Cleveland Indians reign supreme in ESPN power rankings

The Cleveland Indians have only lost twice in the past month and remain atop ESPN’s MLB power rankings before the final week of the season.

The Cleveland Indians are 29-2 in their last 31 games. Let that sink in for a moment.

This type of dominance is unheard of, and may never be seen again. But for now, it is giving Indians fans a reason to rally behind this team heading into October.

Winning the World Series is the ultimate goal but one must still appreciate the kind of run the Indians have been on. The last 31 games have seen the Indians pull away and win the AL Central, summit the American League standings and pull into a race with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top spot in baseball.

Entering Monday, the Indians are just one game behind the Dodgers for that top record.

The dominance has also seen the Indians rise up ESPN’s MLB power rankings, where the team remains at No. 1 for a second straight week.

From the article:

"As he also makes his case to win American League MVP, Jose Ramirez is closing in on becoming the first Indians player in franchise history to hit 50 or more doubles, 30 or more homers, steal 15 or more bases and score 100 or more runs. He just needs one more homer this week. Will those feats and his flexibility to play a solid second or third base win over voters and make him the first Indian to win the award since Al Rosen in 1953? — Christina Kahrl, ESPN.com"

Not only is Ramirez making a case for AL MVP, but Corey Kluber has all but locked up his second AL Cy Young Award, even after missing an entire month of the 2017 season.

Francisco Lindor has 33 home runs, the team is just two wins away from 100 and a top overall seed is within reach. It has been a great regular season.

The focus will shift after this week, but fans should take this week to appreciate just how special the past month of Indians baseball has been. The MLB postseason is a crapshoot and nearly an even field for every team that makes it.

Next: Clevinger to the bullpen a smart move

I do believe the Indians are favorites to win it all, but no matter the outcome I will always remember the way this team closed out the 2017 regular season. Let’s just hope the great memories extend into the postseason.