Indians Playoffs: 10 Players Who Will Decide the Tribe, Red Sox Series

Cleveland Indians Playoffs: 10 Players Who Will Decide The Tribe, Boston Red Sox Series

Aug 19, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona (right) heads back to the dugout after pitching change against the Boston Red Sox in the eighth inning at Fenway Park. The Red Sox defeated the Cleveland Indians 6-4. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 30, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians player Mike Napoli (26) looks on prior to a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Napoli

There’s a former member of the Red Sox on the Indians that would love to do nothing more than party the night away over an ALDS victory. His name: Mike Napoli.

“Party at Napoli’s” is more than a popular shirt. It’s the rallying cry of the Indians.

The Tribe will need Napoli more than ever because he’s the straw that stirs the drink in the middle of the order.

Together with Carlos Santana, the duo are the first pair of Indians to hit more than 30 home runs since Jim Thome and Ellis Burks accomplished the fete during the 2002 campaign.

The slugger enters postseason play in a slump. He did hit five homers in September, albeit while batting at a .153 clip for the month. The Indians don’t need him to bat .300, but Tribe fans might feel a little better if he was batting closer to .240 season average.

Like Ortiz, Napoli is an impact player. He can change a game with one swing of the bat. Napoli’s played a huge party in helping the Indians offense overachieve.

The Tribe offense ranks second in the American League with 774 runs scored. The Indians trail only the Red Sox (877) in that category.

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