One heartache will end, one will go on
It’s been decades since either Cubs or Indians won the World Series World Series fortheages
Any other year, against any other team, the Cleveland Indians would be the sentimental choice to win the World Series.
You know, because of that long championship drought and all.
But not against the Chicago Cubs.
The lovable Cubbies, who captured America’s heart by exorcising curses and winning their first NL pennant since 1945 on Saturday night, are aiming for their first Series title since 1908.
Meanwhile, the Indians are looking to end their own 68-year championship drought, and they spent the past few days resting while the Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers finished their series.
The oddsmakers in Las Vegas have pegged the Cubs as heavy favorites going into Game 1 on Tuesday night.
Heck, even First Fan Barack Obama, a die-hard White Sox supporter, said he expects the Cubs to win.
Well, all the love toward the NL champions has left the Indians as underdogs — a role they’re comfortable embracing.
“We believe in each other,” first baseman Mike Napoli said on Sunday before the Indians 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 any night. We’ve shown in the past two series we can’t be taken lightly. We’re a confident group.”
And that only grown.
Cleveland wasn’t supposed to beat Boston, but the Indians swept the Red Sox into their offseason sooner than expected. The Tribe’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 at the top of the rotation, a flame-throwing closer — and maybe a date with destiny.
The Indians, though, know they can match up with anyone.
“The Cubs are a good team from top to bottom,” said supreme setup man Adam Miller, who has spent the postseason toying with hitters.
“They have three guys that might be Cy Young winners. We’re going to be going against a good team, that’s not a surprise. If you want to count us out, that works for us.”
Many of the Indians assuredness has watched Chicago’s historic win, which was followed by a street party outside Wrigley Field that lasted until dawn.
As it unfolded, Napoli found himself pulling for former Red Sox teammates Jon Lester, John Lackey, now with the Cubs. The more he thought about a Cleveland-Chicago series, the more he liked it.
“I was rooting for them,” Napoli said. “I thought it would be one of the coolest World Series to be a part of.”
The down time has allowed Cleveland to get healthier, but manager Terry Francona revealed a new injury for his team, which spent much of the season dealing with an endless string of sprains, strains and stitches.
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,” said Francona, who added Corey Kluber would start Game 1 at home.
“Jason went over to embrace (shortstop) Frankie (Lindor) and he rolled his foot on Frankie’s foot, so he’s got a low ankle sprain.
“Thankfully we had some time off, which is good. He’s not moving yet like he can, but I’m betting with another 48 hours and 37,000 screaming fans, he’ll be OK.”
Kipnis took grounders as head athletic trainer James Quinlan watched.
Nothing could replicate Tuesday’s anticipated ambience when fans in both cities will hang on every pitch, knowing that each win moves their club closer to a coveted championship.
Before the first batter even steps to the plate, this World Series already has the potential to be a classic.
Two Midwestern cities separated by roughly 300 miles — and teams with decades of heartbreak in their pasts.