Cleveland is embracing the role of the underdog

Cubs are heavy favourites heading into Game 1 of the World Series

Any other year, against any other team, the Cleveland Indians would be the sentimental choice in this year’s World Series. You know, because of that long championship drought and all.

But not against the Chicago Cubs. The lovable Cubbies, who captured the nation’s heart by exorcising curses and winning their first NL pennant since 1945 on Saturday night and are aiming for their first Series title since 1908, are a popular pick.

The oddsmakers in Las Vegas pegged the Cubs as heavy favourites going into Game 1 on Tuesday night.

Well, all the love toward the NL champions has left Cleveland the underdog — a role the team has embraced this October.

“We believe in each other,” Indians first baseman Mike Napoli said Sunday before Cleveland held a workout and simulated game at Progressive Field. “We believe that if we go out there and play the game the right way, play as a team like we’ve done, we can win a game on any night. We’ve shown in the past two series we can’t be taken lightly.

“We play as a team. We’re a confident group.”

And that assuredness has only grown. Cleveland wasn’t supposed to beat Boston, but they swept Big Papi into retirement and the Red Sox into their off-season sooner than expected. Cleveland’s pitching staff followed that by whittling Toronto’s big bats down to toothpicks in the AL Championship Series.

Now on deck are the Cubs, who won 103 games during the regular season, have three aces in the rotation, a flame-throwing closer and, seemingly, a date with destiny.

Cleveland is looking to end its own 68-year title drought, and the players spent the past few days resting while the Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers finished their series. The down time has allowed Cleveland to get healthier, but manager Terry Francona revealed a new injury for his team. Second baseman Jason Kipnis hurt his left ankle following Game 5 in Toronto.

“Some of the guys had a tough time getting through the celebration,” Francona said. “Thankfully we had some time off, which is good. He’s not moving yet like he can, but I’m guessing with another 48 hours and 37,000 screaming fans, I bet he’ll be OK.”