A.M. Wahoo’s: Enjoying the Unknown Journey Ahead

After hovering around the .500 mark for several years, the Cleveland Indians are finally giving fans a reason to be excited for playoff baseball.

Monday night was weird. But in a good way.

The Cleveland Indians officially clinched the American League Central title Monday night, ending any doomsday predictions of the Detroit Tigers catching up and spoiling the party.

Winning the division should allow fans to relax and soak in the excitement, but there is a different sensation taking over fans. At least in the social media realm.

After playing with a “hangover” lineup in Tuesday night’s 12-0 loss to the Tigers, some claimed the Indians are throwing the opportunity to capture home-field advantage. Well, what good is home-field advantage if the team is too exhausted to take advantage of the situation?

Mike Clevinger had a dismal outing, allowing five runs in just two innings, but it is not like Terry Francona has many other options.

The general mood seems to be that of worry and concern for what may happen, instead of waiting to see how it all plays out. Such is a natural reaction in today’s world of instant comment and reaction, but it only leads to unnecessary frustration.

The Indians could easily head to Boston or Texas and win the first two games, eliminating the need for any concern. Playoff baseball is one of the most unpredictable things in all of professional sports, so it is better to wait with excitement instead of being upset, then using a win as validation of an opinion instead of just enjoying it. It’s almost like betting too much on the roulette table. You go in with some optimism, yet the sensation of all hope being lost is there in the back of your mind. If you do indeed win, it is more a feeling of relief than joy.

So instead of being stressed at every decision made during this final week of games, enjoy the fact the Indians are in the playoffs once again. It’s what being a fan is all about.

With that being said, 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: How Does Corey Kluber’s Injury Affect the Tribe?

"The entire fanbase of the Cleveland Indians held its collective breath on Monday night when ace of the starting rotation Corey Kluber exited the team’s game against the Detroit Tigers after just four innings and 60 pitches."

Cleveland Indians 2016 Top 30 Prospects Review: Just Missed Prospects

"Before the season began, we looked at over 30 of the Cleveland Indians’ top prospects for 2016. Many had great seasons and cemented their status as top prospects while others faltered."

The Indians Should Not Fear October Jinxes (Let’s Go Tribe)

"Now that the playoffs are assured for the Cleveland Indians, it doesn’t feel as much like playing with fate to talk about what could be once October dawns."

More Than Cavs, Tribe Best Reflects Cleveland (Factory of Sadness)

"Now that the celebration has settled in Detroit, we can reflect on the 2016 Cleveland Indians and see them for what they are. More than the Cavaliers, the Indians are the team that best represents this city."

MLB News:

Theo Epstein Agrees to Five-Year Extension with Cubs (FanSided)

"Theo Epstein, the team president of the Chicago Cubs has officially signed a five-year extension with the club."

MLB: The Case for Abolishing the Trade Deadline (Call to the Pen)

"The trade deadline was manufactured by MLB following a “transaction” that occurred in 1917. Not surprisingly, when the first professional leagues were organized in the late 19th century, there were no provisions for the exchange of players."

Detroit Tigers Could Have Won the Central (Motor City Bengals)

"The Detroit Tigers had the talent to win the AL Central. But they simply could not get the job done."