MLB: Will a Cubs-Indians World Series Happen?
By Matt Meffe
The Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians possess two of the longest championship droughts in MLB history. Could they meet in the Fall Classic?
Curses are a part of any sport. Take a look at the Boston Red Sox, who won the 2004 World Series following an 86-year drought dubbed “the Curse of the Bambino.” In football, you have the Arizona Cardinals, who have not won a championship since 1947 (and have yet to win a Super Bowl). In addition, you have the infamous Madden NFL curse, where the cover athletes of the Madden video games have gotten injured after the game was released.
In hockey, you have the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Original-Six team has not won a Stanley Cup since 1967 after becoming one of the more dominating hockey teams. In baseball, two of the more famous curses that are still ongoing involve the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians. However, this year may be the year where a Cubs-Indians World Series could occur.
The Cleveland Indians
The Cleveland Cavaliers broke the Cleveland sports curse earlier this year with their victory in the NBA Finals. This year, the Cleveland Indians may double the success. The Indians have had many flashes of brilliance over the years. Winning 13 Central Division titles, one Wild Card berth and five AL Pennants, you would assume the Indians would be a dynasty. Sadly, the Indians have only won two titles, with their last win coming in 1948. Three of their five AL Pennants came after the World Series win, with their last Pennant coming in 1997. This season, the Indians are the frontrunners in the AL Central. As of this writing, Cleveland’s chances of winning their division are 100%, according to FanGraphs.
The Chicago Cubs
The most well-known sports curse arguably belongs to the Chicago Cubs. The last time the Chicago Cubs were crowned champions was 1908. Ever since then, the Cubs have struggled to find any sort of stability. Although they have occasionally shown glimpses of greatness, it has been a long and tedious road. Last year, the Cubs enjoyed one of their greatest seasons, advancing to the NLCS. However, they could not get the job done and were swept by the Mets. This year, the Cubs have enjoyed an even better season. They surpassed the Cardinals and Pirates and have already clinched their division. Now, the Cubs have a chance at greatness.
Cubs/Indians Strengths and Weaknesses
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Both the Cubs and the Indians have their flaws, much like any team. The Indians, especially recently, have dealt with a variety of injuries to their pitching staff. Corey Kluber, Josh Tomlin and Trevor Bauer will have to hold down the fort in the absences of Danny Salazar and Carlos Carrasco. The Indians have had to deal with controversy as well, with their failure in securing catcher Jonathan Lucroy being a highlight.
However, the Indians have scored the second-most runs in the league. They have also been in the top of the rankings in several pitching categories. The Indians are a legit threat in the playoffs. Backed by a well-experienced manager in Terry Francona, this Indians team may make it all the way.
Meanwhile in Chicago, the Cubs have taken MLB by storm, and seem to be firing on all cylinders. Youth, experience and consistency is what has fueled this team. Combine that with surprise contributors, an intelligent coaching staff and lots of veteran presence, and you have a recipe for success. Despite their big signing of Jason Heyward failing so far, the Cubs have contributed many positives to overcome their negatives. Even players that weren’t expected to contribute, such as Javier Baez, have contributed to this team’s success. Now, the question remains: will this finally be the year? Will this finally be the time? Could the impossible become reality? Even more importantly, where do the Cubs go from here?
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No one ever pictured a Cubs-Indians World Series to ever happen. A Cubs-Indians World Series for many years seemed impossible. Now, it could become an actual scenario. A curse may end. A drought may cease. A Cubs-Indians World Series is possible, and more likely than ever before.