Cleveland Indians: Revisiting preseason predictions

Prior to the kickoff of the 2017 season for the Cleveland Indians, we did a series of mailbag style previews. Some of the questions were lighthearted, while others were far more serious.

Either way, it’s worth taking a look at how some of those predictions have panned out 60 games into the season.

Does the Chief Wahoo debate intensify?

Unfortunately, yes. A court in Canada has allowed a lawsuit there to move forward against the Indians’ beloved logo. This case is a continuation of sorts of a suit brought during the ALCS last year to not allow the team to use the logo for games played north of the border. This debate isn’t going anywhere folks. It’s also unlikely Chief Wahoo will be around in the next few years.

2. Will Tribe “fans” come out to actually support their team this year or does it take a pennant chase before they decide to show up?

This one has actually been a positive topic. An article came out in May by Crain’s Cleveland Business that attendance was up 42% at that time. Subjectively, there is more of a buzz around going to games and finding Corner Bar. Bleacher seats have never been more difficult to obtain, especially on weekends. On ESPN, the Indians are still near the bottom in overall attendance, but there is at least a positive trend.

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3. How many innings can we expect from Danny Salazar?

I claimed 180 were in his future. Whoops. He’s thrown 55 innings so far, but was moved to the bullpen and then was placed on the DL. 180 is not looking good.

4. What role(s) does Austin Jackson play in 2017?

So far, Jackson and Bradley Zimmer are locked in a platoon in center. He’s been a very useful player for the Indians as they have endured a long list of injuries in the outfield, including one of Jackson’s toes.

I felt he had a chance to be a real bargain for the club because of his ability to play center and bat right-handed. I just didn’t think it would be as a starter. As a bona-fide center fielder, Jackson will have a place on this team all season and the team is better for it so far.

5. Can Michael Brantley find his 2015 self?

So far, he’s settled right about where I thought. According to baseball-reference.com, he posted a 3.4 WAR in 2015 and 6.4 the season before. So far, he’s at 1.2 WAR in 2017. What will hurt him is his RBI total. If the guys hitting ahead of him don’t pick it up, his solid slash line won’t matter much.

6. Who’s on the verge of breaking out?

Talk about swing and a miss. Trevor Bauer looked ready to settle in as a true high impact starter. He looked great in the spring and we all know his stuff is electric. He’s improved his play lately, but still has a 6.10 ERA. On the bright side, he does have a 4.70 ERA in the last 28 days.

BONUS: Can the Tribe still win 95 games?

I stated that 95 wins should be the target for the Indians, who currently sits at 31-29. That means the Indians would have to go 64-38 the rest of the way, which is going to be a heck of a challenge. It’s not impossible, especially with the current state of the AL Central and with how much the Houston Astros and New York Yankees have begun to pull away from their respective divisions.

Additionally, some guys simply are bound to recover from their slumps. Francisco Lindor is just shy of being a career .300 hitter. Carlos Santana won’t bat .217 much longer. Edwin Encarnacion is warming up and the rotation cannot possibly stay this bad going forward.

Next: 1997 is a reason for optimism

The Indians are not a team that hovers around .500. Remember, it wasn’t until June 17th, 2016that the Indians turned the corner and put together a 14-game winning streak. Crazier things have happened.

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