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Cleveland Indians: After A Magical Season, Let’s Enjoy October

By Kristopher Grimes

Aug 29, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (center) celebrates his game-winning RBI single with first baseman Mike Napoli (26) and Tyler Naquin in the tenth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 29, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis (center) celebrates his game-winning RBI single with first baseman Mike Napoli (26) and Tyler Naquin in the tenth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Jose Ramirez (11) and shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) and second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) and first baseman Carlos Santana (41) and catcher Yan Gomes (10) wait with starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) as manager Terry Francona comes to remove him from the game with the Minnesota Twins in the fourth inning at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Let’s Enjoy the Core of This Team

In the late 90’s and early 2000’s, fans enjoyed a core of Indians teams build around the likes of Albert Belle, Manny Ramirez, Kenny Lofton, and Jim Thome. For the majority of a decade, these players defined what a team was all about. They were close-knit, home-grown, and talented. As each player left the franchise, fans wondered if there would ever be a team like that again.

Well, entering the 2016 season, the Indians and their fans have that feeling again. There is a core of talented, young, home-grown players who have bonded together to lead the franchise back to the playoffs. It started with guys like second basemen Jason Kipnis, DH Carlos Santana, and pitcher Corey Kluber. Then the Indians sprinkled in outfielder Lonnie Chisenhall, closer Cody Allen, and the main piece shortstop Francisco Lindor.

Lender’s late-season promotion in 2015 spurred a change in the franchise’s direction. From the moment he took over at short, the pieces began falling in place. Frankie’s defense solidified the infield, and his bat gave the franchise a welcome surprise. He’s hitting .300 as a professional, despite questions about his hitting potential in the minors. He doesn’t seem to shy away from the game’s biggest moments, and his infectious smile is a symbol that he loves game he plays.

Once Lindor solidified himself, the rest of the core fell into place. Lonnie Chisenhall was a failure at third base, but Lindor’s play at short allowed utility man Jose Ramirez to take over at third. While it wasn’t known then, Ramirez’s ability to play third turned into gold. His clutch hitting with runners in scoring position is a huge reason the Indians are the second highest scoring team in baseball.

Meanwhile, Chisenhall moved to the outfield and found himself a home. With the pressure from having to play third off his mind, and produce at the plate, Lonnie has developed himself into a solid right fielder. He hit .286 with 8 home runs and 57 RBI in 126 games this season. While it’s a far cry from the power numbers the franchise once expected, Chisenhall’s contributions are a big reason that the Indians are looking to make noise this October.

With the “core” in place, the Indians have a solid foundation of players to build upon. This season proved that. Without this foundation, guys like Napoli and Davis wouldn’t be able to contribute in the way that they do. Much like the late 90’s Indians teams, guys like Kipnis, Lindor, Kluber, and Santana are the edge pieces that have allowed the front office to fill in the rest of the puzzle.

A puzzle completed not only by the core of talent, or the veterans, but by the pitching staff. If there’s another reason for a magical Indians October, it’s because of their pitching staff. With the best bullpen in baseball, the Indians are literally armed to make noise with the most silent part of the team.

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