The Tribe have relied heavily on All-Star Jose Ramirez, who has an impressive .927 on-base plus slugging percentage and leads the American League with 79 extra-base hits. The lineup is solidified by the addition of outfielder Jay Bruce, who was acquired in a trade with the Mets last month, and designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion. There is plenty of depth, versatility and power across the lineup, which is another reason teams should fear the streaking Indians.

Cleveland has also had its fair share of success of some of the AL’s top pitchers. The Indians have bruised Chris Sale, the ace of the pennant-contending Boston Red Sox, for 13 earned runs in eight innings, and a .385 average, this season. Sale is a top AL Cy Young contender this season, showing how the Indians have had their way against him.

(Chuck Crow, The Plain Dealer)

However, their current win streak has catapulted them past the Houston Astros for the top spot in the AL standings, meaning they would play the winner of the Wild Card game in the ALDS should the standings remain as currently constructed. This would pit the Indians against the New York Yankees, which may be a bad matchup for the Indians considering how poorly they have fared against Sonny Gray (.207) in his career and Luis Severino (.133) this season.

But no mistake about it, the Indians are locked and loaded for the postseason. They have emerged as the team to beat in the American League and the majors. Perhaps last season’s World Series collapse will serve as greater motivation to propel them to end their own championship drought.