CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Indians will have no magazine cover to blame should they fall short of expectations this season.
Sports Illustrated opted to leave the Indians alone this year. The outlet instead placed the Houston Astros, Chicago Cubs, New York Mets and San Francisco Giants on their four regional covers. The magazine projected the Astros to win the World Series.
Last year, the Indians, Nationals, Royals and Mariners graced the covers, with the Indians serving as the magazine's pick to become league champion. Michael Brantley and Corey Kluber stood, laughing, behind the headline, "Wait till this year: Why Cleveland?