Guardians vs Tigers - Breaking down the AL Central showdown in the ALDS

Final thoughts

This is a series of two relatively evenly matched teams. There are more than a few statistical similarities between these two teams, and it should make for an entertaining series between two ballclubs that are only a few hours away from one another.

The one thing yet to be mentioned here is fatigue. Of course, the Guardians got a chance to rest up for a few days while preparing for the upcoming ALDS while the Tigers had to battle it out with the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round. This alone should not matter all that much, but when evaluating how each time got to this point, that is when fatigue could play a factor.

Detroit required an improbable run to qualify for the playoffs, one that needed the team to play almost perfectly for an extended period of time. As impressive as this accomplishment is, having to play like this will eventually catch up to a team and result in their time in the postseason coming to a close.

When evaluating how Cleveland got here, they clinched the American League Central division in mid-September and were able to secure a top-two spot in the AL Playoffs as the season winded down. The Guardians also experienced highs and lows throughout the season, most notably a few lows during the final two months. While that does not sound that great, what the Guardians were able to do was avoid peaking too early, something that many attribute 2018's early exit to.

Granted, coming in flat is not ideal either, as that could also result in being eliminated earlier than they should. However, going through the ebbs and flows, the ups and downs, etc., over the season's final stretch, in addition to having a few days to rest up, should bode well for them in their quest for a deep playoff run. A run that should hopefully end the longest active championship drought in the sport. But before that can be on the table, they must get past Detroit first, and that is something that seems very doable for the Guardians.

ALDS Game 1 between the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers is scheduled for Saturday, October 5th at 1:08 PM.