A.M. Wahoo’s: Andrew Miller Might be a Baseball Demigod

The Cleveland Indians opened the ALDS with a win over the Boston Red Sox Thursday night thanks in large part to the play of Andrew Miller.

Trying to hit a baseball thrown by Andrew Miller can’t be fun.

The Cleveland Indians acquired Miller in a trade with the New York Yankees this summer, and it may go down as one of the greatest trades in franchise history.

The Indians took Game 1 of the ALDS against the Boston Red Sox, and Miller picked up the win thanks to a truly dominating performance.

It all got started when Miller made an unusually early performance, coming on with two outs in the fifth inning. And after allowing a double and a walk, he settled in.

When he was removed with two outs in the seventh inning, he had gone a complete two innings, striking out four batters and only allowing the one hit. And while he did throw 40 pitches, Miller doesn’t seem to be concerned about receiving any rest.

He won’t be able to go two full innings again, but it is very possible he could come out for a lefty-lefty matchup, perhaps against David Ortiz, at some point during today’s game. Either way, it is great to see that kind of dedication and confidence from the best pitcher on the team.

Terry Francona has to avoid burning Miller out too early in the series, but he knows if the team wins the first three games, more rest will be earned in preparation for the ALCS. This does not mean he should throw Miller out there for two innings in today’s game, but he doesn’t have to keep him out in the bullpen for the entire game. Wouldn’t want a Zach Britton situation on our hands. Sorry Orioles fans.

The MLB postseason is a fast-paced world, and the Indians are back at it again later this afternoon when Corey Kluber takes the mound against David Price. We here at Wahoo’s on First will be providing both postgame coverage of Game 1 and pregame coverage of Game 2, so be sure to check out the site throughout the day for constant coverage.

And while we wait for the first pitch of Game 2, let’s take a look at the new surrounding the Indians and the rest of the MLB in today’s edition of A.M. Wahoo’s.

Cleveland Indians News:

Indians vs. Red Sox: Tribe Takes Game 1, 5-4

"It almost took until midnight, but the Cleveland Indians won a postseason game for the first time since 2007 with a 5-4 victory over the Boston Red Sox."

Cleveland Indians: Three Reasons the Tribe Will Beat Boston

"Based upon the standings, the Cleveland Indians should be considered the favorite, even if only ever so slightly, over the the Boston Red Sox in the American League Division Series."

Roberto Perez, Bullpen Carry Indians to Win (Let’s Go Tribe)

"Tonight’s game was just a single game in a long playoff series and in an even longer season, but it was revolutionary."

Tribe Rips up Porcello, Rides Relief to Game 1 Win (Indians.com)

"Too many times in Octobers past have the Red Sox played the role of tormentor for the Indians."

MLB News:

ALDS Game 1: Blue Jays beat Rangers (FanSided)

"Coming in hot after winning the Wild Card Game, the Toronto Blue Jays needed only three innings to take full and total control of Game 1 of their ALDS matchup with the Texas Rangers on Thursday."

Lack of Work Ethic Cost Barry Bonds His Job (Call to the Pen)

"The Miami Marlins dismissed Barry Bonds after just one season with the team. It was his first season serving as a major league coach, and it seemed Bonds could land another coaching job if he wanted it."

Jays Beer-Throwing Suspect Charged with Mischief (ESPN.com)

"The man suspected of throwing a beer at Baltimore outfielder Hyun Soo Kim during the seventh inning of Tuesday night’s American League wild-card game has been charged with mischief."