Friday 5: Key players who will propel the Cleveland Indians to the top

Brandon Moss

Like him or not, Moss has been as good as advertised through one-third of the season.

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He is hitting a steady .253, five points above his career average, and leads the Tribe with 10 round-trippers. Moss is a notoriously streaky hitter, as evidenced by his absolutely monstrous week which saw him hit .429 with three home runs and five RBIs. He is on pace to club 30-plus home runs and, now with 32 RBIs on the season, Moss could become the first Indians player to drive in 100 RBIs since both Victor Martinez (114) and Travis Hafner (100) did so in 2007.

While he has been out of the lineup against the tougher left-handed starters, Moss has been one of the few Indians who has been remarkably productive against southpaws this season. The 31-year-old veteran is hitting a steady .295/.405/.475 against lefties compared to just .230/.270/.504 against right-handers. While eight of his 10 home runs have come against righties, Moss should only get better against right-handers as the season progresses.

If he does, the Tribe could be looking at a fearsome combination of Gomes and Moss in the middle of their lineup.

Next: A productive Slamtana