Victor
There were (and sometimes still are) reasons to be skeptical of the Indians.
Yes, they had a very good first half. Yes, they are playoff contenders. Yes, they have achieved what we hoped they would in the first half.
Still, there are doubts.
Every time you see Cliff Lee struggle, you wonder.
Every time Mark Shapiro uses the term "market" in an interview, you wonder.
Every time Mike Rouse is in the starting lineup, you wonder.
Are these guys for real? Will the Dolans do what needs to be done to improve the club? Can the Indians hold on as we get closer to October?
Well, we know one guy is for real.
Victor Martinez put up MVP-like numbers in the first half of the season. Last night, he put an exclamation point on his half with a 2-run homer in the All-Star game, helping the American League to a 5-4 win. Should the Indians reach the World Series, they will get homefield advantage for the first time ever in their history.
Victor is one of the leaders on the team. He's hitting in the .320s, has 16 homers, and will likely drive in more than 100 runs.
If you watch him on the field, you can tell he's one of the leaders. He's a reason (like Grady Sizemore) to believe.