A.M. Wahoo’s: Indians Clinch AL Central Title

Taking a look at the news surrounding the Cleveland Indians and the rest of the MLB on the morning of September 27, 2016.

The Cleveland Indians are back in the playoffs. And this time, it will be as a division winner.

The Indians clinched the team’s first AL Central title since 2007 with a 7-4 win over the Detroit Tigers Monday night, starting the biggest party at Napoli’s so far in 2016.

The only negative from the game was the fact Corey Kluber left the game after four innings with right groin tightness, although it does not seem to be anything serious.

For now, let’s enjoy this division title as the Indians now try to win home-field advantage for the duration of the playoffs. While we wait for tonight’s game, let’s take a look at the news surrounding the Indians and the rest of the MLB in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.

Cleveland Indians News:

Cleveland Indians Clinch American League Central Title

"It’s official. The Cleveland Indians are the 2016 American League Central Division champions. Has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? The Tribe wrapped up its first division crown since 2007 on Monday night with a 7-4 victory over the rival Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park."

Why Terry Francona Should Be AL Manager of the Year

"When the Cleveland Indians take the field on Monday night in Detroit, they will do so with a chance to clinch the American League Central Division championship for the first time since 2007. When one considers what the club has endured to reach this point in 2016, there are a plethora of explanations, but much of the Tribe’s success can be traced back to one common denominator: Terry Francona."

The Cleveland Indians are Playoff Bound (Let’s Go Tribe)

"The Cleveland Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers 7-4 tonight and clinched the AL Central Division. The team returns to the playoffs for the first time since 2013, and it is their first division win since 2007. Coco Crisp contributed a two-run home run to open the scoring, and Roberto Perez notched three hits, two RBI, and a run, all coming in critical moments of the game."

Kluber Exits Start With Right Groin Tightness (Indians.com)

"Indians ace Corey Kluber was forced to exit Monday’s game against the Tigers with a groin injury. Cleveland still went on to win, 7-4, clinching its first American League Central title since 2007."

Indians Turn Comerica Park Into a Party at Napoli’s (cleveland.com)

"Andrew Miller walked over to the whiteboard that hangs on a wall outside the visitor’s clubhouse at Comerica Park and he went to work with the orange marker."

MLB News:

Marlins Pay Tribute to Jose Fernandez Before Monday’s Game (FanSided)

"On Sunday, Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez tragically passed away after being involved in a boating accident. He was 24-years-old. Fernandez had been one of MLB’s brightest young stars. The 2016 season saw him pitch the majority of the year after recovering from Tommy John surgery, and put out Cy Young-worthy stats. This includes a 16-8 record, 2.86 ERA, and 253 strikeouts in just 182.1 innings pitched."

Jose Fernandez Was Why We Watch Sports (Deadspin)

"A funny thing to do as an adult is to explain to someone, out loud, why you care about sports. Why, with so many things to do on this planet, do you spend your free time watching people you don’t know play a game that will have no material effect on your life except, most of the time, to make you angry?"

Cubs Get 100th Win of Season (ESPN.com)

"Win No. 100 for the Chicago Cubs looked a lot like win No. 1, as the best team in baseball for most of the season blew out the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-2 on Monday night. The Cubs did the same back on April 4, when they shut out the Los Angeles Angels 9-0, perhaps foreshadowing what was to come."