Cleveland Indians: A Team Poised to Make the Playoffs?

Sep 3, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians manager

(17) watches in the first inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been a ride to remember for the 2013 Cleveland Indians and in these last few weeks, it’s not going to get any easier or unforgettable. Luckily for Terry Francona’s ball club, a huge four-game set against the Chicago White Sox is upcoming. Corey Kluber, the pleasant surprise of the staff will be taking the mound tonight against John Danks who owns just a 4-12 record on the season.

Cleveland must take advantage of this series as the three after this will be against the Kansas City Royals– never an easy opponent.

After the Royals, the Indians host the Houston Astros. It’s not guaranteed, so the team must avoid letting the Astros spoil their shot at the playoffs. It’s clear that Cleveland has a real chance and losing games to teams like the White Sox or Astros can not happen under any circumstances.

Another thing that will be one of the biggest keys to Cleveland’s success will be the possible return of Justin Masterson. Dealing with an oblique strain, the ace of this staff may or not come back– something that this team has to deal with accordingly.

If Masterson appears healthy, you can’t rush him back unless you’re in a must-win scenario. If Terry Francona can avoid keeping Masterson off of the bump until the possible wild-card play-in game, the Indians go into that game and the rest of the Postseason with hope.

This offense doesn’t have too much power, so good at-bats and base-to-base baseball will be crucial for the offense.

Will the Indians make the playoffs? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.