2017 American League Division Series Preview: New York Yankees vs Cleveland Indians

The Indians and Yankees matchup in what looks to be an awesome series, but also a historic one as they always seem to have great series when they meet in the postseason (think of the 1997 ALDS). However, this one seems like there is destiny involved with the Indians wanting to end a 69 year streak of no championships after winning a historic 22 games in a row this season. The Indians seem like the team to beat in the American League, but the Yankees will have something to say about that. Lets preview the teams.

New York Yankees

After winning what was a strange and crazy Wild Card game against the Minnesota Twins, the rebuilding Yankees will look to show that they can compete with the class of the American League. The Yankees matchup well with their bullpen and rotation and while their offense is good, it will be tough to go toe to toe with the Indians in that category. The team pretty much remains the same though they do add Masahiro Tanaka, Jordan Montgomery, and Jaime Garcia to the roster. To see the rest of the roster, check out my AL Wild Card Game preview.

Cleveland Indians

What a historic season for the Indians who were so close to winning the World Series last year, but ultimately lost to the Chicago Cubs in what was a great Fall Classic. Now they are on a mission to finally end so many years of suffering and finally to bring joy to the city of Cleveland. Lets take a look at their roster.

Pitchers

Cody Allen

Trevor Bauer

Carlos Carrasco

Mike Clevinger

Corey Kluber

Andrew Miller

Tyler Olson

Danny Salazar

Bryan Shaw

Joe Smith

Josh Tomlin

The rotation is absolutely stacked as Bauer, Carrasco, and Salazar are legit pitchers and Kluber is a Cy Young candidate. The bullpen is absolutely filthy lead by a three headed monster in Bryan Shaw, Cody Allen, and the ever dominant Andrew Miller.

Catchers

Yan Gomes

Roberto Perez

Gomes has more power, but Perez is the better fielder.

Infielders

Erik Gonzalez

Jason Kipnis

Francisco Lindor

Jose Ramirez

Carlos Santana

Giovanny Urshela

This team is stacked in the infield with an underrated player in Ramirez, who might be one of the best players in the league, Lindor who is an MVP candidate, Santana and Kipnis who have been very consistent and productive members of this team for a very long time.

Outfielders

Greg Allen

Michael Brantley

Jay Bruce

Lonnie Chisenhall

Austin Jackson

This part of the team is sneaky good and it’s better than last years team. Brantley, when healthy, is the best player on this squad. Bruce has been nothing but productive since coming over in a midseason trade while the rest of the outfield is pretty good.

Designated Hitter

Edwin Encarnacion

One of the best offseason acquistions, this player is one of the scariest hitters in the league as he puts up big numbers.

As much as I think the Yankees can make this interesting, the Indians are just the better team and it will be a tough task to take them down. The Indians are just way too good and they are more hungry.

Prediction: Indians