Cleveland Indians: 2005-2007
The run of success for the Cleveland franchise in the mid-2000’s was much shorter-lived than its previous stretches. However, this was a good team with solid contributors up and down the lineup. The team averaged over 800 runs during this time and was pretty much average or better at every position.
These teams were unique compared to the earlier iterations of successful Indians teams as they had productive hitters, Victor Martinez and Jhonny Peralta, at the catcher and shortstop positions while the previous groups prioritized defense at those positions. The 2005 team also had two players, Aaron Boone and Alex Cora, who are both first-time Major League managers this year for the Yankees and the Red Sox respectively.
Cleveland Indians: The Present
This current run of success that the Indians are enjoying began in 2013 when the team won 92 games and played in the AL Wild Card game. While it took a few years to put it all together, the Indians are now a legitimate World Series contender. The pitching staff has been the trademark of this era, but the Indians have some offensive firepower as well.
Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez are two of the most exciting young players in the game. Along with veteran slugger, Edwin Encarnacion, these guys are surrounded by players with tons of potential. Yan Gomes was a five-win player back in 2013 and could regain some of that magic.
Tyler Naquin was a rookie of the year candidate two years ago and is getting another chance in 2018. Michael Brantley can be one of the best hitters in the American League when he is healthy; it’s a matter of keeping him on the field. This could potentially be a very special offensive group, but how does it compare to these other past, great teams?