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Poll: Who Will Win The ALCS?

By Nick Deeds | October 13, 2024 at 8:43am CDT

Yesterday, the Guardians punched their ticket to the ALCS with an emphatic 7-3 win over the Tigers that included a Lane Thomas Grand Slam off of likely AL Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal, allowing Cleveland to take the fifth and and final game of the series.

As the NLCS (the result of which you can vote on here) kicks off between the Dodgers and Mets today, the Guardians will be traveling to New York for Game 1 against the Yankees, which is scheduled for tomorrow night. The Yankees spent the early part of the weekend waiting to see who their opponent would be after dispatching the Royals in four games. The early finish to the series gave the club three days off to realign their rotation and rest their bullpen for the upcoming seven-game set, a welcome breather given the fact that the Orioles hung around the AL East race deep into September.

No one should be surprised the Yankees have made it this far. After all, just two years after Aaron Judge’s herculean 62-homer effort delivered the club to the postseason despite virtually no support from the rest of the lineup throughout the second half of the season in 2022, Judge delivered arguably an even more impressive season in 2024 that should earn him his second AL MVP trophy. Perhaps even more important than Judge’s dominant season, however, is the fact that this year he had help in the form of Juan Soto. The Yankees were aggressive in pursuing Soto when the Padres made him available last winter, and ultimately gave up a five-player package headlined by right-handers Michael King and Drew Thorpe to acquire another star who could complement Judge in the lineup. Soto delivered on that promise and then some, slashing a sensational .288/.419/.569 in 157 games amid the best season of the 25-year-old’s career.

While the Yankees were widely expected to make some noise this season after adding Soto, the Guardians entered the 2024 season as little more than an afterthought. The club went just 76-89 last year and made few major changes over the offseason besides hiring Stephen Vogt to take over in the dugout after longtime manager Terry Francona elected to depart the club amid health issues, and an early-season injury to Shane Bieber in his final year under club control appeared to many to be the final nail in the club’s coffin this year.

That’s not how things turned out, however, as the Guardians managed to ride strong production from Jose Ramirez and Steven Kwan in the lineup in conjunction with an otherworldly effort from the club’s bullpen to 92 wins, enough to dominate a resurgent and highly competitive AL Central division. While the entire Cleveland bullpen was extremely impressive, with a collective 2.57 ERA that was more than half a run better than the league’s second-best relief corps, closer Emmanuel Clase put together one of the most impressive seasons by a reliever in MLB history. Among all relief seasons with at least 50 innings of work since the start of the modern era in 1901, Clase’s ERA- of 15 ranks second to only Zack Britton’s dominant 2016 season. Even looking beyond Clase, however, the Cleveland bullpen has been something to behold this year as Eli Morgan, Hunter Gaddis, Tim Herrin, and youngster Cade Smith each joined Clase in posting sub-2.00 ERAs, though none were quite as dominant as their closer’s 0.61 figure.

The Guardians, without any notable players on the verge of returning from injury or suffering from known day-to-day issues that could take them out of discussion for the roster, aren’t facing much uncertainty regarding their roster as they prepare to submit their final roster decisions tomorrow. The same cannot be said for the Yankees, who plan to wait until Monday to finalize decisions not only on how many pitchers the club will carry into the ALCS but also on the status of first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who suffered two broken fingers in the final days of the regular season and was unavailable during the ALDS.

In the rotation, it seems fair to say the Yankees have a substantial advantage. While neither side has announced a probable starter for Game 1, the club has penciled veteran ace Gerrit Cole in to start Game 2 and with breakout rookie Luis Gil expected to take the ball later in the series, it seems likely that either lefty Carlos Rodon or righty Clarke Schmidt will be on the bump for New York in Game 1, with Marcus Stroman also available as a potential depth option for the rotation if necessary.

The Guardians, meanwhile, relied on the trio of Tanner Bibee, Matthew Boyd, and Alex Cobb to get them through the ALDS. Cobb will be the only one on full rest in time for Game 1, making him the club’s most likely option to start the game, but it’s worth noting that both he and Boyd combined for just 11 starts during the regular season and managed just 9 2/3 innings across their three starts during the ALDS. Dominant as the Guardians’ bullpen has been this postseason, it remains to be seen if the club can rely on their relievers to throw nearly 60% of the team’s innings in a seven-game series as they did during their five-game set against the Tigers.

How will the ALCS play out? Which team is headed to the World Series, and how competitive will this series be?

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Cleveland Guardians MLBTR Originals MLBTR Polls New York Yankees

Gavin Stone Likely To Miss 2025 Season Following Shoulder Surgery
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NLCS Roster Notes: Rojas, McNeil, Vesia
View Comments (59)
Post a Comment

59 Comments

  1. dixoncayne

    8 months ago

    The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

    7
    Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      8 months ago

      Better bring extra midges this time 🙂

      11
      Reply
      • Dumpster Divin Theo

        8 months ago

        Midge Ure?

        1
        Reply
    • steven st croix

      8 months ago

      Probably NYY since Houston is at there to knock them out.

      Reply
      • Silas

        8 months ago

        No garbage can lids

        4
        Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      8 months ago

      Rox

      Reply
  2. Balk

    8 months ago

    I’m going for the upset, Cleveland in 5! Haha

    7
    Reply
    • stymeedone

      8 months ago

      Upset? The main ingredient to winning in the post season is pitching.
      Cleveland has more than New York. Plus Cleveland has lots of lefty bats for that short porch.

      6
      Reply
      • Ronk325

        8 months ago

        The Guardians have a stronger bullpen but the Yankees have the far superior rotation and lineup

        2
        Reply
      • Balk

        8 months ago

        You can’t deny the Yankees are favored to win, I do think it would be a cool thing to see both New York teams battle it out but you have to want the Indians to end the drought! They’re due!

        2
        Reply
      • CO Guardening

        8 months ago

        Curious how many HRs Naylor and Ramirez would have in that “video game field” known as Yankee stadium?

        2
        Reply
      • yanks2009

        8 months ago

        You forgot the Yankees have a 0.00 Era against a good team.
        Yankees the better Starting pitching and Relief also, remember that you guy’s used your whole bullpen and the didn’t even used Gil
        Yankees in 6

        Reply
  3. User 2770661946

    8 months ago

    Cleveland will be in such awe they’ll bring their autograph books out to watch the Yankees BP. They don’t even deserve to be on the same field. NYY in 4

    6
    Reply
    • 3768902

      8 months ago

      Bro, you give Guards too much credit. Yanks in 1

      18
      Reply
  4. LordD99

    8 months ago

    Yankees in five.

    5
    Reply
  5. NYCityRiddler

    8 months ago

    “Yanks in 1” That sounds about right. Theeeeeeeeee Yankees Win! Ahahahaha!

    4
    Reply
  6. mlb fan

    8 months ago

    The Yankees have owned the Guardians(Indians)in recent years. This will be a no drama Yankees series win. I’m very sad to say the Yankees in 5 games.

    6
    Reply
    • Acoss1331

      8 months ago

      I’d say 6 games I think the Guardians put up a fight.

      Reply
  7. letitbelowenstein

    8 months ago

    Probably headed for a New York-Los Angeles WS which should make the networks and the commissioner’s office absolutely giddy.

    1
    Reply
    • mlb fan

      8 months ago

      An all New York Subway series would be pretty dramatic as well. Then the Mets will become my new favorite team if they can silence the Yankees.

      4
      Reply
      • letitbelowenstein

        8 months ago

        I’d be cool with a NY-NY series, but you know the league is dying to have Los Angeles in there.

        2
        Reply
  8. VegasSDfan

    8 months ago

    Yankees fan act like chuldren. They are way too confident.
    Anyone but the Yankees or Dodgers..

    9
    Reply
    • steven st croix

      8 months ago

      They are only confident bcs they aren’t playing Houston

      1
      Reply
    • Silas

      8 months ago

      Who are the Padres playing? Oh I need to check the 2025 schedule

      1
      Reply
    • Informed Sportsball Discussion

      8 months ago

      Not really fair. I haven’t seen any Yankee fans trolling around. The rest of us can scoff all we want at them not having won the World Series in 15 years, but it’s been a minute for that franchise. They are almost a normal team with normal team problems.

      Yankee fans haven’t thrown things on the field lately. Gotta give them that.

      1
      Reply
    • fox471 Dave

      8 months ago

      But why San Diego fan? Why? Oh yeah, I remember now.

      Reply
  9. Old York

    8 months ago

    Yankees could barely handle the Royals. At least this series goes 6 games. My guess is Indians take the series.

    Reply
    • Silas

      8 months ago

      3-1 is barely handling? not

      4
      Reply
      • Old York

        8 months ago

        @Silas

        You’d imagine they could score more than 3 runs? They struggled against the Royals in a series where the difference was only 1 or 2 runs. Indians have a much better pen than the Royals. Yankees will struggle against the Indians in this series.

        Reply
    • Yankee Clipper

      8 months ago

      Old York: I thought the same initially; but in fairness to the Yankees and the Royals, it’s easy to forget just how good the Royals pitching has been. In fact, from what I’ve read they have one of the best pitching rosters in the league, which surprised me.

      Now, I’m certainly not dismissing the Guards because they are a well-constructed roster, with a few key players (Kwan, Ramirez, Naylor(s)) and a gem in Lane Thomas.

      It’s going to be a battle, imho, and I picked the Yankees in 7, but that’s because I am admittedly biased.

      4
      Reply
    • yanks2009

      8 months ago

      Stick to soccer because when it comes to baseball you don’t know crap.

      Reply
      • Old York

        8 months ago

        @yanks2009

        Another troll showing off their true colors. I guess you haven’t watched baseball since 2009.

        Reply
  10. whyhayzee

    8 months ago

    If the dumpires get every call correct, the Yankees have no chance. They’ve never won anything without help. That plus vitamins, cheating, and fans who throw things on the field. But hey, they’re great.

    Reply
    • itsmeheyhii

      8 months ago

      The right call was made.

      Reply
  11. Silas

    8 months ago

    October is the time to hang Indians Corn.

    1
    Reply
  12. King Floch

    8 months ago

    The Cleveland Not-Indians in 4, book it!

    Reply
  13. SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs

    8 months ago

    in 6

    Reply
  14. GarryHarris

    8 months ago

    I want Cleveland to win. I have no desire to analyze any teams.

    2
    Reply
  15. Informed Sportsball Discussion

    8 months ago

    Buried lede: aside from the Mets coming in with the #6 seed, this postseason is a counterpoint to the mantra the top seeds are hurt by having the Wild Card round off.

    I am guessing this format is here to stay. Allow any more teams in, and you make the regular season a complete joke.

    Can they at least re-seed each round? It’s really stupid the #6 seed gets to avoid the #1 seed in round 2 if it advances.

    1
    Reply
    • SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs

      8 months ago

      Just have the lowest seed play the highest like football

      2
      Reply
      • Informed Sportsball Discussion

        8 months ago

        @SweetBaby

        Exactly.

        Not what they do though. The 4 and 5 seeds are locked into playing the 1 if they advance; the 3 and 6 are locked into playing the 2. It’s dumb.

        Reply
    • Joe says...

      8 months ago

      I have no problem with not re-seeding. The greatest tournament in sports (Men’s NCAA Basketball) doesn’t re-seed. And that’s all this is now is tournament baseball.

      Reply
      • Informed Sportsball Discussion

        8 months ago

        @Joe

        Little bit easier logistically to pull of a re-seed with MLB than with March Madness.

        But you’re right that this is now a gimmick.

        Reply
  16. Logjammer D"Baggagecling

    8 months ago

    If I’m being honest I hope between now and whenever this series is over that we see two ties in the NFL. It would mean the guardians would lose the world series in 7 games. Just a fun fact( unless you’re a guards fan I guess) 1997 the nfl season had two tie game finals loat to the Marlins in 7 games. 2016 there were two tie game finals. Indians/guards Lost the world series in 7 games

    Reply
  17. MPrck

    8 months ago

    Rooting for Cleveland as the Central has put on quite the show this year. Detroit play very well taking 4 out of seven games, but Cleveland won the last game, so it’s congratulation to them. Go Indians !

    2
    Reply
    • GarryHarris

      8 months ago

      The Tigers defense and even base running started to fall apart and they are too strike out prone.

      Reply
  18. baseballpurist

    8 months ago

    Yankee haters out in full force, as usual on here. Frankly, I won’t be surprised if this comes down to game seven. I think we will all be reassured how important a dominant closer is. Because the Yankees certainly don’t have one. Weaver has been very good, but he’s also been a journeyman for reason. We shall see.

    1
    Reply
  19. mad1

    8 months ago

    Have to root for the Indians, as the team not able to spend a billion dollars on payroll

    Reply
  20. YankeesBleacherCreature

    8 months ago

    6 games. Cue Frank Sinatra.

    5
    Reply
    • CravenMoorehead

      8 months ago

      Managed to get tickets for game 2. I’ll be at Met Life Stadium tomorrow night for MNF (section 112, I’ll be wearing a Chrebet jersey with a Yankees hat).

      Will do my best to stay out of trouble. 🙂

      3
      Reply
      • Dumpster Divin Theo

        8 months ago

        Wave to the skycam

        1
        Reply
      • YankeesBleacherCreature

        8 months ago

        Have a blast!

        1
        Reply
  21. SadMsFan

    8 months ago

    Dang…Yankees have Juan Soto and Aaron Judge. Guardians have good pitching. During the regular season, the Yankees were 4-2 against Cleveland, though Cleveland outscored them 22-19, thanks to one 9 run outburst by the Guardians in one game, and an 8 run outburst in another. The question in this series is whether the Guardians can consistently put together a good enough offense to beat New York. So who has the edge?

    Manager: Guardians+5
    Offense: Yankees+10
    Starting Pitching: Guardians+1
    Relief Pitching: Guardians+3
    Defense: Guardians+2
    Power: Yankees+10
    Regular Season Line Edge: Yankees+2
    Total:
    Yankees:+22
    Guardians:+11
    2-1
    4-2

    And since the Yankees don’t have that much worse of a pitching staff, and the Guardians have a worse offense, I’d say the Yankees will win the series in 6 games. Good offense can beat good pitching, but good pitching typically beats a mediocre offense.

    Reply
  22. Acoss1331

    8 months ago

    Yankees in 6. The Yankees bats will come to life as the series progresses further.

    1
    Reply
  23. 30 Parks

    8 months ago

    Subway series upcoming. Yanks in six, Mets in seven … then Mets in seven for the Series.

    1
    Reply
    • mlbnyyfan

      8 months ago

      The Yankees will win as long as they stay away from using Holmes in key moments. Mets, unfortunately, are on a roll like Texas last year.

      2
      Reply
    • Dumpster Divin Theo

      8 months ago

      Will Jared be there

      Reply
  24. Dumpster Divin Theo

    8 months ago

    Yankee Yankee time for a spankee

    Reply
  25. MLBTR needs to hire editors

    8 months ago

    Again, Mr. Deeds needs to learn basic syntactical rules. “Meanwhile” has to start the sentence; it can’t come in the middle, set off by commas.

    Reply

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