NEWS » designated hitter for the first time

CLEVELAND -- Any other year, against any other team, the Cleveland Indians would be the sentimental choice in this years World Series.You know, because of that long championship drought and all.But not against the Chicago Cubs.The lovable Cubbies, who captured the nations heart by exorcising curses and winning their first NL pennant since 1945 on Saturday night and are aiming for their first Series title since 1908, are a popular pick.The odds makers in Las Vegas have pegged the Cubs as heavy favorites going into Game 1 on Tuesday night.Heck, even First Fan Barack Obama, a die-hard White Sox supporter, said he was happy to see the North Side of Chicago rocking.Well, all the love toward the NL champions has left the Indians as underdogs -- a role theyve embraced this October.We believe in each other, first baseman Mike Napoli said Sunday before the Indians held a workout and simulated game at Progressive Field. We believe that if we go out there and play the game the right way, play as a team like weve done, we can win a game on any night. Weve shown in the past two series we cant be taken lightly. We play as a team.Were a confident group.And that assuredness has only grown. Cleveland wasnt supposed to beat Boston, but the Indians swept Big Papi into retirement and the Red Sox into their offseason sooner than expected. Clevelands pitching staff followed that by whittling Torontos big bats down to toothpicks in the AL Championship Series.Now on deck are the Cubs, who won 103 games during the regular season, have three aces at the top of the rotation, a flame-throwing closer and seem to have a date with destiny.The Indians, though, know they can match up with anyone.Theyre a good team from top to bottom, said supreme setup man Adam Miller, who has spent the postseason toying with hitters. They have three guys that might be Cy Young (winners). Were going to be going against a good team, thats not a surprise. If you want to count us out, that works for us.Many of the Indians watched Chicagos historic win, which was followed by a street party outside Wrigley Field that nearly lasted until dawn.As it unfolded, Napoli found himself pulling for former Red Sox teammates Jon Lester, John Lackey and the Cubs. The more he thought about a Cleveland-Chicago series the more he liked it.I was rooting for them, Napoli said, wearing one of his popular Post Party At Napolis T-shorts. I thought it would be one of the coolest World Series to be a part of.The Indians are looking to end their own 68-year title drought, and they spent the past few days resting while the Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers finished their series. The down time has allowed Cleveland to get healthier, but manager Terry Francona revealed a new injury for his team, which has spent much of the 2016 season dealing with sprains, strains and even a few stitches.Second baseman Jason Kipnis hurt his left ankle following Game 5 in Toronto.Some of the guys had a tough time getting through the celebration, said Francona, who added Corey Kluber would start Game 1 at home. He went over to embrace (shortstop) Frankie (Lindor) and he rolled his foot on Frankies foot. So hes got a low ankle sprain. The good part is its not a high ankle sprain. You hear that all the time and I never know what it means, but it doesnt sound good. Hes going to be OK.Thankfully we had some time off, which is good. Hes not moving yet like he can, but Im guessing with another 48 hours and 37,000 screaming fans, I bet hell be OK.Kipnis took grounders as head athletic trainer James Quinlan watched. Later, Kipnis didnt appear to favor his ankle while hitting against several Cleveland pitchers during the simulated game, which included crowd noise being pumped into the ballpark.Nothing could replicate Tuesdays anticipated ambience when fans in both cities will hang on every pitch, knowing that each win moves their club closer to a coveted championship.Before the first batter even steps to the plate, this World Series already has the potential to be a classic.Two Midwestern cities separated by roughly 300 miles. Two teams with heartbreak in their pasts.One team will end its lengthy title quest, while the others will linger.Napoli cant wait for it to get started.The Cubs have a lot of history. We have a lot of history, he said. The big things are the droughts. Thats why I wanted it to be us versus them because I think it will probably be the coolest thing ever to be a part of that -- going to Wrigley on the road to see that atmosphere.Thats something I live for.Authentic Jerseys Cheap . Ferrer, trying to win his fourth title on Mexican soil, will next play South Africas Kevin Anderson, who eliminated American Sam Querrey,7-6 (2), 6-4. Also Wednesday, Gilles Simon (6) of France beat Donald Young of the United States 6-4, 6-3, Ukraines Alexandr Dolgopolov downed Frenchman Jeremy Chardy 6-3, 6-4 and Croatias Ivo Karlovic defeated Dudi Sela of Israel 7-6 (4), 6-2. Cheap NFL Jerseys China .S. hockey team after paying his dues as an NHL general manager for more than three decades and giving up a lot of his free time to help USA Hockey. http://www.cheapwholesalejerseyschina.com/ . 1 position. The Mustangs (6-0), who beat Queens 50-31 last weekend, earned 17 first-place votes and 287 points in voting by the Football Reporters of Canada. Western was last ranked first in the country in October 2011. NFL Jerseys Discount . A big centre with all the tools to be an elite player, Johansen paced the Blue Jackets with a standout game Saturday night. He had a goal and two assists for a career-high three points as Columbus beat the New York Islanders 5-2 to snap a five-game losing streak. Cheap Stitched NFL Jerseys .J. Ellis hit two-run homers and the NL West champion Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Diego Padres 4-0 Saturday night.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Alex Rodriguez is back as the New York Yankees designated hitter for the first time in a week. Hes looking to snap his struggles at the plate.A-Rod was listed on the posted lineup outside the clubhouse for Saturday nights game at Tampa Bay. The 41-year old slugger didnt start in New Yorks previous siix games because of a 2-for-22 slump.dddddddddddd Carlos Beltran had replaced him at DH.Rodriguez entered Saturday hitting .210 with 9 home runs and 29 RBIs.Its his 55th start at DH this season. ' ' '