Weekly Wroundtable: Bold Predictions for the Cleveland Indians

Bold Predictions: Tribe Wins Division, Nats Win It All

Jun 30, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (left) and second baseman Jason Kipnis before the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Richard Clark: I think the Indians will finish 90-72 and win the AL Central title by three games over the Detroit Tigers en route to a World Series appearance and eventual loss to the Washington Nationals. The Tribe will use 8 starting pitchers along the way, including Shaun Marcum, Josh Tomlin, and Danny Salazar. Michael Brantley will have another 5 WAR season, while Corey Kluber follows up his Cy Young with another top three finish in the award voting. Jason Kipnis and his opposite field power, plus AL saves leader Cody Allen, make the All Star game in addition to Kluber, Brantley, and Yan Gomes. Carlos Santana and Brandon Moss each hit 25 homers. Francisco Lindor will play well for the Tribe after the break, and his energy will be a much-needed spark down the stretch. Terry Francona captures his second Manager of the Year award in three years. The Indians trounce the AL East champion Rays in the first round and the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS before falling to the Nats in 5 games.
World Series Winner: Washington Nationals
AL Central Final Rankings: Cleveland Indians (90-72), Detroit Tigers (87-75), Kansas City Royals (86-76), Chicago White Sox (80-82), Minnesota Twins (75-87)
Tribe MVP: Jason Kipnis

Andrew Schmid: I predict that the Tribe will win 89 games this season. They will win the division, but lose in the Division Series. Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, and Trevor Bauer will lead the team to the Post Season, but Carlos Santana, Yan Gomes, Michael Brantley, and Brandon Moss will provide some solid power to give the lineup some pop. Jason Kipnis and Nick Swisher will bounce back, but neither will quite return to All-Star form. Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez will give the team some nice athletic, young players who can make the Tribe’s defense better this year than last’s.
World Series Winner: Washington Nationals
AL Central Final Rankings: Cleveland Indians (89-73), Kansas City Royals (86-76), Detroit Tigers (84-78), Chicago White Sox (82-80), Minnesota Twins (76-86)
Tribe MVP: Yan Gomes

Next: Bold Predictions: Tribe Finally Takes Down Tigers