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Knowing the competition: Cleveland Indians

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Nick Swisher has 9 consecutive 20+ homer seasons heading into 2014. (Photo courtesy of buckeyeplanet.com)

Threat Level: 7
The Indians were an overachieving bunch last year and a big reason why was how well Ubaldo Jimenez pitched. However, Jimenez did not resign with the Tribe and now they have a pitching staff comprised of pitchers all under 30. They could all gel and pitch well, but it’s more than likely this staff will go through some swings. Thankfully, for them, they have an offense. Jason Kipnis and Asdrubal Cabrera are excellent hitting middle infielders and Santana has a lot of pop from the catcher’s position. This team will live and die by their youth.

 

Major Acquisition: John Axford
Axford signed a 1 year deal with the Tribe to become their closer. Axford seems to have put his best days behind him, as he has blown 16 saves over the last 2 seasons after only blowing 5 the 2 seasons prior. Maybe a change of scenery can turn things around for him.

 

Projected Lineup

1. Michael Bourn CF
2. Nick Swisher 1B
3. Jason Kipnis 2B
4. Carlos Santana DH
5. Michael Brantley LF
6. Ryan Raburn LF
7. David Murphy RF
8. Lonnie Chisenhall 3B
9. Yan Gomes C

 

Projected Starting Rotation

1. Justin Masterson RHP
2. Corey Kluber RHP
3. Zach McAllister RHP
4. Danny Salazar RHP
5. Josh Tomlin RHP

 

Closer

John Axford RHP

 

Yankee Killer: Michael Bourn
Although Bourn’s number’s are fairly modest (.275 BA, 10 RS in 17 games), he did hit .316 in 5 games against the Yankees in 2013. So, there’s that.

Indian Killer: Derek Jeter
Jeter has a .338 batting average against the Tribe in 132 games. Even more impressive are his numbers in Cleveland, where he bats .359.

 

When They Play The Yankees:

IN NY: 8/8-8/10.

IN Cle: 7/7-7/10.