Cleveland Indians: It is early but their play looks familiar

The Voice of the Fan is not liking how the Cleveland Indians have played so far and has more questions than answers right now.

I realize it’s early, but does this slow start look familiar Cleveland Indians fans? It has happened before, including the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

In 2012 they started slow and couldn’t catch up. In 2013, Cleveland caught fire but finished second in the division. However, that was still good enough to make it into the postseason but unfortunately, the Indians’ run did not last long. They lost a home game to the Tampa Bay Rays.

This year the Indians have shown a lack of offense, especially with runners in scoring position. There also has been a lack of power so far.

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I keep saying it’s early but the Indians have not displayed much power even dating back to spring training games.

The Indians let go Carlos Santana and Jay Bruce go in free agency this past offseason. Both of those players are known to hit the long ball. Santana also has a very good career on-base percentage at .364.

They were replaced with only one specific man, that being Yonder Alonso; A first baseman that’s had one good power year. Up until 2017, his home run production had been single digits with a career high of 9.

The one positive Cleveland can be proud of is, except for the start by Josh Tomlin, their pitching, which has been close to superb. The pitching will take the Indians as far as it will take them. With that in mind, like yesterday, Cleveland must score at least some runs to win, which we all know is up to the offense.

Given that aspect has not been up to par, hopefully, as the weather warms in northeast Ohio the bats will too. Going forward without Lonnie Chisenhall for a month or more is certainly a setback. He would have helped their offensive production or provided hope at the very least out of right field.

Speaking of production, can Michael Brantley get back to his power stroke and stay healthy? Can Yan Gomes hitting come back? His game-winning homer on Sunday certainly helped.

Next: Josh Tomlin is better off in the bullpen

It’ll be kind of power by committee this year. There are lots of questions so stay tuned for the answers from Progressive Field.

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