MLB playoffs 2018: Picks, predictions for Cleveland Indians vs. Houston Astros in ALDS

by Felix Pantaleón

The 2018 American League Division Series will feature a battle between the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros. Cleveland enters the series as a American League Central champion after dominating the division race. The Indians are led by manager Terry Francona, infielders Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor, starting pitcher Corey Kluber and relief pitcher Andrew Miller. Cleveland went 91-71 in the regular season. Houston enters the series as the American League West champions. The Astros are led by ace Justin Verlander, second baseman Jose Altuve, shortstop Carlos Correa, closer Roberto Osuna and manager A.J. Hinch. Houston posted a 103-59 record in the regular season.

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Here we go, Major League Baseball fans! October baseball has officially arrived.

The 2018 American League Division Series will feature a battle between the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros.

Cleveland enters the series as a American League Central champion after dominating the division race. The Indians are led by manager Terry Francona, infielders Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor, starting pitcher Corey Kluber and relief pitcher Andrew Miller. Cleveland went 91-71 in the regular season.

Houston enters the series as the American League West champions. The Astros are led by ace Justin Verlander, second baseman Jose Altuve, shortstop Carlos Correa, closer Roberto Osuna and manager A.J. Hinch. Houston posted a 103-59 record in the regular season.

The Astros are trying to become the first team since the 1999-2000 Yankees to win back-to-back World Series.

Here’s how our experts see the series playing out.

Randy Miller: The Indians are dangerous, but the Astros are a complete team that looks hungry to win a second World Series in a row. Astros in 5.

Brendan Kuty: The Houston juggernaut won’t be stopped, not with that lineup. Astros in 5.

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Steve Politi: Terry Francona finds a way to make up for last season’s ALDS collapse against the Yankees. Indians in 4.

Joe Giglio: The winner of this battle is headed to the World Series. Houston has coasted all year. Cleveland added enough at the deadline to make this interesting. Give me the Tribe. Indians in 5.

Joe Giglio may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

PROSPECT SPOTLIGHT

Tyler Nunez, a C from Lake Nona HS, is a 6'2 190lb athletic catcher who provides strength with the bat and glove. During BP, Tyler stuck with a middle of the field approach while staying on a line. He impacted the ball well with his compact and direct path, T90EV. He showed off his real athleticism behind the plate by posting a 2.04 pop time while staying around the bag on every throw. He is a good looking athletic uncommitted catcher to keep an eye on.