You better believe it. I believe the Cleveland Indians will be the 2008 American League representative. Originally I had in mind that they would face the Mets, but it is looking like the Mets with all their injuries and inconsistency probably won't win their division.
What makes me believe the indians will win it all? Pitching. 1 through 5 the Cleveland Indians have the best pitching rotation in the Majors. Most won't agree with me, but in time you will see what I see.
Back in 2004 Westbrook posted a 14-9 record with a 3.38 ERA in 215 2/3 Innings. For the seasons following his breakout year he won 15 games each year, but then was plagued with injuries throughout the 2007 season. In the playoffs last year he emerged as the true heart and soul of the Indians rotation. He beat the BoSox in game 3, and in a gutsy effort with little run support he was marked as the losing pitcher after he handed the game to his bullpen that allowed 8 runs afterwards.
Now I'm not pinning this whole season on the success of Westbrook. Cliff Lee is a former 18 game winner from back in 2005 where he posted an 18-5 record with a 3.79 ERA in 202 innings. After 2005 Lee had a solid 2006 season, but then was plagued with injuries in 2007 just like Westbrook.
Paul Byrd is a very solid number 4 pitcher. He opens up the year as the 4th pitcher, but in time he will likely be lowered to the number 5 spot if Lee returns to his former self.
If it wasn't for Carmona's dominance in 2007, the Indians would not have made the playoffs. Sabathia may have won the Cy Young award, but he wouldn't have done it without the extra playoff exposure. Carmona finished last year with a 19-8 record with a 3.06 ERA in 215 innings with 137 strikeouts. Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA in 241 innings with 209 strikeouts.
If this pitching rotation can stay healthy and put it all together for career years, then you will have the most lethal rotation in all of baseball. So far Westbrook, Carmona, and Lee have looked impressive in their first couple of starts. Sabathia and Byrd hasn't done so hot, but surely will improve as the season moves along.
We all know defense and pitching wins championships. The Indians was in 11th in the majors and 6th in the American League in fielding percentage in 2007. This lands them slightly above average compared to most teams in MLB.
I will stand by my prediction that the Tribe will have the best pitching and solid defense that leads them to a championship this season.
Predictions:
- Jake Westbrook will be the Cy Young award winner.
- The Cleveland Indians win the AL and World Series.
- Cliff Lee, Jake Westbrook and Fausto Carmon will be among the candidates in Cy Young voting.