2011 Cleveland Indians: Are They Contenders or Pretenders?

Are the 2011 Cleveland Indians, in fact, one year "ahead of schedule," or playoff-bound NOW?

To say the expectations were low coming into the season is an understatement.  Most experts were in unison regarding the overall lack of faith, having come to an unflattering consensus of a fifth place finish for the Cuyahoga warriors.

No, not fifth place in the MLB.

Not even fifth place in the American League.

Fifth place in the American League Central division...Dead Last!

As it stands, the Tribe needs some help in the starting pitching rotation.  Don't get me wrong, I’m very happy with Masterson and Tomlin, and generally happy with what I've seen from Carrasco.  Fausto Carmona has shown glimpses of his old self this season, but has been set back by injury after injury...after injury.

With Alex White returning, hopefully, to form, and the removal of Mitch Talbot via reassignment, the starting rotation could come together.  This is, of course, dependent on the reemergence of Fausto Carmona down the stretch, and the ability for David Huff to fill in until then.

Despite some recent hiccups, the self-titled "Bullpen Mafia" has been ever-imposing.  The close-knit unit has shown flashes of dominance this season. As they continue to grow together throughout the year, the end product just may be spectacular (if it isn't already in some people's minds).

Minor league call-ups Cord Phelps, Lonnie Chisenhall, Luis Valbuena and Ezequiel Carrera all have shown promise in their limited stints with the Tribe.  Chisenhall looks to have caught on and can provide a serious spark at the plate, playing in rotation with Jack Hannahan at third.  As of today, Jason Kipnis has been called up to share time with Orlando Cabrera, who himself has proven to be the best clutch performer on the roster thus far.

Winning games in heroic "come-from-behind" fashion is fun for fans, but it cannot be sustained.  The MLB season is long, grueling and unforgiving.  In other words, sometimes luck…just runs out.

Cleveland hitters need to develop more consistency, especially in clutch situations and with runners in scoring position (currently hitting .261 with RISP).  Right now, this is one of the biggest weaknesses of this team.  Coincidentally, it is one of the most important characteristics of any championship team.

If Manny Acta can weather the storm of injuries and maintain pace with the Tigers, surging White Sox and emerging Twins, the Tribe will find themselves sitting comfortably down the stretch as their key players become available from the disabled list (Choo, Carmona, Sizemore and White).  Their ability to adapt and experiment with lineups, due to an excellent farm system, has allowed them to sustain their performance and confront adversity during their recent slide.

So, what are the 2011 Indians?

A strong bullpen, an adequate starting rotation on the mound and a diverse and flexible lineup fueled by one of the best farm systems in Major League Baseball make this team one of few bona-fide contenders.

Playoffs or not, the hope that this year's Tribe has brought out in us all brings us back to the not-so-recent glory days of the 90s and to the hope for a world championship finally coming back to Believeland.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/775255-2011-cleveland-indians-are-they-contenders-or-pretenders

A.J. Burnett Steve Garrison Phil Hughes Damaso Marte Mariano Rivera Kerry Wood