After a great start, Bradley has gone 1-11 in his last 3 games. It doesn't take long for MLB pitchers to find holes in a guy's swing. Frenchy mentioned his inability to lay off high cheese, and it appears pitchers have realized it. They say when a hitter comes up and has success, big league pitching has a way of adjusting to him and then his first job - if he wants to stay - is to adjust to their adjustment. Bradley has to learn the strike zone, and to stay in that zone.
I Watch the Indians everytime they are on but I'm a Giants fan in Ohio and appreciate watching my team every chance I get, I am as shocked as many that the Giants continue to have MLB's best record, I hope they can keep it up, I attribute their winning to veteran leadership in the clubhouse, players like Posey, Crawford and Belt who have all won multiple World Series Titles, any thoughts on the Giants? Like I said I watch and root for the Indians also ...
Mostly what I think of when I think of the Giants is from the very little bit I used to get to see of guys like Mays, McCovey, and Marichal when I was a kid. Back before interleague play, I only ever saw them on an occasional Game of the Week, the All Star game, and I recall (vaguely) watching them in the '62 World Series as a pretty young kid. Here in Cleveland, we also got to hear a lot of radio broadcasts of spring training games between the Indians and the Giants back when the Indians trained in Tucson. I do wish I had Buster Posey on my fantasy team to plug in at C and/or 1B, plus I just added Tyler Rogers to my bullpen.
No excuses for two of the guys that are supposed to be anchors of the bullpen to walk 4 Pirates and give up two 3-run bombs. I mentioned to a buddy of mine that this season could get ugly once we get through this "easier" part of the schedule if we don't get Bieber and Plesac back pretty quickly. Now I'm thinking it might be sooner.
I got in on Cedric Mullins, Amed Rosario, and Harold Ramirez early on. They’ve been putting up good stats, especially Mullins. Rosario’s been really good fantasy wise the two weeks. Ramirez is a good spot starter.
I agree we are being beld together by strings right now. It could start going downhill really soon. Except for Civale, its been bullpen games way too much lately.
Here are two Walk-Off Thoughts after a 4-0 win over the Chicago Cubs brought Cleveland's record to 40-30, two games behind the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central.
Aaron Civale joins group of starting pitcher with injury concerns The injury bug has seemingly given Cleveland the proverbial middle finger lately, with several key pieces to the roster going down one after another, particularly in the rotation. So it's almost fitting that as Aaron Civale began shaking his hand in frustration in the fifth inning of Monday night's game against the Chicago Cubs, it was an issue with his middle finger causing the trouble.
Civale was forced from the game after 4.2 scoreless innings, another strong showing in what has been a solid 2021 season for him. But the much larger — and concerning for Cleveland — storyline at the moment isn't Civale's resurgent season, or that a myriad of alterations over the winter have garnered the desired results; it's whether Civale will miss time and if so, how much?
Cleveland is racing to gather as much information as possible before determining the next steps, both for Civale and the rotation. According to manager Terry Francona, the team will have Civale meet with Dr. Thomas Graham, a hand specialist, as soon as possible. At first, it appeared as though it might have been a more straightforward injury, but the team will have to wait to find out more details.
"I thought maybe it was a blister or a broken fingernail or something," Francona said on a Zoom call after the game. "But he said the tip of his finger was bothering him. So we didn't mess around with that, we just got him out of there."
That was a sure thing as soon as Civale began shaking his hand after his final pitch. Cleveland can ill afford to lose him from the rotation, though that is now out of the team's collective hands. Cleveland began the season with three established veterans — or at least three pitchers with a certain level of major league experience — in the starting rotation, leaving two spots up to a group of younger starters jockeying between the majors and Triple-A. Zach Plesac (finger) went down. As did ace Shane Bieber (shoulder). Civale was the lone stable pitcher in the rotation. Stability is now a luxury Cleveland does not have.
"You know what, man, it's tough, bro," said Josh Naylor, who homered in Monday's 4-0 win over the Cubs. "It's tough. Especially not having Biebs or Ple here either, it's tough potentially losing him. I'm not really sure what the details are about his injury, but I pray for him. I hope he's OK. It was sad to see. I really didn't know how to react. I was like 'Damn, man. Civ of all people.' He's having such an incredible season and doing so well. Definitely feel bad for him."
Looking at Cleveland's pitching options should Aaron Civale miss time Without Bieber and Plesac, Civale missing time leaves Cleveland without much flexibility. Eli Morgan will start Tuesday's game before the much needed off day on Wednesday. J.C. Mejia, Cal Quantrill and Sam Hentges, in that order, have the potential to now slot into a regular five-day routine, partly out of performance and being lengthened out, partly out of sheer necessity and the lack of other options. Quantrill and Hentges both tossed five scoreless innings, and Mejia was effective in his previous outing after a disastrous first inning. But what about the fifth spot?
If Civale does miss time, it could force Triston McKenzie to, once again, make the trip up I-71 to Cleveland sooner than expected. McKenzie and Logan Allen would be the primary contenders, but Allen recently dealt with elbow soreness, which shut him down for a few weeks, according to president of baseball operations Chris Antonetti. Allen has returned to action but hasn't yet been stretched out.
McKenzie was optioned to Triple-A earlier this season and recalled much earlier than intended after Plesac's injury. McKenzie pitched well his first few times out and was seemingly on the verge of grabbing hold of a rotation spot until the wheels fell off in his last outing, in which he walked four of the first six batters he faced and had to be pulled.
Somehow, some way, Cleveland might have to dig deeper into its depth. But as Francona has mentioned before, the franchise won't take a "Why us?" approach.
"That's not the way we operate," Francona said. "I don't think that's productive. I think we'll spend our energy trying to figure out. That's going to be hard enough. So rather than feel sorry for ourselves, we'll just try to figure it out the best we can."
As Francona wrapped up with reporters after Monday night's game, he added, "We're gonna go start figuring it out right now."
Tribe pulls out another win with kids pitching and a triple A lineup. Kudos to them. They deserve to be praised.
I'm not sure the 'triple A lineup' is fair or accurate. Aside from Bradley, everyone in the lineup and backups have ML experience, albeit with other organizations. Many haven't been starters, but they've been major leaguers. It'll be interesting who gets benched when Reyes comes off the DL. Zimmer is the weakest offensive link, but he's also the only true CF on the team. So do you bench his defense or Harold Ramirez's offense. Or Naylor, who makes some bone-headed plays, but he can hit and plays with passion.
Indians have yet to designate a starter for Sunday's game vs the Twins. Speculation on the morning show (92.3 The Fan) is that the "mystery starter" will be either Bartolo Colon, Charles Nagy, or Tom Candiotti. I would go with Cliff Lee or CC Sabathia.
Indians have yet to designate a starter for Sunday's game vs the Twins. Speculation on the morning show (92.3 The Fan) is that the "mystery starter" will be either Bartolo Colon, Charles Nagy, or Tom Candiotti. I would go with Cliff Lee or CC Sabathia.
Indians have yet to designate a starter for Sunday's game vs the Twins. Speculation on the morning show (92.3 The Fan) is that the "mystery starter" will be either Bartolo Colon, Charles Nagy, or Tom Candiotti. I would go with Cliff Lee or CC Sabathia.
I’m hoping it’s the Candyman and his knuckleball.
I did hear that Bartolo is still pitching in the Mexican League. His fastball only touches 91-92 now, a mere shadow of his old 100+ mph self ...
Indians have yet to designate a starter for Sunday's game vs the Twins. Speculation on the morning show (92.3 The Fan) is that the "mystery starter" will be either Bartolo Colon, Charles Nagy, or Tom Candiotti. I would go with Cliff Lee or CC Sabathia.
I’m hoping it’s the Candyman and his knuckleball.
I did hear that Bartolo is still pitching in the Mexican League. His fastball only touches 91-92 now, a mere shadow of his old 100+ mph self ...
Yes! The positive with Bartolo is the Tribe could use his power in the lineup in National League parks.
If I’m the Indians I’m DFA Bradley Zimmer and bringing up Daniel Johnson. Good OF, can’t be any worse at the plate than Zimmer. If not Johnson, Oscar Mercado gets the call!!! Zimmer sucks at the plate, his D does not outweigh his struggles at the plate.
Well, the team is probably out right now. I respect Francona as a manager, but see no way he can put together a winning team out of the pieces he has left right now.
I like Mercado in CF better than Harold Ramirez, but I sure hope he can find his 2019 form at the plate. Mercado and Zimmer platooning in CF make the whole outfield a lot better, IMO. Ramirez, I would guess, will be in RF. His bat has been a nice surprise.
Muggy night at the ballpark. The spicy chicken sandwich at The Fat Rooster is quite spicy.
Eli Morgan gets his first win as Major Leaguer and Ernie bangs two hits.
Nice win. Go Tribe!
Bally Sports Cleveland @BallySportsCLE José Ramírez homered and drove in five, Eli Morgan got his first win, Eddie Rosario extended his hitting streak to 14 games, and the @Indians scored a season-high 13 runs on a season-high 19 hits. #OurCLE
Well, the team is probably out right now. I respect Francona as a manager, but see no way he can put together a winning team out of the pieces he has left right now.
Probably so.
But, baseball is a game where the clear favorite can lose a lot easier then in other sports. Superior force doesn't always carry the day.
Bradley with 2 HR’s, JRam also with one, Hernandez too. 4-4 top 5 in this 7 inning game I think. First game of DH got rained out, not sure if the 2nd game is then changed back to 9?
Bradley with 2 HR’s, JRam also with one, Hernandez too. 4-4 top 5 in this 7 inning game I think. First game of DH got rained out, not sure if the 2nd game is then changed back to 9?
Gotta love today's MLB... Four home runs and we're tied at four.
I see Detroit is up 9-4 now, I'm assuming they hit five home runs between a bunch of KOs.
Bradley with 2 HR’s, JRam also with one, Hernandez too. 4-4 top 5 in this 7 inning game I think. First game of DH got rained out, not sure if the 2nd game is then changed back to 9?
Gotta love today's MLB... Four home runs and we're tied at four.
I see Detroit is up 9-4 now, I'm assuming they hit five home runs between a bunch of KOs.
Can't tell you how many no-no's I have seen broken up in the 8th and 9th inning over the years, but it's a lot. Getting to the 9th means a pitcher is going through a lineup at least 3 times, when major league hitters usually start figuring a pitcher out. It wouldn't be fair, IMO, to the guys who went 9 innings if they awarded a no hitter or a perfecto to a guy who only threw 7 innings.
Oh, I know. Crap, it seems every one that was broken up last year was one out away! I tend to agree with fairness aspect, although I'm not sure why anyone would object to an asterisk to give a nod of the cap anyway.
Oh, I know. Crap, it seems every one that was broken up last year was one out away! I tend to agree with fairness aspect, although I'm not sure why anyone would object to an asterisk to give a nod of the cap anyway.
There's a built in bias at work. If a pitcher loses a no-hitter or perfect game in the 4th or 5th, it's not even notable, unless he goes on to complete the game and give up no others. He may throw 7, 1-hit innings and be relieved, but nobody will think about it as a near no-hitter. It isn't until the late innings that it will be seen as one.
I agree - MLB keeps tripping over itself by trying to cater to casual fans who don't really like their game. IMO, if you are going to an Indians game worried about how long it will take, then maybe its not the game for you. The 7 inning double headers, the ridiculously contrived "ghost runner" at 2nd base to start extra innings, as well as the rule about forcing relief pitchers to face 3 hitters really detract from the game, imo.
I think MLB is trying to cater to the at-home viewer rather than those going to the ball park. Anyone that's been to Progressive Field lately (last few years) knows that people in their 20s and 30s make up for a large percentage of the crowd. The right field section where the "Corner" bar and standing room only section is always packed. It's as much a social event as anything.
Overall, families are busier than ever nowadays and a lot of people are not willing to commit the 3+ hrs to watch the full game at home, especially during the warm summer months. MLB is trying to win back this consumer, imo.
I agree - MLB keeps tripping over itself by trying to cater to casual fans who don't really like their game. IMO, if you are going to an Indians game worried about how long it will take, then maybe its not the game for you. The 7 inning double headers, the ridiculously contrived "ghost runner" at 2nd base to start extra innings, as well as the rule about forcing relief pitchers to face 3 hitters really detract from the game, imo.
Could not agree more. It's like the ugly kid trying to pick up the hot chick in high school by wearing a cool pair of shades. Those people don't care about baseball and never will. It's not like they're all sitting around saying "man, if they can just get the game time down to 2:15 -- I'm in!"
Meanwhile, millions of fans are alienated from the game they loved with nearly every move that is made.
It's a slap in the face... The same kind as when the cable co. offers great deals to new customers and tells the lifers to pound salt.
I've just about given up on the game, my interest was waning anyway, now it's reached near punchline status.
I agree - MLB keeps tripping over itself by trying to cater to casual fans who don't really like their game. IMO, if you are going to an Indians game worried about how long it will take, then maybe its not the game for you. The 7 inning double headers, the ridiculously contrived "ghost runner" at 2nd base to start extra innings, as well as the rule about forcing relief pitchers to face 3 hitters really detract from the game, imo.
Could not agree more. It's like the ugly kid trying to pick up the hot chick in high school by wearing a cool pair of shades. Those people don't care about baseball and never will. It's not like they're all sitting around saying "man, if they can just get the game time down to 2:15 -- I'm in!"
Meanwhile, millions of fans are alienated from the game they loved with nearly every move that is made.
It's a slap in the face... The same kind as when the cable co. offers great deals to new customers and tells the lifers to pound salt.
I've just about given up on the game, my interest was waning anyway, now it's reached near punchline status.
Rob Manfred has done a overcorrection that doesn't seem to be working out.
In reality, MLB needs to learn market it's star players. It's amazing how bad they are at marketing their league.
What Shoei Otani is doing hasn't been done since Babe Ruth and the Angels have been on Sunday Night Baseball once and that was on April 4th.
If the MLB wants casual fans to tune in, nationally televise and market the star players. Don't make a bunch of goofy rules. Casual fans care about stars, not teams.
First I want to say nice win for the Tribe 2-1, B Bradley with the walk off HR, his 10th on the year in 100 at bats.
Second, why would you take McKenzie out of the game, 85 pitches, rolling along with his best outing of the year. 1 hit, 9k’s. Would have let him start the 8th at least.
Today was the 8th rain out of the season for the Indians. 10 day forecast says rain and t'storms for 9 of the next 10 days. Doubleheaders are going to be stacking up after the All Star break. So much for having a few pops on the patio while listening to the game.
I don't know about NW Ohio, but around here it seems like we've been in "the gray box" since October. I've heard of seasonal affective disorder, but never heard of it being all year round. I blame the lake, because I have friends and family in Columbus and Cinci and they have way more sunny days than we do here in Cleveland.
Crazy thing is, here we've had too many 90+ humid days........it takes getting used to. And, just when you think you're used to it, we get today: 71, and rainy, and you're cold.
I don't believe we've had an abnormal amount of rain this year. You get those 90+ days, high humidity, where storms just pop up. I missed out on about 6 softball games due to the weather. I guess it's called life, right?
Yeah, that's how it goes. I've always thought that you talk about weather when you don't have anything else to say, but this endless cloud cover is getting on my last nerve. Anyhoo, to bring it back to baseball, they could have easily played this game today if they had just moved the start time from 1PM to 2PM. It hasn't rained since 1PM.
Today was the 8th rain out of the season for the Indians. 10 day forecast says rain and t'storms for 9 of the next 10 days. Doubleheaders are going to be stacking up after the All Star break. So much for having a few pops on the patio while listening to the game.
Maybe MLB can see that this is an emergency and authorize some 5 inning triple headers... Ghost runner on second in every inning after the third.
The Athletic published a report today about Indians' ownership that, because it's a subsription site, cannot be posted here. But here are a few bullet points:
* When Paul Dolan was asked by staff members this past off-season about the future of the Indians in Cleveland, his reply was "We aren't going anywhere." Numerous sources in the Indians' hierarchy have echoed this to The Athletic.
* The team, city and stadium landlord Gateway Corp. are nearing an agreement on an extension on the Progressive Field lease, according to multiple sources. The current pact lapses after the 2023 season, the ballpark’s 30th in the heart of downtown Cleveland.
* The team continues to pursue minority investors. At least one candidate has emerged: Stanley Middleman, the founder and CEO of New Jersey-based Freedom Mortgage, one of the nation’s largest FHA and VA lenders. Two sources noted there are other interested suitors and it remains unclear how far along conversations with Middleman or anyone else have progressed. Thus far, Dolan has shown no desire to sell out majority ownership.
* There is at least one city prowling for a baseball franchise, a city some have speculated could lure the Indians out of Cleveland. John Loar, managing director at Music City Baseball, has envisioned a major-league team called the Nashville Stars, an ode to the Negro League team. The privately funded stadium would seat 42,000, in honor of Jackie Robinson’s number, in the middle of a “world-class entertainment venue,” with retail, development and musical residencies.
“I’ve never had a conversation with anybody about Cleveland regarding Nashville,” Loar said. Multiple sources concurred: The idea of the Indians moving to Nashville has not been discussed. Commissioner Rob Manfred is known to favor Nashville as one target for MLB expansion, and an expansion team is what Nashville wants.
I was just going to come and post about this. Though I don't live in Cleveland, hearing that the Indians might be on the move is still very surprising to hear. The article also seems like more fishing than anything. It seems the only real solid part of the article was about Dolan seeking additional owner(s) to buy in.
I had the opposite takeaway - that the team is NOT going anywhere. The info about an impending lease extension was the most heartening, as well as the apparent interest from investors in minority ownership.
I've read from multiple outlets the lease extension will be announced anytime now.
There's some urgency to get the lease extension done while Frank Jackson is still Mayor because come election season this fall some misguided slappy running for mayor might choose to turn it into a political issue to get some publicity.
The Tribe drafted 10 college pitchers in their first 11 picks? How can a team needing outfielders do that?
I received a few emails from Tribe fans asking me some version of that question.
I admit, I love college pitchers near the top of the draft – especially for the Indians, who know what to do with these guys.
But 10 does seem excessive.
“College pitching was the strength of this draft,” said Tribe Scouting Director Scott Barnsby. “We really did plan to take the best player available. It didn’t mean we didn’t look at position players. It wasn’t the plan going in. But as the best player available, this group of pitchers lined up on our board.”
Another Tribe source told me they were prepared a few times to take a position player, only to see that player selected a few picks before their turn. This is not like other drafts, where you can trade picks to move up.
WHAT IS THE BIG PLAN?
Consider what the Tribe has done best for more than a decade – develop pitchers.
Nearly all of them have been college pitchers. Some came in trades from other teams (Trevor Bauer, Corey Kluber, Mike Clevinger). Some were drafted by the Tribe (Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, Josh Tomlin, Cody Allen, James Karinchak).
My guess is the Tribe subscribes to the gospel of “You can never have enough pitching.”
Or as manager Terry Francona once said: “When you think you have too much pitching, get more.”
The onslaught of injuries this season demonstrates how most teams need more pitching. Think about how the advantageous position of having a wealth of starting pitching – even in the minors – puts a team in position to make trades.
Research has shown a few points in this area:
1. The hardest thing for a team to do is sign and develop viable Major League starting pitchers.
2. The most expensive commodity in free agency and via trade often is established starting pitching.
3. Pitching prospects with some success in the minors are highly valued on the trade market.
The Tribe used three of their five draft picks in 2020 on college pitchers. As I wrote about Monday, first-rounder Logan T. Allen has already moved up to Class AA Akron. Second-rounder Tanner Burns is probably not far behind as he’s pitching well at High-A Lake County.
THEY CAN MOVE UP FAST
If you look at the Tribe’s rotation, the top three are Bieber, Civale and Plesac. All were drafted in 2016. All three were in the rotation by the middle of the 2019 season.
Karinchak is a key part of the bullpen. He was drafted in ninth round of 2017. He was in the Majors by the end of the 2019 season. The Tribe picked Nick Sandlin (Southern Mississippi, second round) in 2018. He made the opening-day roster this season.
Looking at some of the pitchers drafted by the Tribe, you can see at least a few arriving in Cleveland within a few years.
Former Tribe assistant GM Dan O’Dowd worked the draft for MLB Network. He said Tribe first-rounder Gavin Williams (East Carolina), “Can be the absolute best pitcher taken in this draft.”
Ole Miss product Doug Nikhazy had a 24-6 record and 2.81 ERA in his college career. He’s a first-team All-American and just a big-time college pitcher.
In the third round, they picked Florida’s Tommy Mace.
MLB.com wrote: ”Mace didn’t have the flashiest year on paper last season, pitching to a 4.38 ERA, but his metrics are what are the most intriguing. The Indians have proven to be well above average at finding optimal pitchers to groom into successful big leaguers, and having those types of eye-catching metrics are what the organization is always looking for.”
The Tribe has the reputation of knowing the kind of pitchers they want to draft because they know how to develop them. Last year, O’Dowd told me Cleveland “was the best at developing pitchers” in all of baseball right now.
WHO REALLY KNOWS?
I haven’t seen these guys pitch. Nor has the vast majority of fans or those of us in the media writing about the draft.
But I do know the Tribe values college pitchers who are smart and have good control. They must have at least a 90-92 mph fastball. But they don’t need to light up the radar gun – although top pick Gavin Williams does that as he’s hit 100 mph this season.
Looking at some of the information on the Tribe’s lower-round picks, I’m intrigued by Rodney Boone. He went to UC-Santa Barbara (the school of Bieber and Kyle Nelson), where the eighth-rounder had a 21-5 career record and 2.52 ERA, striking out 11 per nine innings.
Fangraphs wrote this about Boone: “Boone managed to strike out 127 hitters in 98 innings this year while sitting just 86-88. His fastball has huge carry and a flat approach angle that helps it play at the top of the strike zone, and Boone peppers that area with it consistently. Boone also has a bat-missing secondary in his parachute changeup, an odd pitch that seems to float around the strike zone...Boone can also land his curveball for a strike...He’s a candidate to add velocity after college because of how fluid and flexible his delivery is.”
Fifth rounder Tanner Bibee from Cal-Fullerton had 6-6 record and 3.61 ERA for a team that was 20-35 this season. Bibee walked only 2.1 per nine innings.
I’m just tossing out names. They picked Georgia’s Ryan Webb in the fourth round. He was a projected second-rounder before hurting his arm in the spring and having Tommy John surgery in May.
In the past, the Tribe took Vinnie Pestano and Plesac after they had Tommy John surgery and that worked. The miss was Brady Aiken, the team’s first-rounder in 2015 who never came back after the operation to pitch effectively.
Will it work out? Who knows? But the odds of finding at least a few big league starters from this group of college pitchers from top programs puts the odds in the Tribe’s favor.
The deal with pitchers not really mentioned is what they can bring in trade return.
You can get MLB outfields for good pitching prospects, and can get a boatload for pitchers with MLB success.
Also, having a good pitcher on the mound is like having a good goalie in the net. Your odds of winning increase a great deal.
Another thought to add, we don't know how many teams have put out feelers some some of the prospects we already have in the system. Maybe this is a signal we are looking at trading a player or two.
The Indians have had 11 picks in 10 rounds so far, and 10 of those are, what should be no surprise to anyone, pitchers.
Cleveland draft recap:
Rd1 RHP Gavin Williams ECU Rd2 LHP Doug Nikhazy Ole MIss CB-B RHP Tommy Mace - Florida Rd3 SS Jake Fox - Lakeland Christian (FL) Rd4 LHP Ryan Webb - Georiga Rd5 RHP Tanner Bibee - Cal State Fullerton Rd6 RHP Aaron Davenport - Hawaii Rd7 RHP Jack Leftwich - Florida Rd8 LHP Rodney Boone - UC Santa Barbara Rd9 LHP Will Dion - McNeese State Rd10 RHP Franco Aleman - Florida
Cleveland has 10 more picks in tomorrow's 3rd day (rounds 11-20)
With their 11th round pick Cleveland selected RHP Hunter Stanley out of Southern Miss
Hunter Stanley to the #Indians is ~chef's kiss~ in the 11th round. Excellent strikeout to walk rate, really impressive command overall and he touched 97 this spring though sits in the lower 90s. #MLBDraft
With their 12th round pick, Cleveland selects OF Connor Kokx out of Long Beach State As @WillHoo99 points out, 12th round OF Connor Kokx is a redshirt FR (due to COVID last year) so he will likely get overslot, and Cleveland has been able to hang onto $ with these college arms.
13th round: Cleveland selects RHP Davis Sharpe out of Clemson Looks like Sharpe is going to be a JR in 2022 and played both 3B and pitched for Clemson.
Did not have a great year statistically but has some leverage to go back to school next year to get more $ depending on what Cleveland offers here.
Gov. Mike DeWine seeks state funding to renovate Progressive Field as part of Cleveland Indians’ lease extension
July 13, 2021
By Jeremy Pelzer, cleveland.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio — To help entice the Cleveland Indians into signing a long-term lease extension for Progressive Field, Gov. Mike DeWine said Tuesday he’s asked legislative leaders for state funding to help renovate the 27-year-old ballpark.
DeWine, speaking with reporters Tuesday, said while he’s not involved with day-to-day negotiations, it appears that the Indians are “moving toward” a 15-year lease extension, with the city of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County getting the option of two additional 5-year extensions after that. Cuyahoga County owns Progressive Field.
The governor declined to say how much the state would put up for Progressive Field renovations, as he’s said he’s yet to have “meaningful discussions” about the issue with state Senate President Matt Huffman or state House Speaker Bob Cupp. He also said he couldn’t say when he’s looking for lawmakers to approve the money, as that would depend on negotiations between the team and local leaders.
“But to me, the important thing was to have a long-term lease, and ... I’m very optimistic that that’s what we’re going to end up with,” he said.
“I’m going to do everything I can to see that the state puts money in this, and makes a difference, and helps -- helps -- to make it happen,” DeWine continued.
DeWine said he was asked several months ago by Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish if he could help with securing state funding as part of extending the team’s current lease, which expires in 2023. The governor said he’s been told that “things are going very well” with talks between those officials and the team.
Asked whether a lease extension would include a stipulation that the team couldn’t relocate, DeWine said, “No plan of relocating – none.”
The Dolan family, which owns the soon-to-be-renamed Indians, “are absolutely committed to Cleveland,” the governor continued. Matt Dolan, one of the co-owners, is currently a Republican state senator and is planning a run for retiring U.S. Sen. Rob Portman’s seat.
DeWine said the Indians, like the Cincinnati Reds at the opposite end of Ohio, are a relatively small-market team, and Major League Baseball doesn’t spread money among its teams as much as leagues in other sports, such as the National Football League.
“So a longer contract is just better,” he said.
Last year, Cuyahoga County officials agreed to pay the team $3.5 million to cover past repairs to Progressive Field, including replacing escalators, installing a system to regulate lights and heating, and expanding the players’ parking lot.
Curtis Danburg, a spokesman for the Indians, said the ballpark lease “is a complex, multi-faceted agreement,” and the team wants “those involved to have the time needed to conduct a thoughtful and thorough review with the future in mind.
He added: “It’s premature to comment on any aspect beyond that at this point in time.”
This would be a good thing for baseball. Likely, this is being used as a bargaining chip for the upcoming CBA.
I renewed my Tribe season tickets today...against better judgement!
Renewing any type of season ticket might run against better judgement, but hey, when you are a fan, you are a fan.
I live 600 miles from Cleveland and have Browns season tickets. Trust me, I have questioned myself many times, but don't tell my wife.
Heck, if I lived up there or fairly near, I'd probably spring for some Indian's tickets as well. Maybe not a full season. I wouldn't go to 81 games, but could see some sort of 30 game package, or whatever was offered in that range.
And speaking of Indians and ticket sales, it seems to me the Indians do a poor job of selling corporate tickets. I don't see any reason they shouldn't have 1/2 to 2/3rds of the stadium sold before the season starts.
Every business over maybe 20 employees should have Indians tickets. Don't just send out mailers. Have people out on the streets knocking on doors. Sell those business owners on why it is important to be a citizen of the community.
20 people is a pretty small business. I'd imagine those budgets are pretty tight (especially lately) such that they have neither the ability nor the will to find extra cash to an org that has made it a regular practice to not pay their top employees and who are already going to fund stadium renovations via their tax dollars.
And speaking of Indians and ticket sales, it seems to me the Indians do a poor job of selling corporate tickets. I don't see any reason they shouldn't have 1/2 to 2/3rds of the stadium sold before the season starts.
Every business over maybe 20 employees should have Indians tickets. Don't just send out mailers. Have people out on the streets knocking on doors. Sell those business owners on why it is important to be a citizen of the community.
They used to pop into my restaurant, all the way out in Middlefield, every year. They would sell me (and others) twenty game half-price vouchers with a few freebies for a great price. I'd buy a few sheets and give them all away.
They were there every year for about ten years and then quit showing up about 2014. I called the office and they said "we're not doing that promo anymore". No offer for other plans or anything, just "sorry". I thought that was pretty weird for a team that struggled to put 10,000 in the stands.
20 people is a pretty small business. I'd imagine those budgets are pretty tight (especially lately) such that they have neither the ability nor the will to find extra cash to an org that has made it a regular practice to not pay their top employees and who are already going to fund stadium renovations via their tax dollars.
Ok...what number sounds good to you? There are packages that aren't full season.
And speaking of Indians and ticket sales, it seems to me the Indians do a poor job of selling corporate tickets. I don't see any reason they shouldn't have 1/2 to 2/3rds of the stadium sold before the season starts.
Every business over maybe 20 employees should have Indians tickets. Don't just send out mailers. Have people out on the streets knocking on doors. Sell those business owners on why it is important to be a citizen of the community.
They used to pop into my restaurant, all the way out in Middlefield, every year. They would sell me (and others) twenty game half-price vouchers with a few freebies for a great price. I'd buy a few sheets and give them all away.
They were there every year for about ten years and then quit showing up about 2014. I called the office and they said "we're not doing that promo anymore". No offer for other plans or anything, just "sorry". I thought that was pretty weird for a team that struggled to put 10,000 in the stands.
Good for you and that illustrates my point. You understood the value of being able to give some of those tickets to employees as a perk, or to customers, or even if a bit backwards, to some vendors delivery people for doing a great job in bringing your produce, or whatever.
Somewhere on that P&L is a line to which you could charge them that helped reduce the tax bite a bit if you elected to do that.
I guess my answer is, however large you have to be to extract tax dollars from the community.
Look... to each their own.... I'm just saying that if I'm a small or even medium business owner, that salesman is going to have a hard sell trying to convince me that it's my civic duty to buy tickets to a team that who's practice is to NOT pay to retain any of its best talent, and is about to gain some pretty significant incentives via new lease and tax-assisted projects for their stadium.
Finding an x-factor that will determine the AL Central is difficult when the White Sox stand head and shoulders above the competition. If Cleveland is to make this race interesting—and it's the only club with any shot at doing so—then the starting pitching must at least tread water until the currently injured big guns (Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale) return. Of the pitchers that remain standing, McKenzie is the one most able to stem the tide.
McKenzie was regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in baseball heading into 2020, and he backed up the hype in his first taste of the big leagues. Last season, he posted a 3.24 ERA and struck out 42 batters over 33 1/3 innings. The Cleveland organization consistently churns out good young pitchers, with McKenzie emerging as next in line.
But then he got off to a rocky start in 2021 and struggled with his command, prompting two demotions to the minors. Now back in the majors for a third time this year, he was superb in his most recent outing, striking out nine over seven one-hit innings against Kansas City. If he and the rest of Cleveland’s starters can keep the team within striking distance until the cavalry arrives, this race could have a semblance of drama. Otherwise, a sell-off at the trade deadline could (and should) be imminent.
I heard Tom Hamilton say that McKenzie's fast ball was sitting at 89-90-91. Back when he was coming up, the Indians said it was high 90's, like 96-98. That's a concern. Every time I see Tristan pitch I think "good grief, somebody get this guy a cheeseburger and a milk shake". He needs some sand in his caboose. The great pitchers almost always have that.
On a side note, I do not buy a full season ticket package. I cannot imagine having the time or desire to attend all 81 games. I've done 20 and 40 game packages. Typically 20 is ideal. 40 games I gave away more than 1/2 my tickets to family and friends. Too busy with my kids in baseball, travel for work, summer vacation, etc.
I still probably give 3-5 games away on the 20 game package. Indians do a nice job with perks for the STH and the prices are discounted a good amount compared to buying single game tickets.
I heard Tom Hamilton say that McKenzie's fast ball was sitting at 89-90-91. Back when he was coming up, the Indians said it was high 90's, like 96-98. That's a concern. Every time I see Tristan pitch I think "good grief, somebody get this guy a cheeseburger and a milk shake". He needs some sand in his caboose. The great pitchers almost always have that.
In his last start he was hitting 96, 97 on the gun
CLEVELAND — The trade deadline is creeping up in Major League Baseball, and the Cleveland Indians are now reportedly participants in the action.
According to ESPN, the team has traded second baseball Cesar Hernandez to the rival Chicago White Sox. In return, the White Sox have sent left-handed pitcher Konnor Pilkington to Cleveland, according to MLB.com.
pitcher items.[0].image.alt Photo by: Tony Dejak/AP (AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File) By: Danny CunninghamPosted at 12:01 PM, Jul 29, 2021 and last updated 12:01 PM, Jul 29, 2021 CLEVELAND — The trade deadline is creeping up in Major League Baseball, and the Cleveland Indians are now reportedly participants in the action.
According to ESPN, the team has traded second baseball Cesar Hernandez to the rival Chicago White Sox. In return, the White Sox have sent left-handed pitcher Konnor Pilkington to Cleveland, according to MLB.com.
Hernandez spent the past season and a half as the second baseman in Cleveland, winning a Gold Glove last year for his stellar efforts defensively. So far this season he’s hit a career-high 18 home runs and did lead the league in doubles in 2020.
As for Pilkington, he’s a left-handed pitcher that is still in the minor leagues. He was Chicago’s third-round draft pick back in 2018 out of Mississippi State. He had spent this entire season with Chicago’s AA affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. While in Birmingham, Pilkington amassed a record of four wins and four losses in 14 games (all starts). The lefty has struck out 71 batters while walking 21 in 62 innings pitched on the season and posted a 3.48 earned run average.
The Major League Baseball Trade Deadline is Friday, July 30, at 4 p.m.
Best wishes to Tito for a return to good health. Interesting that Hale is interim manager after Sandy Alomar filled in last year and lead the team to the postseason, however briefly. He can't be a happy camper right now. Seems like a rather public diss of Alomar by the front office.
Best wishes to Tito for a return to good health. Interesting that Hale is interim manager after Sandy Alomar filled in last year and lead the team to the postseason, however briefly. He can't be a happy camper right now. Seems like a rather public diss of Alomar by the front office.
Tough news on Tito. For a fairly young guy, his body is pretty old. I hope all goes well for the guy.
As for Alomar, possibly the team sees Alomar as being on the way out, meaning him being on some "A" lists. With Francona being here pretty much as long as he wants, the team wants to start grooming some one else.
Mills was the bench coach for a long time, but opted out last season, thus Alomar was name interim acting manager. Hale and Tito go way back and is now the bench coach.
In baseball, the bench coach or pitching coach are usually the #1 guy next to the manager, so it makes sense that Hale got the nod.
The Rosario trade makes no sense, other than it being a salary dump. What, the Braves don't have a marginal prospect somewhere in their system we could have gotten instead? I keep hoping the front office is gathering cash assets to offer Jose Ramirez a contract extension. The payroll has to be under $40M now.
The team has very friendly club options through 2023 and he isn't a FA (unless the team buys him out) until 2024. I'm not sure an extension is a priority. But I could be wrong.
Love Myles Straw, good young OF, which we need and under team control for awhile. Emjoyed watching him play when we played Houston. Got some good young arms in these deals.
I dont mind the Rosario deal, never really cared for him much, never seemed to give 100%.
Still the Indians for now, but thanks just the same.
Just wait 'til a bunch of Gingers (or Communists) start protesting your team's name ........
Once all Native American team names have changed then snow flakes next cause will be with PETA and all of the offensive team names for Animals. You know that is disrespectful to animals to have team names represent them.
I was really impressed with Straw in that last series in Houston. He is FAST and plays CF better than anyone the Tribe has sent out there since Lofton. Although I like Maton, Straw is the better player.
Rosario was a disappointment, but Panda? Really?
Hernandez impressed me last season, but less so this year. He has made a number of baserunning errors, and has played sloppy 2B.
Luplow never impressed me. He swings for the fences, which is nice if he connects, but too often it results in wasted ABs.
If there was a dis, it was when Tito kept him as 1st base coach.
In a game where the manager gets thrown out, the 1st base coach isn't the guy to take over. It is almost always the bench coach. Sometimes the pitching coach. It's never the 1st base coach.
Last years bench coach opted out of the season, so it wasn't a normal situation.
Oh..the front office has nothing to do with who the manager appoints as acting manager. Tito does.
Oh..the front office has nothing to do with who the manager appoints as acting manager. Tito does.
That's an interesting comment. I had never thought about who appoints the interim manager. I assumed it would be a group discussion of Tito and the front office but assumed the GM would make the final decision.
Following that train of thought ; Maybe Tito is looking over his shoulder ! Big fan of Sandy on and off the field . Hope he gets the shot he wants in the major's ..
I doubt Tito is concerned. I doubt the FO cans him anytime soon.
To clarify a point I made earlier. My comment about Tito appointing the interim manager was based on he says who manages the game in his absence.
In the case of a long term absence, I am sure there is some discussion with the FO, but I would be shocked if the FO didn't go with his recommended person, and would be shocked if Tito named someone other than the person he has in that role already.
As I noted, Brad Mills opted out last year, and maybe even retired. The point is last years naming of Alomar was a strange situation. Normally you aren't going to have a base coach doing that because they can't manage the team and coach a bag.
I agree for the most part . However ( lol ) I don't think ANYONE could argue with the job Sandy did last season .. Jumped in and got them into the play offs .. brighter Base ball minds than mine make decisions for the TRIBE .. Just doesn't feel right in my old eye's..
I'm watching the "Field of Dreams" game on FOX broadcast (channel 8 in Cleveland). So neat to see the small ballpark surrounded by cornfields. Loved that movie; its in my top 5 of baseball movies (Major League, Bull Durham, Field of Dreams, For Love of the Game, The Natural).
McKenzie came within 4 outs of a perfect game today. I was actually impressed that he struck the guy out to end the 8th after giving up a clean single to end the perfecto bid. I've seen lots of pitchers get unhinged once they lose their shot at "immortality".
Despite '21 being a fairly dismal year for the Indians, I think there are some reasons to be optimistic going forward. Quantrill and McKenzie appear ready to round out the pitching staff behind Bieber, Civale, and Plesac. It also looks like we *might* have an answer in CF with Myles Straw and at SS with Amed Rosario. Outfield defense has improved a lot since we went with Straw in CF, Mercado in LF, and Zimmer in RF. Lots of speed out there.
Most importantly, I'm thinking the team is going spend its way back up towards $80M or so, and maybe more if they find that minority partner they are rumored to be close to getting.
Feeling good about the ‘22 Guardians line-up and staff:
1B: Bobby Bradley/Yu Chang 2B: Andres Gimenez SS: Amed Rosario 3B: Jose Ramirez - I will be super pissed if we trade him RF: Harold Ramirez CF: Miles Straw LF: FA or Bradley Zimmer - if we gotta spend $$$ this where DH: Franmil Reyes
So I'm listening to the Indians game on the radio, and they're playing from the Little League complex in Williamsport Pa. The Indians just brought in James Karinchak to pitch the 8th, and you hear some little kid yell at Karinchak "Give 'em the heater, Ricky!". The announcer, Jim Rosenhaus, lost it. LMAO! I'm stunned that a 12 year old would have any idea about Major League.
I believe I've seen enough of James Karinchak. Tonight he came in to pitch the 8th with a 3-1 lead, and proceeded to walk a guy, give up a single. and then a 3-run bomb. Nice job, Karinchak, nice job! That's why we brought you in. 4-3 Red Sox. GRRR!
I think they should move Karinchak to the back of the bullpen where he could get some extended innings to work on command. Rotate Shaw, Wittgren, and Parker in the 7th-8th inning set up role. Can't believe how many late inning, 2-strike homers this bullpen gives up. I sometimes wonder if our signs are being stolen ...
Amed Rosario went 5-5 last night in the Tribes 7-2 win over the Royals. Inside the park HR, another HR and 3 singles. He had 42 hits in the month of August batting almost .380. Not a bad month for him. He’s leading the league in 4+ hit games this year.
The Yankees and REd Sox, are going to be on Abc next.
I had no idea How Much I Hate Baseball!!! I just cussed the TV out, what the heck is baseball doing on, On College Football Saturday.
Oh My Gosh I Hate Baseball Sooo Much!
You messed it up 20 YEARS AGO! 100 million games a year!!! And the biggest story every year is stuff that happens outside of the field!!!
And your childish frat boy unwritten rules and fights for looking at home runs, or throwing at pitchers, what a bunch of brats.
I thought America showed you, nobody wants to watch baseball ever $@#$@#$ $@$$ again.
And put a Yankee Game, in Ohio! on network Tv??? On College Football Saturday??
It's like a KICK IN THE TEETH! offensive.
Never again! Your sport is as Dead as Boxing to me! Worse! Boxing has a chance, because you never know who might come along.
College football on TV today
Saturday, Sept. 11 Game Time (ET) TV channel No. 12 Oregon at No. 3 Ohio State Noon Fox Alabama State at No. 25 Auburn Noon SEC Network No. 13 Florida at South Florida 1 p.m. ABC Middle Tennessee at No. 19 Virginia Tech 2 p.m. ACC Network Toledo at No. 8 Notre Dame 2:30 p.m. Peacock UAB at No. 2 Georgia 3:30 p.m. ESPN 2 No. 5 Texas A&M vs. Colorado (Denver) 3:30 p.m. Fox Murray State at No. 7 Cincinnati 3:30 p.m. ESPN+ Ball State at No. 11 Penn State 3:30 p.m. Fox Sports 1 Mercer at No. 1 Alabama 4 p.m. SEC Network No. 10 Iowa at No. 9 Iowa State 4:30 p.m. ABC South Carolina State at No. 6 Clemson 5 p.m. ACC Network No. 15 Texas at Arkansas 7 p.m. ESPN Eastern Michigan at No. 18 Wisconsin 7 p.m. FS1 Appalachian State at No. 22 Miami 7 p.m. ESPNU Austin Peay at No. 20 Ole Miss 7:30 p.m. ESPN+ Georgia State at No. 24 North Carolina 7:30 p.m. ESPN3 No. 21 Utah at BYU 10:15 p.m. ESPN Stanford at No. 14 USC 10:30 p.m. Fox UNLV at No. 23 Arizona State 10:30 p.m. ESPN2
****************
And you're complaining about ABC showing ONE baseball game? Get a grip, bud, use your remote and change the EFFING channel. Just stay the hell off baseball threads, because we all know you hate it. After all, you come on them and tell us 3-4 times a year.
Indians got no hit again. Plesac is 10-5 this season, or 10-2 when his team actually got a hit. Talk about unlucky, he was the starter on all three no hitters this season according to ESPN.
Just came here to say that watching Lindor smack 3 homers last night for the Mets mad me so ticked off at our ownership group for letting yet another great player walk.
Stat sheet say's he has 17 homers for the year and is batting 227 !
He has had a really tough year, for sure. He also has 8 errors.
This is meaningless, but to add some extra salt:
Dude was “Mr Smiles” with us; a fan favorite and MLB poster boy.
Goes to NYM,
- allegedly gets into an argument with a teammate over a NY rat? - him and Baez decide to boo the fans - and whatever happened a couple days ago with the whistling at the Yankees bench/Stanton argument
Just some weird stuff.
I am very happy with Rosario, his high motor and all out play. His negative has been his defense, especially with what we are use to over the years.
What I’m hearing of prospects coming, big roster decisions looming – Terry’s Talkin’ Tribe Updated: 5:58 a.m. | Published: 5:56 a.m.
By Terry Pluto, The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio – Lots of information in this story. It focuses on top Tribe prospects at the Class AA and AAA levels, along with players who will be out of minor-league options next season. So you won’t hear much about high-rated younger prospects such as Daniel Espino, who are in the lower levels of the minors.
1. Fans know about the rise of Cal Quantrill and Triston McKenzie. The team is excited about a projected 2022 rotation of Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac, Quantrill and McKenzie. Since the All-Star break, McKenzie is 4-3 with a 3.30 ERA. Quantrill is 5-1 and 1.79.
2. Cody Morris opened the season on the injured list. Once he began to pitch, the 24-year-old right-hander is 2-1 with a 1.20 ERA between Class AA and AAA. They are keeping his innings low. In 28 frames at Class AAA Columbus, he fanned 38 and has an 0.95 ERA. He was a seventh-round pick from South Carolina in 2018.
3. Logan T. Allen (not the older Logan Allen) is a 23-year-old lefty in his first year of pro ball. He is 8-0 with a 2.37 ERA between Class A and AA. He’s struck out 136 in 106 innings, walking 26. He was a second-round pick from Florida International in 2020.
4. What about the other Logan Allen, the lefty acquired from San Diego in the Trevor Bauer deal? The 24 year old will be out of options in 2022. He is 1-7 with a 7.11 ERA for the Tribe, 2-3 with a 7.95 ERA in Class AAA. My guess is he won’t be on the 40-man roster for 2022. He’s allowed 21 HR in 93 innings between Class AAA and the majors.
5. At Class AA Akron, the two pitchers acquired in midseason trades have been impressive. Konnor Pilkington (for Cesar Hernandez) is 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA for the RubberDucks, 7-5 with a 3.01 ERA overall in Class AA with 111 Ks in 95 innings. Peyton Battenfield (for Jordan Luplow) is 7-1 with a 2.53 ERA in Class A, 82 strikeouts in 71 innings, only 14 walks. Neither are considered elite prospects, but these two 23-year-old former college pitchers could see action in Cleveland at some point in 2022.
6. The Tribe has had Sam Hentges and J.C. Mejia making spot starts in Cleveland. I see them as bullpen arms. They could open 2022 in the Class AAA rotation. Justin Garza and Nick Sandlin (injured) had some nice moments in the bullpen. They are promising.
7. George Valera was signed to a $1.3 million bonus deal out of the Dominican Republic in 2017. He has been on their prospect list ever since. But heading into the season, he’s been haunted by injuries – only 198 pro at-bats. But in 2021, he opened at Class A Lake County and has advanced to Class AA Akron. He’s crushed 19 HR in 274 at bats between Class A and AA. He walks a lot, and is hitting .280 (.792 OPS) for the RubberDucks. He’s only 21 and looking like a serious OF prospect for some point in 2022.
8. Tyler Freeman was having a great year at Akron, hitting .323 (.842 OPS) with two home runs and 19 RBI when he suffered a shoulder injury requiring season-ending surgery. This stalled his development, but the 2B/SS remains an exciting prospect. The 22-year-old is a career .319 minor-league hitter (.823 OPS).
9. If the Tribe decides to move Amed Rosario off shortstop in 2022 – and that’s not a given – Gabriel Arias would be a likely replacement. He’s considered the best defensive shortstop in the organization. At 21, he is batting .270 (.757 OPS) with 11 HR and 47 RBI in Class AAA. Yes, the Tribe has Andres Gimenez. But I’ve been hearing him as a second base possibility (along with Owen Miller) in 2022.
10. The Tribe believes it has someone special in 20-year-old SS Brayan Rocchio, who is batting .275 (.808 OPS) between Class A and AA. He is showing significant power: 15 HR, 25 doubles in 105 games. He’s stolen 20 bases. The Tribe doesn’t claim he’s the next Francisco Lindor, but he has Lindor-type all-around athleticism.
11. All these infield prospects mean Yu Chang could be dropped from the 40-man roster after the season. Chang is batting only .204 (.642 OPS) in 204 plate appearances. He’s 25 and will be out of options in 2022. Daniel Johnson does have options left for 2022, but I wonder about his spot on the 40 man. He’s batting only .211 (.711 OPS) in 60 games at Class AAA. The 26-year-old hit .221 for the Tribe this season.
12. Most hardcore fans know about catcher Bo Naylor, the team’s first-round pick in 2018 who is playing in Akron. The fastest rising catching prospect is Bryan Lavastida, who opened the season at Class A Lake County and after hitting a combined .309 (.870 OPS) at the Class A and AA levels, he’s been moved to to Class AAA. Naylor and Lavastida are why the Tribe was willing to deal catching prospect Yanier Diaz to Houston for Myles Straw.
13. A second-round pick in 2016, Nolan Jones has been a highly ranked prospect for several years. He played all season at Class AAA, batting .238 (.787 OPS) with 13 HR and 48 RBI. A natural third baseman, he has been playing at times in the outfield. His season is likely over with an ankle injury. He will need more work at Class AAA in 2022.
14. Then there’s Oscar Gonzalez, whose name doesn’t appear on many prospect lists. He’s split the season between Class AA and AAA, batting .303 (.896 OPS) with 28 HR and 76 RBI. He’s walked only 21 times compared to 94 strikeouts. The 23 year old is a below average outfielder, but has big league power from his 6-foot-4, 240-pound frame. He’s hitting .330 since promoted to Columbus. I’m intrigued.
15. Gonzalez is not on the 40-man roster. In general, talent evaluators are underwhelmed. This from Baseball America: “Gonzalez has long had plus-plus raw power, but this year he’s doing a better job of swinging at pitches that he can actually connect with. The likelihood that Gonzalez will turn into a mashing, everyday hitter is still slim. He’s also got a plus arm in the outfield. He’s more likely to be an up-and-down power bat.”
My loyalty as a active fan goes back to the later 50's. I am not sure I will be able to latch on to the Guardians moving forward.
I haven't lived in Cleveland since the late 60's or had family in the area since the mid 70's. My loyalty is more about the teams now then it is about the city even though I love the city and area. Had the Browns come back under a different name, I doubt I would be a season ticket holder as I am now, or even really root for the team with any great emotion.
The Indians are about dead now and probably signals my top loyalty flowing over to the Braves and places the Guardians in a grouping of teams I like, such as the Tigers and Rays.
For me, it's a sad ending all because some people decided they didn't like the name Indians.
So, you are a fan of the team name and not the team? The Yankees at one time were called the Hilltoppers, iirc. The people of Washington DC lost the senators twice and now have the Nationals.
The team is still here. The players are still here. Unfortunately, the FO and the owners are still here. I am a fan of the Cleveland baseball team. I don’t care what they are called. If you want to call them the Indians that is your choice. I will root for the Guardians because I grew up with the Cleveland baseball team.
We have been the Tribe since 1915 , I think ! That be long enough to stick .. But then I have had to except Owners like the Woke ass Dolan's . Had to get that off my chest .
So, you are a fan of the team name and not the team? The Yankees at one time were called the Hilltoppers, iirc. The people of Washington DC lost the senators twice and now have the Nationals.
The team is still here. The players are still here. Unfortunately, the FO and the owners are still here. I am a fan of the Cleveland baseball team. I don’t care what they are called. If you want to call them the Indians that is your choice. I will root for the Guardians because I grew up with the Cleveland baseball team.
I understand. I also understand you don't understand my point.
I will be glad for the city if the Guardians do well, and will root for them in a casual manner, but doubt I will root actively, go to any games, listen on the radio at night on WTAM or buy any gear. The name and team become one for me. Without the name, it isn't the team.
If I still lived there it might be different, but I don't and it isn't.
So, you are a fan of the team name and not the team? The Yankees at one time were called the Hilltoppers, iirc. The people of Washington DC lost the senators twice and now have the Nationals.
The team is still here. The players are still here. Unfortunately, the FO and the owners are still here. I am a fan of the Cleveland baseball team. I don’t care what they are called. If you want to call them the Indians that is your choice. I will root for the Guardians because I grew up with the Cleveland baseball team.
I understand. I also understand you don't understand my point.
I will be glad for the city if the Guardians do well, and will root for them in a casual manner, but doubt I will root actively, go to any games, listen on the radio at night on WTAM or buy any gear. The name and team become one for me. Without the name, it isn't the team.
If I still lived there it might be different, but I don't and it isn't.
Just because a team name changed…well, that is your right. To me it makes no sense. I lived in the Cleveland area from age 4 until I was transferred to Toledo at 30 ( got married at 29). I was then transferred to Chicago at age 38. Lived in the Chicago area for 15 years and returned to NE Ohio in 2009. Lived through the truly crappy teams of the ‘70’s and ‘80’s. Was at the White Sox stadium ( whatever they were calling it then) in ‘95 to see the Indians come into town. My brother and his wife flew into Midway on Southwest. It seemed everybody getting off the plane had Indians gear. There seemed to be 10,000 Indians fans at the game and they kicked the crap out of the Sox. Did I go because they were the Indians? No. I went because I grew up with Cleveland baseball. I was and am a fan of Cleveland baseball. The name does not change the love of the team or the game.
This is reminiscent of the whole BS over the Browns. The current iteration of the Browns has literally nothing to do with what came before 1999. Keeping the records? The expansion team that was created did not have any relation to the Browns other than claiming it did. Do I follow the Browns? Sure do. Would I have given a crap if the team wasn’t called the Browns? Nope. I was simply glad football was back. And the expansion team played like an expansion team. The idea that “we got our Browns back” is ridiculous. We did not. Nobody from that team from players to the ownership had anything to do with the former Browns in any significant manner.
All of that being said the change of the Indians name was not just “some people being upset”. What would we think of a team call “The Fighting Sp**s”? With a caricature of a Hispanic person? No, the time had come to change the name.
Btw, I suggest reading “The Glory of Their Times” and the chapter about Chief Meyers, a Native American catcher. It gives some insight into how Natives were treated then. I don’t think that a whole lot has changed since then. As for the Braves and KC Chiefs? Screw them.
People feel how they feel. Your sensibilities are not necessarily theirs. You might be be able to see that more clearly if you got off that high moral horse you're riding. No one gives a <bleep> about Chief whomever.
They could have named them the Cleveland Cucumbers and I would still follow them. Been a Cleveland baseball fan since the early 80’s. A name change won’t change my team.
The Guardians baseball team and the Guardians roller derby ream reached an agreement and both teams will keep the name. Guardians baseball gear will now be on sale at the teams website Friday morning.
Pretty sure that I will never refer to the Indians as anything other than the Indians.. Absolutely sure I will never buy one stitch of clothing with the new name on it.
CLEVELAND, Ohio (WKBN) – Former Cleveland Indians’ All-Star closer Doug Jones has died from complications due to COVID-19. He was 64.
His former Cleveland teammate Greg Swindell announced the news on Twitter on Monday.
Jones spent seven of his 16 seasons in the Major Leagues with Cleveland (1986-91, 1998). He ranks third all-time in saves with 129. He was a member of the club’s Top 100 roster, celebrated in 2001. He was a three-time All-Star in Cleveland.
During his career, Jones also pitched for the Astros, Brewers, Athletics, Phillies, Cubs, and Orioles.
He pitched sixteen years in the Major Leagues, with a total of five All-Star appearances. He amassed 303 saves in his career.
Sportico @Sportico BREAKING: David Blitzer, part-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is nearing a deal to acquire a significant minority stake in the @CleGuardians
Sportico @Sportico BREAKING: David Blitzer, part-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, is nearing a deal to acquire a significant minority stake in the @CleGuardians
We drove in for the Browns game and I'm sorry, but Jacobs Field looked terrible. The new "Guardians" sign is pathetic. The outer concourse looked dirty and worn down. I told my daughter that at one point in time, that facility was one of the most sought after destinations in our part of the country. -- She couldn't believe me. I think it's only a matter of time before this ball club leaves for Charlotte. Honestly, I'd rather see them bow out with their honor intact rather than do what their trying to do now. - Force a name change that clearly isn't going to be supported and is insulting to the people who supported the team through the years. I'll never spend a dime on this nonsense. A few of my buddies already cancelled their season tickets - and they were legacies given to them from their families from the late 1970's. As for the facility, maybe we can get the Yankees or Reds farm team? Or maybe turn it into a year-round venue for miscellaneous family activities?
Honestly, I'd rather see them bow out with their honor intact rather than do what their trying to do now. - Force a name change that clearly isn't going to be supported and is insulting to the people who supported the team through the years.
I don't like the name change, but I'm still a fan of the franchise. However, I certainly wouldn't call fans more upset than me "snowflakes" any more than I would call Browns' fans in 1995 snowflakes for fighting so hard to keep our name and colors in Cleveland ... because its part of our history.
Honestly, I'd rather see them bow out with their honor intact rather than do what their trying to do now. - Force a name change that clearly isn't going to be supported and is insulting to the people who supported the team through the years.
#snowflakes
I see you're still doing what you do: ruin threads, post nothing about the topic, and malign other posters.
If that's what he saw, and feels, that's how it is for him.
As to the topic, not many care for the name change. That is their thoughts and feelings.
Nice sig, by the way. If you're going to post YOUR thoughts on a public message board, don't you think others can post theirs in reply to you?
This isn't a football forum because I'm not going to trash a football forum. But nice try. People can post anything they want just as I can reply to anything I want. That's how message boards work. Glad you like the new sig.
I don't like the name change, but I'm still a fan of the franchise. However, I certainly wouldn't call fans more upset than me "snowflakes" any more than I would call Browns' fans in 1995 snowflakes for fighting so hard to keep our name and colors in Cleveland ... because its part of our history.
I agree. Maybe some day I will come around but at this point I can't. My team was the tribe. They are no more. I no longer have a baseball team.
Especially since the guardians is actually a local representation of cleveland, due to the fact when you drive downtown from the west side, you can see the guardian that greets you from the highway.
But I guess racist symbolism matters more to some people than actual representation of the city. Sad, but not surprising.
Especially since the guardians is actually a local representation of cleveland, due to the fact when you drive downtown from the west side, you can see the guardian that greets you from the highway.
But I guess racist symbolism matters more to some people than actual representation of the city. Sad, but not surprising.
You do realize that the name Indians came about to honor the first native American baseball player in the major leagues. Sockalexis who played for the Cleveland Spiders.
Especially since the guardians is actually a local representation of cleveland, due to the fact when you drive downtown from the west side, you can see the guardian that greets you from the highway.
But I guess racist symbolism matters more to some people than actual representation of the city. Sad, but not surprising.
You do realize that the name Indians came about to honor the first native American baseball player in the major leagues. Sockalexis who played for the Cleveland Spiders.
You still believing in this nonsense mythology is about the same as people believing the mythology around pilgrims and America.
Indigenous tribes celebrated the name change. The plain dealer, who helped come up with the name with racist cartoons in the paper, celebrated the name change.
The team kept changing its name over and over again. Fans and newspapers would say racist things about our first American Indian player over his declining play and alcoholism. He only played for this team for 3 years.
But once again, people cant - DONT - seem to acknowledge real history, and instead rather believe some fairy tale about something like team names and logos.
Please educate yourself. It’s beyond tiring have to debunk nonsense from people who won’t even bother looking up the real history of, well, anything.
But I get it. It’s not racist. Chanting “scalp him” and doing Indian dances every time he made a bad play. Then creating a logo with a red face logo.
By that logic, let’s rename the Indians the cleveland rednecks. We can make the logo a pasty white guy with a MAGA hat on, and every time somebody on the team played like crap, we can make chants about white guy commiting suicide and and dance around with a klan hat.
Thats fine, right?
Or the cleveland crackers. The logo can be some pasty dude with a whip.
By your logic, those would be perfectly acceptable.
Oh, and FYI, you do know what natives were called Indians right? You think they called themselves Indians prior to the Europeans coming over?
:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68762951/1272620027.0.jpg)
