Top 10 Reasons Why the Cleveland Indians Will Make the Playoffs

I know, I know, this will jinx the Indians—much the same way that Joe Posnanski jinxed the Cavaliers with his cover story in Sports Illustrated titled, "Cleveland Rocks."

But let's be honest Tribe fans, we weren't expecting the Indians to make the playoffs this year, and to be in the race at this point in the season is definitely exciting. Don't get me wrong, I will be BITTERLY disappointed if the Tribe can't win the AL Central, but if they do make the playoffs, there must be reasons why.

Justin Masterson

Before the arrival of Ubaldo Jimenez, Justin Masterson was the ace on the Tribe pitching staff. Somewhat of an unsung hero, Masterson has pitched extremely well this season, some even arguing he deserved a spot in the All-Star game in Phoenix.

With a 2.71 ERA and 1.185 WHIP, it's clear Masterson hasn't gotten the run support to be a 20-game winner, although his numbers show he could be. As the season closes, and the Indians bats begin to heat up again, Masterson will continue to dominate. 

The Bullpen Mafia

While the Bullpen Mafia has sputtered as of late, they will find their rhythm again and save games the way they did earlier in the year. However, it may be in a different form. Chris Perez may have lost his spot as the closer of this team, but be it Frank Hermann or Rafael Perez, the Indians will have someone who will play the closing role, and will play it awfully well.  

Jason Kipnis

Jason Kipnis has provided an instant spark to the Tribe's offense, and will continue to do so. With six home runs in his first 58 at-bats, Kipnis provides the power and the youth the Indians have desperately needed as of late. 

Pronk

No, not Travis Hafner.

Travis Hafner is the overpaid, underachieving guy the Indians and their fans have been putting up with for the past few seasons. 

Pronk is the guy who struck fear into whoever was on the mound that day and, with his country-strong power, could knock a ball into the upper deck of Progressive Field. 

Indians fans have long awaited the return of Pronk, and the departure of Travis Hafner. 

Pronk could give the Indians that unyielding power that will deliver those clutch hits when the Tribe is in crunch time. He could deliver that late-season magic that seemed to have left along with his "Pronk" mantra many years ago. Pronk has been hiding. If the Indians make the playoffs, "Pronk" will have returned. 

3 Series Left Against the Tigers

Even if the Tribe were to fall a few games behind the Tigers, they would have the opportunity to gain a great deal of ground by facing the Tigers nine more times before the season comes to a close. The Indians have held their own against Detroit this year, and will continue to do so. 

Kosuke Fukudome

In addition to providing the Indians with yet another amazing name, Fukudome provides the Indians with the ability to get on base. In his first few games, the Tribe has already felt his impact, as he has been able to get the offense rolling with hits in key situations. This guy may not be the big power guy, nor the amazing fielder, but he will do just enough to make him a great trade-deadline pickup.  

The Indians' Remaining Schedule

With just over a month and a half in the Major League Baseball schedule, the Cleveland Indians' remaining schedule looks to be a favorable one. With visits to Progressive Field by former Tribe manager Eric Wedge and his Seattle Mariners, and the Oakland Athletics, as well as numerous series against the bottom-dwelling Royals and Twins, the Indians competition shouldn't be anything too difficult for them to handle. However, they should not take any series lightly. 

Ubaldo Jimenez

You knew it was coming.

Ubaldo Jimenez was the stud the Indians needed to push them over the edge.

All the haters and nay-sayers didn't agree with the trade, but if the Indians were going to make a playoff push, they needed "The Big U" to be its anchor. For the Indians to make the playoffs, Ubaldo will need to be the Ubaldo the Indians were hoping for. He has the talent, he has the stuff—all he needs to do is deliver. 

Asdrubal Cabrera

The recent hype surrounding the Indians has cast a bit of a shadow on Asdrubal. He was the guy who was continually on the top of Baseball Tonight's Web Gems. He was the guy who equaled his home run total from previous seasons in one half of this current season. He was the face of the Indians team who stormed out of the gate and took baseball by storm.

Asdrubal continues to be the MVP of this Indians team, and his production both offensively and defensively will be the reason the Indians will make a late-season surge and make the postseason. 

The Dolan Family and GM Chris Antonetti

Finally. FINALLY!

The Cleveland Indians were buyers at the trade deadline. This simple fact is almost unheard of. The Dolan family is infamous in Cleveland for refusing to spend money to better their team. 

Well this time, for what is probably the first time, Larry Dolan told Indians GM Chris Antonetti, "Money is not an issue." With these words came so much more than the brilliant trades for Kosuke Fukudome and Ubaldo Jimenez that solidified an already decent and young Indians roster. With these words came a commitment to a team, to the city of Cleveland and to a fan base that is aching to win.

Chris Antonetti was ready. He had the moves ready to go. He just needed the green light from the Dolans. When he got that green light, the fate of the future of the Cleveland Indians was sealed. Finally, the Cleveland Indians are in it to win it.