Weekly Wroundtable: Bold Predictions for the Cleveland Indians

Bold Predictions: Tribe Finally Takes Down Tigers

May 12, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Yan Gomes (10) and left fielder Michael Brantley (23) congratulate each other after scoring in the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Brian Heise: I feel like this is the year where the Indians finally overthrow the Tigers for the AL Central crown. It’s beginning to seem as if the Tigers are beginning their fall from grace, while the Indians are beginning to peak. Their young talent is ready to make solid contributions, and many of the familiar faces from previous seasons are entering their prime. Brandon Moss was a bigger acquisition than most people realize, and they have legitimate Cy Young and MVP candidates leading the charge in Corey Kluber and Michael Brantley, I feel like this is finally the year where the Indians win the division and make a deep run in the playoffs. So, count me in as being all aboard the hype train this season.
World Series Winner: Washington Nationals
AL Central Standings: Indians, Tigers, White Sox, Royals, Twins
Tribe MVP: Michael Brantley

Ryan Rosko: The Indians will finish as the winners of the AL Central, but the difference between Cleveland and Detroit will be no more than two games. If they can figure out a few things – one of them being whether Chisenhall is the answer at third base both now and for the long term – the team should win the division with some comfort in the standings. The talent and depth in the pitching staff will take this team far. The team’s offense is the best as well in the division when healthy with Kipnis, Moss, Santana, and Brantley leading the way.
World Series Winner: Seattle Mariners
AL Central Standings: Indians, Tigers, White Sox, Royals, Twins
Tribe MVP: Yan Gomes

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