25 Year Cleveland Indians

Starting Rotation

Rick Sutcliffe, 1982, ERA+ 138, number one in h/9, 5 th in Cy Young voting. If you could build a team in the ‘80’s from one guy, I think Sut would have to be that guy, great pitcher and great clubhouse presence. Bert Blyleven, 1984, ERA+ 142, second in WHIP and 3 rd in Cy Young voting. A dominant performance for a team that traded away a pitcher, Rick Sutcliffe, that won the Cy Young that year. Bert’s performance allowed the team to do that. Kevin Millwood, 2005, ERA+ 143, second in ERA+ in 2005. An overlooked season by a one year signing that turned out really well. Five starting pitchers in 2005 for the Indians reached 190 innings. CC Sabathia, 2006, ERA+ 139, 4 th in WHIP and 6 th in K/9. Just couldn’t leave CC off this team, even though it meant keeping Hafner off. Hafner’s versatility issues is the reason. Greg Swindell, 1988, ERA+ 129, A good year for the “franchise” in 88, probably his best year with the Tribe. Orosco’s 1989 is the only reason Swindell’s 1988 makes the rotation.

Bullpen

Jesse Orosco, 1989, ERA+ 191, Orosco was dealing this year, probably one of his last year’s before he became a LOOGY. Jeff Shaw, 1991, ERA+ 123, Horrible year for the Indians, good year for Shaw in middle relief. Rafael Betancourt, 2003, ERA+ 200, good year for Betancourt. Scouting reports apparently weren’t used for Betancourt since he was called up in the middle of the year. Riske and Betancourt were both fabulous in 2003.Dave Van Ohlen, 1985, ERA+ 143, not much to choose from in 1985, so this is our LOOGY. Jamie Easterly, 1983, ERA+ 118, not a great year for the Tribe. Doug Jones, 1990, ERA+ 153, 2 nd in games finished and 3 rd in Saves, best year for Jones. He gets the closer role.

Outfield

Albert Belle, LF, 1994, OPS+ 192, .357 BA, 36 HR second in the league in OPS, first in extra base hits. Belle was an absolute nightmare for opposing pitchers from 93 to 96, this was the best of those years. Kenny Lofton, CF, 1993, OPS+ 121, 70 SB to lead the league. His 1994 was better but Belle’s 94 was otherworldly. Best leadoff man in the game for a 5 year period. Manny Ramirez, RF, 1998, OPS+ 143, not Manny’s best year with the Tribe, but Vizquel’s 98 was horrible and his 99 is acceptable so we’ll use this Manny performance.

Infield

Jim Thome, 1B, 2002, OPS+ 191, number 1 in slugging, 1 in OPS, 1 in walks notice a pattern yet. Thome even cut down on his strikeouts in 2002. For my money, this is the best offensive performance from anyone on the Indians in this 25 year period. Roberto Alomar, 2B, 2001, OPS+ 149, 4 th in OBP, 4 th in Runs while playing a Gold Glove second base. Robby’s last good year before he fell off a cliff. Omar Vizquel, SS, 1999, OPS+ 111, only one of 2 years that Vizquel got a 100 OPS+ in his career. Omar hit .333 in 99 but he’s on this team for his glovework. Brook Jacoby, 3B, 1987, OPS+ 142, top ten performance in OPS+ gets Jacoby on the team. The only starting hitter on this team from the 80’s.

Catcher

Victor Martinez, C, 2004, OPS+ 121, Victor cemented his status as THE starting catcher in 2004.

Bench/DH '

Enrique Wilson, IF, 2000, OPS+ 103, just a good year for a backup infielder. Joe Carter, 1B/OF, 1986, OPS+ 130, number 1 in RBI’s and top 5 in many offensive categories. Joe split time in 86 between the OF and 1B. He can also DH for this team. Dave Justice, OF, 1997, OPS+ 157, 3 rd in OPS and slugging, 4 th in OPS+. Primarily a DH in 1997 but also played in the OF. Felix Fermin, IF, 1992, OPS+ 84, no real reason for this, just feel good knowing someone’s thinking of Felix, shouldn’t get any playing time. Brian Giles, OF, 1996, OPS+ 161, Giles cemented himself as a major leaguer this year. Needed someone who could legitimately back up Lofton. Sandy Alomar, C, 1995, OPS+108, Sandy split time with Tony Pena in 95.

I don't know if this team has quite enough pitching but offensively this team would be tough to beat.

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