White Sox vs. Indians: Q/A with Wahoo’s on First
Apr 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher
John Axford(44) pitches during the ninth inning against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field. The Indians beat the Padres 8-6. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
This Thursday through Sunday the Chicago White Sox will host the Cleveland Indians in a four-game series between two AL Central foes.
Last season the Indians dominated the series, with a 17-2 record against the White Sox, outscoring Chicago, 118-57 runs.
Before the series begins, Southside Showdown spoke with Wahoo’s On First, a FanSided Cleveland Indians web site, editor Brian Heise about the upcoming series.
Please visit Wahoo’s On First and follow them on Twitter @WahoosOnFirst.
Here are the answers from Wahoo’s on First editor Brian Heise.
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Apr 8, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher
Cody Allen(37) pitches during the eighth inning against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
1. Thus far, what are your thoughts on the 2014 Cleveland Indians?
Right now I like where they stand. Even though the offense has been a bit sluggish at times, it doesn’t appear to be anything to worry about right now, especially in April. What’s really been encouraging has been our pitching. The starting rotation has looked solid for the most part, but our bullpen has been great.
The late inning combo of Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen is un-hittable, Marc Rzepczynski has been almost perfect and John Axford has already racked up four saves. The only real issue has been Vinnie Pestano, and the Indians just optioned him back to Triple-A Columbus.
If the pitching can keep performing like they have been and the offense comes around once the weather starts to heat up, I think the Indians could be real contenders this season. Of course, there’s still a long way to go, and anything can happen between now and the end of September.
Mar 16, 2014; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder
Michael Bourn(24) hits a single against the San Francisco Giants at Scottsdale Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
2. How has the injury of Michael Bourn affected the team this season?
Honestly, it hasn’t been that much of an issue. Nyjer Morgan has filled in well as Bourn rehabs his hamstring. The only times Bourn’s absence have really been felt are when Morgan has had a day off and either Asdrubal Cabrera or Elliot Johnson has been inserted in the leadoff spot.
One could argue, though, that if Bourn was on the roster in place of Morgan, the same issue would present itself when he would sit as well. For most of us, our expectations for Michael Bourn has been lowered after last year’s sub-par season. As a player on the wrong side of 30 whose game is based on speed, we’re very skeptical if he will ever live up to our original expectations.
That said, that doesn’t mean we don’t want him back. His talent as a leadoff hitter far surpasses anyone else on the roster. If he can have a bounce-back year, their struggling offense could come to life in a big way.
Apr 6, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher
Chris Sale(49) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
3. The Indians face Chris Sale on Friday, April 11. The Indians have had success against him during his career as he is 2-4 with a 4.71 ERA against them? Can the Indians continue that trend this weekend?
If this was July or August and I knew what to expect, I might be inclined to say yes. However, with it only being April and pitchers still at a bit of an advantage over hitters, it wouldn’t surprise me if Sale shut the Indians down. And there’s no shame in that. Sale is a great pitcher.
He’s the type of top-level pitcher the Indians typically struggle against. For them to have that kind of success against him is a bit of a head-scratcher. One thing I think that does help them is that both Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley hit left handers well even though they themselves hit left-handed.
Terry Francona doesn’t have to worry about sitting them in favor of less talented right-handed hitting options. If they do play, there is little to no dropoff in production. Maybe that’s the reason for the success. The Indians can play their regular lineup, whereas most other teams play the lefty-righty matchup game.
Apr 9, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) hits a two-run home run in the sixth inning against the San Diego Padres at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
4. Who do you believe will be the standout player for the Indians during this four-game series?
Jason Kipnis loves playing the White Sox in his hometown of Chicago. I fully expect him to break out in a big way this weekend. He just hit his first home run of the season on Wednesday against the Padres and has started smacking the ball to the opposite field with power.
That is typically the sign that Kipnis is about to go on a tear. It also helps that he’s probably the Indians’ best all-around player. When in doubt, go with talent.
Apr 9, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (left) center fielder Nyjer Morgan (6) celebrate a 2-0 win over the San Diego Padres in game one of a doubleheader at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
5. What is your series prediction?
I’m going to predict a series split. I think the White Sox will take the first two games. Game one will be close, a pitcher’s duel between Danny Salazar and John Danks. In game two, I expect the White Sox to beat up Carlos Carrasco with Chris Sale dominating the Tribe.
While he pitched well this spring, he hasn’t done much in the regular season to make me have any kind of confidence in him. Saturday’s start against the Twins didn’t help that any. Game three will be a dominant performance for Justin Masterson, enough said.
The final game will be a close game with both Corey Kluber and Jose Quintana pitching deep into the game. The Indians’ bullpen is just too strong, and they pull it out in the late innings.