The Cleveland Indians are looking to continue to dominate the AL Central. However their window of opportunity is getting ready to close.
There was a time in 2017 when the Cleveland Indians appeared to be vulnerable. They were just two games up at the trade deadline, and seemingly unable to break out of a season long malaise following their loss in the 2016 World Series. And then, starting on August 24, the Indians went on an incredible run, winning 21 games in a row. Although they finished the year strong, adding another five game winning streak immediately after that 21 gamer ended, one had to wonder if Cleveland peaked too early.
This turned out to be the case. The Indians took the first two games from the Yankees, then lost a close 1-0 pitching duel between Masahiro Tanaka and Carlos Carrasco in Game Three. They never recovered, as New York came all the way back and eliminated the Indians from the postseason.
Cleveland heads into 2018 at a crossroads. Their window of opportunity appears to be closing, with Andrew Miller, Cody Allen, Michael Brantley, and Josh Tomlin set to be free agents after this year. The defections have already begun, as the Indians lost five players this offseason, including two other key bullpen pieces. Their quest to hold on as the team to beat in the AL Central will be a lot harder.
Can the Cleveland Indians make one last run this season? It may be a lot more difficult than one would think.