Sunday, October 15, 2017

Johnny Fro's 2017-18 NBA Preseason Predictions: Welcome to the Wild, Wild West

Embed from Getty Images
In perhaps the busiest and most jaw-dropping NBA offseason in league history, Chris Paul (Rockets), Paul George and Carmelo Anthony (Thunder), Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward (Celtics), Isaiah Thomas and Dwyane Wade (Cavs), Jimmy Butler (T'Wolves) and Paul Millsap (Nuggets) changed uniforms. 

The entire landscape of the NBA changed, except for the fact that the Warriors and Cavs are still the favorites to meet in the NBA Finals. Oh well. Let's get into it...

(** EDITOR'S NOTE: The vast majority of this piece was written on Sunday, October 8. Some roster situations may have changed since then. **)


EASTERN CONFERENCE

Atlantic Division

5. New York Knicks 

New York's new front office regime did the right thing by dealing Carmelo Anthony to the Thunder -- ending what has been a tiresome, toxic relationship -- but the rebuilding process could take 3-5 years. The good news is that new GM Scott Perry's braintrust welcomes offense in the form of SG Tim Hardaway, Jr., C Enes Kanter, SF Michael Beasley, SF Doug McDermott and PG Jarrett Jack

I think HC Jeff Hornacek should forget about defense altogether. This roster simply doesn't have the personnel to be a top-tier defensive unit. I'd go all-in on the scorers by starting Jack, Hardaway, Beasley, Kristaps Porzingis and Kanter. I doubt Hornacek will concur, though. He'll also be considering Ramon Sessions, Frank Ntilikina, Courtney Lee, McDermott and Willy Hernangomez for starting spots. Jack or Sessions could end up cut, too. 

Look, let's be real -- only the Cavs, Celtics, Wizards, Raptors and Bucks should be locks for East playoff spots. That means, if everything breaks right, any other team could reach the postseason. Yup...even the Knicks. Wouldn't shock me. 

4. Brooklyn Nets

As a long-time Nets fan, I've always been a big Brook Lopez supporter. He's a consummate professional, and I love his high-percentage game. So, it took me a few weeks to digest his trade to the Lakers for D'Angelo Russell (whom I've bashed in the past), but I've come to terms with it now. 

Embed from Getty Images

I understand what GM Sean Marks and HC Kenny Atkinson are doing. The league has transitioned to "3-and-D" and now the Nets have Russell, Jeremy Lin, Allen Crabbe, DeMarre Carroll, Caris LeVertSean Kilpatrick, Joe Harris and Spencer Dinwiddie. That's a lot of perimeter shooting. 

I'm happy that this franchise is keeping up with the times, and that awareness alone could potentially help the Nets shock the consensus that considers them a joke. This club will go as Russell and Lin do.

3. Philadelphia 76ers

My loyal readers know that I refuse to buy a boarding pass for the Preseason Hype Train. Very rarely do the "hype" teams hit their projected marks. There's no question that the Sixers are one of the most talented squads in the East -- boasting Joel "The Process" Embiid, Ben Simmons, No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz and Dario Saric -- but Embiid and Simmons have concerning injury histories. Fultz hasn't played a game in the NBA yet. 

Absolute best-case scenario for HC Brett Brown's Sixers is the 6-seed. The more likely scenarios are the 8-seed or missing the playoffs altogether. 

2. Toronto Raptors

Could be addition-by-subtraction here. DeMarre Carroll is a solid, two-way NBA player, but the Raptors were never the right fit for him. Carroll thrived in Mike Budenholzer's unselfish, pass-and-cut offense with the Hawks, but when you play with DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the ball sticks. Dwane Casey's offense puts the ball in the hands of his stars, and they like to play one-on-one basketball. 

For whatever reason, young swingman Norman Powell seems comfortable under those circumstances. He'll step up for the Raptors this season, and C.J. Miles was also a nice addition. 

1. Boston Celtics

I've already tackled these Celtics, so I won't waste too much time here. Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward will require an adjustment period within Brad Stevens' offense, but they'll be ready come playoff time. No reason to expect the East Finals will be anything other than Cavs vs. Celtics. 

Central Division

5. Chicago Bulls

Yikes. Talk about a rebuild. Zach LaVine (knee) won't even be on the court until mid-November (the earliest), which means...umm...Kris Dunn and Denzel Valentine will carry this team? Good luck, Fred Hoiberg. That seat must be steaming hot. 

4. Indiana Pacers

What an absolutely atrocious offseason for GM Kevin Pritchard. Just putrid. Shockingly bad. You're holding an incredibly-valuable trade chip in Paul George, and the best you can do is perennial underachiever Victor Oladipo? Not acceptable. Hope this team flops as a punishment for ineptitude, and it will. 

3. Detroit Pistons

I think Stan Van Gundy is a good coach and talent evaluator, but it doesn't seem like anyone wants to play for him. Overall, this is a light team that will be leaning heavily on Avery Bradley and Tobias Harris for offensive production. Reggie Jackson has nagging knee and groin issues, and he isn't that valuable, anyway. 

I'm only putting the Pistons third because SVG will maximize what he has, and Bradley is a winner. He'll assist Andre Drummond and Harris in leading this team. 

2. Milwaukee Bucks

Jabari Parker (ACL surgery) won't be back until February the earliest, and that's a real shame. Seems like it's always one of the key guys for this team, right? Last year Khris Middleton didn't return from injury until the home stretch. 

Overall, when healthy, this is an interesting and dangerous team. Jason Kidd gets his guys to compete. He has hustlers and dedicated team players like Matthew Dellavedova, Malcolm Brogdon and Tony Snell, and they mesh well with Middleton, Greg Monroe and Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee's most talented performers. 

Giannis is seriously trending in the direction of LeBron James. The sky is the limit. 

Embed from Getty Images

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

How come, when the Cavs signed Dwyane Wade, everyone's first reaction was, "Eh, he's old."

Like, show this dude some respect! I got a number of texts from avid sports fans saying "he won't make that much of a difference."

Well, with Isaiah Thomas out until January, I beg to differ. I think Wade will bring the poise, leadership and pure ability that LeBron James needs to keep Cleveland atop the East. It will be interesting to see how HC Tyronn Lue handles Wade's minutes in relation to Derrick Rose, J.R. Smith, Kyle Korver and Iman Shumpert. Lot of veteran mouths to feed. 

In the end, this is all superfluous chatter. It all comes down to Cavs vs. Celtics and -- possibly -- Cavs vs. Warriors.

Southeast Division

5. Orlando Magic

When owner Rich DeVos inevitably dismissed laughable GM Rob Hennigan, I wrote a long, detailed letter to Mr. Devos (as well Head Coach Frank Vogel and Basketball Analytics Manager David Bencs) suggesting ways for Orlando to overhaul its cluttered, clunky roster. 

This organization is heavily invested in non-shooters like Elfrid Payton, Aaron Gordon and Bismack Biyombo. I recommended that DeVos clean house. Get hip to the times. Distance yourself from "key" players who can be left wide open by opposing, smart defenses. 

I told them to draft Malik Monk, one of the purest shooters to come out of college in years. Instead they took Jonathan Isaac, another raw project. Needless to say, the organization didn't even have the decency to call or email me back. The preceding offseason I wrote a similar letter to the Knicks, and they were kind enough to give me a call to discuss the memo. 

Can you imagine that? The Knicks being MUCH more professional than another NBA franchise?

Anyway, Gordon will be asked to lead this team...where exactly? I don't have a clue. He'll be good for fantasy purposes, but that's all. Another dreadful season for a pathetic organization going nowhere. 

Well, maybe going backwards. 

4. Atlanta Hawks

Every year they get worse on paper, but Mike Budenholzer is an excellent coach. If he can get to the playoffs with Kent Bazemore as his second-best player, then he truly is a miracle-worker. Of course I'm referring to the losses of Paul Millsap, Tim Hardaway, Jr., Dwight Howard and Mike Scott

3. Miami Heat

Wow, this is reaaaally a tough one. I'm talking super close with the Hornets. I have nothing but the utmost respect for both Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra; I just have a little hunch on the Hornets this year. 

After losing LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen, Joe Johnson and Luol Deng over the course of the past 4-5 years, Riley and "Spo" have done a fantastic job rebuilding this club, finding absolute steals in C Hassan Whiteside, SG Dion Waiters, G Tyler Johnson and F James Johnson

Like the aforementioned Bucks, these guys play for their coach. They leave it all on the floor. I hope they squeeze into a playoff spot. This organization and its players deserve it. 

2. Charlotte Hornets

Embed from Getty Images

Maybe I just love Michael Jordan too much. I'm still rooting for him all these years later. 

As an executive, MJ's M.O. is clear as day -- he wants college players from big schools with known pedigrees. Just look at his current roster: Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb (teammates and national champs at UConn), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Malik Monk (Kentucky), Marvin Williams (North Carolina), Cody Zeller (Indiana) and Frank Kaminsky (NCAA Tournament superstar at Wisconsin).

While they were undoubtedly collegiate standouts, they aren't all-stars at the NBA level (with the exception of Kemba). However, collectively, they provide a nice balance of hustle, perimeter shooting and pure competitiveness. Kaminsky drastically improved in his second season as a pro, and I think Monk was a steal for MJ at No. 11 in this year's draft. I smell a bounce-back year for Steve Clifford's hardworking Hornets.

1. Washington Wizards

Markieff Morris' hernia surgery worries me, but this club still has a relatively easy path to another division title. I don't like Jason Smith as a temporary replacement at the power forward position, but I think Mike Scott will end up stealing some of those minutes away from him. 

You know the deal -- the Wizards franchise is currently in good hands with John Wall, Bradley Beal and Otto Porter leading the way. Three classy kids who lead by example and boast immense basketball talent. 

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Northwest Division

5. Utah Jazz

Plain and simple: Quin Snider's team will miss Gordon Hayward and George Hill too much to repeat their success from last season. The T'Wolves and Nuggets made marquee acquisitions, so this division is going to be ultra-competitive. I'd be pretty shocked to see the Jazz in the postseason again. 

4. Minnesota Timberwolves

I love the concept behind what Tom Thibodeau is doing -- acquiring Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson brings familiarity and toughness from their days with the Chicago Bulls franchise. Butler and Gibson speak Thibs' language, and they can act as on-court surrogates as Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Jeff Teague and Jamal Crawford continue to feel their way around coach's system. 

Embed from Getty Images

There's no question that Minnesota's front office had a wonderful offseason; just remember that this club only won 31 games last year. They have to show me something before I can put them ahead of the next three teams. 

3. Denver Nuggets

Paul Millsap is just one of those guys who always plays the game correctly. Knows when to shoot, pump-fake, pass, drive, help on defense, etc. He's a consummate professional and teammate. He and Nikola Jokic combine to form an outstanding frontcourt for Mike Malone's upward-trending Nuggets. 

The question and deciding factor for Denver will be its backcourt. Is Jamal Murray the answer at the point? How will Emmanuel Mudiay's minutes be handled? Can Gary Harris stay healthy?

I don't have the answers to any of those questions, and this is a backcourt-driven league. Feels like another late-season fight for a playoff spot. 

2. Portland Trail Blazers

I like the fact that they stayed pat. Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum form an incredible backcourt. Starting center Jusuf Nurkic was and is a massive upgrade over Mason Plumlee (who the aforementioned Nuggets are stuck with now). Al-Farouq Aminu can be an interesting gadget player at the power forward position if Terry Stotts leaves him alone. 

Above all, this group has continuity. They also experienced a wake-up call last season when, if not for the well-timed arrival of Nurkic, they would have missed the postseason after winning 44 games and grabbing the 5-seed the year before. They have a better understanding of effort level now. I think people are sleeping on them in the crowded West. 

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

There are only two questions for Billy Donovan's team: (1) Are there enough shots to go around for Russell Westbrook, Paul George and Carmelo Anthony? And (2) will these "interesting" personalities make it through the season without killing each other?

I think, somehow, they will. Westbrook needed supporting talent to push OKC deeper into the postseason, and he has it now. They should take this division. 

Southwest Division

5. Dallas Mavericks

The West is just too talented right now. Rick Carlisle's boys just don't have enough ability and/or explosiveness. Dennis Smith, Jr. absolutely looks like the real deal, but he won't be enough to make this team a contender

4. New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are a perennial disappointment. I have no idea how Alvin Gentry keeps his job as head coach. It's truly mind-boggling. He's done a horrific job with this team. 

I know they have DeMarcus Cousins these days, but Darius Miller, E'Twaun Moore and Solomon Hill are your perimeter shooters? I'm not buyin' it. 

3. Memphis Grizzlies

I always find a way to doubt this team, and I just ain't doin' it anymore. Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are stable leaders atop this franchise. Zach Randolph will be dearly missed, but I like what I've seen in terms of JaMychal Green's development at power forward. He's a potential breakout player. 

Tyreke Evans and Chandler Parsons are total crapshoots; but no matter what, I think David Fizdale will maximize his club's win total. He did a fantastic job in year one. 

2. San Antonio Spurs

Kawhi Leonard (quad) still doesn't have a timetable for return. Now that is a concern. Gregg Popovich will figure it out -- as always -- but I can't put these guys ahead of James Harden and Chris Paul without Kawhi at 100%. 

1. Houston Rockets

Whenever a Superteam is created, we hear the same ol' question: are there enough shots to go around? Now, I asked that question about the Thunder because it's relevant. Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony are shoot-first players. They could potentially clash on-and-off the court. 

Embed from Getty Images

But James Harden and Chris Paul? Sure, they have entirely different personalities -- CP3 is a balls-to-the-wall competitor, whereas Harden shrivels away into nothing under pressure -- but on the court we're talking about two of the most unselfish basketball players in the world. 

Harden, arguably the most gifted one-on-one scorer of all, led the NBA with 11.2 assists per game. He can score when he wants, but he makes a conscious decision to keep his teammates involved. CP3 finished 4th with 9.2 per game, and his 8,251 assists are the most of any active player. These superstars will share the rock with one another, as well as productive teammates like Eric Gordon, Clint Capela, Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson

Luc Richard Mbah a Moute should provide a lift defensively, as well. 

Pacific Division

5. Phoenix Suns

They won 24 games last year. Only addition this year is interesting rookie Josh Jackson. This club isn't going anywhere. 

4. Sacramento Kings

This still feels like a dysfunctional family to me. Remember when GM Vlade Divac said he passed up a "better deal" after sending Boogie Cousins to the Pelicans for Buddy Hield, Tyreke Evans, Langston Galloway, a 1st and 2nd round pick?

Like, seriously, who says that?

I remember Vlade was a clown as a player, but does he have to continue being a clown as a "professional" executive? When you say you passed up a "better deal," what does that say to Hield, who is the centerpiece of the deal you actually made? It's totally nonsensical and unprofessional. 

Luckily for Vlade, Hield played very well for the Kings, averaging 15.1 points per game on 48% shooting, after scoring only 8.6 PPG for the Pelicans. The Kings have some pieces now, with Hield, explosive rookie De'Aaron Fox, swingman Justin Jackson (another rookie) and free agent signee George Hill, but HC Dave Joerger has his hands full here. 

How will he distribute the minutes between the veterans (Zach Randolph, Vince Carter and Kosta Koufos) and the upstarts (Skal Labissiere, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Willie Cauley-Stein)?

I think there's a cutthroat, potentially-winning lineup here -- Fox, Hill, Hield, Randolph and Cauley-Stein -- but I'm not sure Joerger will find it. In today's hybrid league, just play your best players. On this team, that means Fox, Hill and Hield together. We'll see. 

3. Los Angeles Clippers

Who the hell knows with this team? Isn't there something bizarre about Patrick Beverley, Lou Williams, Danilo Gallinari, Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan in the same lineup? It feels like, mashed together. It doesn't necessarily look cohesive, but Doc Rivers is one of the best in the biz. 

His wild cards are PG Milos Teodosic and his son, Austin. They'll need to be a level above where they're expected to be. Doc will somehow get more out of this personnel than he should. 

2. Los Angeles Lakers

I'm gonna be honest here -- I initially had the Clippers ranked ahead of them. I figured, in the end, Doc Rivers would coach his vets past Luke Walton's inexperienced kids. 

Embed from Getty Images

But, ya know what? I can see these baby Lakers runnin' and gunnin' their way to success. With Lonzo Ball pushing the pace and looking to keep his teammates in rhythm, the production possibilities are there for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jordan Clarkson, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle and Brook Lopez

The Lakers' organizational plan is solid and logical: Luke Walton is a positive, energetic young head coach with a winning background (Warriors), and he's being given the opportunity to grow alongside his young, hungry players. Too bad the West is stacked right now. 

1. Golden State Warriors

Same ol' story for these guys -- just gotta keep Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant and Draymond Green healthy. If they do that, we already know the result. 

CONFERENCE RANKINGS AND PLAYOFF SEEDING

Eastern Conference (Playoff Teams in Bold)

15. Chicago Bulls
14. New York Knicks
13. Orlando Magic
12. Indiana Pacers
11. Atlanta Hawks
10. Detroit Pistons
9. Brooklyn Nets

8. Philadelphia 76ers
7. Miami Heat
6. Charlotte Hornets
5. Milwaukee Bucks
4. Washington Wizards
3. Toronto Raptors
2. Boston Celtics
1. Cleveland Cavaliers

Western Conference

15. Phoenix Suns
14. Dallas Mavericks
13. Utah Jazz
12. Sacramento Kings
11. New Orleans Pelicans
10. Los Angeles Clippers
9. Los Angeles Lakers

8. Memphis Grizzlies
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
6. Denver Nuggets
5. Portland Trail Blazers
4. San Antonio Spurs
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
2. Houston Rockets
1. Golden State Warriors

THE POSTSEASON

Eastern Conference Finals: Cavs over Celtics, 4-2.

Western Conference Finals: Warriors over Rockets, 4-2. 

Embed from Getty Images

NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors over Cleveland Cavs, 4-1. Sorry, but it's the most likely outcome (again). 

Friday, October 6, 2017

Demolishing ESPN's NBA Rank Part III: Kyrie Isn't In the Top 20??

Embed from Getty Images
Welcome back for Round 3 of my systematic destruction of ESPN's laughable "NBARank." If you missed out on the fun of Volumes 1 and 2, I encourage to go back and catch up

While ESPN had some real head-scratchers from players 100 down to 51, it only gets worse on the second half of their list. Let's get right into it...

1. Steven Adams (#46) is better than Goran Dragic (#47)?

I don't want to beat a dead horse, but we're in the same old situation here: Major outlets like ESPN and Sports Illustrated tend to severely overvalue role players. And, that's exactly what Steven Adams is. Adams averages 7.5 PPG and 6.4 RPG for his career. The only reason he gets so much love is because Russell Westbrook is a marquee name; therefore, Adams gets a lot of exposure during nationally-televised games. 

On the other hand, Dragic -- who averaged 20.3 points, 5.8 assists and nearly 4 rebounds per game out of the point guard position last year -- along with Hassan Whiteside and Dion Waiters (who ESPN also undervalues), nearly carried Erik Spoelstra's surprising Heat to a playoff spot. "The Dragon" has been an all-star caliber floor general for quite some time now, and he's the type of guy who can carry a struggling team when necessary. 

Embed from Getty Images

Is Adams a solid role player? Sure. He's big, tough, coordinated and finishes nicely at the cup. He's a useful, physical presence. But Dragic is an effective standalone player. He doesn't need Westbrook to spoon feed him. He feeds himself, and his teammates. 

Johnny Fro's Rankings: Adams (81) and Dragic (35)

2. Jae Crowder (#38) is better than DeMar DeRozan (#39)?

Don't get me wrong -- Jae Crowder is a solid all-around NBA basketball player. He exerts effort defensively, always works hard to improve his offensive game and provides consistent, positive energy on both ends of the floor. 

But, this one is a no-contest. DeMar DeRozan averaged more points per game (27.3) than LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, while shooting 46.7% from the floor. DeRozan's quietly a star player. He always leads his Raptors to the postseason. Crowder averaged 13.9 PPG on 46.3% shooting. 'Nuff said. 

Johnny Fro's Rankings: Crowder (53) and DeRozan (14)

3. DeAndre Jordan (#30) is better than Isaiah Thomas (#33)???

The Suns wouldn't trade Tyson Chandler (and a pick) for DeAndre Jordan. The Suns. The same Suns who won 24 games last year, and 23 the season before that. If DeAndre is such a superstar, why couldn't the Clippers find any takers?

I'm going to answer my own question:

1. Today's NBA is all about floor spacing, stretching the floor, opening up drive-and-kick lanes and knocking down threes. DeAndre Jordan doesn't help your team in any of those ways. 

2. For two consecutive postseasons, Doc Rivers' Clippers desperately needed DeAndre to step into a prominent production role. Two years ago, against Damian Lillard and the Blazers, both Chris Paul and Blake Griffin went down. Last season, Griffin went down again, and CP3 nearly beat a very good Jazz team by himself. 

In both instances, DeAndre was unable to step up and help the Clippers get out of the first round. That's because he's a limited player. His true impact is mostly smoke and mirrors. 

Embed from Getty Images

3. Most teams are wise to the fact that Jordan's offensive stats (12.7 PPG, 71.4% FG) were entirely dependent on CP3's world-class skills at the point. Talk about being fed by a silver spoon. 

Isaiah Thomas, on the other hand, averaged 28.9 PPG (a career high) on 46.3% shooting (also a career high). He was third in the league in scoring, behind only Westbrook and James Harden. He finished 5th in the MVP voting. Where did DeAndre finish?

Come on, this ranking is a joke. Absolutely pathetic, ESPN. 

Johnny Fro's Rankings: Jordan (45, I commend his durability) and Thomas (10)

4. Kyrie Irving is #25????

That's just plain insulting. Kyrie Irving is one of the most gifted offensive basketball players in the entire universe. He's a Game 7 NBA Finals hero. He's a top-10 player (at worst, top 15, if you want to play Devil's advocate). I'll get into the players who are inexplicably ranked ahead of him in my 4th-and-final installment of this series. 

Thank you all for reading, as always. Have a wonderful weekend. 

Thursday, October 5, 2017

2017 ALDS Prediction: Can the Yankees Stun the White-Hot Indians?

Embed from Getty Images
It's a crying shame when two legitimate World Series contenders meet in the opening round of the postseason. 

Joe Girardi's Yankees -- fresh off their high-octane 8-4 victory over the upstart Twins in the AL Wild Card Game -- will have deadline acquisition Sonny Gray on the hill for Game 1 of the ALDS, where he'll be opposed by Trevor Bauer and the rest of Terry "Tito" Francona's record-setting Indians. 

Many are surprised by Tito's decision to go with Bauer in Game 1, as opposed to marquee name and playoff stud Corey Kluber, but Bauer is the classic "hot hand." After an absolutely atrocious first third of the season, Bauer has progressively improved to the point where an ERA over 6.00 dropped all the way down to 4.19 (second-best of his enigmatic career). Bauer has wipeout stuff; he struck out 196 batters in 176.1 innings this year. 

In addition, pitching Kluber in Game 2 lines him up for a do-or-die Game 5 start, if necessary. 

On the other side, I remember Gray's only two starts in the postseason. As a rookie back in 2013, he was fantastic in the ALDS against Miguel Cabrera and the Tigers' formidable offense. Gray surrendered just three runs in 13 innings of work, striking out 12 in the process. 

Embed from Getty Images

The main difference now -- other than the change of uniform -- is that his fastball isn't quite as explosive as it was then. Regardless, the pure adrenaline should help, and we know Gray was poised last time around. 

Offensively, we got a good look at the Yankees' potent offense Tuesday night, and we know they'll be relying on Aaron Judge, Gary Sanchez, Didi Gregorius, Brett Gardner and Starlin Castro for production and timely hitting in this series.

So let's divert our attention to the Indians for a bit. 2B Jose Ramirez is one of the least-discussed stars in the four major sports. Sometimes overshadowed by big, flashy names like Francisco Lindor and Edwin Encarnacion, Ramirez quietly received some votes for AL MVP in 2016. He followed up that breakout campaign by hitting .318 this season and leading the league with 56 doubles. He also showcased his power/speed versatility by mashing 29 homers and swiping 17 bags. Don't forget the fact that he can capably play second base, third base and shortstop. 

So, Ramirez, Lindor and Encarnacion will be players to watch, and they'll look for offensive assistance from vets Carlos Santana, Jason Kipnis and Jay Bruce (I miss you, Jay!). Speaking of Kipnis, keep an eye on his conversion to center field. His lack of experience at that position could come back to haunt the Indians in tight defensive spots. 

Embed from Getty Images

Back on the mound, I think the starting rotations are close to a wash. Kluber is the best SP in the series, but Josh Tomlin -- the worst SP in the series -- is lightly penciled in for Game 4, if necessary. If we get to Game 4, the positive for the Indians is that Luis Severino doesn't seem ready for the bright lights. Game 4 would likely come down to the bullpens. 

Speaking of the bullpens, both the Yankees and Indians are STACKED in that department. As we saw in the Wild Card game, Girardi goes to Brian Cashman's pen and brings out one quality arm after another. Leading up to elite closer Aroldis Chapman, the Yanks boast Dellin Betances, Chad Green, Tommy Kahnle and David Robertson. You could make a legitimate argument that all five of those guys should be closers in the bigs. Lights out stuff.

The Indians ain't too shabby either, with Andrew Miller -- the most valuable and versatile reliever in the world over the long haul of the past four seasons -- leading the way, accompanied by Cody Allen, Bryan Shaw and oft-converted starter Danny Salazar. These guys also have outstanding stuff. 


JOHNNY FRO'S COMMON SENSE BREAKDOWN

Why overthink this? Let's make it nice and easy...

1. Offenses: Both are strong with the potential to explode. 
2. Starting Pitching: Both are solid, but not dominant. 
3. Bullpens: Both are elite. 
4. Defense: Negligible, though Kipnis in CF worries me. 
5. Managers: Possibly the top two in the game. 

5 REASONS WHY I'M TAKING THE INDIANS TO WIN IN 5

Embed from Getty Images

1. I don't like the fact that the Yankees pen is coming into the series overworked. In the Wild Card Game, Green threw 2 innings and 41 pitches. Robertson 3 1/3 innings and 52 pitches! Kahnle 2 1/3 innings and 29 pitches. That means we'll be seeing Betances early in the series, and he hasn't been able to find the plate. 

2. Cleveland's collective experience from last year's postseason run. Helps in pressure spots. 

3. Indians will pitch the Yankees' free swingers carefully and effectively. That means Sanchez, Castro and Todd Frazier

4. The Indians are in Chapman's head. They shook him in the World Series

5. These Indians won 22 games in a row. They know how to squeeze out tight wins. 

And yet, in the end, anyone who tells you they have a crystal ball for this series is full of...well...you know. The Indians and Yankees are both World Series contenders. Now, let's play ball!!