Cleveland Indians: Grading the team’s World Series chances

The Cleveland Indians didn’t make a major move before the trade deadline but still have time to make some moves before the waiver deadline.

It is easy to get caught up in the excitement that surrounds the baseball world before the trade deadline. When you hear that the Cleveland Indians called about Bryce Harper, the excitement reaches insane levels.

But the deadline passed and Leonys Martin was the outfielder headed to Cleveland. He is a solid pickup, although no one was running around screaming with joy when the move was announced.

Martin joins Adam Cimber and Brad Hand as the newest Indians. There should be another name or two added to the list before the month of August ends.

The new additions are all solid and helped the Indians receive a nice grade in a recent FanSided article grading each team’s World Series chances following all the deadline moves. The Indians ended up with a B+.

Here is some of what was said about the team:

"Cleveland has what it takes to make another run in 2018, and they certainly have the right manager pushing the buttons in Terry Francona. It will be hard to overcome the likes of the New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Boston Red Sox, but if anyone can do it, it is Tito."

It is obvious that right now, the Yankees, Astros and Red Sox stand out as the favorites in the American League. But we also know that the postseason is a time of surprise and random hot and cold streaks. One bad outing from an opposing star pitcher and the Indians could steal a series.

A grade of B+ is fair and is much better than what fans of some other teams are dealing with. I forget what it’s like to wait for the season to mercifully end and I’m glad I am not going through that now.

Now we can look forward to adding an outfielder or perhaps another bullpen arm before the month of August comes to an end and the roster expands in September.