The Cleveland Indians are coming off back-to-back winning seasons for the first time since 2001 and sport reigning AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. They narrowly missed out on a Wild Card spot last season, and will be looking to win their first division title since 2007. What does 2015 have in store for Cleveland? Here are some bold predictions:
1) Yan Gomes will have a breakout season
Gomes hit .278 with 21 home runs and 74 RBI's in his first season as Cleveland's full-time starting catcher, and this is the year his offense will match his top-notch defense. Plate discipline was Gomes' biggest issue last year, and there's no reason to think that won't be improved after spending all offseason working on his decision making in the batter's box.
2) Corey Kluber will cement his place as one of the AL's top pitchers
Kluber will follow his Cy Young season with another great one, though it won't be at the same level as last year. His arm will show some inconsistency and signs of fatigue throughout the season (his 253.2 innings pitched were a 76 inning increase over 2013), but that doesn't mean he'll stop being productive. Kluber's 269 strikeouts in 2014 were the most by an Indians pitcher since 1970, and while that number will decrease, he will still throw over 200 strikeouts.
3) Cleveland will narrowly miss out on the postseason...again
The Indians certainly aren't a bad team, but they won't blow anybody away. Cleveland will be in the mix for the AL Central title and a Wild Card spot throughout the season, but they ultimately won't be able to hang with the Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers in the division.
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