Cleveland Indians: 10 bold predictions for the 2017 season

Prediction #4: At least four players will start in right field throughout the season.

Lonnie Chisenhall is not the everyday starting right fielder for the Cleveland Indians. He might head back to third, who knows. He just does not have the look and feel of a right fielder for a World Series-caliber team.

Chisenhall, Bradley Zimmer, Brandon Guyer and Abraham Almonte will all start in right field at some point throughout 2017. There is also a possibility that Austin Jackson and Michael Martinez could get starts out there as well. It might be the biggest position to watch for the Tribe this year.

Prediction #5: Carlos Carrasco will become the No. 1 starter before the All-Star break.

Carlos Carrasco has all the tools of a No. 1 starter for the top team. He can strike out 15 guys in a game. He throws hard and has a tight curveball. Surprisingly, strange injuries have held him back more than ability. He goes through ups and downs, but I don’t think Kluber will a robot forever. He eventually regresses. Carrasco fills the No. 1 starter role early.

Prediction #6: Bryan Shaw loses his role as the setup man’s setup man.

Bryan Shaw is an interesting case. His stuff is not amazing, but he’s consistent. He has been the workhorse of the Tribe for a few years now, but with the higher pressure and expectations, along with Andrew Miller being around for a full season, Shaw will lose his spot to someone with different stuff.

Shaw is a bit redundant with Miller around, and someone like Zach McAllister or Perci Garner will take Shaw’s place as a hard-throwing 7th-inning setup guy.