Cleveland Indians: Rounding up all the top stories from 2017

Cleveland Indians fans will have high expectations in 2018, but before we look ahead let’s look back at all the top stories from 2017.

The final weekday of 2017 is here and it is almost time to relax and hide from the bitter cold as we prepare to welcome 2018’s arrival.

Cleveland Indians fans are looking forward to a better result in 2018 than the nightmare ending to the 2017 season, and a new number on the calendar provides a nice fresh start. The memories of 2017 will never go away, but a little bit of hope does wonders this time of year in Cleveland.

But as it is still freezing outside and Spring Training is about two months away, now is the perfect time to take comprehensive look back at everything that happened with the Indians in 2017. From optimism in January to shock in October, there was a lot to talk about.

Let’s break down all the biggest stories from the year, starting with a calm January after the disappointing but inspiring end to the 2016 season.

January

The beginning of the year always provides new hope, and that was especially true last January. The Indians were two months removed from nearly winning the World Series, and fans had the feeling that 2017 would be the year.

That wasn’t the case, but it is interesting to look back at the hype and the feelings surrounding the team after such a crazy finish in 2016.

The odd feeling of the big contract

The offseason is a time for hype (videos)

What do you want to see in 2017?

February

February was the time when baseball was right around the corner and the season previews began. We dove in with some Spring Training previews, which are interesting to see when looking back and comparing them with the final results of the season.

5 key Spring Training storylines to follow

5 position players with the most to prove this spring

Determining a successful 2017 for Edwin Encarnacion

March

March brought some Spring Training action and continued the previews. We also ran our prospect countdown, which was done wonderfully by Matt Bretz. The most interesting piece may be one on Carlos Santana’s potential departure, which was unfortunately something that became all too real.

Roberto Perez: Analyzing the value of Cleveland’s defense-first catcher

Carlos Santana and the inevitability of moving on

Cleveland Indians 2017 top prospects: No. 1, Bradley Zimmer

Indians make Jose Ramirez deal official and it’s perfect for club’s future

5 most important players in 2017

April

Baseball was back and the Indians were rolling. The team finished April atop the American League Central after returning with a bang both on the road and at home.

3 main storylines at the outset of the season

Michael Brantley caps off a special home opener

The Cleveland Indians and starting pitcher maintenance

Indians finish April in first place in the AL Central

May

May was a month that saw Corey Kluber hit the DL, Bradley Zimmer make his debut and Mike Clevinger break out as a solid option in the rotation.

Several players looking for a fresh start in May

Mike Clevinger made a statement in his 2017 debut

Cleveland Indians Minor Leagues Review: April’s best hitters and pitchers

Bradley Zimmer making his MLB debut tonight

June

The quest to return to the postseason continued in June, as Kluber returned and began to dominate while Mike Napoli made his return to Cleveland as a member of the Texas Rangers.

5 best first-round draft picks in club history

Flipping the switch in June?

Cleveland Indians 2017 Draft: A job well done despite no first-round pick

Mike Napoli makes his return to Progressive Field

July

The Indians weren’t playing at an elite level in July, but that would quickly change in August. The month also saw the Indians send a large contingent to the All-Star Game at a time when Terry Francona’s health was in question. Luckily, everything turned out fine for Cleveland’s favorite manager.

Jose Ramirez highlights 2017 All-Star class

Terry Francona’s health more important than any game

The lazy attendance narrative is dead

Edwin Encarnacion finally had his big moment

August

August was an exciting time as the Indians had acquired Jay Bruce and The Streak began. Little did we know, it was to become something much greater in September.

Recapping the trade deadline

Cleveland Indians Minor League Review: Best of the first half of 2017

Jay Bruce shines in his first start

August injuries could lead to October celebrations

September

September was a special month as the Indians seemingly couldn’t lose and The Streak resulted in the team wrapping up another AL Central title. Optimism was high and there was a special feeling in the city.

Indians survive the supposedly daunting month of August

Evaluating Jason Kipnis’ future in Cleveland

Appreciating this historical streak in the moment

How the AL Central was won in 2017

October

Do we have to talk about October?

The month was a shocking one, to say the least. From up 2-0 to out of the playoffs in a matter of days, this playoff exit was tough to cope with.

The confusing order of the starting rotation

Breaking down the insanity in the ALDS Game 2 victory

The danger in expectations

A look back at 10 preseason predictions

November

November was a slow month and Indians fans were still reeling from the frustrating end to the season. The focus was on what was to come in the offseason, and it was also time to hand out some awards.

Taking in Corey Kluber’s greatness

A good season or a great season in 2017?

What our staff is thankful for heading into 2018

December

Here we are, ready to welcome in a new year. This month has seen several key players leave town, but optimism should still be high as 2018 arrives in just a few days.

Hall of Fame chances for Jim Thome and Omar Vizquel

Corey Kluber’s potential road to Cooperstown

A farewell to Carlos Santana

Thank you for reading all our work in 2017 and we hope you join us once again in 2018!