6. Other options at first-base for Cleveland: Jay Bruce is still a F/A, but I don’t think he’ll end up here, unless he remains unsigned as time goes on, much like Edwin’s experience during his free agency. Michael Brantley, when he is healthy, is a possibility. Lonnie Chisenhall, Logan Morrison, Mike Napoli and Yandy Diaz. Regardless, first-base will likely see a few different faces in 2018. Notice some of those players aren’t even on the current Indians roster.
7. Despite reaction on social media, the Cleveland Indians are definitely not in a rebuild mode. Nor should they. The Tribe still has a top-notch starting rotation and, while the BP took a hit with the departures of Bryan Shaw (Colorado Rockies) and Joe Smith (Houston Astros), Cleveland has some good young arms that are ready to take advantage of Shaw and Smith signing elsewhere. Cody Anderson, Tyler Olson and Adam Plutko. Bullpen wise, Cleveland will have a healthy Andrew Miller back and even though he still scares me a little, Cody Allen saved 30 games out of 34 save situations.
8. Cleveland still has talent to win: Lonnie Chisenhall, Bradley Zimmer, Michael Brantley (Again, hopefully he is healthy and can stay healthy), Jason Kipnis (No, Cleveland hasn’t traded him yet), Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Edwin Encarnacion, Roberto Perez and Yan Gomez. I can add Gio Urshela, but he struggles at the plate. Gio is amazing defensively at third base. Yandy diaz needs to improve defensively and be more consistent at hitting. Cleveland has some other players, but you get my point.
9. Let’s remember the current status of the A.L. Central division. I’m going to predict that the Central is more than likely a two-team race. I see Detroit, Chicago and Kansas City all in rebuilding mode. That leaves Cleveland and Minnesota. I still give the Indians the edge over the Twins. Why? Minnesota still doesn’t have a pitching staff that is worth bragging about. I really hope the Twins don’t expect Fernando Rodney to close out games for them.
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