Why do the Indians look like a barely .500 team with hall of fame pitching? The answer can be found in the 3,4,5, spots. Last year, Travis Hafner, Vic Martinez, and Ryan Garko were all effective through out the year. At the beginning of last year, all three were strong, then throughout the year at least one of these three, and usually two of these three, could be relied on for both power and solid slugging percentages along with a good batting average as well.

This allowed our second line and sometime inconsistent players such as Blake, Peralta, Gutierrez, and eveb Cabrera (after a strong start), to have more chances to contribute and have their contributions count.

Well, this year, the big three of Martinez, Hafner and Garko have pretty much evaporated, and suddenly, the second line players don't look so good.

A player like Shin Soo Choo, if he actually hits in the .290's with a solid OBP of at least .350 to .370 would suddenly give us four solid players at the top of the line-up, Grady Sizemore, Ben Francisco, Shin Soo Choo, and Vic Martinez, plus these four will give Ryan Garko more opportunities to deliver key hits in the five spot.

Suddenly the top five is solid again, and now we just have to hope that Travis, Jhonny, ACAB and Blake can deliver at the back end of the line up.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ May 22, 2008 01:37 AM: Message edited by: Alex ]</font>