Midweek Cooler Talk

How about them Indians, sports fans? Off to a 12-5 start, the 2011 Friends of the Feather have come out of the gates with strong pitching, tight defense, and timely hitting. The numbers from the pitchers speak for themselves. 13 out of 17 games have been considered a quality start by the rotation (at least 6 innings pitched giving up 3 or less runs). Chris Perez is picking up right where he left off last year with 5 saves in 4 tries, and the bullpen has been dazzling....

...What isn't commonly quantified is defense. You can look at team errors as a measurement of defensive success, but it doesn't tell the entire story. The Indians defense is light years better than they were last season. A healthy Asdrubal Cabrera certainly helps, but the additions of veteran Orlando Cabrera and light-hitting, but quick-gloved Jack Hannahan have proven thus far to be the major additions to this squad...

....Orlando Cabrera didn't play second base coming into this season. He's a left-side infielder for the most part, but with Manny Acta putting his faith that a third basemen or shortstop being able to move seamlessly to second base, this move has paid immediate dividends. The elder Cabrera is like a coach out there, positioning the infielders and taking charge. His experience is evident, as he has been to the playoffs 6 out of the last 8 seasons, including a World Series win in 2004 with Boston....

...Jack Hannahan has a reputation for struggling at the plate. After a hot start, this rep has proven true for the most part. But the Tribe didn't get him for his offense. It's his defense that makes him his money in the majors. There have been numerous plays this season that has solidified his spot. You can see the way he handles third base that he's comfortable at the hot corner....

....Last season we had a combination of Jason Donald, Jayson Nix, Andy Marta and Jhonny Peralta playing 2B, SS, and 3B. Errors were abundant, infield singles were given up, and too many double plays were not turned all of which give the opposition extra outs. Cleveland pitchers got punished by their ability to induce a ground ball. Not to this point of the season....

....The outfield has been tremendous as well, and with Grady Sizemore working his way back in, we're looking at Michael Brantley at left, Grady in center, and Shin-Soo Choo in right. This is basically a Web Gem waiting to happen each night out. Defense is going to have to continue at their current level in order to carry this Indians squad into contention...

....I need to acknowledge the fact that I completely botched the Sweet 16, Elite Eight, and Final Four picks I put up awhile back. I don't think anyone could've predicted how it was going to play out, but since I have a public forum, I'm admitting that I was wrong a lot more than I was right during this tournament. Let's just say my wallet may or may not be lighter on the other end of this tournament...

...The Cavs showed some fight in winning 4 of their last 6. Just enough fight to have the second-worst record in the league. I don't put too much stock in the lottery because it's exactly that. Lady Luck will have to be on our side come May...

...If you have the opportunity to check out Fox Sports Ohio's tribute to Joe Tait titled "Have a Goodnight Everybody" please do so. As my friends and I discussed, it was a classy move by Fox Sports to air Joe's final commentary on their network. I'll be honest though, I had to listen to the radio for my last Joe Tait experience, and that included the post-game show. Just to hear him say one last time, with a slight modification, "Have a Good Life, Everybody"....

...I know I already posted on this, but I will truly miss the only Voice of the Cavs that i know. Thanks again for all of the calls...

...Be sure to check out some of the other Cleveland teams ripping it up right now. The Lake Erie Monsters currently own a 2 games to 1 lead over the Manitoba Moose in the first round of the American Hockey League's Calder Cup Playoffs. If necessary, Games 6 and 7 will be in Cleveland next week...

...The Arena Football League's Cleveland Gladiators are off to a 3-1 start. Led by former Mount Union QB Kurt Rocco and former Bowling Green WR Robert Redd, the Gladiators have been lighting up the scoreboard with the exception of a 34-33 heartbreaker this past Saturday night against the New Orleans Voodoo. Arena football is extremely fast-paced with high-flying action and bone-crushing hits. Players are slammed into the walls and thrown out of the playing area. Great fun at an affordable price, plus any ball that goes into the stands is for keeps....

....I will attempt to post on the NFL Draft next week, as the Cleveland Browns have the 6th overall pick. Who are the Browns going to take? Let us know....

...Enjoy the rest of the week folks. Follow our other writers and check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Our April episode is up on our website as well, which saw us visit Panini's Bar and Grill in Brunswick, Ohio!