Nobody would have expected the Indians to make the World Series last year. It was unfathomable. Everyone thought that either the Royals would repeat, or someone like Boston would make a fun. The Indians were placing third in everyone's book. So it was all the more satisfying when they broke out of the woodwork.
Now...what they have to do this season is possibly harder than last season. They have to prove they're not a fluke.
I mean, it's easy enough in theory- Francisco Lindor, Corey Kluber and Carlos Santana are already playing well, Francona's still the skipper, and the feel is close to where it was last year. However, the elements of spontaneity, like Rajai Davis, Mike Napoli and Coco Crisp on the bench, are all gone. Everything that was surprising last year is routine this year- teams can prepare, they can control the madness. Which is a problem.
Look, the addition of Edwin Encarnacion was a smart move, as well as the decision to keep Brandon Guyer. But still, now that everything is ironed out, and everything that was good last year has been trusted to remain good this year...there's less of a chance that it will.
I want the Indians to succeed, but since they have succeeded quite recently, I don't know if they well again, at least to that degree. They could, and they definitely have the potential to, but I'm not sure if they're at 'dynasty' levels yet.
That being said...if Francisco Lindor stays this awesome, they could be getting there very soon.
Coming Tonight: One of the guys Lindor played last October, a menace on the mound.
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