They just peaked too soon in the season. If they had met the Yanks in mid September, the Tribe would have swept them.
I do not think they peaked too soon, they played solid baseball for the second half of the season. They just ran into the challenge of a 5 game series - Good pitching and bats cool off.
I really wish baseball would make the divisional series a 4 out of 7 format. Skip the off days and have the teams play 7 games in 7 days like they have been doing all season long. As it is, the 3 out of 5 will last 7 days. The strongest teams usually win divisions because they have a deeper starting staff. Going to a 3 out of 5 format eliminates that depth/advantage they had all season.
Since I am on a baseball playoff rant, during the week play all games at night, even if they are on at the same time (memo to MLB - People work during the day from Monday to Friday). Most fans are regional, however if there are two games on at the same time people will have a choice. If one game is a blow-out, then non regional fans will watch the more competitive/closer game.
Allow the local broadcast team to broadcast/call the game. National fans will not give a shit, but local fans enjoy the comfort and format they have been used to all season long. I would prefer to listen to Buck and Tabby call a game as opposed to a team i am not used to. Funny thing, when I watch two other teams play, it does not matter to me.