1995 Cleveland Indians

Sadly, the historic and iconic name "Indians" will be gone next season. So let's honor the greatest Indians team in recent memory by highlighting the 1995 team that came within 2 wins of a world championship. In '95 they won 100 games and ran away with the AL Central by 30 games. They bullied the Red Sox and pushed aside the Mariners en route to the AL flag and try for the first title since 1948...only to run into the teeth of a potential dynasty with Atlanta winning instead it's first title in their cities history.

Lofton was their leadoff guy and made it his mission to make trouble on the base paths. Very ho-hum card until you notice that 11-16 single+ on his chart. Either leading off an inning or utilizing a "Long single" strategy card for someone in the way, you can easily put Lofton into scoring position 50% of the time if he gets the advantage.

Neither catcher makes me really enticed, but no strikeouts or walks for either means something will always be happening with guys on base when these guys roll with advantage.

Vizquel ONLY a +3 at SS? Thome at 3B? Murray a +1 1B despite being the DH that year while Sorrento was a +0 and the actual regular fielder? Indians had a weird infield in 95. Not bad power on display for Sorrento if you can rationalize that 7 on-base.

Where Lofton and Baerga set them up, it was Belle and Ramirez to knock em in. Belle is unquestionably the star of the offense with that 10 on-base and great power. Ramirez isn't that far behind, but a step down in every aspect with that +0 defense looks tough when compared to Albert.
Kirby is an easy pass. Plenty of outfielders with A speed who can actually go deep and do more than a 5 on-base.
Oh yeah, Winfield played for the Indians...may wanna opt for a Yankees or Padres card for that guy. End of career is rough...

Not the worst starters ever...but they looked so sadly human when you remember that theses guys tried to match up against the 3-headed monster of Maddux-Smoltz-Glavine in the 95 World Series. Nagy is pretty average and the others are a slight upgrade. Pitching was more than enough when you factor in their offense.

Solid bullpen. Control of 6 is the only excuse to run someone out from the pen with a 16+ letting guys on chart. Plunk and Mesa will hold their own with no extra base hits and half their chart preventing runners from ever advancing.

Manager

Infield Coach

Hitting Coach

1st Base Coach

3rd Base Coach

Pitching Coach

A couple All Stars and even a Rookie of the Year in this group of coaches. Manuel would go on to manage the Indians himself not too long after his coaching stint. Mark Wiley's best season above isn't exactly what I would want from my pitching coach though...