Cleveland Indians Spring Training Preview

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The look on Cleveland Indians manager's face Terry Francona, tells you all you need to know in how close the Cleveland Indians were to winning the championship last season. They blew a 3-1 series lead to the Chicago Cubs. Cleveland has unfinished business to take care off this season and they will be playing with a chip on their shoulder.

The Indians have one of the most underrated pitching staffs in the MLB. Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco, Danny Salzar, Trevor Bauer, and Josh Tomlin will most likely be the starting rotation for Cleveland. They also have Mike Clevinger and Cody Anderson as well.

Andrew Miller will probably be the mid-relief and set up man for the Indians, as Cody Allen will probably be the closer.

Yan Gomes and Roberto Perez will battle for the starting catching position, but prospect Francisco Mejia could very much give them both a run for there money. It is very possible he can start some games behind the plate this season. He is the number four prospect in the Indians farm system.

In the infield, Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor, and Jose Rameriz are clear cut starters. Edwin Encarnacion and Carlos Santana will most likely split time between first base and designated hitter duties.

Michael Brantley, Tyler Naquin, and Lonnie Chisenhall, will most likely be the starting outfield.

Projected opening day lineup: 1. (1B) Carlos Santana 2. (2B) Jason Kipnis 3. (SS) Francisco Lindor 4. (DH) Edwin Encarnacion 5. (3B) Jose Rameriz 6. (LF) Michael Brantley 7. (CF) Tyler Naquin 8. (RF) Lonnie Chisenhall 9. (C) Yan Gomes

Cleveland opens with the Texas Rangers on April 3rd on the road, but the Indians home opener is April 11th against the Chicago White Sox.