Cleveland Indians: 5 'What Ifs' That Can Make the Season

The 2011 season for the Indians has been a roller-coaster ride so far this year.  

With the hot start of 30-15, the Tribe was one of the best teams in baseball. Now at 54-52, two games out of first, they are still in contention.

The season has been filled with late-inning magic, accounting for 12 last-at-bat wins.  

At the same time, two months of less-than-mediocre offense and defense has clouded the Indians' path.  

On the other side of the trade deadline (acquiring Kosuke Fukudome and Ubaldo Jimenez), the Indians are ready to buckle down and make a push for the postseason.

It will be a tough road for the next two months.

But if they can get through, there will be a great prize at the end.  

The question is if they can.

What if they can...

What If the Pitching Rotation Is the Best in the AL?

The Indians' pitching has been a bright spot for them all year, with masterful seasons from Justin Masterson and Josh Tomlin.  

The recent trade for Ubaldo Jimenez adds another powerful ace to the staff, and the resurgence of Fausto Carmona and David Huff have been very promising.

What if Carmona returns to Cy Young-type form?

What if Masterson does not have to carry the staff, but continues to do so?

What if Jimenez is the finishing touch?

What if the Indians are the Phillies of the AL?

WHAT IF?

What If the Injured Indians Return to Form?

The Indians have been plagued this season with two heart-breaking injuries to Grady Sizemore and Shin-Soo Choo.  

The Tribe has had major holes to fill with both forces on the disabled list.  

Before each went on the disabled list, they were having substandard seasons.

What if Choo and Sizemore come back healthier then ever?

What if the time off helps the pair regroup and return to the dominant form we know they are?

What if Choo and Sizemore are the drive to get through September?

What if they redeem themselves for their time missed?

WHAT IF?

What If Every Indian Fulfills Their Duties?

Every Indian has shown promise.  All of them have expectations.  

With those expectations achieved, the Cleveland Indians can be the best in the business.

What if Travis Hafner is one of the most feared hitters in the league again?

What if Asdrubal Cabrera's MVP-caliber season is more than just that?

What if Carlos Santana breaks out as the best catcher in baseball?

What if Michael Brantley keeps stealing bases at the right time?

What if the outfield situation is no longer a question?

What if Matt LaPorta is the dominant first baseman everyone has been waiting to see?

WHAT IF? 

What If the Rookies Are More Then Just Rookies?

The Indians have thrown a huge task toward rookies Jason Kipnis and Lonnie Chisenhall, asking them to start as rookies on a club in playoff contention.  

Both were highly-touted players in the minors and will hopefully translate to the majors.

What if both of their stats reflect their minor league stats?

Chisenhall batting .265 with seven home runs and 44 RBI

Kipnis batting .279 with 12 home runs and 55 RBI

What if both of their defensive skills overshadow their mediocre expectations?

What if their future is right now?

WHAT IF? 

What If the Playoffs Are Closer Then We Think?

The Indians have put up a stellar season, and by all means are right in contention for the AL Central title.  

The season has two months to go, and that is plenty of time to make magic happen. 

If the late-inning magic continues, the Indians will be on top of the world.

If the bats do what the bats can do, the Indians can support their pitching.

If the defense performs above par, the Indians have no flaws.

If the pitching remains dominant, the Indians cannot be beat. 

If everything can go right this one time, the Indians are more than just a playoff team.

What If October is just the beginning?

WHAT IF?