February 13, 2005
Indians' Year?
Mark Shapiro told Indians fans that Cleveland would compete again by 2005. Paul Hoynes takes a look at what good thing can happen to bring the Tribe back to the playoffs, as well as the things that can go wrong to keep them in the 2nd division. One point with which I disagree:
What will probably happen: After being nursed through spring training and the early part of the regular season, Boone regains his form to become the Tribe's regular third baseman and No. 2 hitter.
When Boone was at the top of his game in 2000 and 2001 he posted OBAs in the .350s. Not surprisingly, that was at ages 27 and 28. Boone is more likely to get on base in the .330 range, which would put him much lower in the batting order. After all, he's had a year-off from the game; he's going to have to relearn his batting reactions.
Then again, as we've seen over and over again, batting order really doesn't mean very much.
At first glance, the removal of Stewart and Jiminez from the bullpen alone improves the Tribe by 5 to 10 games.
As far as Boone goes I don't expect him to bat 2nd. I see Crisp leading off and Belliard batting second. Boone could be eased into the lineup around 7th or 8th.