The Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Indians are loaded. They’ve got outstanding starting pitching, a lights out closer, an air-tight defense, a potent attack with plenty of power, speed on the bases and a brilliant Manager with a winning track record. No wonder they took the Chicago Cubs into extra innings in Game 7 of last year’s World Series, when they were this close to winning it all.
Last season the Tribe placed first in the American League in stolen bases, second in doubles, total runs scored and runs scored per game, third in batting average and fourth in on base percentage. Some of the young players, such as shortstop Francisco Lindor, age 22, and infielder/outfielder Jose Ramirez, age 23, are only going to get better with experience. First Baseman/Designated Hitter Carlos Santana bashed 34 home runs, proving that once he steps into the batter’s box, he’s in scoring position. Into this potent mix comes free agent slugger Edwin Encarnacion, pictured in his new jersey below, who the Indians signed to a three-year contract during the off season. Encarnacion has averaged over 38 home runs and 110 runs batted in over the past five seasons. How would you like to add that type of production to your team’s attack?
The pitching was at or near the top of most of the American League pitching categories, too. Tribe hurlers struck out the most batters, surrendered the fewest hits, had the best ERA+ and tied for the lead in shutouts. Corey Kluber, the 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner, is the ace. The other pitchers are so good that it seems like the Indians put a number one or number two starter on the mound every night. The Indians acquired reliever Andrew Miller from the New York Yankees just before last season’s July 31st trading deadline, and he proved invaluable down the stretch and in the playoffs. Indians pitchers might be even better this season, because last year some of them suffered injuries, and this year the entire staff appears to be healthy.
We’ll close this post by adding a few words about Indians Manager Terry Francona, pictured below. He’s the fellow who managed the Boston Red Sox to a World Series win in 2004, ending the championship drought that franchise endured since 1918. He won another a second World Series Championship with the Red Sox in 2007. He steered the club to winning records in each of his eight seasons managing the Red Sox.
He took over the Indians in 2013 and has continuing his winning touch with them. Last year he guided the Tribe to the American League Championship, and the team has an excellent chance to win the World Series this season, so to the other teams in the league, I say beware. In 2017, the Cleveland Indians have unfinished business.
Photo Credits:
Edwin Encarnacion: Tony Dejak, AP
Tito Francona: Rob Tringali (MLB Photos via Getty Images)
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