Cleveland Indians: It's Hero Time

If there was ever a time that the Cleveland Indians needed it, this would be the time.

What is it?

"It" would be that legendary performance. That run that puts someone into Cleveland Indians' lore. That...defining moment.

So, I pose this question to every single position player on the Indians' active roster.

Who's going to be the one to step it up when we need it the most?

Victor Martinez isn't here to carry the offense, and Travis Hafner isn't hitting six grand slams this year.

It has to come from someone, or this team is going to be left in a cloud of dust.

Thursday's 12-run outburst was a good start for things, but don't expect me to get all excited about pounding a struggling Livan Hernandez.

So, who's it going to be?

Franklin Gutierrez

Now would be the time to show why you were regarded as one of our better prospects after we traded for you.

I know you are in a right-field platoon against the left-handers, but you need to produce when you do play. You have shown us defensively that you can get the job done, and we've seen the power you possess with the bat.

But you need to do it consistently.

Shin-Soo Choo

I'm guilty of it. I will confess, I had written you off this year as someone we should just give up on. I don't know why, maybe my fascination with Mr. Gutierrez was a reason.

However, I apologize. You've been nothing but solid since coming off the disabled list.

In just 31 at-bats, you've hit two home runs, knocked in eight runs, and hit for a .323 average. You've also walked six times, and they seem to be in the most important spots. I’m a big fan of players who draw a lot of walks.

But, since you are playing most of the time in right field, we need to see it continue. You're a fan favorite, so just feed off the energy the crowd gives you.

Platoon can be a dangerous word, but you and Gutierrez can make it successful.

Ben Francisco

I have nothing bad to say about "Benny Fresh" and his performance since coming up from Buffalo.

But, I do have a message for him.

This is your team now, bud. You probably will go back to the second spot in the order once Travis Hafner comes back. Or maybe not, either way you need to establish yourself as a star.

Charisma, talent, and you can just hit the baseball. You have all the makings of a superstar, despite what some people might say.

The opportunity is there. You’ve seized it before, and it’s time to seize it once again.

Ryan Garko

You've always been expected to be a run producer, and now we need you more than ever. The little run you went on this past week was fun.

But you've been inconsistent in the past. I've always lobbied for you to be higher in the order, even ahead of Hafner. Now you are the cleanup hitter for the time being.

It's time to get the job done. If they set you up, you knock them in.

You and Francisco did it in high school; here is your chance to do it again.

Kelly Shoppach and Jamey Carroll

I'm not expecting the world out of you guys. But, Thursday was really a good start to your extended playing time.

Jamey, you are quickly becoming a fan favorite with your effort, defensive plays, and gritty hitting. You could spend an extended time atop the Indians' lineup, and anything you do will be a plus.

Kelly, you've been regarded as one of the better catching prospects to come through the minor-league system. Boston didn't need you, but we do. You have some pop in your bat, and it's officially your job for the next two months.

I think you are a starting-caliber catcher for the major leagues. I'd love to see you prove it.

Grady Sizemore

I'm not expecting anything more than what you've been giving us. The average is climbing and I think it will continue to do so.

But, with the leader of this team down, you are now the elder statesman, despite the fact you are probably younger than most.

You are the leader by default now. Here is your chance to show everyone that you also have a vocal presence on this team. You can become that much of a better all-around player.

Jhonny Peralta

I wouldn't be surprised to see you in a different uniform next year. I'm also not expecting you to put the team on your back. That just isn't who you are.

Just hit. I think Eric Wedge has finally understood your makeup as a player. You are going to hit in the five hole from now. Maybe the sixth when Hafner returns in a few weeks.

Either way, just get the job done, and stop swinging at the low stuff. This isn't golf and you aren't Tiger Woods.

The Indians

The point of this, if you haven't realized, wasn't to call out a specific person.

It's a group effort. With your biggest stars out and or struggling, it's time for the "role players" to put it together.

These are all players I myself have faith in, and have had faith in. They all have talent, and until now, they haven't been asked to do too much.

This offense revolved around the likes of Travis Hafner and Victor Martinez.

Now it has to revolve around the likes of Ryan Garko and Ben Francisco.

If anything, this could be that point in time when we look back and say the Indians' turned it all around.

They're at the lowest of all lows, with all their stars injured and battered, and no one with any faith in them.

Adversity is a tricky thing. Sometimes it takes the harsh realization that no one believes in you to over come it.

This could be that point in time. It isn't hope or optimism that I'm talking about right now; it's faith.

Some fans may have put out the white flag after yesterday's news. I don't blame them.

But, I'm not doing it. Not with this team. Not with their heart.