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5 Cleveland Indians Players Who Will Be Key To Their Success In 2017

By Eric Pitcher

Feb 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; A baseball sits on the field as Cleveland Indians pitchers throw during a workout at the Goodyear Ballpark practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; Goodyear, AZ, USA; A baseball sits on the field as Cleveland Indians pitchers throw during a workout at the Goodyear Ballpark practice fields. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians equipment sits on the field prior to their game against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians equipment sits on the field prior to their game against the New York Yankees at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Indians were on the cusp of winning it all in 2016. In 2017 they can have just as much success as they did the previous season, but it will not be easy.

The Cleveland Indians are going to be one of, if not the top favorite in the American League this season. Coming off of a World Series appearance and having the roster they have, that should be the case.

Cleveland also has big name players coming back from injury. Not to mention, they signed one of the best bats this past offseason in free agency, first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion. It also helps that they have stars from previous seasons.

2016 saw unsung hero’s from names like third baseman Jose Ramirez, who was also one of baseball’s most clutch performers. In addition, Cleveland had a finalist for rookie of the year in their lineup in center fielder Tyler Naquin as well as right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall.

Chisenhall had a top five batting average on the Indians’ 2016 roster with a .286 average according to baseball-reference.com. If the Indians are going to have the same success in 2017, these five players are going to have to step up their game.

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