Strength: Finding ways of scoring runs. The Indians don't have a great team batting average (.257), but they find ways of getting on base (.329 on base percentage). And when they get on base, they score runs in bunches (440 this season and counting). Nine players have scored 36 or more runs led by young second baseman Jason Kipnis (51), who also has the top batting average (.290) and most RBI (54) for Cleveland.
Weakness: Thin pitching staff. Ever since Brett Myers went down with an elbow injury in April and Zach McAllister suffered a finger injury in early June, the Indians have been stretched in the starting rotation to the point where Carlos Carrasco (0-4, 9.10 ERA) has had to be called up for some emergency starts. Fortunately for the Indians, Justin Masterson (10-7, 3.72 ERA) and Corey Kluber (7-5, 3.88 ERA) have been fairly consistent, and Ubaldo Jimenez (7-4, 4.37 ERA) has been pitching well of late.
Buy, sell or stay the course? McAllister is due back soon, which will help the rotation. But if the Indians want to solidify their chances of making the playoffs this season, they should trade for another starting pitcher. And if they really want to send a message to their players and their fans, the Indians should make a play for a big-name pitcher.
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