TRIBE ON THE WARPATH

We're now several games into the 2016 season and Indians ace Cory Kluber is about to become 0-2 already which doesn't exactly bode well for the team's fortunes if the trend continues as it did last

year. 

And, if your ace reliever keeps giving up two-run bombs late in games like Cody Allen just did in Tampa Tribe fans could be in for a last place finish.

It doesn't help much when you have cheap ownership which refuses to spend more than a mere pittance. And, now Dolan wants to gradually eliminate Chief Wahoo ! At least Browns owner Jimmy Haslam spends money, as well as Dan Gilbert of  the Cavs.

Before anyone gets all depressed, I don't honestly believe this ballclub will finish last. But, it's hard to predict especially with star outfielder Michael Brantley's status somewhat in doubt with a surgically repaired shoulder.

This team's fortunes weigh heavily on several veteran bargain basement pickup's(that's Dolan). Juan Uribe at third, Mike Napoli at first, Rajai Davis and Marlon Byrd in the outfield are all being counted on for a year or two.

Fortunately,  they have the dynamic Francisco Lindor at shortstop, the best we've seen at that important position since future Hall of Famer, Omar Vizquel performed his magic. In my view, it's clear he should have been in Cleveland from day 1 last season but the brass wanted to save future cash in that scenario also. Anyone that claims otherwise is...full of B-A-L-O-N-E-Y.

Jason Kipnis at 2nd base is a legit .300 hitter when healthy though hardly a Roberto Alomar with the glove. Napoli is a big question mark coming after a horrible season and being dumped by the Red Sox.

Will Carlos Santana ever hit the first three months of any season, ever ? Just once ? Don't bet on it, but if he ever lives up to expectations and hits consistently all year then this club has possibilities.

Yan  Gomes behind the plate has a great arm and is solid overall defensively. He's another guy. Will  he hit or not ? If so, the Tribe will be far better off.

Going back to the outfield situation, here's hoping Francona lets rookie centerfielder Tyler Naquin play often. I love the late spring training acquisition of veteran rightfielder Marlon Byrd. He moves around a lot but seems to hit and with power everywhere he goes.

Lonnie Chisenhall will never be anything  but a journeyman outfielder at best.

The starting pitching rotation is the real strength of this team. Former Cy Young winner Kluber along with Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar bring the heat. We may be in for a lot of 3-2, 2-1, and 1-0 games unless the bats come through. 

Ace reliever Cody Allen is generally a dependable closer in the pen to save the day when the Indians have a ninth inning lead. I'm no fan of the Francona bullpen brigade usually beginning in the 6th inning, but most managers follow a similar managing style in this era of blown-out elbows and shoulders.

But would someone please explain to me why the great legendary Bob Feller and Mr. "Spitball," Gaylord Perry didn't have such issues, not to mention dozens of other top starting pitchers ?

Anyway, briefly back to the bullpen. These guys all have gotta be good to have any hopes of a 1st place finish. Bryan Shaw has been excellent as Allen's setup man the past couple years. Zach McAllister did a great job last year as well in Cleveland. 

The rest of the bullpen brigade...I barely know their names other than former starter Trevor Bauer. That quirky dude has awesome stuff when he can control where he's throwing it.

An optimistic view is that this team can make a run at the division. The Royals are no juggernaut and the rest of the division..Tigers, Twins and White Sox don't exactly put fear in anyone. 90 wins could be enough to make it to post-season play.

DAVE BURKEY

daveywriter@yahoo.com