Chicago Cubs World Series: How they match up with the Cleveland Indians

Bullpen

The Chicago Cubs have a deep bullpen. They have multiple players who were starters, and multiple players who were closers.

Midway through the season, they made a deal for hard-throwing lefty closer Aroldis Chapman, he of the 103 miles per hour fastball. Chapman solidified the bullpen by being lights out in save situations.

In the playoffs, Maddon decided to use Chapman in the eighth inning. It is a situation Chapman is not used to, and he looks different and more hittable when doing it.

Travis Wood, Mike Montgomery, Carl Edwards Jr, Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Justin Grimm are guys who are solid, but not dominant.

Travis Wood, Mike Montgomery, Carl Edwards Jr, Hector Rondon, Pedro Strop and Justin Grimm are guys who are solid, but not dominant. Sometimes they are shaky in their appearances.

The Indians’ bullpen is what got them to the World Series. Andrew Miller is just dominant in the postseason. In 11-and-2/3 innings, he’s allowed no runs. He also has 21 strikeouts. He was the ALCS MVP.

Combining Miller with Cody Allen makes the Indians’ bullpen formidable. Miller can come in at any situation — long, middle or short relief — to shut a team down. If Miller does not get the save, Allen will. He had 32 during the regular season.

Chapman and Miller were teammates with the New York Yankees when the season began. Both were traded away. This World Series could decide which team made the better choice.

In 32-and-1/3 innings in the postseason, Cleveland’s bullpen has a 1.67 ERA. They will need to shut down the amazing Chicago Cubs offense much the same way they did to Boston and Toronto.

Advantage: Indians