Indians, Cubs set for World Series showdown

CLEVELAND — For the first time in 19 years, the World Series has come to Cleveland. All that stands in the Indians’ way is the best team in baseball and the possibility of a 108-year drought coming to an end.

The national exposure of this World Series, primarily because of the Cubs’ involvement, will be immense. According to TickPick, the average ticket for one of the four potential Indians home games is going for $3,862. The average cost of a ticket to Wrigley Field is up to $10,590.

The Indians will again be underdogs, this time against a 103-win Cubs team. Here’s a quick breakdown of the matchups.

Infield

The Cubs’ infield is young and supremely talented. Kris Bryant, a Most Valuable Player favorite, mans third base and stands as one of the bright young stars in the game. Anthony Rizzo, at first, is another MVP candidate-level slugger in the middle of the order. Second basemen Javier Baez is one of the more intriguing young players in the game who’s having a terrific postseason, hitting .342. Addison Russell is another former top prospect at shortstop. For the Indians, third baseman Jose Ramirez has had a slow postseason. Shortstop Francisco Lindor has continued his emergence as a superstar. Second baseman Jason Kipnis, now dealing with a low ankle sprain, is expected to be OK. One issue for the Indians deals with Mike Napoli and Carlos Santana, as they’ll lose one of them and the designated hitter in Games 3, 4 and 5 under National League rules.

Edge: Cubs

Outfield

The Cubs’ outfield has some name power as well. One of Terry Francona’s favorite players, Ben Zobrist, is in left field. In right field has been the Cubs’ major free-agent signing from this past offseason who has had a terrible October, Jason Heyward. Dexter Fowler roams center field. The Indians will continue to leverage the situations in their outfield, with Rajai Davis, Tyler Naquin, Lonnie Chisenhall, Coco Crisp and Brandon Guyer.

Edge: Cubs

Starting rotation

The Cubs are led by three aces. Jon Lester has been nearly unhittable this postseason, posting an 0.86 ERA in 21 innings pitched. Then comes Jake Arrieta, recently one of the best pitchers in baseball but one who has struggled a bit in October, and Kyle Hendricks, who has had a terrific season. John Lackey is likely fourth in that line. The Indians’ rotation, which has been strong all October, has as many question marks as answers. Ace Corey Kluber will throw Game 1. He has an 0.98 ERA this postseason. Game 2’s starter is dependent on Trevor Bauer’s lacerated finger, and whether it be he or Josh Tomlin on the mound. Game 4 is still a complete mystery. Ryan Merritt, Danny Salazar or Kluber on short rest are among the options.

Edge: Cubs

Bullpen

The Indians’ backbone this postseason is led by Andrew Miller, having one of the best Octobers for a reliever in recent memory. Cody Allen has quietly had a strong postseason as well, with Bryan Shaw and Dan Otero in supporting roles for a unit that’s picked up the Indians’ banged-up rotation. The Cubs’ bullpen is anchored by Aroldis Chapman, the other elite reliever traded away by the New York Yankees this season who owns the 103-mph fastball.

Edge: Indians

Bench/manager

The Indians have leveraged their outfield and bench as much as any team in the league. Cubs manager Joe Maddon and Francona represent two of the more well-respected managers in baseball who have embraced many of the enlightened views on baseball. Nearly every decision by Francona has worked out and he has won two World Series titles with the Red Sox.

Edge: Indians

Prediction

The Indians have proven they can’t be counted out despite the odds, which again aren’t in their favor in the World Series. They’ve shown a resilience few teams have displayed. But they now face baseball’s best club since Opening Day and as solid of a roster as you can find. If they can take down these Cubs, it’ll be one of the best underdog stories in a long time.

Cubs in six.

Indians, Cubs set for World Series showdown
Indians, Cubs set for World Series showdown