Indians Decade in Review: Optimism and a hot start in 2011

A final record of 80-82 was nothing to be too upset about after a 69-93 record in 2010. But it is fair to note the team did have a bit of a collapse with a 12-17 record in September. Still, it was an 11-game improvement in Manny Acta’s second season and it looked like the team was on the rise.

The emergence of young players like Santana, Brantley, Masterson, the arms in the ‘pen, Josh Tomlin, and Carlos Carrasco helped build a foundation for 2012. It quickly became clear that Sizemore and Hafner were fading from the plans and needed replaced.

The goal in 2012 was to keep improving and make a return to the postseason. Maybe Matt LaPorta would have his breakout season. Or Hafner would return to his old ways one last time. Eh, more about that in the 2012 piece.

2012 was also set to be an important year for Acta. He showed improvement in his second year after working well with a mix of younger and veteran guys. The only alarming thing was the sharp decline after the hot start.

That ability to crash was one thing on the minds of fans heading into the following season. Unfortunately, the frustration returned in 2012.