The 2015 Cleveland Indians present an interesting case for the upcoming season, only because they did not spend a lot of time upgrading any positions other than right field and remain confident in the young players that consist of their roster. After finishing second in 2013 and third in 2014, the Indians look to make a push towards the top of the division, but face still competition with the Tigers and White Sox looking well improved and the Royals possibly better than last year. There is great confidence in the players that are currently rising through the system, especially infielder Francisco Lindor and Jesus Aguilar, both on the cusp of break-out seasons and Major League success. A blend of talent and pitching will propel the Indians in 2015.
Team Overview: Cleveland Indians
The Indians suffered a rash of injuries in 2014 that severely limited the production they were getting out of their line-up. Second baseman Jason Kipnis was one of the big names that did not perform well, due to his attempts at bulking up after his 2013 All-Star campaign that led to him having injuries from adding too much muscle and losing agility. Kipnis recovered enough during the off-season with a muscle activator who helped him to overcome the extra muscle he put on. He now comes into 2015 looking for a fresh start and to be high in the order for Cleveland.
Nick Swisher is another guy the Indians need to turn around in order to have an offensive season, since Swisher struggled mightily at the plate in 2014. He is slated to be the designated hitter, and will probably split time there with David Murphy, Ryan Raburn and Jesus Aguilar. Swisher’s natural ability to lighten up the clubhouse will only work if he can start actually contributing to the Indians success in the line-up. He gets pushed down to the seven spot in the order but will be very important there because of the 3-6 hitters: Michael Brantley, Lonnie Chisenhall, new addition Brandon Moss and Carlos Santana. Throw in Michael Bourn and Kipnis as the top two hitters and that’s a solid order at this point in time for Cleveland, and even breakout candidate Yan Gomes is eighth, meaning Swisher has stability behind him, also.
The Indians rotation looked set coming into Spring Training, with reigning Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber leading the pack, with Carlos Carrasco, young talent Trevor Bauer, surprise of 2014 Danny Salazar and an open fifth spot following him. The five spot was to be occupied by Gavin Floyd, who the Indians took a risk on and signed in December following his season with the Braves, but he fractured his elbow for the second time in nine months (the first being June 2014 against the Nationals), after getting Tommy John surgery in 2013. Floyd is still waiting for an opinion on what to do with his elbow at this point, but now the Indians need to fill in the last spot in the rotation. Josh Tomlin is the favorite at this point, as he recovers from shoulder soreness, and a good showing for the rest of the spring will do him well with manager Terry Francona. Francona has not ruled out using only four starters for the first month of the season (they have four off-days in the first 18 days of the season), but Francona doesn’t want to put added pressure on his starters like Kluber.
Roster Moves
He’s Here: P Charles Brewer, P Gavin Floyd, OF-1B Brandon Moss
Non-Roster Invitees with chance to make roster: P Bruce Chen, P Scott Downs, P Shaun Marcum, SS Michael Martinez
He’s Gone: P John Axford, P Scott Barnes, OF Chris Dickerson, DH Jason Giambi, 2B Elliot Johnson, P Mark Lowe, OF J.B. Shuck
Cleveland Nine
The Indians of 2015 may have the greatest chance at making a dent in the AL Central in recent years, especially with most players being healthy and the pitching rotation coming together despite Floyd’s injury. A combination of speed and power will supplement the Indians offense in most games this season. Michael Bourn and Michael Brantley both possess great speed near the top of the order, while 2014 breakout player Lonnie Chisenhall, Brantley, and Brandon Moss all provide power, along with Carlos Santana.
The bullpen has been full of surprises, and that’s due mostly to three guys: Scott Atchison, Bryan Shaw and Cody Allen. Atchison could barely find Major League work after injuries limited him with the Red Sox, but the Mets took a chance on him, and after coming off the disabled list he proved to be dependable. The Indians gave him a chance in 2014, and at 37 years old he pitched in 70 games and went 6-0 with a 2.75 ERA, one the best seasons of his career. He comes into 2015 looking to repeat his success. Shaw was a pitcher in the Diamondbacks system who came to Cleveland in a three-team deal involving Shin-Soo Choo going from Cleveland to Cincinnati and also brought in Indians starter Trevor Bauer. In 80 games Shaw enjoyed success and a 2.59 ERA. Only 27, Shaw has a few years to make a huge impact in the Indians bullpen. Allen was inserted into the closer’s role in May of 2014 after closer John Axford struggled. Allen finished with a 2.07 ERA and 24 saves in 76 games, quite a line for the 25-year old. Allen also has years left in him to make an impact in the American League.
Team Outline
(Red indicates a new acquisition)
C: Yan Gomes
1B: Carlos Santana
2B: Jason Kipnis
3B: Lonnie Chisenhall
SS: Jose Ramirez
LF: Michael Brantley
CF: Michael Bourn
RF: Brandon Moss
DH: Nick Swisher
The addition of Moss supplements Bourn and Brantley in the outfield and cements the Indians as having one of the best outfields in the American League.
1. Corey Kluber
2. Carlos Carrasco
3. Trevor Bauer
4. Danny Salazar
5. Josh Tomlin
*Gavin Floyd injured with fractured elbow
Bottom Line
The 2015 Cleveland Indians will have a tough time in the American League Central after the upgrades, and success, of other teams there, especially the Royals and Tigers. The White Sox will give them a run for their money as well, but if the line-up can stay healthy and the pitching rotation performs the way manager Francona intends it to, there should be quite a race in September that involves the Indians. Another Cy Young-caliber season from Kluber will be huge for Cleveland. A third or fourth place, 80-84 win season seems likely for them, if not better.
