What the Indians Have Shown This Series

By Paul McGovern, Senior Baseball Analyst

It’s hard to put too much emphasis on any regular season series, especially between two teams that have solidified their playoff positions already. However, after the Indians have taken the first two games of this series at Fenway I think a few important distinctions have been made between the two sides.

After the Red Sox jumped off to a 3-0 start in Game 1 it looked like they might find their offensive form and steamroll the visiting Indians. However, the Indians used the long ball (Rick Porcello’s Achilles Heel) to complete the comeback. Despite the Indians closer Cody Allen’s troubles in the 9th inning they were able to hold off the Red Sox and get the win, 5-4. Albeit one victory, the win was indicative of many of the Indians strengths. Kluber, now a 16-game winner and former Cy Young winner was knocked around early but settled down to hold the Red Sox to just the 3 early runs. The ability to stop the bleeding amongst starting pitchers is certainly something that gets amplified in the playoffs, but in a packed house at Fenway, Kluber seemed unphased using the momentum in his favor. The other thing that became very apparent in the contest is the Indians balance across their lineup. While Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor were quiet, the likes of Greg Allen, Melky Cabrera, and Michael Brantley were able to pick up the slack. This depth of lineup is another core competency of this Indians club.

Yesterday’s contest showed me something a bit different. The Indians once again used the longball from less likely sources including another from Melky and one from Yan Gomes. However, it was their defense and bullpen that shined through the most. The Indians, like the Red Sox have grappled with their center field situation this year, but like Jackie Bradley Jr. at other times this year for the Red Sox, Greg Allen has shined this series both offensively and defensively. Allen made several impressive plays in centerfield in an unfamiliar ball park with a difficult center field. So while, their situation in center still isn’t configured there are certainly encouraging signs of progress. After the Red Sox chipped into the Indians 5-0 lead to make it 5-3 late, the Red Sox appeared poised to complete a comeback. But here lies, what might be the greatest disparity between these two clubs: the bullpen. The Indians brought in the virtually unhittable duo of Andrew Miller and Brad Hand in respectively to completely shut the door. The Indians have the strongest bullpen in the majors at this point and their potency has shown through already in this series.

My expectation would be that the Red Sox losing streak won’t stretch any longer with their talent and proven success. The reality though, is that MVP candidate Jose Ramirez and fellow superstar Francisco Lindor have yet to break through and the Indians are still keeping on. With 15 game winner Carlos Carrasco on the hill tonight plus a sleepy matinee on the table tomorrow…. Could the Red Sox get swept??