3 reasons Indians can win World Series

The Indians were thought to be contenders at the outset of this season based on the strength of their starting pitching. The rotation was indeed strong, but that was hardly the only reason behind Cleveland’s climb to the top of the American League Central this year.

The Tribe featured a versatile offense, dynamic defense and a pitching staff that had its depth tested by a wave of injuries late in the season. When the smoke cleared, Cleveland unseated the Royals as the AL Central champions, winning the division for the first time in nine years. Now, the Indians will take on the Red Sox in the AL Division Series, which begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on TBS.

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Here are three reasons why the Indians can win the World Series.

The bullpen shortens the game — by a lot

Game Date Time Matchup TV Gm 1 Oct. 6 8 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS Gm 2 Oct. 7 4:30 p.m. BOS @ CLE TBS Gm 3 Oct. 9 4 p.m. CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 4 Oct. 10 TBD CLE @ BOS TBS *Gm 5 Oct. 12 TBD BOS @ CLE TBS *- If necessary | All times listed ETShop for postseason gear: Red Sox | Indians • Complete Postseason coverage

The injuries to starters Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar could have been devastating for Cleveland, but a huge move at the Aug. 1 Trade Deadline altered the structure of the team’s staff. When the Indians acquired relief ace Andrew Miller from the Yankees, it not only changed the …

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