When it comes to Game 1 of the ALCS, baseball fans could not ask for a more intriguing duel between one of the game’s best right-handed power pitchers and a lineup of right-handed sluggers.
Corey Kluber may not win the 2016 Cy Young Award, but he did strike out 227 hitters this season, fifth-most in the American League.
Meanwhile, the Blue Jays hit 221 home runs on the season, most of which came from their dangerous right-handed hitters, Edwin Encarnacion (42), Josh Donaldson (37), Troy Tulowitzki (24), and Jose Bautista (22).
Left-handed hitting Michael Saunders belted 24 homers on the season, but 16 of those came before the All-Star Break and he has not been as much of a threat since July.
Although no one would feel “safe” against Toronto’s offense, having an overpowering right-hander like Kluber gives the Tribe the best chance “on paper” to contain a potent offense.
Even Cole Hamels, an elite lefty, was no match for those right-handed power hitters and Toronto made quick work of the Texas Rangers, largely because of their dominant win over Hamels in Game 1.
Along with Kluber, the Indians have another right-handed power pitcher in Trevor Bauer, but how he responds to a finger injury is yet to be seen.
The Tribe may have their hands full in Game 2, when Josh Tomlin, who is prone to giving up home runs, takes on the Blue Jays. But we will take a look at that matchup on Saturday.
For now, the good news is that Kluber gives the Tribe as great a chance to win as anyone.
And if he can produce a long outing, ideally seven innings or more, it helps the bullpen remain fresh for the nights when he is not on the mound.
If this postseason has revealed anything, it’s how valuable a strong bullpen can be, especially when the starting rotation is as banged up as Cleveland’s.
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