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Philadelphia Phillies: With your Team out of the Playoffs, Who to Root for?

By Chuck Booth

Oct 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wave Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) heads on a stick during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fans wave Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard (6) heads on a stick during the second inning against the New York Mets at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 2, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor (12) celebrates with right fielder Lonnie Chisenhall (8) after defeating the Kansas City Royals 3-2 at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

American League: The Cleveland Indians

Who are they: The Indians won the American League Central by virtue of a 94-67 record. Paced by their elite pitching staff led by Corey Kluber, the AL Cy Young from 2014, they limited teams to only 676 runs for a plus 101 run differential on the season. The Indians rode the resurgent bat of Mike Napoli to the postseason behind 31 homers and 101 RBI from the powerful first baseman.

The Indians built their division lead during the summer when they were one of the hottest teams in baseball then staved off late season runs from the Royals and Tigers to come away with the division crown. The Indians are the biggest unknown of the postseason but they have the team that can make things happen now that they’re here.

Why root for them: The Indians need to end their title drought. They haven’t won a World Series since 1948 and haven’t appeared in one since 1997. It would be pretty cool if Cleveland, which had the longest title drought in professional sports could get bot an NBA Championship and a World Series in the same year.

Another reason to root for the Indians is that they’re a team that has fun and plays the game the right way. Terry Francona is one of the most likable managers in baseball and his exuberance has rubbed off on this team. They have also persevered through the season without their best player Micheal Brantley who had to be shut down with shoulder surgery.

Can the Indians bring another title to Cleveland?

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