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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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Oct 3, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Carlos Santana (41) celebrates his solo home run in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /

Success In April And May Remains Crucial

Joe Russo

There is plenty of reasons to like the Tribe’s chances in the AL Central this season. The entire starting rotation returns, which may be the best group in the American League. There are some new additions that lengthen and strengthen the lineup. Terry Francona, however you feel about him, is a real difference maker in the dugout.

But it all comes down to the first two months of the season. In the last few years, this team has taken for granted the games early in the season. When you look back over the last couple of seasons, the Cleveland Indians have struggled mightily out of the gate and missed the playoffs by a game or two as a result.

This year, the Cleveland Indians have to overcome the loss of Michael Brantley until May, even if he can return ahead of schedule. April and May, as strange as it sounds, will be the biggest two  months of the year.

By October, the Indians will make the playoffs, but as a Wild Card. Until someone proves they are better than the Royals or the Tigers, those two will contend for the division title. If there’s a team that can be dangerous as a Wild Card team, it’s the Tribe.

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With elite pitching and what should be a confident offense, it would not surprise me if the Indians finally break through and make noise in the playoffs. I don’t see it happening, but it wouldn’t be tough to envision either.

Personally, I’m on the fence and leaning towards the Cleveland Indians being a little more than a Wild Card team that loses their lone playoff game. With Kansas City, Toronto, and Houston as division winners, the Indians will see either the Red Sox or Orioles in the Wild Card round. I just can’t see the Indians beating them at this point. But, it’s only March right now and the first pitch hasn’t even been thrown.

Overall, the Clevleand Indians will go 87-75 and get second place in the division behind the Royals on the strength of the rotation, Lindor’s continued growth, and a bounce back season from Yan Gomes.

Next: Little Margin For Error

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