Series Preview: Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees

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Players to Watch: Yankees

Nick Swisher: The former Buckeye has been on a tear for most of the month of August. In his past 21 games he’s hitting .296/.387/.506 with 4 home runs, 5 doubles, 17 runs scored and 15 RBI. He’s really picked up the slack heading into the home stretch of the 2012 season for the Yankees. He also happens to be one of the few Yankees who I don’t completely despise.

Eric Chavez: For as hot as Swisher has been, Eric Chavez has been even hotter. Over his past 15 games played, he’s batting a ridiculous .415/.455/.756 with 4 home runs, and 10 RBI. It’s like he’s discovered the fountain of youth and in the process found the stroke that made him such a dangerous offensive force when he came up with the A’s. Once again, the Yankees just have a way of bringing out the best in even the most unlikely of players.

Players to Watch: Indians

Jason Kipnis: Since recovering from his sore neck, it appears that Kipnis might be starting to rediscover his swing. After slumping for much of the past 30 days, Kipnis’ bat has begun to show signs of life. He homered for the first time since June 17 on Monday and has hit safely in four of his past six, including two multi-hit games. If Kipnis can return to form then maybe the Indians can find a way to salvage the remainder of the season.
Carlos Santana: Pre-All-Star break: .221/.339/.336, 5 home runs, 30 RBI. Post-All-Star break: .279/.405/.535, 8 home runs, 24 RBI. For the second straight season Santana is unleashing an onslaught on opposing pitchers. He’s rediscovered his power stroke, making better contact, and looking like the player we all expected him to be heading into 2012. Better late then never, I suppose. Now let’s just hope he doesn’t repeat the trend for a third consecutive season in 2013.

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