Well, here we are.
The Indians could not have asked for a more perfect set up to run into the playoffs like a bullet train. They are coming off a sweep of the White Sox — a feat which helped them make up a five-game deficit — and they have won their last five overall. Better yet, they get to finish the season against a young rebuilding team they should, in theory, be able to steamroll.
Even the worst teams in this shortened 60-game season have ebbed and flowed throughout, but not the Pirates. They have stayed at the bottom of the barrel; despite currently being on a three-game losing streak they are 18-39 on the season with a National League-worst 84 run differential.