5 players who will decide 2017 ALDS between Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees

Five players to watch between the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians during the 2017 ALDS.

The Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees renew their rivalry in the 2017 ALDS.

These five players in particular, have the ability to change the direction of the series.

Corey Kluber, Indians SP

Trust in Tito. A majority of us do. The saliva stuck in the skipper’s Dubble Bubble has more baseball knowledge than most, so it’s OK to go along with the two-time World Championship manager.

With that said, it’s OK to admit you’d rather see Corey Kluber in Game 1, instead of Trevor Bauer.

Bauer’s been terrific since the All-Star break, but he endured more than his fair share of struggles in the first half, and he’s never balled out in October.

Our lasting memory of Bauer last postseason was of his pinkly bleeding profusely on the bump at the Rogers Centre.

In the World Series against the Cubs, Bauer was 0-2 with 5.40 ERA. He struck out 10 in 8 1/3 innings, but also surrendered 12 total hits. He owns a career 5.27 ERA.

A lot of talk about Bauer, but this its supposed to be about Kluber. If the Indians falter in Game 1, go ahead and pump up the intensity meter to 1,00,000 because the Tribe will be in a must-win situation.

With Kluber’s temperament, there’s no guy you’d rather have start in the situation.

The Tribe will also count on the Cy Young Award candidate should  this series reach a decisive Game 5.

Great teams win win with their aces in the postseason, and the Indians are putting a lot on Kluber’s shoulders.

He’s capable of shutting down the Yankees, but you know, there’s that whole October Surprise postseasons have come to be known for.