When Sports Illustrated announced its Major League Baseball World Series picks on March 27, Cleveland fans were abuzz as the major media outlet put its confidence in the Cleveland Indians to win the league’s historic title. Finally, it seemed, our neighboring city was poised to make noise in the postseason.

Then, the Indians turned around and dropped their season opener on Monday to the Astros, 2-0.

Sure, the first game deflated a lot of excitement SI built up from its selection, but we have reason to believe in this year’s Indians team. Some have already written this season off as a bust, as yet again, a lack of offense plagued the Indians en rout to a scoreless loss. Even more concerning, there’s a lot of talk about the legendary “Sports Illustrated Cover Curse” and fans believe the magazine ruined any chances the Indians have to win the city’s first title since 1964.

But on the heels of a playoff appearance two years ago, and a late postseason push last September, the Indians are ready to make a run of October dominance. The Indians return a lineup that features a 2014 American League MVP finalist in Michael Brantley, and recently signed its young core to long-term contracts.

Without getting into too much sports terminology, this Cleveland team shows promise, and the Indians aren’t the only ones.

Even ESPN Magazine ran a story last October about Cleveland’s renewed sense of promise, essentially highlighting the excitement of what the three primary sports teams offer. Cleveland’s sports fans have reason to be optimistic. The Cavaliers are the second-best team in the Eastern Conference and have two of the most transcendent players in the NBA this season in LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. The Browns, whose quarterback situation is as dire as ever, at least flashed promise last season and have two picks in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft.

After years of agonizing sports defeats, perhaps ESPN has a point, as this summer could mark the year Cleveland gets past the vaunted curse.

We’re not saying we guarantee a World Series title for the Indians, but this year’s home opener on Friday might signify more postseason promise than ever before. Sports Illustrated’s World Series pick might historically be a curse, but we’re ready to think that this year is different.

The above editorial is the general consensus opinion of The Kent Stater editorial board.