!)

**Alex** · April 9th, 2004, 07:37 PM

There is no law, but it appears to be an unwritten law. Do you realize we can plug players in at practically any position (except third base) and really not skip a beat.

If Escobar and Crisp can keep their BA's over .270, and if Crisp can have at least a .350-360 OPB, this team should do well.

I think it's silly to play Omar in every inning of every game, including the extra inning games we have played.

**The RotoTribe** · April 10th, 2004, 01:07 PM

Agree about Omar. McDonald needs to play some, plus Omar should rest now and then.

The farm does look good. I'm impressed with Phillips start. If he keeps this up for a couple of weeks, they may have to bring him up.

**Alex** · April 11th, 2004, 11:39 PM

Here's a puzzle. The average major league salary in baseball is somewhere around 2.0-2.5 million a player. (maybe higher because the Yankees probably tilt the scale upwards).

If we pay a million dollars for a late inning specialist just how can we call that "shoring up" the pen when in essence it's lower than the league payroll average, heck it's lower than our team payroll average.

I'm not sure it's fair to say that it's because relievers make less money in general. That's not entirely true. Several non closers make over 2.0 million a year.

Anyway, I think our relievers have given up something like 21 runs in 25 innings, yikes.

**Alex** · May 29th, 2004, 02:18 PM

So, if we get decent bullpen peformance, and if CC wins his customary 15-18 games, and if Davis begins winning again, and if Lee continues to raise his record rather than pitch .500 the rest of the year, I think we could stay within striking distance of first place.