Finally, after 108 years, here we are – the Cubs are back in the World Series! And after surrendering just two runs through 21 innings of work this postseason, Jon Lester has been named the undisputed top dog in the Cubs playoff / World Series rotation. Lester this season went 19-5 with an ERA of 2.44 and he has not slowed down one bit in the postseason. He’s 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA and an eight-inning shutout performance against San Francisco. He’s been nothing short of sensational and he will give the Cubs a tremendous chance to take game one tonight.
As for the bats, the Cubs are certainly in no power shortage by any means. Tied with LA, the Cubbies have posted a league high 76 hits through one less game. They’re also tied with Toronto for the most dingers with 12 and are league leaders by a land slide in both doubles and RBI’s with 21 and 46.
Another big advantage (or maybe disadvantage – time will tell) will be the addition of Kyle Schwarber to the lineup for the Cubs. He missed virtually the entire regular season with a shredded knee. However, after surgery and a lengthy rehab, he will now be back in blue for Chicago as a DH. It’s a move that could work out well or completely crumble in the Cubs face, but when you really think about it, a designated hitter can only play in Cleveland in this series. So, for now, he won’t be a full-time Cubby.
Corey Kluber certainly does not have the playoff resume that Lester has. He has pitched 18.1 innings and given up 13 hits in that time. However, with that said, his postseason ERA is 0.98 in that time. So when he gets into a jam, the team’s defense has been good enough to bail him out. The numbers also don’t tell the whole story as in his first two games he threw back-to-back shutout performances through seven innings and sixth and one-third.
As for the bats, well it’s a little bit different for Cleveland. Much like Kansas City last year, Cleveland could be considered a ‘small ball’ team. While they do have ten homers, they’ve only posted 27 runs in October. Francisco Lindor leads the way with 10 of the team’s 27 hits so far although he’s also tied with Mike Napoli for the team-high in strikeouts with 10. So the Indians have been a little hot and cold as of late but respect has to be given where it’s due. The navy and red are here for a reason and it truly has been their fielding that’s been the story. They’ve only posted one single error throughout this playoff run which is absolutely mind-boggling.
They’ve got a very good shot but it’s going to come down to Kluber on the hill against one of the best lineups in the MLB this season.
Cleveland is a perfect 4-0 at home this postseason.
Writer’s Prediction:
The Cubs aren’t the Red Sox. No sweep here. The Indians lose game one 8-4.
