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The Cleveland Indians are in a very good position as they chase down a wildcard spot and hopeful entrance into the 2013 MLB playoffs. They still are not in the position they want to be in but they are the closest team to the goal at only 1.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays and only 2.5 behind the plummeting Texas Rangers. If they plan to continue playing well and finally take advantage of their chances, they will need Ryan Raburn to keep doing what he has been doing of late.
Raburn has been somewhat limited but oh boy has he been productive when he has a bat in his hand. He has a personal six-game hitting streak that would make anyone give a nod of approval. While in that streak he has also compiled 3 home runs, 5 runs scored and a huge 15 RBI. For a team that from time to time has trouble scoring runs, having Raburn in the line-up more times than not is a crucial matter.
They might be able to chase down the teams in front of them without him but I do not think so. The first series of next week is another head to head against the Kansas City Royals and that is exactly the type of series they need a big productive bat for. Raburn will be able to drive in runs against the Royals’ awesome pitching staff where other batters might not. He is critical. Whenever Terry Francona can manager to get him in that line-up, in whatever capacity, he better be in there.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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