Tuesday, April 1, 2014

What we think the Indians will do in 2014

altCleveland Indians 2014 Season 

April 1, 2014










88-74


Barely out of first place in the AL Central
I guess this year I am more optimistic than some, and more than Vegas. Last year starting pitching and offense was the mystery and the bullpen was supposed to be king. This year I'm thinking some big years from some contract players--who will be here past the trade deadline if the Tribe contends--carries the team to a successful year. But will need more than this to play meaningful games in October again.


Tom 




83-79

Second place in the AL Central

The Tribe falls short of the playoffs after an up-and-down season. The pitching staff will be the Achilles heel for the team as the campaign winds down. To that point, ace Justin Masterson won't make it past the trade deadline.
                 


                     


Doug 



89-73

Second place in AL Central


This is a solid Indians club even with the losses of two key members of the pitching staff from 2013. You've got to love the chemistry, and the lineup should be good enough to put the Tribe back in one of the wildcard slots. However, a quiet off-season has sapped some of my optimism. I'm hoping we don't have another 2007-08 situation, when the front office added nothing to a team that finished one game from the World Series, only to falter the following year






84-78
Second place, AL Central
Hard to handicap most MLB pitching staffs, but I don't see a Kazmir or 2nd half-Ubaldo on our roster. We learned last season that Tito's team will scrap, persevere and feed off the small successes of bench players. Still, the key to another playoff could be in Columbus right now- Trevor Bauer and his four-seam fastball.





87-75


Normally a stupid wresting analogy would go here. Maybe Justin Masterson is The Undertaker. Is Carlos Santana Randy Orton?


Ryan 



85-77
Second place, AL Central

Last year the starting pitching was better than anyone could have expected, they will need that again and I just don't see it. The good news is last year just about every offensive regular under performed, if even half of them could live up to expectations there is hope to be in playoff contention in September. I love the make up of the team, but Detroit just has too much talent.


Sean 





89-73


Second place in the AL Central

My brain tells me 89 wins but my heart aches for 92 or more. Unfortunately, I see the Tribe finishing in second and just out of reach for the post-season.