Dog Days? What Dog Days?

Has anyone noticed, and judging by the crowd at the Jake last night from the mezzanine (no way it was close to the 19,000 announced…maybe closer to 5,000) you haven’t, how well the 2006 Indians Version 2.0 has played?

Using August 1st as the date that we use for the beginning of the “Second Season”, mainly because it’s one day after the Trading Deadline (though the only thing that the date really brought was the immortal Hector Luna back into our lives), the results are pretty encouraging.

The Tribe has gone 15-10 since that date against the likes of the Red Sox, the Twins, the Tigers, and the Angels. Sure, the Royals and Devil Rays were thrown into the mix, but the way that this team has played to a .600 clip and played the role of spoiler bodes well for 2007.

Take into account that the bullpen blew 5 of the 10 losses (1 vs. BOS, 2 vs. DET, 1 vs. LAA, & 1 vs. TB) and the outlook improves even more. Even a DECENT bullpen pulls off 3 of those games, meaning that with a serviceable ‘pen, we’re looking more like an18-7 team in August.

I don’t know how Tom Mastny has done what he has, but the trickle-down effect of having an effective closer has become apparent with the improved performances by Cabrera, Betancourt, and the rest of the bullpen.

Speaking of improved performances, or consistently improving performances, SuperSizemore is establishing himself (along with Pronk) as an elite player in the AL. Grady just keeps hammering the ball, showing new aspects to his already solid game, and asserting himself as a leader on this team. You have to think that the rest of the team (particularly this young team) sees the way Sizemore plays the game and tries to emulate him.

Plus, he’s moving up the list of players I wouldn’t mind sharing a pop with, particularly after my buddy Nick told me at the game last night that Sizemore rolled into the Winking Lizard before a Cavs game last winter, just to belly up and watch some sports.

He hasn’t reached Hafner or Wickman levels, but he’s getting there. I’m sure that the attention by his ladies wouldn’t be too much of a downer, either.

Enjoy watching this young team continue to mature and excel…as the Tribe flies high like a dove.