The Cleveland Indians have just a handful of games remaining this season, playing out the rest of the year against both the Kansas City Royals and the division-leading Chicago White Sox. In addition to every other team they have played poorly against during the second half of the season, these two teams have dominated the Indians for the majority of the season. Needless to say, the end of the year looks as painful to watch as the Tribe has been since July.
On Saturday, the Indians will send the major league leader in losses--Ubaldo Jimenez to the mound to face off against the remarkably ordinary Kansas City offense. This is no dig at Kansas City by any means, but it certainly is not the offensive powerhouse like the New York Yankees or Texas Rangers. For Cleveland and Jimenez, if they can swing a bat, it is dangerous enough. To top it off, Jimenez is seeking his first win since August 9.
On the bright side, I received notification in my email box from a popular ticket reseller that seats just a few rows behind home plate are available for as little as $6 each for a selection of the remaining home games starting next weekend. Bleacher seats can be had for under $1. I just don't know how I feel about my ticket costing less than a hot dog and a beer.
The matchup:
The Cleveland Indians will take on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium located in Kansas City, Mo. on Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 7:10 p.m. EDT.
Ubaldo Jimenez (9-16, 5.43 ERA) will take the mound for the Indians facing off against the Royals' Will Smith (5-8, 5.08 ERA).
The standings:
Cleveland enters the game with a 62-89 record and in fifth place in the American League Central. They are 28-48 when playing on the road and have won three of their last 10 games.
Kansas City comes into the matchup with a 69-81 record and in third place in the American League Central. They are 35-41 when playing at home and have won six of their last 10 games.
The series:
The season series is currently stands at 8-5 in favor of the Royals.
Where to watch or listen:
In Cleveland: Television- STO, Radio- WTAM, Indians Radio Network.
Nationwide: Television and Radio via MLB.TV (Television blackouts apply in Cleveland market).
The batting statistic leaders:
Cleveland: Michael Brantley- .283 batting average, Carlos Santana- 16 home runs, Carlos Santana- 70 runs batted in.
Kansas City: Billy Butler- .309 batting average, Billy Butler- 27 home runs, Billy Butler- 99 runs batted in.
More Cleveland Indians Commentary from Paul Rados:
Cleveland Indians at Kansas City Royals, September 21, 2012: Fan Preview
Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians, September 20, 2012: Fan Preview
Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians, September 19, 2012: Fan Preview
Minnesota Twins at Cleveland Indians, September 18, 2012: Fan Preview
Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Indians, September 16, 2012: Fan Preview
Sources:
All statistics provided by MLB.com
Paul Rados is an avid Cleveland Indians fan and a Featured Contributor for the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Follow him on Twitter @PSRados.
