Kazmir Gets The 5th Rotation Spot
The comeback story of the Spring, once-upon-a-time flamethrower Scott Kazmir has finally beaten his competition and captured the 5th place in the Tribe's starting rotation. It's obvious he's worked incredibly hard since his exit from MLB in 2011 and done really well to regain his lost velocity. He's not going to be striking guys out like he did in his heyday (he led the American League in strikeouts with the Rays in 2007) and gone are the days of his heater blowing batters away. But he has worked his way back to getting his fastball to a respectable low-to-mid 90mph level, which is a lot better than the mid 80s stuff he was throwing prior to his release from the Angels a couple of years ago. I'm really happy Scott won the job to be the 5th starter but, and he'll be the first to admit it, the real job is just beginning. Time will tell how he performs against MLB competition after time away from the elite level and there's no knowing yet how his arm will hold up in the dog days of summer. For now though, we can all enjoy the success story that's been Kazmir's return and I'm excited to see how he does for us.
Versatility and Veterans
Possibly the biggest difference between this year's Indians and the teams over the past few years is the veteran presence on the roster. No longer must we suffer the sight of the Tribe starting every season with one of the youngest teams on the field. The oldest guy on the team is Jason Giambi and the 2000 American League MVP and 5-time All Star looks set to make the team despite being the grand old age of 42. He's been placed on the DL with a lower back strain but all signs point towards him making the bench once he's healthy. It's impossible to predict what Giambi will provide on this 2013 Indians team. He still has some power in those arms and might chip in a few homers this season. Put it this way, if he comes into a few games to pinch hit in the latter innings and his hits mean we win a few games that we normally wouldn't then that would be amazing, the best possible result from his signing. However, I think what really earned Giambi his place on the team is his experience and his ability to be a role model for the younger players. The guy has been around for a long time now and knows how to win. Francona has already stated how important Giambi could be in the clubhouse: "He's not a veteran, he's the veteran. I've already gone to him three or four times asking him questions. He's solid. Brings a lot." If the Indians can get any production on the field from the elderly DH then that's wonderful but I feel he's going to be even more productive off the field and in the locker-room.
The other interesting addition to the roster is 31 year old Ryan Raburn (pictured above). The ex-Tiger, who can play second base as well as the outfield, provides some much-needed versatility to the team and could be an important player off the bench. He beat out the likes of Cord Phelps and Ezequiel Carrera for the final bench spot and I like the decision to go with Raburn. He's had a solid spring and earned his spot for sure. Hopefully he'll contribute, spotting Kipnis from time to time and filling in for an outfielder when they need a day off.
For more details on the Indians team set to begin the 2013 campaign, Nino over at The Tribe Daily has done a wonderful roundup on the Opening Day roster that's definitely worth checking out: http://www.thetribedaily.com/2013/03/the-roster-is-set.html#more
Overall I really like the Opening Day roster and I'm enthusiastic about our chances in 2013. It's not very often I've said that since I've been a fan of the Tribe. There's been an amazing sense of optimism ever since the hiring of Francona last year and I've certainly never been more excited to watch the Indians. Luckily, and for the first time, I will be able to watch every and any game I like this year, having purchased MLB TV a couple of days ago. I made the decision because I was so sick of trying to watch games on crappy streams and sitting through endless pop-up ads and all the other shit that comes with illegal streaming. Best $129.99 (about £88 for you fellow Brits interested) I've ever spent. Bring on Opening Day!
Thanks for reading.
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