Cleveland Indians: 5 players who could regress in 2017

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Oct 25, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians relief pitcher Andrew Miller throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the 7th inning in game one of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Andrew Miller

Andrew Miller statistically had one of the best years in MLB history for a relief pitcher. Miller finished with a record of 10-1 out of the bullpen, boasting a 1.45 ERA in 74.1 innings. Along with the stellar ERA, Miller also finished the year with a .686 WHIP.

Normally, a relief pitcher will go through a bad stretch during the season. It’s inevitable, due to the fact that they could appear in 50-70 games throughout the year. But for Miller, no such stretch occurred, dominating from Opening Day until Game 7 of the World Series.

After averaging almost two strikeouts an inning, yes, two strikeouts an inning, Miller looks to pick up right where he left off. However, it’s easier said than done. Not that spring training stats significantly matter, but Miller posted a 6.00 ERA in six innings of work. Along with his high ERA, opponents are also hitting .308 against him.

Don’t look too far into those statistics, but to say they mean absolutely nothing would be unjust.

However, the reason Andrew Miller will regress in 2017 is not because of his Spring Training/WBC performance. It’s due to the fact that his previous season is almost impossible to repeat. Some of his jaw-dropping numbers hadn’t been seen in decades, let alone accomplished in back-to-back seasons.

Andrew Miller will still be one of the best relief pitchers in baseball, don’t worry Tribe fans. But will his numbers regress? I’d be lying if I said no.

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