Series Preview: Indians at Twins 5/14-15

Let’s ignore that ever happened. And on to the Twins.

Mon 5/14, 8:10 EST: Jeanmar Gomez, RHP, 2-2, 4.66 ERA vs Carl Pavano, RHP, 2-3, 5.02 ERA

This short two game series against the worst team in the AL Central should be just what the Indians need. The best part is that the team as little time in the terrible state that is Minnesota as possible as they will be playing the second game at 12:10 local time. Carl Pavano was once a good pitcher, especially during his time with the Florida Marlins (2002-2004) where he was a World Series champion and All-Star. After the Yankees ruined his career, he pitched for a half season with the Indians and was traded to the Twins for Yohan Pino. After pitching well in AAA in 2009, Pino struggled in 2010 and was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays where he has been demoted to AA and is struggling through his 7th professional season in Minor League Baseball. The point of this story is to say that the Indians got the better part of this trade as they no longer have to put Pavano on the mound and get to face him a couple times a season.

Tue 5/15, 1:10 EST: Derek Lowe, RHP, 5-1, 2.47 ERA vs Jason Marquis, RHP, 2-2, 6.26 ERA

Derek Lowe is still the rock in the Indians rotation and the only starting pitcher that is pitching above the level he should be. He should be able to continue this trend against the light hitting Twins. Minnesota will be especially light hitting during this series as their only power hitter, Justin Morneau, is on the disabled list. Taking his place at first will be Chris Parmelee (.188/.253/.257) and catcher Joe Mauer. Ryan Doumit or Drew Butera will be behind the plate if Mauer plays first. Doumit is actually one of the Twins better players at the moment as only him and Josh Willingham have more than a single home run on the season. 

Another former Indian on the Twins is Jamey Carroll, who is listed as their starting third baseman. This Twins team is very bad. Anything less than a two game sweep should be looked at as an absolute failure by the Tribe during this series.