MLB: The Five Best Front Offices in Baseball Right Now
By s.a. rose
- Cleveland Indians / Chris Antonetti
Although a lot of the credit for the make-up and organizational philosophy in Cleveland is given to the President of their ALCS opponents, Chris Antonetti and Mike Chernoff followed the road map Mark Shapiro left them when he went to Toronto and it led them to extra-innings in Game 7 of the World Series. Of course, the only parade in Cleveland this year has been for basketball but this a team on the upswing with a flexible payroll that should have a chance to compete for titles going forward.
Home-grown assets like Francisco Lindor and a steady organizational philosophy are the blueprint for success in a small market and Cleveland looks to have staying power as Lindor, a healthy Michael Brantley and a top 5 rotation should allow them to keep payroll steady and hold off the Tigers and Royals in the AL Central.
2016 Results: AL Central Champs; 94-67 (AL Pennant Winners)
Cost per Win (2016): $1,220,296.47 (Rank: 4th)
Best Winter Moves: Trevor Bauer (2012)
Other Impressive Moves: ALCS MVP Andrew Miller trade (2016)
Top Talent Coming Soon: Francisco Mejia (C), Bobby Bradley (1B), Bradley Zimmer (OF), Brady Aiken (SP)
What Can We Expect From the AL Champs this week? Low-key, 2nd tier signings which in this Free Agency class is a good thing