2006 Cleveland Indians Predictions & Season Preview
June 5, 2008
Our 2006 Cleveland Indians predictions will help you beat you sports book this summer. The Cleveland Indians improved another 13 games in 2005 after a 12 game turnaround in 2004, but I fear that they may reach a plateau in 2006. Many experts are jumping on the Cleveland Indians bandwagon after the way they came on strong at the end of last season to give the Chicago Whitesox a run for their money. I can’t see Cleveland overtaking Chicago in the American League Central in 2006 as the loss of starting pitchers Kevin Millwood and Scott Elarton depletes a staff which boasted the lowest earned run average in the American League last season. The Whitesox have the best pitching staff in all of baseball and with the way they have come out of the gates, I can’t see anyone slowing them down.Cleveland does have an offense to be reckoned with in the American League, and it is one that has been built from scratch as the Indians organization decided to rebuild several years back and it appears to be paying off. Prospects such as Casey Blake have matured into all-star quality performers. If ace CC Sabathia can find some consistency and have a breakout summer, the Indians may be able to make up for some of what they lost with Milwood and Elarton and once again be able to climb up the ladder in 2006. The best synopsis I can give is that their sticks will be there, but their pitching may not.
There are several trends you should consider before laying down on the Cleveland Indians this summer. The Indians were a surprising 50-31 away from home last season and finished just 5 games above .500 a home. This stat sticks out like a sore thumb as you would expect such a young team to struggle on the road, and show more consistency at home. We should see some improvement at home this season and a drop off on the road, but be mindful of Cleveland’s road success last season so if they catch fire again this year you’ll be ready to cash in.
Another trend worth noting has to do with Cleveland’s apparent trouble with left handed pitching. Over the last 2 summers, they have won just 50 of 108 games against lefties. This highly contrasts with their 122-93 record against right handers during the same span. Be sure to look for spots to go against Cleveland when they are facing left handers, especially when they are heavily favored, as it will give us an opportunity to cash in on some big underdogs in the right situation. Also if their road success continues, we should be able to cash in on the tribe as a road underdog as well. Keep in mind that Cleveland is still a young team and these trends could change as the Indians continue to find their identity. Although, I think their struggle with lefties is solidified and we will be able to take advantage.