Cleveland Indians: Previewing the Opening Series

Storylines

“WHO ARE YOU PEOPLE?”

I certainly look forward to watching my favorite players line Frankie Lindor, Jason Kipnis, Michael Brantley, and Yan Gomes play this series. What? None of them are playing you say? Brantley and Gomes are gone? WHO IS ERIC STAMETS. Yes Indians fans, this lineup isn’t exactly exciting. Hanley Ramirez is looking to play a Mike Napoli-type role with this team, and they have a lot of youngsters.

Obviously, Lindor and Kipnis will be back but until then, we have to get used to some of these unfamiliar faces. I’m sure everyone will think very rationally if they get off to a slow start.

The battle for the AL Central

Some of us thought the White Sox could contend, but it really comes down to two teams in the Central. I fully expect this season to go similarly to 2017 when the Indians and Twins were neck and neck all year. Obviously, it’s too early to make a call, but these matchups will hold a lot of weight for these two teams.

Worse/best case scenario

Worst case: 0-3 series loss

Let’s face it, we’re all nervous about this lineup. Ramirez may not be fully healthy, and we don’t have the aforementioned players. The Twins have a strong lineup and they could steal this series from the Indians top starters if they force them out of the game early. We haven’t even discussed the bullpen. The Tribe ‘pen could be the x-factor here… for better or worse.

Best case: 2-1 series win

I don’t see the Indians sweeping this series. If you’re thinking rationally, it’s a smart thing to think. There’s a lot of questions facing this team and they have some work to do. Like I said this will be a roller coaster of a summer. I’d like that roller coaster to start off going up.

The series begins Thursday at 4:10 PM with a random day off on Friday for whatever reason. You know it’s baseball season when I’m already complaining about the schedule.