Predict the ALDS roster

OK, the best AL record is clinched, the overall best record is lost and we have one game to play tomorrow.

Time to predict the Indians' ALDS roster.   Now, I know there are geniuses in the Indians' management team who will look at all the analytics once we know who we are playing and make the appropriate decision based on historical tendencies, park averages, etc.   But, putting that detailed analysis aside for the moment, here are my off-the-top-of-the-head thoughts

Starting pitchers (3):

Kluber, Carrasco, Bauer.

Relievers (9)

Clevinger, Salazar, Otero, McAllister, Joe Smith, Tyler Olsen, Bryan Shaw, Andrew Miller, Cody Allen

Catchers (2)

Gomes, Perez

Infielders (7)

Santana, Encarnacion, Lindor, Ramirez, Urshela, Gonzalez, Diaz

Outfielders (4)

Jackson, Brantley, Bruce, Kipnis

Notables Left off (6)

Tomlin, Chisenhall, Almonte, Guyer, Greg Allen, Goody

Rationale

Starters: Going with 3 starters means only one of them will have to go on short rest.   That would be Kluber in Game 4, if necessary.   And that would be if there weren't any postponements.  Tomlin helped out last year in a tight spot but, in hindsight, it was a move of desperation.  Tomlin just doesn't have the stuff to pitch in the post-season. 

Bullpen:  Tito likes to go with veterans.  That's the only reason I picked McAllister over Goody.   Otero is a clear choice as he was effective all season, is a groundball guy and was effective last season.  I like both Clevinger and Salazar on the roster as they offer flexibility of starting or relieving.

Infielders/Outfielders - First, Gonzalez can play the OF if necessary and Santana and Diaz have played there.  Keeping Brantley is a gamble but it gives us a chance to give him an at bat here or there.  Jackson can play CF in a pinch, as well.   It might seem strange to leave off Chisenhall but we are leaving off the September Chisenhall, not the April-June Chisenhall.  An unpopular pick might be leaving off Greg Allen but he is a rookie and had never played past AA, where he had a shortened season due to a broken hand.  Guyer is obviously hurt.  The big surprise here is Brantley.  But I think about Game 7 in the WS last year and I would want an injured Michael Brantley up at the plate in the 10th rather than a healthy Michael Martinez. 

Catchers: No brainer here.  I think the Indians thought that maybe they would keep 3 catchers if Mejia could bring some pop off the bench and being a guy the Yankees/Twins and Astros/Red Sox haven't seen yet.   But Mejia, like Greg Allen, is too inexperienced.

So, there you have it.  It's just my take.  Probably won't happen. 

Now, let's go out tomorrow and play the rookies and get Brantley and AB or two.  Nothing left tomorrow but to keep guys or get guys healthy for the post-season.