Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Jensen Lewis knows that if the Tribe are to contend for the American League Central, he will play a key role in obtaining the title.

Lewis spoke with the media in Akron, Ohio during Day One of the Cleveland Indians Media Tour on Tuesday. He pointed to the rotation and bullpen working with new coaches Tim Belcher and Scott Radinsky.

Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Jensen Lewis speaks with the media at Tangier Restaurant in Akron, Ohio during Day One of the Cleveland Indians Media Tour. (Katie Brinager / The Dugout Sports Show)

“We are really excited about the staff. At some point, all of us on the pitching side have worked with Belcher and Radinsky. From a cohesion standpoint the team chemistry is there and now it’s just understanding what Manny (Acta) expects from us.”

Lewis spent his offseason in the Cleveland area, throwing at the ballpark and staying focused at the season ahead. And it will be important for him to return to 2007 form.

He was a key piece in the Indians appearance in the American League Championship League against the Boston Red Sox. After being called up from Triple-A Buffalo, he was one of many relief pitchers who were counted on to get guys out and he did not disappoint.

From August 25th thru the end of the season, he posted an ERA of 0.57 (15.2 IP, 7 H, 1 ER, 15 K). But in 2008, he was put in the closer role for the latter part of the season, saving 13 games and posting a 3.82 ERA.

2009 was a different story. After starting the year in the Cleveland bullpen, he was sent down to Triple-A Columbus. He pitched well at the AAA level, throwing 18.2 scoreless innings only to be recalled and pitched effectively over the last six weeks of the season.

On Manny Acta: “I met him during his first week. I think we are all excited and its pretty anonymous that we anxious to see what the new regime is like.”

Click the play button below to listen to Lewis’s interview.