CLEVELAND -- The Indians' roster was supposed to be made for October. The timing of Cleveland clinching its third straight American League Central title was supposed to give the club ample time to dig deep into the Astros' approach and find weaknesses in preparation of the AL Division Series.
Slugger Josh Donaldson was built up to everyday duty. Andrew Miller broke free from a rehab-based schedule. Jose Ramirez and Jason Kipnis acclimated to their new positions. The rotation was healthy, giving the Tribe a variety of ways to set up the pitching staff for the five-game Division Series against Houston.