Cleveland Indians: 10 Things That Must Happen for the Tribe to Win the AL

John RozumJun 7, 2018

After the 2010 season concluded, and the Cleveland Indians finished with a 69-93 record, and everyone outside the Tribe clubhouse wasn't expecting this kind of turnaround.

(Except the guy who wrote this article)

However, lest we forget that Cleveland has a lot of young and solid talent in Asdrubal Cabrera (pictured), Carlos Santana (no relation to the guitarist, but you wish there was), Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley, and Chris Perez.

Then, there's a few players with enough experience to really synchronize everything.

Players like Travis Hafner, Rafael Perez, Grady Sizemore, and Orlando Cabrera.

Now, for such a young team the question remains as to whether they can keep pace with fellow AL monsters like New York, Boston, and Texas.

Well they're definitely over-achieving, but in order for them to solidify themselves amongst the AL elite, these 10 things need to happen.

Trade for a Starting Pitcher

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In the Tribe's starting rotation (which has now been dropped to four), three players, Josh Tomlin, Carlos Carrasco, and Justin Masterson are holding their own.

However, for Cleveland to keep opponents on their toes, adding a fourth starter of equal or great quality is a must.

Take the Marlins Anibal Sanchez for instance.

Florida has already signed Ricky Nolasco and Josh Johnson to some hefty long-term contracts, so where would that leave Sanchez.

Feeling out to dry, that's where.

On the year he's 6-2 with a 3.58 ERA, while putting in 113 innings through 18 starts.

Not to mention he has 117 strikeouts.

Mix him in with the Indians' rotation, and it's only going to ignite their confidence.

Call-Up a Starting Pitcher

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Whether it's recently called up Zach McAllister or Jeanmar Gomez, one of these two needs to get called up for the remainder of the season.

McAllister through 15 starts in triple-A for 2011 has a 2.97 ERA with a record of 8-3.

He's also thrown three complete games.

Gomez has received 14 starts to date, and sports an 9-3 record with a 2.40 ERA (including two complete games).

Now both have been called up early this season, and did not perform the way they would have liked.

However, everyone pays their dues and as good as these guys are, you know at least one of them will figure the majors out.

That said, both should get more opportunities as 2011 progresses, so it'll be interesting to see how they pan out.

Trade for a Utility Player

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I've said it before, and I'll say it again, it's not a bad idea for the Cleveland Indians to pursue Michael Young.

Obviously, he'll come a bit more expensive since he's playing well on a Texas team that leads the AL West.

But, it still doesn't change the fact that early in the year the Rangers were willing to trade him, and he wanted out.

Therefore, what better place than a young Indians team that he could mentor as his career winds down.

He can play anywhere in the infield or outfield, and also DH when needed. Wouldn't surprise me if he could play catcher as well.

Now the man is going to be 35 this fall, and for as versatile as he is, who knows how much longer he can play.

And yet, there is still time for him to really make his mark on the game.

Sure if he wins a World Series he'll be remembered as part of a ridiculous Rangers lineup that could play with anyone.

But can you imagine him leading/helping Cleveland to one? It's on a whole nother level.

Shin-Soo Choo Gets to 100 Percent

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Last season he was arguably the Tribe's best player.

He batted .300, hit 22 HRs, 31 doubles, and drove in 90 runs.

This season he was a big part of Cleveland's early season success, but after getting injured, it's been a significant loss of the Tribe.

Not to mention his defense.

For one, he has shown the ability to gun down runners heading to third and home-plate, while also preventing them from advancing in crucial situations.

However, if Shin-Soo Choo doesn't get healthy, then the Indians will be missing a very important piece to the puzzle.

Asdrubal Cabrera Remains Defensively Sound

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Asdrubal Cabrera is quietly having the best offensive performance of his career.

He's batting .293, has hit 14 bombs, and drove in 51 runs.

However, as important as it is for that to continue, his defense is where Cleveland needs him most.

For one, until another starting pitcher or two comes to "The Jake" (yes it's "The Jake", it always is, and always will be) the other eight defenders need to be that much more alert.

And Asdrubal is the leader that they all look up to.

Not to mention he's leading the majors with the "Web Gems" that ESPN's Baseball Tonight awards each show.

Offense is very important, but Asdrubal's defense is beyond that.

Travis Hafner Takes It to Another Level

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It's no secret that Travis Hafner is back on the up-swing despite being 34 years old.

Thing is, the past few years he battled some pesky injuries, so skipper Manny Acta is being cautious not to overwork him.

That said, Hafner is having the best batting average of his career (currently .325) and getting back to driving in those runs.

As the season progresses, Travis must as well, for Cleveland to become a legitimate contender.

Yes .325 is a great BA, but if he can find the next level and really begin to dominate, there's no telling how far the Tribe can go.

Then, his teammates will feed off his energy and the synergy will takeover.

Grady Sizemore Gets Back to Normal

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Much like Travis Hafner, Grady Sizemore dealt with a few injuries of his own that decreased is play the past few seasons.

That being said, Grady has definitely gotten back into the mold by hitting nine HRs, 19 doubles, and driving in 27 runs.

Last season he only hit six doubles, with no homers, and only 13 RBI.

So 2011 has been a reassuring year for Sizemore, but if he can bust out his 2005-08 game as it continues, the Indians will become unreal.

Obviously him playing at that level is asking a lot as of now, so we and he, must be patient.

However, when crunch time approaches, it will be imperative.

Orlando Cabrera Refuses to Act His Age

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In November, Orlando Cabrera turns 37 years old.

But when you watch him play, he's not acting his age.

Now although his bat has gone down a bit, his glove is as good as it's ever been.

And as long as he maintains the defensive supremacy, we know the bat will come around with it.

He's only hit over .300 one time for a season in his career, so it's obviously not his strength, but that goes without saying.

His experience and mentorship of the young players however, is Orlando's most important component.

Relief Pitching Remains Consistent

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Whether it's Rafael Perez, Tony Sipp, Joe Smith or Vinny Pestano setting up closer Chris Perez, the Tribe's bullpen has been impressive.

Rafael Perez has a 3-1 record with seven holds, 25 strikeouts and a 1.91 ERA.

Sipp has a team leading 17 holds and a 4-1 record through 40 appearances, along with a 2.92 ERA.

Pestano leads the relievers with 47 strikeouts through 33.1 innings, and has a 2.97 ERA with 12 holds.

And of the four, Joe Smith has appeared the least (34 games), but still reps a 0.85 ERA through 31.2 innings.

They've been performing solid all year, so continuing at that level right after the All-Star break will build even more momentum and confidence down the stretch.