Teams and players can't use the excuse that "it's still early." It isn't early anymore. And that's why the Cleveland Indians have a major problem. They came out of the gate with their guns blazing. They were the talk of baseball. They aren't as good as they began the season and they aren't as bad as they've been playing for the past week. They're somewhere in the middle. Being in the middle for the Cleveland Indians is a problem. Their fans now have hope. If the team stands pat, the critics will once again come out of the woodwork. If they don't improve the hitting they'll be criticized. If they don't bring up their prospects they'll be criticized. It isn't early anymore. They're in a pennant race but they don't have the horses to get to the finish line. True, they play in a flawed divisiion. However, teams like the Tigers and White Sox were expected to contend. Not Cleveland. The Indians will sink once again in the minds of their fans if they a) stand pat or b) tank.
I got to see the Washington Nationals this week. I saw some very encouraging sings. Jordan Zimmerman is a quality starting pitcher. He is everything scouts saw when he was first drafted. The middle infield combination is more than competent. Their good players. The duo of Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa present a long-term solution for the Nationals. Mike Morse is a nice surprise. He seems to have found his stroke in Washington. When Ryan Zimmerman returns he will reclaim his place as one of baseball's top players. 2/3 of the outfield is a mess. The team needs both left and center fielders. While Jayson Werth is a quality right fielder, he hasn't hit and he certainly isn't worth the bank vault the team forked over for his services. The Nationals have a long, long way to go. Names like Drew Storen, Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper will turn the franchise around. They will be game changers. For now, however, the Nationals are a team in transition competing with high energy and hope. In three years they'll be a tough opponent in the national league.
Why in the world did the Giants keep the storm brewing regarding the Buster Posey/ Scott Cousins situation? And by the way, didn't Houston's Humberto Quintero get taken out on a play at home during the same week? We didn't hear too much about that ? I feel badly for both Posey and Cousins. I spoke with Cousins when the Marlins were playing in Phoenix. He's pretty sick about the whole situation and he wants to get on with his life. Bottom line? I don't think plays at the plate, second base or anywhere on the field can be legislated by new rules. The game is built on passion. The goal is to try to score runs or stop a run for scoring. And that's what Posey and Cousins were doing. Their jobs.!
The Chicago Cubs remain a mess. Will they try to move Kerry Wood? He has a no trade clause.
The A's must think every game lasts 10, 11, or more innings. Because they can't score and they pitch so well, they find themselves in a ton of extra innings games. Very, very tough to keep going that way.
The Diamonbacks Paul Goldschmidt remains on fire at AA Mobile. However, the big club is going so well it doesn't seem like the team will promote Goldschmidt to the big leagues any time soon. But he may get a promotion to AAA.
I look for Anthony Rizzo to be promoted to the Padres sooner than later. Brad Hawpe is now taking fly balls in right field to possibly prepare himself to play there in the future. Rizzo would be a natural promotion.
Every time I see Josh Collmenter pitch I believe in him even more. He has now won consistently on the road and at home.
Teams still have great difficulty with his unorthodox over the top delivery.
Ryan Roberts seems to have taken over as the full time 3B for the DBacks. Hope you have taken note of that and adjust your lineups accordingly.
The Red Sox bullpen remains an issue that has to be resolved. Add another starting pitcher and a catcher to their wish list. And no, I'm not buying the improvement of Salty at the plate. And he hasn't improved behind the plate. In my view, they need a catcher. A defensive catcher first.
Adam Dunn and Alex Rios are playing as if the White Sox season depends upon their recovery. Well it does. They have to hit for the Sox to win. It's that simple. With the weather warming, both should be firing up their bats.
This year is proving once again why bullpens and closers are tough to figure and make better late than early fantasy picks. We now have only a handful of dependable, day in and day out lockdown closers. It's really amazing. Among the best? The Mets Francisco Rodriguez. He sure doesn't get the attention of a Feliz or Papelbon.
Look for the Brewers to do whatever it takes to capture the flag in the NL Central. I think names like Mat Gamel and Eric Farris may be in trade discussions. They want to win before Prince has a huge decision to make. Follow me on Twitter @BerniePleskoff