Cleveland Indians Roundtable: The Tribe will win the World Series if…

David Gasper

That’s a very good point. The development of those young relievers is big. But there’s one big thing that is will practically guarantee the Tribe’s World Series victory: Staying healthy. The Indians will win the World Series simply if they stay healthy.

Think about it. They have one of the deepest and best rotations in baseball, when healthy. Danny Salazar doesn’t appear to be healthy right now. Carlos Carrasco has dealt with injuries in the past. In 2016, it was really only Corey Kluber that was fully healthy with Carrasco and Salazar both hurt and Trevor Bauer dealing with his drone injury. If all of them were healthy for that series, they would’ve won.

The outfield right now has a bunch of serious question marks. Michael Brantley is a good player, but isn’t healthy right now. Lonnie Chisenhall has had issues staying healthy. The Tribe could have some very unproven players in their outfield should the starters not stay on the field. Indians fans could see players like Greg Allen, Tyler Naquin, Melvin Upton, Jr., and Rajai Davis in the lineup. As nostalgic or as young as that could potentially be, that doesn’t sound like a World Series winning outfield to me.

But with a healthy and productive outfield of Brantley, Zimmer, and Chisenhall, that gives the Indians their best chance to win a title.

The infield doesn’t have anyone with questionable injury pasts, but it includes the big hitters in the lineup. Keeping Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Jason Kipnis, and Yonder Alonso on the field is vital. Again, no real concerns with any of them but a freak injury could happen at any moment.

The bullpen is a position group that is getting more and more important across baseball. The two best relievers are Andrew Miller and Cody Allen. Keeping them healthy is crucial. Again, no real concerns there right now, but as pitchers especially, injuries can strike at any time. Just ask Brent Honeywell of the Rays.

If the Cleveland Indians can keep their rotation healthy, their bullpen healthy, and their lineup healthy, they have the team to win the World Series. The talent is there, they just need to keep it on the field.