ALDS 2016: 5 reasons Indians will win

4. Timely Hitting

Everyone talks about the Red Sox and their deadly lineup. And rightfully so, since the Red Sox led the majors in runs. However, people are forgetting which team finished second in runs scored – the Indians. If any offense is built to hang with the Red Sox, who can score runs in huge bursts, it’s the Indians.

One of the big reasons why the Tribe’s lineup is built well for the postseason is their plate discipline. Their team on-base percentage of .329 ranks fourth among American League teams. They see a ton of pitches and consistently make pitchers have to work to get them out. Even when they aren’t scoring runs, that has a ton of value.

Keep an eye on their power as well. Their .430 team slugging percentage ranks fifth among American League teams. While they don’t hit many home runs, they get a ton of doubles. Their 308 doubles during the regular second ranks second, trailing only Boston.

How did Cleveland score so many runs despite not hitting home runs? One reason was their remarkable success on the base paths. They led the American League with 134 stolen bases and were caught stealing just 30 times. Expect them to be very aggressive against Boston.

Boston’s lineup has the advantage, but don’t sleep on Cleveland.