* INDIANS AT A GLANCE: These guys...

* INDIANS AT A GLANCE: These guys can hit. The Indian offense is one of the game’s best, featuring power hitters throughout the lineup. First baseman Jim Thome hit 40 homers during the regular season but slumped in the playoffs. Third baseman Matt Williams did everything that was expected of him after he was acquired in a trade with San Francisco. The Indians also are pleased with the deal that brought outfielders Marquis Grissom and David Justice from Atlanta. Grissom had a subpar regular season but has been a factor in the playoffs. Omar Vizquel is one of the game’s best shortstops and Sandy Alomar is a fine fielding catcher. Cleveland’s starting pitching was average during the regular season, but it has been solid during the playoffs. As Dodger fans know, right-hander Orel Hershiser is very comfortable at this time of the year. Hershiser, who will start Game 1 of the World Series, pitched a gem in Game 3 of the AL championship series, giving up four hits and no runs in seven innings against the Baltimore Orioles. Rookie right-hander Jaret Wright has been impressive. The bullpen was great against the Orioles.

* MARLINS AT A GLANCE: The Marlins are resilient. They overcame adversity in the NL championship series, including the loss of standout right-hander Alex Fernandez. The Marlins’ strength still is their pitching. Ace right-hander Kevin Brown has been outstanding in the postseason, and rookie right-hander Livan Hernandez hasn’t been far behind. Hernandez, named the most valuable player of the championship series, tied a record with 15 strikeouts in Game 5 and will open the series against Hershiser. Rookie left-hander Tony Saunders was effective in his start in Game 3 in the championship series, but Atlanta was the only team he pitched well against all season. Closer Robb Nen has been excellent. Outfielder Gary Sheffield has made things happen in the playoffs and third baseman Bobby Bonilla broke out of a slump in the final two games of the championship series. Catcher Charles Johnson is the best in the game defensively. Shortstop Edgar Renteria is an emerging star.

* KEYS TO THE SERIES: Each team plays with passion and intelligence, but the Marlins have Manager Jim Leyland. Leyland knows how to work the matchups in the Marlins’ favor. The Marlins probably will have to hit better than they did in the championship series, finishing with a .199 batting average against the Braves. The Indians are more experienced, having lost to the Braves in the 1995 World Series. The Marlins reached the playoffs for the first time in only their fifth season, but that hasn’t seemed to faze them. Bonilla’s strained left hamstring could have a major effect on the series. Cleveland needs to get into Florida’s bullpen as quickly as possible. If Brown and Hernandez are on their games and the Marlin offense does OK, the Indians are in big trouble.