Series #1 in Review April 2-5

Well the first series of the season is over, and the Indians got off to a fairly good start, finishing 2-1 against the White Sox. The  offense showed its explosiveness on Monday and Wednesday, and the bullpen was strong in helping secure an 8-7 win in the series’ second game. The defense was ok, the Indians’ made a total of three errors in the series. I was slightly discouraged by the inability to get key hits and the inability to move runners along in crucial situations. The team definitely needs some work, but obviously it is incredibly early.

I have a problem with the lineup. Now, I’ll preface this by saying that I am probably as big of a Casey Blake fan as anyone. However, Blake batting in the five spot in the order is absolutely laughable to me. He is not going to be nearly effective enough to stay  in this slot, and hopefully Garko will settle in somewhere down the road. Batting Blake fifth will allow teams to easily work around Martinez, especially with runners on. I also think that Blake should just be permanently put in right field, he is a good defensive outfielder and hes basically just being wasted standing at first base, where hes not even that great defensively. Basically, I don’t really think that Blake should be an everyday player, but instead someone who can play a variety of different positions effectively when called upon.

Player of the Series: This category is definitely probably between Martinez and Sizemore, and I think I will actually go with Martinez in this case, not because of his 6 hits, but because of the fact that he threw out Scot Posednik twice in the series.

Most Worthless Player of Series: Ok everybody, get ready to be seeing these names in this category a LOT this season, and I am willing to guarantee that. This category comes down to two finalists, with Josh Barfield finishing in third. David Dellucci and of course, Andy Marte. Dellucci just did nothing, managing only a double in 12 at bats, while Marte hit a 2 run home run in the Tribe’s 8-7 win on Wednesday, and struck out, well, a lot. Not only did Marte strike out, he just looked lost swinging his massive bat, even when he hit the homer, it looked like it was totally by accident. However, I’m going to have to give the most worthless player of the series to Dellucci, mostly due to his incredibly high BLAH factor.

Wedge’s Best Move of the Series: Sending Grady Sizemore in the eighth inning of the Indians’ eventual loss on thursday. Jason Michaels was locked up in a 3-2 count and eventually hit a double to the gap in right center, allowing Sizmore to score and momentarily tie the game.

Best Pitcher of the Series: No idea, lets just give it to Aaron Fultz. The pitching will improve.

Best Dumb Chicago fan moment of the Series: Some jackalope chanting “overrated” at Travis Hafner on opening day. Wow.

Next Series: vs. Seattle Mariners April 6-9