5 dark horse teams for 2015 MLB playoffs
By Mark Carman
4. Cleveland Indians
It has been a relatively quiet off-season for the Indians. There biggest additions were Brandon Moss and value starting-pitcher Gavin Floyd. Moss is coming off hip surgery, but has power numbers that should excite Indians fans (76 homers in 376 games with the A’s). Floyd is a low-risk Tommy John elbow-ligament flyer who could pay dividends at the back end of the rotation, as could well-traveled lefty Bruce Chen who recently signed a minor league contract.
The front end of that rotation boasts surprise Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber (18-9, 2.44, 269K). Kluber had a major innings jump which is always a concern, but was strong down the stretch, 1.73 ERA after the All-Star break a positive sign there was more in the tank. The Indians don’t need Kluber to be that good, just anchor the rotation. Carlos Carrasco needs to be more consistent to step into the 2 slot, but the talent is there.
Offensively, Nick Swisher can’t be any worse than .208/.278/.331. Swisher had off-season surgery menial meniscus repairs on both knees and is expected back playing games by mid-March. Same for Jason Kipnis whose season was ruined by either an oblique injury or a damaged tendon in his left ring finger. Kipnis had finger surgery and is a strong bet to vastly improve on last season’s .240/.310./.330. Michael Brantley will anchor the Indians attack. The American League Silver Slugger is only 27 and prime to build on his 2014 breakout year 327/.385/.506, 20 home runs, 97 RBI.
Detroit is the near consensus favorite in the revamped AL Central. The White Sox have added a Jeff Samardzija and David Robertson. The less heralded Indians are ready to steal the Central crown.
Next: 3 Toronto Blue Jays