Today’s big league preview is on a team that made significant strides last season and looks to be a strong contender for the playoffs this year.
There’s loads of reason for optimism if you’re a fan of the Cleveland Indians. The Tribe are off a successful 2014 campaign and I think one can make a case that the best is yet to come.
The Indians are going to hit the baseball. Michael Brantley established himself as a star last year. Yan Gomes is now a fixture behind the plate and he can do some raking as well. Carlos Santana might never hit for a big average, but he draws loads of walks and owns a big stick. Jason Kipnis, Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher are at candidates to bounce back from off years. Lonnie Chisenhall finally arrived as an everyday player last season. Brandon Moss is a nice addition. Cleveland has a solid bench as well. This has a chance to be a very productive lineup, particularly against righties.
Corey Kluber is the reigning Cy Young winner, so Cleveland has its ace to top the rotation. Carlos Carrasco has to prove it wasn’t a fluke, but he sure looked like the real deal down the stretch last season. Trevor Bauer and Danny Salazar each have loads of potential that’s yet to be realized. Gavin Floyd was added during the off-season, but he’s always hurt so I’m really not factoring him into this breakdown.
It’s a wait and see bullpen. Cody Allen looks secure as the closer, but I’m a bit dubious regarding the rest of the relief corps. I think this might be area of concern for the Indians, but bullpen volatility being what it is, that’s not a certainty.
This looks like a good baseball team. There’s clearly some room for improvement. A good righty stick would be useful. An innings eater at the back of the rotation would be nice as well. But I don’t see why the Indians shouldn’t be in the mix to get to the playoffs. I’m not totally convinced, so I passed on playing the Over wins prop, but that’s the way I would lean with this year’s Indians.