Cleveland Indians: Previewing the series against the Rangers

Storylines

New bullpen, who dis?

It’s been the story around Cleveland since the move was made. The Tribe added the most sought after reliever on the market in Brad Hand and got Adam Cimber in the process. Adding an All-Star reliever and getting another solid reliever for years to come is a huge win for the Indians. It keeps that World Series window open a little longer.

The Indians have seen bullpen struggles hold them back. Now with a loaded back-end and a healthy Andrew Miller on the horizon, the Indians have made it clear they want a World Series this year. Credit team president Chris Antonetti for consistently going out to not only get his guy, but getting the guy on the trade market in the last few seasons.

Get off to a hot start in the second half

The Indians stumbled out of the All-Star break last season after dropping a pair of road series’ against the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A’s. This year they will look to avoid that. The Indians will look to catch up to the big bad Red Sox, Yankees, and Astros in the second half of 2018 and it starts here.

Worse/Best case scenario

Worse case: 1-2 series loss

It’ll be a tough look if the Indians stumble out of the break against a team like the Rangers. They have handled the Rangers in the last two seasons including a sweep in Texas on Opening Weekend in 2017. That said, the Rangers can steal games as we saw against the Red Sox. The Indians need to be on their toes against this hard-hitting lineup.

Best case: 3-0 series win

Boy would this outcome send a message. Sure the rangers are a sub .500 team but if the Indians managed to pull off a sweep after making their big trade, it would open some eyes. The Indians have an advantage on the mound and in the lineups so a sweep isn’t unlikely, but it would be something to see.

Next: Analyzing the Indians' new look bullpen

The series starts tonight at 8:05 PM EST and continues until Sunday. This is just a one series road trip as the Tribe will return home to take on the Pirates after this one.