This week is All-Star week in Baseball (Both MLB and Eastern League) so let's take step back and look at the area teams. First of all, who would have thought the Pirates (44-50) would have more wins than the Indians (41-53)
The Pirates have one of the best hitting teams in baseball but one of the worst pitching staffs. Imagine if the Bucs had some pitching. They might have a winning record right now. I think it's time for the Pirates to make a committment to some core players (McClouth, Bay, Nady, Sanchez) and go out and get some pitching. They could become a winner and a contender if they get some solid pitchers. (Not some over the hill guys like Matt Morris last year)
I think the Indians fooled us a bit last season, getting within a win of the World Series. They had so many guys perform above average and were relatively free of injuries, we expected the same this season. But I think the Indians will be O-K. The talent is there to contend in a pretty tough division. Get Carmona back, get Westbrook back and with a little more help, the Indians can contend again in the future. But not in 2008, especially with CC gone. The first goal should be to get back to .500. Not to scare Indians fans, but we've been saying that about the Pirates for 15 years !!!! I don't think it's gonna take that long.