Cleveland Indians Playoffs: What Is The Key To Success?
By Ryan Rosko
Bullpen Will Make Or Break Their Success
Joe Russo
The key for the Tribe to make it through the postseason is the bullpen. The starting rotation has taken a hit due to injuries, but something tells me Kluber, Bauer, and Tomlin are going to provide just enough to keep the Indians in it.
What has to be avoided are the 3 and 4 run innings from guys in relief. Andrew Miller has been lights out and Dan Otero hasn’t been far behind, but Bryan Shaw, Jeff Manship, and Cody Allen have all had their struggles during the season.
In a short series, there’s far less room for error. Between Bauer and Tomlin, those two should only make it through 6 innings, meaning the bullpen will have to be a force in the series, not just a part of the series.
Ryan Rosko
Pitching, specifically a strong bullpen is critical in the playoffs. Already down two key starters in this series and perhaps longer, more responsibility is placed now placed on the bullpen. Without good production, Cleveland is not going to go far this postseason.
Due to the injuries and sub par play at times, I just hope there is enough pitching overall. Depending on how the games progress, I would not be surprised to see Andrew Miller more often or in different scenarios that we have seen so far.
The Indians’ offense is going to do their thing. Whether games end up with score of 6-5 or 2-1, production will be seen.
Yet, it all falls back on the pitching staff. Boston’s lineup is one of the best. If the various relief pitchers, who have struggled often this season, cannot get the game to Miller and Cody Allen, changes must be made this offseason.