2018 ALDS: 5 reasons the Cleveland Indians will upset the Houston Astros

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CLEVELAND, OH – SEPTEMBER 22: Michael Brantley #23 of the Cleveland Indians is mobbed by teammates as they celebrate after Brantley hit a walk off single against the Boston Red Sox in the eleventh inning at Progressive Field on September 22, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Indians defeated the Red Sox 5-4 in 11 innings. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images) /

The Cleveland Indians drew the Houston Astros in the 2018 ALDS. Here’s five reasons the Tribe can eliminate the reigning World Series champions.

The Cleveland Indians have perhaps the toughest draw in the first round of the 2018 ALDS.

To advance, Cleveland must defeat the defending World Champion Houston Astros, who are coming off a franchise record 103 victories.

Houston outscored opponents by 263 runs this season, which lead the league. They also gave up 534 runs, which is the least amount of runs surrendered by an AL team since the 1969 Baltimore Orioles, who went onto the win the World Series.

A good population of Tribe Town feels like their team under performed with only 91 wins, which pails in comparison to the 102 victories the Tribe nailed down in 2017.

However, the Indians haven’t played a meaningful game in about four months, as Cleveland was able to run away with the AL Central title playing in the worst division in baseball.

The Tribe has emphasized making smart moves and getting players healthy and ready for postseason play after last year’s quick exit to the Yankees.

They bolstered the bullpen with the additions of Brad Hand and Adam Cimber. Then, they executed a coup by trading for former MVP Josh Donaldson.

And while the Astros look more impressive, the Indians are just as capable of winning this series. Here’s five reasons why the Tribe will knock out the reigning World Champs.

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