3 Cubs, 3 Indians to watch in World Series
The Chicago Cubs haven't been to the World Series since 1945, and they haven't won a championship since 1908.
The Cleveland Indians were a powerhouse team two decades ago and they made it to the World Series in 1995 and again in '97, coming up short both times. They haven't won a championship since 1948.
Something has to give when the Cubs and Indians meet up in this year's Fall Classic, with Game 1 commencing Tuesday night at Progressive Field
Here are three key players from each side that should have a big say in the outcome:
CUBS
<b>Dexter Fowler</b>
Trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 in the National League championship series after being shut out in back-to-back games, the Cubs were in big trouble and in desperate need of an offensive spark.
Fowler provided it out of the leadoff spot, going 6-for-14 as the Cubs outscored L.A. 23-6 while winning three straight and advancing to the World Series.
<b>Jon Lester</b>
Clayton Kershaw attracted most of the attention in the NLCS, but Lester was the better starting pitcher, allowing just 2 earned runs over 13 innings in 2 starts vs. the Dodgers.
Add in the 8 shutout innings he threw against the San Francisco Giants in Game 1 of the NL division series, and you can see why the Cubs invested $155 million in Lester.
<b>Anthony Rizzo</b>
Like Dexter Fowler, he came alive in the NLCS after the Cubs fell behind 2-1.
Rizzo was 7-for-14 with 2 home runs, 2 doubles and 5 RBI in Games 4-6 against the Dodgers.
The left-handed hitting first baseman could do some serious damage against Cleveland's right-handed heavy pitching staff.
INDIANS
<b>Corey Kluber</b>
He is very likely to win his second Cy Young Award in three seasons this year, and the right-handed starter is showing why in the playoffs.
In 3 postseason starts against dangerous offenses in the Red Sox and Blue Jays, Kluber went 2-1 with a 0.98 ERA.
<b>Jose Ramirez</b>
The third baseman led the Indians with a .312 batting average during the regular season and also contributed 11 home runs and 76 RBI.
Ramirez was 5-for-10 against Boston in the ALDS but cooled against the Blue Jays in the ALCS, going 1-for-17. If he heats back up in the World Series, Cleveland could have a shot.
<b>Andrew Miller</b>
No matter when he came out of the bullpen in the American League division series and championship series, Miller was a lockdown reliever.
In 6 postseason appearances against the Red Sox and Blue Jays, Miller pitched 11⅔ scoreless innings, allowing 5 hits while striking out 21.