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Why The Cleveland Indians Will Be Favorites In 2017

By Eric Pitcher

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Cleveland Indians trip to the World Series wasn’t a one-shot deal. Expect the Tribe to give the city another postseason run in 2017.

The Cleveland Indians did something most America thought they couldn’t do. Take the Chicago Cubs to seven games in the World Series.

All after the Tribe lost two of their best starters in Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco. All without outfielder Michael Brantley, who finished third in the 2014 AL MVP race.

The Indians battled and fought until the task seemed to be too much. The series just came down to the Cubs out hitting and out pitching the Tribe.

But that doesn’t mean the Cleveland Indians World Series hopes should be buried for the next 20 years.

Expectations in 2017 should be high when the Tribe arrives in Arizona for Spring Training.

The Indians haven’t wasted much time getting their roster ready for the 2017 season. A day after the Indians lost the heart breaker in-game 7, they exercised the 2017 option on Carlos Santana. The Indians also locked up manager Terry Francona through 2020.

Qualifying offers were not given to who looked to be game seven hero, Rajai Davis and Mike Napoli who had a very, very disappointing post season. Napoli hit only .173 with one home run and 3 RBI.

While there are some spots that need filled in the offseason, the Indians will have catcher Yan Gomes, outfielder Michael Brantley, and starting pitchers Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco back. There are also names like Giovanny Urshela, Yandy Diaz, Bradley Zimmer and Brady Aiken down in the minors ready to prove their worth. Which in the long run, could really fill those holes.

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Free agency would also be something that the Indians could test. Names such as Kenley Jansen and Mark Melancon highlight the relief pitchers in the free agency. But that isn’t what the Indians can afford. Guys like Mark Rzepczynski, Ross Detwiler, Travis Wood and Brett Cecil are strong left-handed relief pitchers that wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Don’t forget we have Andrew Miller, Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw. But another strong left-handed arm out of the pen is never a bad idea.  Maybe moving Trevor Bauer to the bullpen could be a possible move. As fans, we saw that Bauer seems to be better in a relief spot. While that may not be what he wants, it may be whats best for the team.

The Indians are in a good spot to sign a few players that could really help impact  this team. After coming off a World Series run, why wouldn’t players want to play in Cleveland? Because it isn’t a big market team like the Yankees,  Cubs, Red Sox and Giants.

Winning the pennant won’t be easy. There’s plenty of competition to go around, especially in the AL Central.

The Tigers are cutting payroll, but still expected to contend. Against the The Indians were 14-4. against Detroit, and 35-22 against the rest of the Central.

The Royals are just two years removed from winning the World Series and still have several key pieces from that team.

The truth is Kansas City was cursed by injuries throughout most of the 2016 campaign. Daniel Nava was lost to left patella tendonitis. Mike Moustakas had more than one trip to the DL. At first, he fractured his thumb.  Later on, his season was lost because of a torn right ACL.  Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain and Wade Davis also saw time on the DL.

The White Sox hired a new manager after a disappointing season. The expectation is that Pale-hosers from the West will be better.

As an Indians fan, you have to feel good about the 2017 season. If the Indians are able to stay healthy and the bats can continue to produce like they did en route to the World Series, then the 2017 season will be one worth following.

Next: 8 Free Agents The Indians Should Sign

All Tribe fans are hoping that this year’s trip to the Fall Classic wasn’t a one-shot deal. Fear not, Cleveland faithful, all arrows point in the direction of the Tribe giving us another October to remember.

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