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Tribe has path paved for repeat run in 2017
- Updated: December 30, 2016
CLEVELAND — The Indians like how they are situated, coming off a division championship, the American League pennant and pushing the Cubs to the limit in the World Series. As the club plans for next year, there is comfort in knowing that most of the roster is returning, and with more experience.
“It’s definitely a good feeling going into the offseason feeling like we have a really good core in place,” Indians general manager Mike Chernoff said. “A lot of that core is here even beyond this year for 2017 and going forward. So it feels like there’s a lot to build around. We know we have a championship-caliber team that hopefully can compete — not just for one year, but for multiple years.”
The Indians have a talented rotation led by Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. The bullpen is anchored by relief ace Andrew Miller and closer Cody Allen. The lineup has an emerging star in Francisco Lindor, a leader in Jason Kipnis and a breakout performer in Jose Ramirez, among others. Michael Brantley is expected to be back healthy and the Indians have agreed to a three-year deal to add slugger Edwin Encarnacion to the fold, too. Two-time Manager of the Year Terry Francona will continue to pull the levers.
The Indians look to be in a great spot as 2017 approaches, but there are still questions:
1. Can the Indians repeat as AL Central champs?
The White Sox made it clear that they are rebuilding, with the trades of ace Chris Sale and Adam Eaton this offseason. The Tigers are also reportedly looking to shed some of their big contracts. The Royals declined last year after winning the World Series in 2015. The Twins are a team in transition. Given the landscape of the division, the Indians will head into ’17 as the clear favorites to win the AL Central crown again. Cleveland will also be one of the heavy favorites in the AL, given its run to the World Series and the fact that the bulk of its roster remains intact.
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