I look at this opening game between the Blue Jays and Indians and I want a rested Corey Kluber - backed by Andrew Miller and Cody Allen - going for me. That's a potential 10 innings of stud pitching.

The Blue Jays can't match that with Marco Estrada starting and less dependable late-inning relievers.

Kluber is coming off another brilliant season, 18-9 with a 3.14 ERA, capped by seven scoreless innings in a 6-0 playoff victory against the Red Sox.

Cleveland's bullpen tied with Kansas City for having the second-lowest ERA in the league at 3.45. The Indians' bullpen combined to go 1-0 with two saves and a 1.74 ERA in the team's three-game sweep of Boston. Allen has two saves, five strikeouts and no runs allowed in three innings. Miller is the Indians' biggest relief weapon because he can close, or pitch during any inning. Indians manager Terry Francona handled Miller brilliantly this season and during the playoffs.

The Indians averaged more runs per game than the Blue Jays. Cleveland has a huge base running edge leading the AL in steals and ranking second in MLB in stolen base
percentage. Toronto catcher Russell Martin ranked last among MLB qualifiers in throwing out runners at 15.3 percent.

Cleveland had the most home wins of any American League team going 53-28 at Progressive Field.