Get the brooms! Sweep Tigers and offensive surge: Tribe Notebook

‘Twas a good weekend for the Indians at home facing Detroit, getting the sweep and righting the wrongs that were done to them in the opening weekend series by the Tigers. The Tribe outscored the Motor City Kitties 20-6 in three games, out-homered them 7-4, all while gaining first place in the division. Cleveland’s arms were just as good as the bats, never allowing more than three runs in a game all weekend while getting 28 strikeouts in those three games. Let’s go through some categories and recap the weekend here:

Series MVP: Franmil Reyes

The big man showed up in a big way. Reyes came in with one home run on the season and left with four total before Sunday’s game, and even on Sunday, he was on base three times with two hits and one RBI. All told, Reyes was able to put the ball in play, going to the opposite field when necessary, and making things happen: he went 6-for-11, five RBI, four runs scored, with only two strikeouts and one walk. We talked about how this could be the year that Reyes make the leap, and these are the types of performances that help push that. Plus, it’s just fun to watch this behemoth crush baseballs into the night sky.

Weekend Cy Young: Zach Plesac

“Efficient” is not a word most commonly connected with Plesac’s game but that was what the right-hander was in Friday’s matchup. Plesac was at 97 pitches, 70(!) strikes, did not give up a free pass, only allowed three hits, and struck out six batters on the night. Pairing this start with Aaron Civale’s distance runner 7 2/3 of one-run ball on Saturday allowed manager Terry Francona to not have to run out more than two relievers each night and keep arms fresh for Sunday when Logan Allen was only able to muster it through five. Honorable mention also goes to Emmanuel Clase who came on to close out Friday and Sunday’s games, securing his first two saves of the season throwing 100-101 immediately upon entry.

Interesting or not…you decide

• Andres Gimenez got his first home run in a Tribe jersey on Saturday and then led off on Sunday against the righty Jose Urena. Gimenez is only hitting .190 on the early season and has looked like he’s pressing a bit at the plate, which is understandable. He has big shoes to fill at shortstop after being acquired for He Who Shall Not Be Called Frankie and Carlos Carrasco, so it’s completely normal for him to struggle out the gate. It will be big for the lineup if he can get going.
• Speaking of the leadoff spot, three different batters were featured there this weekend: Gimenez as mentioned, but Amed Rosario saw his first start in centerfield and the top lineup spot on Friday and Saturday, Jordan Luplow spelled Josh Naylor in right and lead off against the lefty Tarik Skubal. Much has been talked about already with reference to lineup construction, and Francona likes to make one and keep one as frequently as possible, so this early season tinkering is all it is.
• As mentioned above as well, Clase got the two save chances on Friday and Sunday, but what could be interesting is the right-handed, and expected closer in the spring, James Karinchak was used in only Sunday’s game. Personally, there is no issue for me as to who gets the closer job, much more important is that the job gets done, but something of note as we track usage in this early season.

What’s next?

Cleveland will head out on the road to face the Chicago White Sox for the first time this season, then play in Cincinnati over the weekend for some interleague play and the first installment of the Ohio Cup battle. The White Sox, picked by many to run away with the AL Central, are 4-5 and reeling after free-agent signee Liam Hendriks blew a save last night at home against the Kansas City Royals.