Weekly Wroundtable: Bold Predictions for the Cleveland Indians

Bold Predictions: White Sox Return, But Tribe Prevails

Sep 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians second baseman Jason Kipnis drives in a run with a sacrifice fly during the fourth inning against the Chicago White Sox at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Gerberry: The 2015 Indians will finish the year in 1st place. They have the perfect combination of players, some on the upswing of their careers and others than are nearing the end of their peaks. Detroit is in the middle of a downside, having been dealt injuries to many key players Justin Verlander, Victor Martinez and Miguel Cabrera. Chicago has improved and will be a tough competitor all year, but I think the youth in their lineup will come back to haunt them. Kansas City made it to the World Series last year but lost James Shields off that roster and added veterans Alex Rios and Kendrys Morales, who are coming off bad seasons.
World Series Winner: Cleveland over Washington in 7
AL Central Final Standings: Indians, White Sox, Tigers, Royals, Twins
Cleveland MVP: Jason Kipnis

Katrina Putnam: The Indians are going to win the division this year, but Chicago will be a close second. The Tigers are already suffering from injuries, and the Royals were a one-hit wonder who won’t make it back to the postseason for some time. Let’s not even bother discussing the Twins this year. Meanwhile, Kluber, Carrasco and Bauer are ready to lead the Tribe with stellar starting pitching, and the Tribe bullpen might be one of the deadliest combinations in the league. A bounceback year from Kipnis, as well as continued growth from Brantley, Gomes and Ramirez, will help Cleveland defeat the Wild Card-winning White Sox for the division title and will carry the Tribe to the ALCS.
World Series Winner: Nationals, because who can possibly bet against the Nationals?
AL Central Standings: Indians (91-71), White Sox (89-73), Tigers (85-77), Royals (82-80), Twins (70-92)
Tribe MVP: Brandon Moss, with 30 home runs and an All-Star appearance.

Justin Lada: The Indians win over the White Sox.
World Series: Nationals – predictable, but good luck scoring on that pitching staff in a five-seven games series
AL Central: Indians, White Sox, Tigers, Royals, Twins
Tribe MVP: Carlos Carrasco

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