Five Story Lines to Watch for the Rest of 2014

Sep 11, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) delivers in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Corey Kluber‘s Strikeout Total

With roughly three starts left this season, the Tribe’s newly-emerged ace has struck out 230 batters; the most in a single season for an Indians pitcher since Gaylord Perry in 1973.  In fact, there have been only 15 seasons in Tribe history in which a pitcher struck out more batters than Kluber has this year.  Of those 15, only four took place after the mound was lowered following the 1968 season.  How high can Kluber climb up this list?  Tenth place all-time is Bob Feller‘s 1939 season with 246 strikeouts.  Can Kluber have a top ten all-time season for the Indians in the strikeouts category?  Can he catch Luis Tiant at sixth place with 264?

There are currently only four Indians to have struck out 250 batters in a season.  Those names include Sam McDowell, Luis Tiant, Herb Score and the legendary Bob Feller.  Can Kluber become the fifth?

We’ll have to keep watching to find out.