Indians in 5.
They're pretty much even in most aspects. Their bullpens finished 1 and 3 respectively stat wise in the regular season, offenses are both deep, with Cleveland having the slight edge in the power department (Bruce/Lindor/Encarnacion vs Sanchez/Judge/Frazier.) Pitching wise, about even even though Cleveland's being really dumb on two accounts; rolling a 4 man rotation when a trio of Kluber/Carrasco/Clevenger or Salazar is probably more than enough to get it done, and for willingly throwing Josh Tomlin out there for game 4.
Starting pitching is what decides this series. The Yankees have two potential "uh-oh"s in their rotation given Servino didn't seem to react well to a higher leverage situation last night and Tanaka being up and down like a yo-yo all season, just like Cleveland is playing with fire by sending Tomlin/Bauer to the hill.
Hilarious.Indians in 3. Very easy sweep. Easier than last year against the Red Sox, that's for sure.
This series is either Indians in 3 or Indians in 5. Yankees aren't beating Kluber twice. Or at all. Or Carrasco. Bauer and Tomlin at Yankee Stadium? Fine. Kluber? Twice? **** outta here.
- And then throw in Kluber not starting Game 1. Topped off by Josh Tomlin in Game 4 at Yankee Stadium when Clevinger and Salazar are just better pitchers in my view. Cleveland is playing with fire and it will burn them. It's the playoffs, PUT YOUR BEST TEAM OUT THERE. The Indians are not doing so. Yankees in 4.
I never really trust weather reports that far out but it should be noted that right now, there is a 90% chance of rain on Friday during the day in Cleveland. Game is slated for 5 PM.
Cleveland could be left with a debacle on their hands if they start Kluber on Friday and that game has rain delays...not to mention if that game is rained out, and he starts a make up game on Saturday, he is on 3 days rest for Game 5 if you want to start him.
Just a bizarre, inexplicable decision that he is not starting Game 1 tomorrow (weather looks fine for that one). They had weeks to set their rotation, they fully planned for it to be this way.
If I had a dime for every time I've heard "the Yankees aren't beating _____" and then they beat him...