2015 AL Central preview: Cleveland Indians

Aug 9, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Cleveland Indians left fielder Michael Brantley (23) rounds the bases on his home run during the eighth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Cleveland Indians won 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Last season: 85-77, 3rd in the AL Central

Notable players lost – none

Notable players added – 1B/OF Brandon Moss, SP Gavin Floyd

For the second year in a row, Terry Francona‘s Cleveland Indians put together a strong season, this time falling just short of the playoffs.

Going into the year, they appeared to be an ace and a hitter away from being a dangerous team. While they never actually acquired either player, two guys effectively emerged into those roles.

Corey Kluber was the best pitcher in the American League in the second half of last season and was rewarded with the Cy Young Award for his efforts. Michael Brantley finished top six in the AL in hits, doubles, runs and batting average and finished third in MVP voting.

In the offseason, the Indians added a left handed power bat in Brandon Moss and another potential arm for the rotation in Gavin Floyd without subtracting any pieces from the their core roster. Moss should make more of an impact than Floyd but overall the key for this team in 2015 will be their regulars playing up to their abilities.

Here is more on the 2015 Cleveland Indians.

Next: Indians: Projected Lineup