Series Preview: Indians @ White Sox

After getting the brooms out and sweeping an abbreviated series against the Minnesota Twins, the Cleveland Indians will look to continue their roll against the Chicago White Sox starting Friday night at Guaranteed Rate Field (Editor's Note: seriously? That's the name? What's next, Chico's Bail Bonds Stadium?). Let's take a look at the probable starters for both teams:

Corey Kluber

Friday, 8:10 p.m.
RHP Corey Kluber (1-1, 6.38 ERA) vs. LHP Jose Quintana (0-3, 6.75 ERA)

Saturday, 7:10 p.m.
RHP Carlos Carrasco (1-1, 2.33 ERA) vs. RHP Mike Pelfrey (First start)

Sunday, 2:10 p.m.
RHP Danny Salazar (1-1, 3.57 ERA) vs. LHP Derek Holland (1-2, 2.16 ERA)

What to Watch: Tribe Lineup vs. James Shields
The Indians seem to be getting more comfortable at the plate and it is starting to show. A few balls have left the yard and Encarnacion and Gomes (his average is above .100 now, you know!) have loosened up just enough to gain a little confidence. James Shields will present a challenge Saturday because he is a master at keeping hitters fooled and off balance. In his last start against the Indians, a no-decision on April 11, Shields went 5 1/3 innings, allowing only one run on two hits while he punched out six and walked one.

While all of the match-ups could be interesting, the battle between Shields and a slightly more comfortable Cleveland lineup could tell us a lot about the early identity of the Indians. If Shields shuts them down like he did last time, perhaps he's just doing well, and the Tribe has trouble against him in particular. But, if the Cleveland bats break through and tag Shields for a few runs, after struggling against him less than a week ago, it could prove the Tribe is starting to find their groove.

I am no manager, but I believe Tito and other baseball geniuses when they use an old saying: When hitters are patient and let the game come to them instead of forcing things, good things tend to happen. As frustrating as things can be when a team is struggling at the plate, it's impossible for teams to just swing for the fences and "hit their way out" of a slump. Baseball just doesn't work like that. The game comes to players on its own time. Hot and cold streaks always alternate, they are just part of the game. The Indians need to be patient until they find the first big hot streak of the season! They showed great patience against Minnesota Thursday, let's see if they can keep it up!

BONUS: The Return of Jason Kipnis
All signs point to Kipnis returning to the lineup at some point this weekend, possibly even as early as Friday! The Chicago-native was 4-for-20 (.200 AVG) during his rehab assignment between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus. Kipnis started the season the 10-day disabled list with shoulder soreness. It's likely Kipnis will be activated and young 3B Yandy Diaz will be sent to Columbus so he can continue to get plate appearances and work on his defense every day.

Sources:
Pitching Probables on Indians.com