Hello again, Tribe fans! My apologies for the lack of posts recently. I like to think that it’s a demonstration of the fact that the season is a long one, however, because since my last post, not much has changed with regard to the Tribe’s fortunes. Their record now sits at 14-24 heading into their last matchup against the Rays, yet, with the Twins handling the Tigers in their series last week, and the Royals beginning to show signs of a return to earth, we’re still very much alive in the division at 6.5 games back.

That number seems absurd when you think about how long the front office has been in desperation mode, calling up relief help (Sipp, Herges), sending down once untouchables (Raffy Perez), and taking an early look at some of our future stars (LaPorta, Valbuena). It’s been a grueling start, but we’re still within striking distance, and we still have two thirds of the season to go.

VICTOR IS CLEANING UP

Amidst all else Tribe, Victor Martinez has entrenched his spot as team leader. Hitting third in the lineup, he has been THE stabilizing force in the lineup, on the field, and in the clubhouse. The fire he brings to the game is unmatched, and if there were any questions about his offensive potential going forward from last year, let’s just say he’s made it a point to rid even the naysayers of any doubt. He is absolutely cleaning up – literally- batting .409 on the year with 7 dingers and 25 RBI. I think back to my time playing franchise mode in 2k baseball (I’ve grown up and moved on to MLB: The Show series), when naming a team captain raised team morale, and I wonder if it’s time we formally give Vic the title he clearly deserves. The man has a unique handshake for every player in the dugout for crying out loud! I’m excited to see what his line looks like at the end of the year (and not just because he’s my catcher in both fantasy leagues).

OTHER POSITIVE SIGNS

Has anybody else noticed how good Jhonny looks at third base? Wasn’t the biggest question about him moving over there his reaction time? He’s snared two absolute bullets in two games. He also has a rocket arm. I think the move is eventually going to make itself. Asdrubal is a commodity at SS, DeRosa will eventually settle in at 2B once they realize Valbuena isn’t ready, and 1B will continue to rotate between Vic and Garko.

Speaking of Asdrubal… has anybody else noticed the insane year THIS kid is having? We fell in love with him two years ago amidst the playoff run, but after struggling in his sophomore year, our expectations were tempered heading into 2009. So far, he’s responded by hitting .315, 1, 19 with 6 SB vs 0 CS, reclaiming the 2-hole from DeRosa in the process. His OPS is over .800 — that’s a number you want from your cleanup hitter. Add in his defense, and you have the second most valuable position player behind Vic, in my personal opinion.

DOWN ON THE FARM

Poor Josh Barfield. I may be the only person who still believes in this kid, but he has been through the gauntlet ever since he donned the blue and red. He has been a human shuttle between Cleveland and Columbus this year, and his role in the franchise remains a mystery. I suppose the upside is that with Valbuena in the majors (presumably because of his left-handed bat), Josh can get every day at bats at 2B in AAA. It just seems a bit hypocritical to send a guy who worked his butt off this offseason back and forth after praising his character, improved plate discipline and defensive flexibility in favor of a kid who cost Lee a win with his “should have been an error” double-pump and can’t quite reach .200 at the plate.

Andy Marte, another soft spot for this writer, has been on fire down in AAA. He’s been getting regular playing time at 3B since LaPorta and Valbuena were called up, and he has responded by hitting .359 with 4 HR and 16 RBI in only 64 AB with a monstrous 1.038 OPS. He’s off the 40-man roster now, but it’ll be interesting to see what the Indians do next year when DeRosa departs. He’s already used up all his life lines in a lot of fan’s eyes, but one would have to think that a player who was once regarded as a key acquisition for a fan favorite (the notorious Coco trade) and legitimate middle-of-the-order threat would get another shot if his numbers continue at this pace.

Lastly, David Huff, a former first-rounder, will make his major league debut today against the resurgent Rays. With the signing of Luis Vizcaino earlier this week, the Indians once again optioned the ineffective Sowers back to AAA (will he ever figure it out?) and needed someone to step in. Laffey may eventually take the role back, but for today, we’ll get a sneak peak at our best pitching prospect. Game starts at 1:38 EST.

UP NEXT:

CLEVELAND INDIANS vs. KANSAS CITY ROYALS (5/19-5/21)
The Royals are still playing good baseball, but they’re starting to resemble more of what we expected. The Indians are beginning to turn the corner, and will send out their top 3 in their rotation. This series should serve as a good barometer for the Indians’ progress.

CLEVELAND INDIANS vs. CINCINNATI REDS (5/22-5/24)
The Indians will close out their 10-game road trip with their first interleague series of the year. Great American is a hitter’s park, so we’ll see just how potent the bats are in this 3-game weekend series.