Cleveland Indians: Is 2016 The Year For The 216?

Two championships have recently been in Cleveland. For the Cleveland Indians, their success has been great to see and they have proven that they are a true contender this season.

A little over a week ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers did the unimaginable, coming back from a 3-1 deficit, making history and ending a 52 year drought, the Cavaliers brought a title to the city of Cleveland.

Could another Cleveland team be on the brink of winning another? The Cleveland Indians have a six game lead over the Kansas City Royals and are on an 11 game winning streak.

They also have the highest run differential in the American League. Something special is going on in Cleveland right now.

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Earlier this season, it seemed like the Indians just happened to be in the right spot at the right time. The lead just kind of fell into the Indians’ lap.

Now it seems like everything is clicking. The Cleveland Indians offense is going out every night, hitting the ball with runners in scoring position, and is hitting the long ball. Simultaneously, the starting pitchers are providing dominant starts, doing everything and more to win games. It is truly a beautiful thing to watch.

The Indians are playing with the “next man up” mentality. There have not been many injuries (knock of wood) so far, but every night a new player is stepping up and leading the Indians to a victory. Those victories for the most part have also been convincing wins.

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For the Cleveland Indians, one night it could be a Lonnie Chisenhall three-run blast to right field, while the next night it may be a Carlos Santana RBI single in the top of the ninth.  Another scenario could be Corey Kluber throwing a complete game shut out. The point is everyone has had a hand in the team’s success.

It also helps the Indians having a player by the name of Francisco Lindor, who is eighth in the majors in batting average. Lindor is having a season to remember, a season that could end up leading to an MVP trophy after it is all said and done.

Lindor is hitting .312 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI. He also has a .370 OBP. At the age of 22, Lindor is already being compared to former MLB shortstop and Cleveland Indians great, Omar Vizquel. Offensively, Lindor may already be a little better than Vizquel.

Lindor does not just shines on offense, as he has also been flashing the leather almost every night. With an arm as strong as his to go along with his impressive range, it is tough for any batter to get a ball up the middle or to the left side of the infield.

Another key for the Cleveland Indians so far has been the power and the hitting ability of Santana in the lead-off spot. Putting Santana in the lead-off spot adds not only power but it also adds someone who has an eye for the ball, while also being patient and aggressive at the same time.

Switching Santana and Rajai Davis in the lead-off spot is something that teams will have to adjust to accordingly. The Tribe’s starting pitching has been amazing. The Indians pitchers are currently first in the A.L. in ERA.

Danny Salazar is also having a year that could end up with him sketching his name in the record books under the Cy Young page. Currently in the A.L., Salazar is second in ERA, tied for third in wins with nine and only has three losses!  Also being seventh in strikeouts is simply icing on the cake.

Next: Comparing Tyler Naquin To Kenny Lofton

The Cleveland Indians are playing spectacular baseball right now and if they keep playing at this level, something special is bound to happen. Right now it is a special time to be a Cleveland fan and this situation is something fans need to enjoy.