The Redemption Of The Cleveland Indians

Well, the Indians are in second place in the AL Central. They are only half a game out from the Tigers, and look like they could be in the hunt for a playoff spot, whether it would be a wild card or the division crown. But, after finishing 68-94 last year, what happened to the Indians? Well, just take a look at their opening day lineups from 2012 and 2013.

2012 (68-94):

1. Michael Brantley, CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
3. Shin-Soo Choo, RF
4. Carlos Santana, C
5. Travis Hafner, DH
6. Shelley Duncan, LF
7. Casey Kotchman, 1B
8. Jason Kipnis, 2B
9. Jack Hannahan, 3B

2013 (27-21, Through May 25):
1. Michael Bourn, CF
2. Asdrubal Cabrera, SS
3. Jason Kipnis, 2B
4. Nick Swisher, 1B
5. Michael Brantley, LF
6. Carlos Santana, C
7. Mark Reynolds, DH
8. Lonnie Chisenhall, 3B
9. Drew Stubbs, RF

A lot has changed in the Indians over the past two years. Getting Nick Swisher and Michael Bourn helped a lot, but losing Shin-Soo Choo hurts, as he is a very good leadoff man for the Cincinnati Reds. Also, the pitching has gotten better with an ERA of 4.78 (Last in AL) in 2012, compared to a 4.24 ERA (8th in AL) in 2013. Their runs per game also has improved, from a 4.12 RPG in 2012, to a 5.06 RPG this season. This improvement has been the main cog of their recent success this year. Was the improvement just Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher? I doubt it. Their GM also signed Jason Giambi, who's been a successful DH, even in his later years. And, they have Terry Francona, a great manager, who managed the '04 and '07 World Series winning Red Sox.

The Indians are on the rise, without any signs of slowing down. They have a good pitching staff, but an even better lineup.

I think the Indians will make the playoffs for the first time since 2007, and win the AL Central within the next three years. If all goes well, the AL Cental division crown could be in Cleveland this year.