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Indians Move Up In Late April ESPN MLB Power Rankings

By Steven Kubitza April 23, 2021 @kubitzawrites

Cleveland Indians designated hitter Franmil Reyes (32) celebrates with Cleveland Indians outfielder Josh Naylor (22) after hitting his second hopme run of the game during the sixth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and Cleveland Indians on April 9, 2021, at Progressive Field in Cleveland, OH.
(Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

 

The Cleveland Indians are not exactly top contenders in the American League.

But there is nothing bad about an 8-9 start that has the team right in the mix in the American League Central division.

The Indians are a weird team in 2021.

They could easily finish first or last in the division and either realities would make sense.

It all depends on whether the offense can step up and support the dominant pitching staff.

So far the team at ESPN seems to have faith in the Indians.

Cleveland actually moved up to No. 14 overall in the latest ESPN MLB power rankings in the third set of the season.

That is five spots higher than the first-place Kansas City Royals.

Meanwhile, the second-place Chicago White Sox are ranked No. 7 overall.

That offers up some reference for how the rankings vary early in the year.

Even the last-place Minnesota Twins are ranked one spot ahead of the Indians.

Let's get back on track tonight, okay?#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/AkOcmsSOFN

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) April 23, 2021

 

Deciphering Early Power Rankings

The Indians had a disappointing game Thursday night.

A 6-3 loss against the struggling New York Yankees was not what fans had in mind.

However, it was only the first game of a four-game series.

The Indians are not in any sort of free-fall and the talent in the rotation and bullpen explains why the ranking remains in the top half of MLB.

The Yankees also remain a weak opponent and it would be a shock if the Indians don’t at least split the series.

Minnesota showing up ahead of the Indians proves that April power rankings remain a big guess.

The Twins entered the year as AL Central favorites and a 6-11 start, in the midst of COVID-19 issues, will not change the overall outlook of the season.

 

Outlook for Remainder of 2021

The Indians are doing just about as expected.

The pitching is strong and the offense is struggling.

Aaron Civale, 91mph Fastball (foul) and 77mph Curveball (swinging K), Overlay pic.twitter.com/R5wTYyswx2

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 22, 2021

Terry Francona continues to use platoons at several positions and that should indicate long-term decisions will be made later this year.

Fans should also keep in mind that players like Bobby Bradley, Nolan Jones, Daniel Johnson, and others could reach the majors at some point this year.

That is true whether the team is a contender or not.

Young players can join the major league squad later this summer and the Indians can maintain that valuable team control.

While it is frustrating to hold young talent down, it is all part of the business.

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Filed Under: Cleveland Guardians Rumors And News (Updated Daily), Cleveland Indians News And Rumors (Updated Daily) Tagged With: cleveland indians

About Steven Kubitza

Steven has been an Indians fan since the day he was born. Lucky enough to not remember the World Series losses in the 90s, he will never forget the magic and the heartbreak of Game 7 in 2016. He wore the No. 13 playing baseball growing up because of Omar and still rocks a Cody Allen jersey for good luck.

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