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Cleveland Indians: 2016 Season Predictions

By Evan Hablitzel

May 16, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Cleveland Indians baseball hat and glove during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Indians at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Indians defeated the Rangers 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
May 16, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Cleveland Indians baseball hat and glove during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Indians at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Indians defeated the Rangers 10-8. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cleveland Indians
Sep 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) at bat in the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense Key To Success

Kristopher Grimes

In 2015, the Cleveland Indians were a “dark horse” favorite to contend for the World Series. Sports Illustrated had them on one of their regional covers, and ESPN had analysts breaking down how their pitching staff led by reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, who could dominate the American League.

Manager Terry Francona was only a few seasons removed from a surprising 2013 team that made the Wild Card Playoff, which won 92 games. With that team still somewhat in-tact and a stronger pitching staff, there was reason to believe that the Cleveland Indians could live up to those expectations.

However, the Tribe got off to a slow start, and before they knew it the 2015 season had gone from one of promise to one of bewilderment. The team finished 81-80, a game over .500.

So what should Cleveland Indians fans expect in 2016? Is the team going to finally turn it around, and get back to the team that won 92 games in 2013? Will they finally show the talent that led so many to believe they were World Series contenders last season?

Well, if the Cleveland Indians are going to compete in 2016, let’s just say that everything has to go right. They did not address the right-handed power hitter this offense lacked, and much of the same team returns. If they’re going to win, they need the offense to produce in the clutch, the starting pitching staff to limit big innings, and the bullpen to hold leads late in games.

Those didn’t happen last season. If those three things do happen though, the Tribe might have a chance to win more than 50% of their games.

That said, it won’t be easy. This Cleveland Indians offense doesn’t possess a lot of run producing power. That means guys like Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana will be looked upon as driving forces in the offense. This lineup needs them to produce not only home runs, but hit for a good average with runners in scoring position.

Fransisco Lindor can up in the second half of the season, and provided the offense with an unexpected boost, but who knows what to expect from him in a full 2016 season. Bottom line, the Cleveland Indians need to manufacture runs with timely hitting and base running. Big home runs will be rare.

The real key though for this team is the pitching staff. Kluber, who was last season’s ace got off to a horrible start. He finished the season 9-16 and despite good efforts, lacked run support (2/game) and often had to pitch perfect games to get wins.

That fall by their ace seemed to have a trickle down effect through the pitching staff all the way down to closer Cody Allen who struggled to shut the door on leads the team did have. The rest of the starters were inconsistent at best, and what was once a solid to great bullpen was once again looking for pieces as the season went on.

So if the Cleveland Indians are going to win big in 2016, they’re going to have to play well above this teams talent. While the pitching staff with Kluber, Carrasco, Bauer, and Co. are the team’s best chance to win, the real key will be the offense. Can they produce enough runs? Will they get the big hits in the clutch situations? That’s what will determine the success of this season.

When it’s all said and done in 2016, Lindor will continue to develop and become to the core of this team’s success at the plate and in the field. Kipnis will have a rebound year, as will Yan Gomes (injured most of last year), and Santana might actually have a good year (he’s Due).

The starting pitching staff led by Kluber will have a much better year, and they will lead the Cleveland Indians to a lot of wins. Record wise? I see the Cleveland Indians finishing with 88 wins, going 88-74, and finishing second or third in the AL. They will more than likely miss a chance at the playoffs, but they will be in contention all year.

If the offense can produce enough runs when it matters that is.

Next: The Outfield Remains an Issue

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