Cleveland Indians open the season against Mike Napoli and the Rangers

The Cleveland Indians open the 2017 MLB season with a loaded lineup and a meeting against the Texas Rangers and Mike Napoli.

Are you excited?

The Cleveland Indians are back for what should be an amazing season, and open the 2017 campaign with one of the best lineups in all of baseball.

https://twitter.com/Indians/status/848977512604545024

The top five in that lineup is enough to terrify any opposing pitcher, while the remaining four players can all hold their own and help this offense perform at a high level.

The addition of Edwin Encarnacion is what fans are most excited about, while Michael Brantley‘s return is perhaps the best news fans have received in 2017.

Encarnacion essentially fills the role that Mike Napoli occupied in 2016, and fans will get an early glimpse of the slugger as he is now a member of the Texas Rangers. He was a fan favorite throughout the 2016 season, but it was hard to pass up the chance to make an upgrade by signing Encarnacion.

Fans will also be treated to a great duel between Corey Kluber and Yu Darvish, although no one in Cleveland is rooting against a Darvish collapse early in the game.

After months of reflection, this game finally begins the process of moving forward and chasing another championship. 2016 was a year that no Indians fan will ever forget, but the ultimate goal was not achieved. And in the world of sports, a new season is a time for fresh starts and fresh optimism.

The Indians only seem to have improved the roster this offseason, so it should be fun. Add in a healthy pitching staff and a solid bullpen and there is no reason why fans shouldn’t expect another trip to the postseason.

Next: 3 main storylines to start the season

It all starts tonight, so be sure to enjoy the journey.