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The Cleveland Indians are coming off their third consecutive .500-or-better season, but have seen its win total dip from 92 in 2013, to 85 in 2014 to then 81 a year ago. This included winning 23 of their last 37 games as rookie phenom Francisco Lindor provided a late-season spark to propel the then 58-66 Indians into the playoff conversation.
However, with the Kansas City Royals still the recent class of the division, the Minnesota Twins finishing second a year ago, and the Chicago White Sox and Detroit Tigers each making considerable offseason changes, the pressure is still on Cleveland. While not considered to be a big-spending team, the Indians made some under-the-radar moves by signing much-needed power-bat Mike Napoli and speedy-outfielder Rajai Davis who can spell injured Michael Brantley. Despite trade rumors swirling around its pitching staff, Cleveland elected to retain its staff from a year ago, including dominant closer Cody Allen.
The majority of questions surrounding the Tribe in 2016 revolve around their offense so let’s take a look at them.
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