Cleveland Indians: Plenty to like but also be frustrated about so far in 2018

A major turnaround is needed by the Cleveland Indians going forward in 2018.

It is not even June yet but it is already clear that the 2018 season will take its toll on the Cleveland Indians and their fanbase.

Cleveland is supposed to be a championship contender. In many ways they are but their flaws and inconsistencies display doubt long-term when they face other elite teams.

With an unfortunate .500 record at 25-25, Cleveland is good enough to win the A.L. Central given how bad the division is. However, when comparing them with what they have and how they have played versus other leading division teams, Cleveland is far behind.

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Thankfully, there are bright spots seen on the 25 man roster. If there weren’t that many, who knows how bad of a record the Tribe would own at this time. Michael Brantley is the biggest surprise and a big bright spot.

Early on, Brantley looks healthy and is a consistent contributor. I want to see him continue to produce and not get injured going into June and July. If Brantley can do that, then yes, picking up his option was a good move. So far Brantley has put up the following: .333/.367/.564/.931 with a .931 OPS and 8 home runs and 33 RBI. Despite currently being on the D.L., fellow outfielder Tyler Naquin has also been a pleasant surprise.

Jose Ramirez and Francisco have continued to do their thing as the best duo on the left side of an infield and possibly in general in an infield. Ramirez currently has a .31 WAR with a .291 average, 14 homers, and 35 RBI. Meanwhile, Lindor has a 2.9 WAR with 12 homers and 27 RBI.

Cleveland once again has had great starting pitching. That is, of course, with the exception of the fifth starter, Josh Tomlin. Thankfully, Tomlin is now in the bullpen while the top four continue to put Cleveland in a position to win. Unfortunately, winning half the time shows how inconsistent the offense has been again this season. The fact that it took as long as it did to pull Tomlin from the rotation is inexcusable. He should have started 2018 from the get-go.

Other numerous players who have been a regular contributor or spot starter have helped Cleveland. However, it has not been to the point to either replace those that walked or got injured or just keep a position’s performance as-is consistently enough.

As great as the bright spots are, the failed expectations and issues that have been seen hurts just as much. Cleveland’s front office failed or the very best just got a passing grade for their decisions this past offseason. They did not replace Bryan Shaw with anyone and the people who have been put in his old role have not been able to succeed.

Meanwhile, keeping Jason Kipnis, not doing anything in the outfield outside of Rajai Davis, and signing Yonder Alonso does not help Cleveland become a better team. Alonso has not been great but given how ownership is with money, his signing is not a surprise. Carlos Santana is not an elite player but to continue solidifying 1B for a few more years with consistent production could have happened with him still in Cleveland. Offering a fraction of what he was worth leads to an Alonso signing instead.