As of right now the only position that we really need an upgrade is at 3rd after this year is over. Jayson Nix has really made a case for the second base spot, Id keep Donald as a utility guy. I just hope Grady can stay healthy after this year.

Nice win for the tribe tonight

I'd say a big factor in LaPorta being productive is the mental aspect of him knowing that 1st base position is his every day.

I agree that plays a large part in it.

I agree about having Laporta playing everyday. It drove me nuts whenever Id hear Eric Wedge talking about platooning guys, how in the hell is that going to give any player confidence knowing everyday is a battle for my job with all the pressure on them.

Kearns with an rbi double to make it 9-2

That was a bomb by Pena. 9-3 Indians lead with two down in the ninth.

Final 9-3 good guys

glittering wahoo please

very good team effort tonight, Carmona gets the win

We need ts1227 for the Glittering Wahoo. In the meantime......Glitter Glitter!

One step closer to 500 BRF.....................watch out!!!!!!!!!!!

I expect that the Indians will play progressively (Progressive Field references were totally unintended) better as the remainder of the season unfolds. The future is bright and I agree that if the key Tribe contributors can remain healthy next season and the new guys continue to improve, that the Indians can move back toward the top of their division. I am a Tiger fan first and foremost, but I have always liked the Indians and now, with the Lebron debaucle, I sincerely hope that the Indians have some good things happen to them in the near future. I also will be rooting very hard for the fulfillment of owner Dan Gilbert's promise, but with all due respect, should the Cav's owner be tested for PED use himself? On the other hand, I can certainly sympathize with the intent of his remarks. Go Cavs.

When you think about it, just about every position is set for next season.

C - Santana
1B - LaPorta
2B - Donald/Nix?
SS - Druby
3B - ?

RF - Choo
CF - Grady
LF - ?

That's actually pretty good, and with those guys a lone it forms a formidable line-up.

With the 1-3 starters being Fausto, Mitch, and Justin, we could have ourselves a solid 1-3.

The bullpen is looking better and better as well.

Who knows what could happen in this central division.

This team is showing some bigtime improvement over the last few weeks. I agree the lineup next year should be pretty damn good. Pitching is the key, along with a healthy and productive Sizemore.

Id take Westbrook back if hed take a Dolan discount next year. I would pay him no more then 5 million next year and if he wanted more then Id move on and getting rid of Woods fat 10 million a year contract will be great. I wish we could find another team desperate enough to take Hafner off the Indians hands next year and unload all 3 of these terrible contracts and give it to more deserving up and coming guys.

hoops23;419105 wrote:When you think about it, just about every position is set for next season.

C - Santana
1B - LaPorta
2B - Donald/Nix?
SS - Druby
3B - ?

RF - Choo
CF - Grady
LF - ?

That's actually pretty good, and with those guys a lone it forms a formidable line-up.

With the 1-3 starters being Fausto, Mitch, and Justin, we could have ourselves a solid 1-3.

The bullpen is looking better and better as well.

Who knows what could happen in this central division.

I think your spot on with the line-up. Granted, the 2B is still unproven, but Donald and Nix have shown promise.

Crowe I would love as a 4th outfielder. He has come up with huge hits and while I dont think he is an ML starter, I think he is good enough for spot starts and some DH duty. I would really love for Brantley to shine the second half and get some confidence. He and LaPorta are huge keys to the future of this team. I DO NOT want Acta to move him out of the lead-off spot because his confidence may be rattled. He needs to now he is there for the majority of the rest of the season, ala LaPorta playing everyday.

If you replace Donald/Nix with Valbuena, and the ? in left field with Brantley, I bet you could find a post from last season almost identical to that in terms of "When you think about it, our lineup is pretty much set for next year".

Hope springs eternal, I guess.

Im just glad they have the right guys playing now and getting the experience they need and hopefully start making a run at the Central next year. Getting rid of or sending players down like Marson, Valbuena and Branyan was very much needed as they were just killing this team the more they played, every time we had a rally going theyd strikeout or hit into an inning ending double play. Once Cabrera comes back which shouldnt be to far away, that infield is going to be pretty good with the exception of Peralta. If Rondon or Carrasco can come through to be a starter and either Westbrook or Laffey be the #5 in the rotation, I think the Indians could be a very solid team next year.

BRF;418773 wrote:We need ts1227 for the Glittering Wahoo. In the meantime......Glitter Glitter!