Ley: There are rumors going around that Jay Rozell is inquiring about a possible position on the Indians. This would be a huge pick up if these rumors are true. Are there any truth to these rumors, and would you consider signing the All-time Hits Leader?
BK: You know I'm not surprised Jay is the all time hits leader. He really surprised me last year how well he can hit. The reason were picking up Ant Gallo instead of Jay comes down to team chemistry. Ant has become Alex 's best friend and has offered to bring him back and forth to the games. Alex is 22 years old and yes still doesn't own a car lol. I won't be able to bring him back and forth to the games and we need him. He's our number 2 at the moment and the best hitter on the team. Jay lives close by but Ant is Alex's best bud. I'm a big believer in team chemistry.
Ley: What do you think the Indians biggest hurdle is going to be this season? What's something that you think you have to do as a team that could put you over the top?
BK: It's going to come down to hitting. We really have a great aspect of the game now. We just didn't hit last year. I will be a switch hitter and Ant Gallo will also bat lefty. I think that will balance our line up. Joe Villalovos needs to prove he can hit the big boys. He's not a Blue Jay anymore and will be facing these ace's twice a week. I think what will put us over the top is the depth of our pitching staff. There will be games where we get a decent lead with me pitching the first 2 innings, and I will take my self off the bump. I will have a very fresh arm for the playoffs.
Ley: As things look right now you're going to have to go toe-to-toe with the defending champions to get to where you want to go. They had a big time pick-up this off-season when they signed Anthony Auspelmyer which is going to improve their offense, and you know Chris Hess is going to be tough to score runs off of. How do you think you match up against the Braves as of right now?
BK: We have to beat the Braves this year. Were 0-4 vs them. We proved we can hit Giordano but still never hit Hess. I see us having very close low scoring games. I think were a very similar teams. Aussy will make their lineup better and improve their D, but he doesn't worry me. Hess is my worry. We have to get a run on him. If Joe Cusano can do it, we can do it.
Ley: Finally, how do you think the Hess Division is going to shake out this season? Who do you think is going to represent the Hess in the championship game, and who do you think they are going to be facing? And last but not least, you wins it all?
BK: I see the Hess division being the weaker division this year. This will be different for us as we were use to playing such tough competition last year. I think the Red Sox when Dyer pitches can beat anyone but the Lamb has the Cards, Rocks, and Angels. I see a repeat of last years HLCS Indians vs Braves. Indians with the number 1 seed. I believe we will be facing the Angels in for the title with us winning it all. Anything short of a title this season will be a disappointment.
The new look Indians are confident and ready for the 2010 season. Do the Tribe have what it takes to win the championship? Bob Ley finds out. 