There is plenty to be excited about heading into 2018 if you’re a Cleveland Indians fan. Just two seasons ago the Indians were one game away from winning the World Series. Last year Cleveland led the American League with a 102-60 record, including an American League record 22 game winning streak that began in late August. Despite a disappointing playoff loss in the ALDS last season, the Indians are in the midst of one of the best stretches in Cleveland sports history. Terry Francona and the Indians enter 2018 as one of the favorites to win the World Series once again.
Francisco Lindor, nicknamed “Mr. Smile,” is the type of franchise player any organization would be lucky to have. The spark of energy he brings to every game is contagious on his teammates, creating a special baseball environment at Progressive Field. Jose Ramirez has also emerged as one of the best young infielders in Major League Baseball. He finished third in the American League MVP voting last season, tallying more votes than everyone except Jose Altuve and Aaron Judge. The Indians also signed first baseman Yonder Alonso to a 2 year, $16 million contract in the off-season to add more power to a lineup that already has Lindor, Ramirez, and slugger Edwin Encarnacion. With the versatile Jason Kipnis and Michael Brantley bouncing around multiple positions, the Indians are poised to roll out one of baseball’s best starting lineups in 2018.
Where the Indians truly excel is on the mound. Corey Kluber won the AL Cy Young award last season, making it the second time in four seasons that he has won the award. Kluber is one of the most electric and dominant starting pitchers in all of baseball. Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer were excellent last year as well, adding depth to the Indians pitching staff. For the Indians rotation to take the next step, Danny Salazar and Josh Tomlin will need to become more consistent at the backend of the rotation.
Terry Francona will once again have an elite bullpen to manage in the late innings of games. Despite the departure of Brian Shaw to free agency, Cody Allen and Andrew Miller remain dominant bullpen arms for Cleveland. Francona uses Andrew Miller in what he feels is the most important part of each game regardless of what inning it is, which has revolutionized how managers use their bullpens. Expect Miller to be extremely versatile and effective yet again in 2018.
Progressive Field luxury suites are a great way to watch Cleveland Indians baseball. Luxury boxes for the Indians will generally accommodate groups of 16–24 guests. With your Indians suite, guests will enter Progressive Field through a private entrance and have exclusive access to VIP clubs. Premium in-suite catering can be arranged for the suite in advance. Each Indians suite will feature balcony seating, interior lounge seating, HDTVs, Wi-Fi and a suite attendant.
