January 28, 2015
In 2014, the Cleveland Indians went 85-77, finishing just three games out of the second Wild Card spot. Manager Terry Francona has once worked his magic, turning a team that won just 68 games in 2012 to a team that won 92 and 85 games in 2013 and 2014, respectively. Cleveland is led by Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber. In 34 starts last season, Kluber went 18-9 with a 2.44 ERA and 269 strikeouts in 235 innings. Cleveland’s offense is led by outfielder Michael Brantley, first baseman Carlos Santana, and catcher Yan Gomes. Winning 85 games is an impressive feat for most teams, but in a division with the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals, Cleveland will need to push for 88-90 wins in order to make the playoffs. Brantley, who finished third in American League MVP voting, hit .327 with 20 home runs and 97 RBIs. Gomes and Santana combined for 48 home runs. Second baseman Jason Kipnis may be the key to Cleveland’s season. After posting consecutive seasons of 12+ home runs and 30+ stolen bases in 2012 and 2013, Kipnis hit just six home runs and stole 22 bases in 2014.
According to TicketIQ, the average price on the secondary market for Indians Opening Day tickets is $167.93, while the get-in price is $57. Ticket prices for Opening Day 2015 are higher than the last five Opening Days.
The higher ticket prices align with Cleveland’s rivalry with Detroit in the American League Central. Over the last five seasons, Detroit has been a mainstay atop the division standings. With Kluber anchoring the top of its rotation, Cleveland has an ace that can match-up against Justin Verlander. Cleveland must also contend with the defending American League champions, the Kansas City Royals. Kansas City and Cleveland battled it out in September and Kansas City ended up securing the second and final Wild Card berth. Expectations are high for Francona, Kluber, and Cleveland’s lineup of home run hitters.
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