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MLB: 5 teams who need to finish May strong

By Robby Sabo

May 8, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) two-run home run during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) two-run home run during the sixth inning against the Atlanta Braves at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona (17) during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona (17) during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Indians, AL Central

Much like the Chicago White Sox, the Cleveland Indians have fallen into that “bitter disappointment” category.

Also much like the White Sox, the Indians reside in the AL Central.

How is it possible that two AL Central teams will come up with strong finishes to the month of May you ask. Well, because the run the Minnesota Twins are currently on will not last.

Granted, the Twins are finally back in great hands with general manager Terry Ryan and their time will eventually come, but it won’t be in 2015.

This is where the Sox and Indians will capitalize.

With a current record of 10-18, it can be argued that Terry Francona’s bunch has been the biggest disappointment in 2015.

What has happened? Well, it’s been their pitching staff that “has happened.”

Coming into Saturday’s play with an earned run average of 4.85, the Indians strength on paper has quickly turned into their weakness.

Cory Kluber, the reigning AL Cy Young award winner, has been downright brutal. Sure, some suspected that 2014 could’ve been more of a mirage than a constant for the big righty, but pitching like this just cannot be what he’s all about.

Before his masterful performance on Wednesday, Kluber boasted an 0-5 record, a 5.04 earned run average, and 1.39 WHIP, Kluber has been a disaster.

On the plus side, Francona’s lineup has been stellar. Hitting 29 home runs on the season, their currently 10th in the bigs in the power department. This provides the formula for a dangerous club once the pitching gets right. They’ll play the lowly Texas Rangers six times over the next three-weeks.

Never bet against Francona.

Next: Number 2

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