How do you like them apples?

Cleveland was left heart broken in the summer of 2010. The face of Cleveland, Lebron James, left the Cavaliers to play with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh in Miami. The Cavaliers were not the same in the 2010-2011 season without James. They finished the season 69-93, one of the worst in franchise history. Then the almost forgotten Indians, are giving hope back to a city where most needed. The Indians have the best record in baseball with a 26-15 record. No one saw this coming other than Manny Acta, the Manager of the Cleveland Indians. And what are his keys to success so far?

"The pitching," said Indians manager Manny Acta. "Other than the Opening Day, our starters have all been able to go deep into the game. It gives us a chance to keep the guys rested in the bullpen so we can match up with them. "That combined with our defense." (cleveland.com) 

Their pitching is ranked 6th Overall in the MLB with a team ERA 3.38. Their young gun stud Justin Materson is 5-2 with a 2.50 ERA, 51 SO, and 1 Complete Game. The Indians recieved Masterson in the Victor Matinez trade to the Red Sox. So far it looks like the Indians got what they wanted knowningly that Martinez was going to walk away; unlike the other Cleveland team who let their superstar walk to Miami who is about to go to the NBA Finals.

But don't forget about their offense. Travis Hafner is currently batting .345 with 22 RBI, and Asdrubal Cabrera is batting .312 with 10 HR and 34 RBI. They are currently ranked 3rd Overall offense as a team.

The Indians defense has been spectacular with only having 22 Errors all year. Their defense is ranked 3rd in the MLB with a fielding percentage of .987. Asdrubal Cabrera has been flashing his glove all over Sportscenter's Top Ten Plays.

This is a big step for the orginization from going 69-93 to 30-15 in 45 games. Watch out for the Indians, here they come!

photo: http://baseblog.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/Cleveland-Indians-Walk-Off1-275x275.jpg

http://www.thesportsbank.net/core/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/asdrubal-cabrera-indians-300x185.jpg

quote: http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ssf/2011/04/post_86.html