Cleveland Indians Pitchers: 2015 Team Preview
Aug 21, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber (28) walks back to the dugout after the fourth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Minnesota Twins win 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
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Like his Indians’ teammate, Michael Brantley, Corey Kluber was one of the biggest breakthrough players in the 2014 season. Kluber won the AL Cy Young, but he still offers value in 2015 because he has staying power as a potential top five SP. I believe that he will be drafted a little below his worth as you can read here because Kluber only has one year of greatness under his belt.
Carlos Carrasco is everyone’s sleeper in 2015. As you can see based on these projections, big things are expected from Carrasco next season. In 2014, Carlos Carrasco made 14 starts to the tune of a 2.55 ERA, .99 WHIP, and a 9.40 K/9. There are plenty of write-ups across the Internet on why Carlos Carrasco is this year’s Corey Kluber.
Danny Salazar also has big strikeout potential and was a 2014 sleeper, but he ultimately disappointed last season when he was demoted to AAA for a brief stint. However, Salazar posted a 9.82 K/9, 3.52 FIP, 3.45 xFIP, and 3.33 SIERA as he was crushed by an unlucky .343 BABIP. While a repeat of that BABIP is unlikely, the Indians do have a terrible defense. Danny Salazar is now the perfect post-hype sleeper.
Keep an eye on T.J. House because he could be yet another sleeper candidate in the rotation of the Cleveland Indians if he earns a spot. If House becomes a starter for the Indians, then I will investigate him much further. As for now, T.J. House is a last round flyer.
I also like Cody Allen getting the ball in the ninth from Opening Day to be a top 10 closer this season. He posted great numbers in his first go as the closer, and I feel confident that Allen will secure more saves in 2015. Plus, I really like the fact that Cody Allen has a career 10.97 K/9.
Tanner Bell of Smart Fantasy Baseball has created all of the projections seen in this post. You can read about how he develops his projections here. His projections are invaluable to this site. You can also visit his site at www.smartfantasybaseball.com.