Indians Win Total Prediction
Will somebody kindly remind the Cleveland Indians that the regular season absolutely, positively, unequivocally begins in April? A merely competent first month of play could, after all, mean the difference between another pedestrian finish and true pennant fever at Progressive Field.
Last year, the Tribe’s 7-14 start ultimately sunk hopes of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2013. Terry Francona’s squad compiled an 81-80 record and missed out on a wild-card spot by 4.5 games. Still, it’s no longer acceptable to only hit maximum overdrive once the calendar flips to May.
In a division that lacks a clear frontrunner behind two-time defending champion Kansas City, can everything finally coalesce for this maturing group in 2016? Oddsmakers at online sports book Bovada.lv continue to ponder the same question while setting Cleveland’s over/under total at 84.5 wins.
Interestingly, the deck is genuinely stacked against the Indians to begin this campaign on a strong note. Their most impactful bat, Michael Brantley, continues to rehabilitate his surgically repaired right shoulder. For an offense that finished 11th in runs and 13th in homers a year ago in the American League, nothing could sound less appetizing.
To help compensate for Brantley’s probable absence off the top, general manager Mike Chernoff added ex-Boston slugger Mike Napoli and speed demon Rajai Davis. Napoli hasn’t clubbed more than 20 homer run since 2013, but last season’s post-All-Star slash line (.283/.381/.522) suggests at least a little more remains in the tank.
As far as complementary pieces are concerned, prepare for an even better sophomore effort from Francisco Lindor. The shortstop hit .313 with 12 homers and 51 RBIs as a rookie to go along with some superlative defense. His tag-team partner up the middle, Jason Kipnis, must continue to grow as a catalyst in the order. X-factors include former catcher Carlos Santana, whose .231 average doesn’t exactly make rival cleanup hitters jealous, and current backstop Yan Gomes (fourth in the league among catchers with 135 hits in 2014).
The pitching staff is, in a word, impressive. Despite Cory Kluber’s fall from Cy Young Award winner to 16-game loser, the Indians ranked fourth in rotation ERA in the AL last season while pacing the league with 11 complete games. Three guys – Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar – tallied at least 195 strikeouts. With Trevor Bauer, Josh Tomlin and Cody Anderson providing quality depth at the back end of the starting five, this unit will once again give lineups fits.
As for the bullpen, only the Royals boasted a better relief ERA than the Indians’ 3.12. Cody Allen secured 34 saves in 38 chances with a 2.99 ERA and 99 punchouts in 69 1/3 innings. Bryan Shaw (2.95 ERA, 1.22 WHIP) and Zach McAllister (3.00 ERA, 1.35 WHIP) provide solid support in high-leverage situations.
Health permitting, Cleveland looks ready to take the proverbial next step. It would be premature to start printing postseason tickets, but second place seems entirely within reach.
2016 MLB WIN TOTAL PREDICTION: CLEVELAND INDIANS OVER 84.5 GAMES
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