Kuzul

The Cleveland Indians are now roughly one quarter of the way through their 2013 season and are sitting atop the AL Central standings with a 23-17 record. Even with a nice start, some Indians fans may be hesitant to hop on the bandwagon after similar starts in 2011 and 2012—where the Indians combined for a 49-31 record through the first 40 games in each season. No one could blame them for being hesitant, because the aforementioned teams finished both seasons without a playoff berth. In fact, last year the Indians compiled the worst month in franchise history when they put together a 5-24 record during the month of August. But enough about the past, right? So far in 2013, there isn’t too much to complain about in Cleveland. Breaking down the offense, defense, rotation, bullpen, bench and coaching will give you a better idea of what is working in Cleveland ...

Last Saturday, we saw Scott Kazmir take the mound in an MLB game for the first time since 2011. What we saw was nothing short of scary.  For me to sit back and criticize is not right. I’ve endured brutal experiences on the mound and completely understand the feeling you get when you work so hard for something have nothing to show for it.  I have documented Kazmir’s return to the pros for many months and have written countless articles stemming from being released by the Los Angeles Angels, to his redemption story with the Sugar Land Skeeters.  Kazmir proved his worth to the Cleveland Indians this spring going 1-0 with a 3.46 ERA in 13 innings. His fastball showed increased velocity and his command was back in check. He allowed one walk while striking out 13.  His first start was postponed due to ...

After the first 19 games of the season, the Indians find themselves in a curious situation. Nobody quite knows whether the Indians are for real or whether they will falter as the season continues.As we move closer to the trade deadline, the Indians' position in the standings will determine whether they're buyers or sellers.If they're sellers, several players who are either in the final year of their contract or approaching their final year could find themselves leaving Cleveland.If the Indians, however, find themselves in contention for the American League Central title, then they could seek to add pieces to make a run at the postseason.With that said, here are five trades the Indians should already be thinking about. All Contract information courtesy Cot's Baseball Contracts via Baseballprospectus.com.All Stats current through 4/26/16 and courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.Begin Slideshow

The Cleveland Indians went through a major rebuilding phase this past offseason and made numerous moves to shore up both their lineup and pitching rotation.Through free agency and trades, the Tribe was able to bring in major pieces like Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn, Mark Reynolds and several other impact players.Some of these players have staked themselves out to hot starts and are already justifying their new contracts.Others have been lagging behind through the team's first 14 games and are causing fans to question whether or not the trade package, or contract, was worth it to bring them to Cleveland.With that said, here are early grades for the Indians 2012-13 offseason moves. All 2013 stats are current through April 18th, 2013 and are brought to you courtesy of Clevelandindians.com unless otherwise noted.All 2012 stats and splits from the 2013 season courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.Follow @TylerDumaBegin Slideshow

Scott Kazmir wants to be the fifth starter for the Cleveland Indians. After Monday’s four–inning, scoreless performance against the Los Angeles Angels, he may have made a successful case. Against a full roster—minus Albert Pujols and Mike Trout—Kazmir shut the Angels down. In his stint, Kazmir allowed three hits, walked one and struck out four in what ended up to be a scoreless tie. If Indians manager Terry Francona thought he had a hole at the back end of his rotation, Kazmir’s outing may have started to fill it. A non-roster invitee, the 29-year-old left-handed starter is looking to earn his way back into the major leagues. The first-round pick of the New York Mets in 2002, Kazmir made the majors two years later as a member of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. By 2007—his third full season—Kazmir started a league-leading 34 games and led the American League in strikeouts ...

The comeback continues, and for the second time this spring Scott Kazmir has held his opponent scoreless.  It’s a long shot that Kazmir could make the starting rotation, but there is also nothing that says he can’t.  Against the Chicago White Sox Friday, Kazmir went two innings, struck out three, gave up one hit and for the second time did not walk anyone. That, in my eyes, is the biggest factor.  Kazmir has struggled in recent years with control problems. If he can harness his fastball—that appears to be creeping up in velocity—and continue to throw strikes, there’s no telling how far he can go.  According to Paul Hoynes of the The Plain Dealer, Kazmir hit between 90-92 mph on the gun Friday.  In addition, Cleveland Indians Manager Terry Francona, who was quoted in The News-Herald, had nothing but good things to say about Kazmir’s ...

The Cleveland Indians should consider trading closer Chris Perez as soon as possible.According to MLB.com, Perez suffered a subscapularis strain in his throwing shoulder this spring and will probably not return for the next three to four weeks.During this time, manager Terry Francona should consider Vinnie Pestano as the closer of the staff and the Indians front office should seriously consider trading two-time All-Star Perez.  "It's really difficult to replace a closer like Chris," Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said. "He means a lot to the team, and I'm hopeful we won't need to. I'm hopeful he'll be ready to start the season."According to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the Giants and the Phillies were both interested in the closer this offseason.  The Dodgers were also interested in him this winter as the Indians were trying to shop the closer due to his large salary and criticism from ...

With the start of spring training this weekend, there are still several free agents that haven't signed with a team. One of the players who top the list of unsigned contributors is Kyle Lohse. Lohse is an excellent right-handed pitcher that has been on four different MLB teams throughout his 12-year professional career. Lohse had one of his best seasons last year. In 2012, he went 16-3 with a 2.86 ERA and 143 strikeouts. This was his second season where he remained healthy and put up double-digit wins for the Cardinals. But, the Cards decided that they would not re-sign Lohse in the offseason, which has put him in the free agent market. The main problem with signing Lohse is that a team would have to give up a pick to make the addition. A team would have to give up their first round selection in the upcoming draft, except for ...

The Cleveland Indians have not won a World Series title since 1948. Judging from the changes made this offseason, they're looking to put an end to that streak.After finishing with a 68-94 record in 2012, Indians general manager Chris Antonetti went to work in revamping his roster.Via trades and free-agent signings, Antonetti was active, and the end result is a product that promises to be more far more competitive in 2013.Whether or not the changes made are enough to compete with the Detroit Tigers in the American League Central division remains to be seen.Here is a comprehensive look at the Indians entering the 2013 season. 2012 Record: 68-94Key Arrivals (Courtesy of MLBDepthCharts.com): C/IF Yan Gomes - Trade (TOR); 1B Mike McDade - Waivers (TOR); 1B Chris McGuiness - Rule 5 (TEX); 1B Mark Reynolds - Free Agent (BAL); IF Mike Aviles - Trade (TOR); OF Michael Bourn - Free Agent (ATL); ...

I spent two hours on Monday afternoon writing a nice, snarky piece making fun of the signings of Jason Giambi and Daisuke Matsuzaka, making parallels about how these signings are all that Chris Antonetti and the Cleveland Indians can seem to do anymore.As providence would have it though, I didn't get it finished before I had to go work and it didn't get published. And thanks to the Monday evening signing of Michael Bourn, it never will.In a move that was absolutely shocking not only to me but also to most of baseball, the Indians were able to land Bourn in a bargain four-year, $48 million deal.The signing elicited a reaction out of me that was akin to Harry's reaction in Dumb and Dumber when Lloyd traded the dog van for a moped: "Just when I thought you couldn't possibly be any dumber, you go and do something like this...and totally ...