Around AL Central: Cruz/Twins rumors, Hawk’s misery index & Gordon moves down

Terry Francona Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Indians

A few days ago, the Tigers received a Winter Report Card grade of C+ from Sports Illustrated. So how did the team that finished just behind them in the AL Central a year ago fare?

C-

"The Indians made the playoffs even while getting subpar seasons from Swisher, Michael Bourn, Asdrubal Cabrera and others. While it’s good that Antonetti didn’t overreact by selling low on Cabrera — who’s heading into his walk year, with top prospect Francisco Lindor waiting in the wings — banking on rebounds from the aforementioned trio is easier to justify than standing pat with what’s left of the rotation. While Antonetti has done a decent job with some low-cost moves, Cleveland likely needs to make at least one more substantial addition to have a shot at another playoff bid."

I am picking the Royals to finish in front of the Indians this year–but I mistakenly made that prediction last year too.

Despite the solid hiring of manager Terry Francona, most opposing fans sneered at Cleveland’s off-season. Namely the signing of old man river, Jason Giambi, and Tigers’ retread Ryan Raburn (among  others). No one expected them to win more than 90 games, finish one-game behind the Tigers and clinch a postseason berth for the first time since 2007, but they did just that.

In other words, no one should be discounting the Indians’ chances in 2014.