The Indians entered the 2018 All-Star break in a strong position in their division despite an underwhelming performance in some respects.
They took the first step toward having a better second half Thursday with a deal to bolster their bullpen.
The Indians (52-43) hold a commanding 7{-game lead in the American League Central. The Minnesota Twins (44-50) don't seem like much of a threat to that lead. And the Detroit Tigers (41-57), Chicago White Sox (33-62) and Kansas City Royals (27-68) are all either in the middle of or just starting rebuilding projects. The Indians should cruise to their third consecutive AL Central title.
But they remain a step behind their fellow American League contenders. The Boston Red Sox (64-30), Houston Astros (64-35) and New York Yankees (62-43) have all had stronger seasons. Even the Seattle Mariners (58-39) and Oakland Athletics (55-42) have better first-half records as they battle for a wild-card spot. That has left the Indians with plenty of room to improve despite their standing within their division, as they have bigger goals in mind. Thursday's trade of top prospect Francisco Mejia for All-Star reliever Brad Hand and talented rookie reliever Adam Cimber is certainly a move with those goals in mind, not only for 2018, but beyond.
