Tribe Tidbits: Victor, Hafner's Struggles, AL Central Update

Martinez Back: Victor Martinez has been sidelined with a pulled hamstring since last Monday’s opener against the Chicago White Sox. Outside of a pinch hitting opportunity against the Sox last Thursday, Victor has been designated to a seat on the pine. But manager, Eric Wedge, said on Sunday, that Victor was expected to start at catcher in the series opener with the L.A. Angels of Anaheim. Martinez was going to take some batting practice, and then run some sprints. If all went well, he would be back in the starting lineup according to Wedge.


Hafner Buckling Down: Although the Indians are only six games into 2008, Travis Hafner still continues to struggle at the plate. Hafner has a respectable average at .261 for the first week. But the concern is the lack of walks Hafner has generated is the concern. Hafner, who normally has a selective eye at the plate, has only walked three times in twenty three at bats. More alarming is his nine strikeouts. His plate discipline woes were most evident Saturday, when Hafner stuck out in consecutive at bats on curve balls out of the zone. It was enough that STO color analyst, Rick Manning, took notice. “He usually doesn’t swing at that stuff, especially in consecutive at bats. He’s really not seeing the ball well.” Sunday, however, brought a renewed focus at the plate. Hafner remarked that he needed to be more consistent at the plate. He was 1-4 and had a walk.


Motor City Woes: At the end of the first week, the AL Central Standings were drastically different then most experts thought. The Kansas City Royals and Chicago White Sox were ties atop the standing at 4-2 with the Tribe a game behind at 3-3. But the real shock of the week is who the cellar dweller is in standings. The Detroit Tigers, many analysts pick for A.L. representative in the World Series, currently sits at 0-6. The Tigers have been outscored 33-11 through the losing streak.


Miscellaneous:

- One of the things that often go unrecognized is the performances by players off the field. This website will try and recognize those accomplishments. Cliff Lee and his wife, Kristen, were named honorary chairpersons for the Annual Light the Night Walk. Congratulations Cliff and Kristen.