Cleveland Indians: Who’s about to burst in ’16?
February 20, 2016
Hot dogs, peanuts, cracker jacks, nachos, and oh boy, so much more.
What’s better than sitting back on a toasty summer day than watching baseball? NOTHING.
Believe it or not, Indians Spring Training is right around the corner, which means so is Opening Day on Friday, April 1st.
The team has made some great acquisitions in my eyes, and they’re definitely in a better place now than at the same time last year. What typically makes me laugh is when people say Mike Napoli won’t impact the team because he’s 34-years old.
Give me a break.
The guy’s stronger than ever, he’s had respectable success the past couple seasons, and one of his trademarks, his beard, is still as long as can be.
Now, people are always chirping: who’s going to breakout and who’s going to be a bust? Folks, it’s Cleveland. Anything and everything happens here.
But for the Tribe this season, there are three players you can expect to do well, and three players who I plan on breaking out.
Number one guarantee, Michael Brantley: The man’s a Cleveland legend at this point. He’s number 23—same as his fellow-King right across the street—and he’s been arguably the most consistent player the past couple seasons. Dr. Smooth will continue to be Dr. Smooth.
Number two guarantee, Jason Kipnis: This is almost another for sure name for the Tribe to have as an everyday, consistent, fun, energetic player. Frankly, he’s fun to watch. Whether it be the way he miraculously jumps almost eleven feet in the air even though he’s only 5’11, or it be his dancing in the dugouts during the game, JK Kid will have another great campaign in 2016.
Number three guarantee, Francisco Lindor: The dude’s entering his second season, and he’s going to be arguably a top-three player, if not the best, by the end of the season. Tribe fans, Lindor is something to cherish while he stays in Cleveland, which I hope will be for his whole career, but you never know. He’s confident and extremely talented. Don’t put it by him to be an All-Star come July.
Number one breakout, Yan Gomes: Yeah, yeah, the man already had a stellar-breakout season in 2014, but 2015 wasn’t anything similar to those numbers. He struggled big-time in ‘15, which gives me fair ground to call the Yanimal a breakout potential player in 2016. He has what it takes, knows what it takes, and shoot, he’s even done what it takes. He needed the offseason, and now that it’s coming to a close, he’s getting ready to break back out.
Number two breakout, Bradley Zimmer: So, he’s never seen big league action before, but that’s not a worry. Zimmer is a top prospect in the Tribe organization and he’s been lighting it up. He’s young, fast, and powerful and could potentially fill a role in the outfield when the injuries start to occur (hopefully they don’t, but at some point it’s bound to happen).
Number three breakout, Carlos Carrasco: I think this pick is actually a no-brainer. Carrasco has had what it takes since he came to the club, he’s just always missing one thing and that one thing comes back and bites him every time. Now, it’s his time. I see him being the team’s ace, in regards to his statistics, by the end of the season and up for award contention. It’s your time to shine, Carlos. Let’s see it.