Indians hoping the good times keep on rolling

The Cleveland Indians have certainly had a surprising start to the season. While team manager Dan Mudry expected his team to be competitive, the 21-8 start (including winning 17 of their last 19) has surpassed his expectations. While the Indians are happy with the start, they know there is a long way to go, and this upcoming block will provide some tough tests, with series against the first place Red Sox and Dodgers, as well as the defending World Champion Royals.

Going into the season, the team was a mess, with a roster filled with aging veterans and mediocre star power. The big trade bringing in Matt Holliday and Freddy Sanchez though has revitalized the lineup, and given them some extra pop to go along with Adrian Gonzalez and Vernon Wells. A new lineup configuration with Matt Holliday leading off has paid huge dividends. Holliday has an OBP of higher than .400 and his power numbers are slightly down, making him the perfect table-setter for the Indians lineup.

While the team is also thrilled with how Shawn Hill and Brandon McCarthy pitched out of the 4th spot in the rotation, Dan Mudry is chomping at the bit to get Dustin McGowan into the rotation despite concerns that he may be lost for all of the 2010 TWSL season. McGowan made 21 starts with a 4.37 ERA for the Blue Jays last year. The Indians hope McGowan can help contribute to an already deep rotation of Sabathia, Buehrle and Vazquez to help ease some pressure on a very thin bullpen that has far exceeded expecations.

The Indians know that a long road still rests ahead of them. But with a strong start, they have themselves positioned for what they hope to be a deep post-season run.