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Cleveland Indians: 5 Things to be Thankful For in 2016

By Steven Kubitza

Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Rajai Davis (20) celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game seven of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Cleveland Indians celebrate beating the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; The Cleveland Indians celebrate beating the Toronto Blue Jays in game five of the 2016 ALCS playoff baseball series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

The ultimate goal every season is to win the World Series. But winning the American League isn’t too bad.

The Indians finally won the AL pennant for the first time since 1997, nine years after being one game away from doing so against Terry Francona and the Boston Red Sox.

They were the team that wasn’t supposed to be there. The team that was written off by a local journalist after suffering so many injuries. But they proved everyone wrong, and made the nation realize which team is the dominant force in the AL.

The Indians got by the Red Sox with ease, making AL Cy Young award winner Rick Porcello look foolish. David Price didn’t fare well either.

Then came the Toronto Blue Jays, who like to talk a lot of smack, but who were only able to take one game from the team that wasn’t supposed to be there.

After so many years of hovering around the .500 mark, it was great to capture a division title and follow it up with a league title. And while the final result wasn’t ideal, this team is young and should only continue to fight for the AL crown for the next few years.

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