Cleveland Indians hoping to improve their rotation ahead of 2013 Spring Training – MLB News
Cleveland Indians started the 2012 regular season on a very positive note. They even stayed at the top on American League Central Division standings table for a short while but there was always a feeling that they will not be able to handle the pressure
down the stretch.
That is exactly what happened as the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago White Sox took a substantial lead over other three teams in AL Central. Tigers eventually claimed their second straight Division title, thanks to a hot streak in closing stages of the season.
There was soon a realisation in the Indians’ camp that they must improve their starting rotation to stand any chance of making it to the playoffs. In the last couple of weeks, the Indians have taken some big steps to add quality pitchers to their lineup.
Although the Tigers are still the clear favourites to win the 2013 season, Indians are giving themselves the best chance of reaching the post season.
Tigers are also along the Major League Baseball teams looking to acquire free agent Anibal Sanchez’s services for the next season. If the starting pitcher does return to Detroit, the rotation will consist of ace Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Anibal Sanchez
Rick Porcello and Drew Smyly.
“Bauer, who turns 22 next month, is the "X factor" of the starting pitchers to enter the Central this past week. He's unproven but unquestionably talented. Bauer has unusual practice habits, such as really
long long toss, from foul pole to foul pole. His confidence can come off as brashness. But when it comes to marching to your own beat, Terry Francona had a drum line of such players in Boston in 2004 and won the Red Sox's first World Series in 86 years,”
said John Lowe of free.com in his post.
The Tigers are also thinking about bringing their top Minor League pitching prospect Bruce Rondon to the Majors. It will be interesting to see if he can get a chance to make his MLB debut. Indians, on the other hand, traded right fielder Shin Soo Choo for
four players including starter Trevor Bauer from the Diamondbacks. Only the time will tell if the Indians can post a challenge to the Tigers.
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