Weekly Wroundtable: Bold Predictions for the Cleveland Indians

Bold Predictions: Wild Card Winners

Apr 28, 2014; Anaheim, CA, USA; Cleveland Indians designated hitter Carlos Santana (center) is congratulated by second baseman Jason Kipnis (22) after hitting a three-run home run in the fourth inning as Los Angeles Angels catcher Hank Conger (right) reacts at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Bretz: I predict the Indians will finish in second place in the AL Central but make the playoffs as a wild card team. Detroit is aging, but with their financial resources, I think they somehow manage to win still. The Tribe’s defense will be improved but still a sore spot that ultimately keeps them from winning the division. Also, a member of the Cleveland Indians will win Comeback Player of the Year. I don’t know if it’ll be Jason Kipnis, Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher or someone else, but the award will come to Cleveland.
World Series Winner: Washington Nationals
AL Central Rankings: Tigers, Indians, Royals, White Sox, Twins. All but the Twins will finish .500 or better.
Indians MVP: Carlos Santana

Cody Norman: The good news is Detroit isn’t winning the division this season. The bad news, though, is that Cleveland isn’t either. After several key acquisitions this off-season, Robin Ventura and the Chicago White Sox are the big winners in 2015. With Melky Cabrera and Adam LaRoche help bolster the lineup, it’s reigning AL Rookie of the Year Jose Abreu who adds to his hardware, earning the AL MVP on his way to a division crown. The Indians, however, slide into the postseason via a wild card spot after winning 90+ games.
World Series Champ: LA Dodgers
AL Central Rankings: White Sox, Indians, Tigers, Royals, Twins
Tribe MVP: Jason Kipnis

Nicholas Blazek: The Indians are on the upswing, but are still going to be a year away from unseating the Tigers. But it’s clear the two are headed in opposite directions. Just one more year till a changing of the guard. I do think they’ll slide in as a Wild Card this year.

World Series Champ: St. Louis Cardinals
AL Central Rankings: Tigers, Indians, White Sox, Royals, Twins
Tribe MVP: Jason Kipnis

Next: Bold Predictions: White Sox Return, But Tribe Prevails