Before the playoffs started, everyone labelled the Boston Red Sox and the Texas Rangers as favorites in the American League. The Toronto Blue Jays were everyone’s sleeper team. But no one talked about the Cleveland Indians despite their great regular season and their AL Central title.
However, Cleveland clinched the AL pennant and they secured the berth in the World Series. Terry Francona’s team swept the Red Sox in the ALDS, and defeated the Blue Jays 4-1 in the ALCS. The big question now is where they have the necessary pieces to win it all.
The final step is the hardest, but Cleveland has a balanced roster on both sides of the field. They might have what it takes to take home the World Series crown. Let’s start breaking the team down to see whether they can take the final step.
Cleveland’s biggest asset is their bullpen. Led by an absolute stud duo in Andrew Miller and closer Cody Allen, the Indians’ pen has been lights out this preseason. In fact, Miller won the ALCS MVP after striking out 14 of the 26 batters he faced. Miller and Allen aren’t the only quality relievers, though. Bryan Shaw and Dan Otero have been impressive too. And Ryan Merritt is a wild card, as he can perform as a long reliever but can start on a pinch if needed.
Speaking of starting pitchers, the rotation is Cleveland’s biggest weakness. Corey Kluber is an ace and a Cy Young candidate, but things are far from certain afterwards. Carlos Carrasco is out for the season, and Danny Salazar might only be available from the bullpen. Trevor Bauer suffered a finger injury and his status for the World Series is uncertain. Veteran Josh Tomlin and Mike Clevinger are locks, but they’re a clear downgrade compared to the other options. I mean, that’s why the Indians chose to start Merritt in the ALCS Game 5 against Toronto. It’s not the ideal scenario heading into the World Series.
Fortunately for Cleveland, the offense has enough firepower to erase the rotation’s shortcomings. Francisco Lindor is one of the best shortstops in the game. Lonnie Chisenhall has been impressive during the playoffs. And the duo of Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana hit three of the team’s six homers in the ALCS against Toronto. And we’re not counting veterans like Jason Kipnis, Coco Crisp or Rajai Davis, as all of them have valuable traits on offense. Crisp has displayed some unusual power, as two of his three hits have gone yard.
The Indians proved they were the best team in the American League this season. Their World Series opponent will be pretty difficult, as they’ll have to battle either the Chicago Cubs or the Los Angeles Dodgers. But they’ve already defeated two of the best teams in baseball in the past two weeks.
If we’ve learned a few things over that span, is that no one can count out the Indians. They will certainly come as underdogs for the World Series, but they’re talented enough to pull the upset.