Once More, Into the Breach

The Indians suck.

Let's not humor ourselves into thinking otherwise.

In fact, I'm going to try not to go completely insane while writing this. I won't get all angry about the fact that the last four guys in our line-up today are hitting a combines .186 and that both Francisco and Garko have higher averages than all of them (Garko even has a higher average against righties). I'll hold back from punching the wall when I mention that Mark DeRosa's a life long second baseman who has played over 2100 innings at that position, yet hasn't played more than 10 games worth at first. I'll refrain from screaming at our new platoon at second base which only serves to a) break up momentum and b) take ABs at one of the best bats on our team (Ryan Garko). I'll even bite my tongue on the fact that our lead off man has the second lowest OBP of all the lead off men in the AL (third worst in baseball).

No, perhaps it might be better to do what I did last time, and throw out some crazy ideas, as the last one I threw out (Laffey to the 'pen) actually happened, and has ultimately helped more than it hurt (just barely).

We should continue to carry 8 relievers, because there's no reason not to. Our much hyped "versatility" means we don't need to carry as many position players. So 8 relievers and 5 starters will leave us with 12 spots, which should be, as of this very moment:

Choo
Sizemore
LaPorta
Francisco
Peralta
Cabrera
DeRosa
Garko
Martinez
Shoppach
Carroll
Dellucci*

*Based only upon the assumption that the Tribe will never part with him.

Valbuena needs to go back to Columbus to play every day.

That line-up not only gives us some flexibility, it also gives us stability. Also, Kelly Shoppach needs to return to his '07 position: he catches for one guy, and this time around it's Cliff Lee (that is, of course, unless the Tribe goes out and signs free agent Paul Byrd, which I'm thinking they should probably look into right now).

Then there's our rotation. Obviously, Cliff Lee is back in form. We've got to keep Fausto, just for the occasionally glimpses of greatness we get. Pavano only last 5 innings today, but he did manage to keep us in the game. Beyond that? Well, I don't know. That has a lot to do with our bullpen.

After Anthony Reyes' last outing, I became convinced it was time to move him to long relief. He didn't give up a single hit in his first three innings of work yesterday. But after one time through the order, they figured him out and he got hit hard. This seems to be a trend for Reyes -- just like Jeremy Sowers. As we don't have a right hander to compliment Laffey, maybe it's time to make that person Reyes.

Sure, this would leave us with yet ANOTHER hole in our rotation, but at this point it wouldn't be much of a hole.

In fact, I would suggest bringing Tomo Ohka from Columbus. His numbers have actually been better than David Huff, the guy we're calling up for tomorrow's start.

And then? Then I would start something called "2nd Starter."

We've already seen this happen with Laffey. In his very first relief appearance, he came in after Pavano went six innings to get a three inning save. And I think this will have to continue.

It's time to start pairing people up.

Look at it this way: Cliff Lee can pitch deep, so he won't need this kind of help. That leaves us with four starters who will all need "2nd Starters." We carry 8 relievers, that leaves us with four guys to choose from each night if our 1st and 2nd starters only get us through seven.

You heard me.

My crazy theory is this:

Rotation
Cliff Lee
Fausto Carmona
Carl Pavano
David Huff
Tomo Ohka (until Scott Lewis returns)

2nd Starters
Aaron Laffey
Anthony Reyes
Zach Jackson
Jeremy Sowers

Relievers
Tony Sipp
Rafael Betancourt
Luis Vizcaino/Matt Herges

Closer
Kerry Wood

In theory, when Scott Lewis returns we can cut down on a second starter, assuming Lewis can pick up where he left off when he was healthy last year. For that matter, we have no idea that Huff won't be able to go deep into games, but, at this point, why take a chance? Over time, we'll need our 2nd Starters less and less. And, over time, we'll get back a healthy Joe Smith, an improved Rafeal Perez and Jensen Lewis from AAA, and a healthy Jake Westbrook.

Is my idea insane? Sure, but if it can keep us within striking distance until the All-Star break, why not give it a shot?