CLEVELAND INDIANS
Team Strengths: Cleveland assembled the American League’s top rotation by acquiring Corey Kluber, Trevor Bauer, Carlos Carrasco and Mike Clevinger as prospects, and currently there are homegrown arms to supplement them. Shane Bieber has ably stepped in with Danny Salazar addled with injuries, and No. 1 prospect Triston McKenzie can debut in 2019.
Team Weaknesses: Tyler Naquin and Bradley Zimmer haven’t developed as hoped, leaving the Indians dangerously brief in the outfield. The team is now even milder after Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall departed in free agency. A bullpen that had the majors’ ERA was also depleted Cody Allen and by Andrew Miller leaving.
They Were About ItThe Indians substituted Edwin Encarnacion and Yonder Alonso at designated hitter and first base, respectively, together with Carlos Santana and Jake Bauers, but didn’t address the team’s primary shortcomings. Jordan Luplow and Daniel Johnson were their only outfield additions, and Nick Wittgren was their sole bullpen addition not on a minor league deal.
Final Outlook: The Indians are more vulnerable than they have been in years, particularly if Francisco Lindor’s calf injury lingers. Still, the overall weakness of the AL Central nevertheless makes them the preferred for a fourth consecutive division title.
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