Why the Indians are making the playoffs!!

For one, the Indians are a solid team.
Offense: The line-up is dangerous 1-9. All nine have hit more than 10 homers and a couple more by 2-3 guys and it's 15 homers for 1-9. Speed at the top. Smart hitters 3-5, and the rest are serviceable. Broussard has a knack for hitting the clutch hit!
Defense: It leaves something to be desired, but these guys have proven time and time again that they can come back from errors! So, small flaw, but definitely can be worked around.
Pitching: Their pitching staff! Pitching is more important than offense, but with the offense they have, they wouldn't need as much pitching, but they have it! That is why they have the best record in baseball since the all-star break. Sabathia, Millwood, and Lee can dominate. Westbrook and Elarton are much better than the average 4th and 5th starters as well. And their bull-pen is the best in baseball. 2.87 ERA 45 Saves and a 78% save rate, highest in the league.

The Indians are hot right now. They believe in themselves and so do the fans. This is for real and that confidence is a huge intangible, they are sure while others have questions. The Yankees rotation is still unstable, Oakland has been cold as of late, and Boston and LA are both worried about their divisions!!!
In the event of a tie at the end of the season, the Indians own home field advantage for any 1 game playoff they are involved in. Less travel, and the home fans.

Schedules: The indians play the royals (6), devil rays (3), and the white sox (6). Royals should be an easy series win both times. The Devil Rays are inferior to the Indians but playing good baseball right now, a small concern. The white sox are difficult, however, they aren't playing good baseball right now, and the Indians could take the division if they win 4-6 of those games there. In addition, the Indians have 2 off days remaining. No other team has that luxury!
The Yankees have Toronto, Baltimore, and Boston left. Boston will be a huge series, but Toronto and Baltimore aren't push overs as much as KC and TB are. And the yankees know they can win their division, i think the bloodlust will help.
The A's are pretty much out of the wild card race. Their best bet is to win the division, which is within in reach. They have a tough series against Boston coming up, and which ever way that goes will probably decide the West and East division winners.

So, I would love to add more of my in dewpth research and statistics, but sorting through them this late isn't feasible. Take my word for it, the Indians will be playing in October, hopefully as the Central League Champs, but I'll take the wild card, either way, they are in! You can take that to the bank!

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