Cleveland Indians: Playing the Cubs Makes A World Series For The Ages

Sep 26, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Cleveland Indians celebrate clinching the Central Division title in the clubhouse after the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Indians win 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

It has been a very long time since both the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs have won it all. With just one series left, one of those teams will finally get to snap that streak.

A World Series For The Ages

Cleveland Indians fans, have you enjoyed yourself this season? A return to the World Series? I bet you didn’t see this one coming; I know I didn’t. At least not this soon. A few weeks ago I implored with fans to simply enjoy October.

I didn’t think we would get to enjoy it this much. Yet here we are, on the precipice of watching the Cleveland Indians in the 2016 World Series. Their opponent? Another lovable losing franchise in the Chicago Cubs.

A historic match-up of two franchises with their roots embedded deep in baseball’s long history. On the line? The end to a 108-year old curse or a 68-year curse. Something’s going to give, and playing the Cubs makes a World Series for the ages.

What To Do To Win

For the first time in a long time, the Cubs have real reason to believe that this is the year they end the drought. Everything they’ve been building towards is here. Chicago is in the World Series, and they have a real shot to end the 108-year championship drought.

As an Indians fan, you almost feel bad rooting against them. The Cleveland Cavaliers just ended Cleveland’s 52-year championship drought, and it feels amazing. However, the Indians have their own 68-year championship drought they’d like to relinquish. It might be greedy, but as a Cleveland sports fan, who wouldn’t want two championships in the same year?

For The Indians To Win

Entering Tuesday night’s first game, the Indians are undoubtedly the underdog. The Cubs are heavily favored, and they’re supposed to be here. On paper, the Indians look like David against Goliath.

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Yet, the Cubs have reason to fear the surprising Indians. The Indians pitching staff slowed down both the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays, two of the highest scoring teams in baseball this season. The thought is that if the Indians can turn a lead or a close game over to ALCS MVP Andrew Miller and the bullpen, there’s a good chance the Indians can win.

However, the one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked is that the Indians also pose a potent lineup on offense. While they might not have the power numbers of Chicago’s, the Indians have succeeded differently on offense.

With Jason Kipnis, Francisco Lindor, Rajai Davis, Coco Crisp, and Jose Ramirez, they play with a little pop, good base running, and timely hitting with runners in scoring position. You could say that they play a National League style of baseball.

October 6, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians catcher Roberto Perez (55) reaches second in the fifth inning against Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) during game one of the 2016 ALDS playoff baseball game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

The keys for the Indians will be base running, timely hits, and the bullpen. In the American Championship League Series, the Indians barely hit .200 as a team. The Cubs boast a strong starting rotation with Lester, Arrieta, and John Lackey.

All three pitchers are capable of giving Cy Young winning performances on any given night. So hits will be hard to come by. That’s why it’s important for the Indians to take every opportunity to play small ball.

They’ll need to continue to have success on the base paths, bunting guys into scoring position, and getting timely hitting. Then turn the game over to the bullpen, who will have the task of keeping the Cubs potent lineup at bay.

For the Cubs To Win

On the other side, the key for Chicago will be to not fall prey to relying on the long ball. If the Cubs want a great example, look at the 1995 World Series. The ’95 Cleveland Indians boasted one of the most potent lineups in Major League history, but the Atlanta Braves shut them down with great pitching.

In the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Cubs often found themselves over swinging early on. The result was an 1-2 series deficit, and back to back shut outs.

They got away from what they did best; Playing within themselves, within the offense, and letting the hits come naturally. If they settle in, swing the bats the right way, the starting pitching would then need to shut down the Indians lineup. The Cubs have a real shot at winning, and perhaps the best shot, but the pressure is all on them.

When It’s All Said And Done

As a Cleveland Indians fan, the best part is knowing that the pressure is all on them. They’re the ones with the 108-year title curse, and they’re the ones with the expectations to win. Cleveland is the one who got here on the wings of being the underdog.

The 52-year “Cleveland Curse” is over thanks to the Cavaliers. The pressure of “having to win” is off. Now it’s just can we have two? Will the sports gods be so kind?

Well, my advice Indians fans is just like before the playoffs started. The Indians weren’t supposed to be here. Not yet at least. So enjoy the spectacle that is the World Series!

Next: 2016 WS Through 1997 Lens

Win or lose, history will be made. One franchise will end decades (or a century) of futility, and it will undoubtedly be a World Series for the ages.

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Cleveland Indians: Playing The Cubs Makes A World Series For The Ages

By Kristopher Grimes | Oct 25, 2016