June 19, 2013

An early look at Cleveland Indians prospect rankings

Trevor BauerWith Spring Training underway out in Arizona, there’s plenty of excitement back in Northeast Ohio about the Cleveland Indians. And although many of us will not see the Tribe play in person until Opening Day on April 8, there’s a whole lot of minor league news that’s worth unwrapping as well.

And that’s where my rankings and numbers come handy. Throughout most of the 2012 season, I was breaking down all the news and notes with my WFNY Wednesday Wahoos reports. At the end of the year, I then shared my thoughts about how the Indians’ drafting still maybe hasn’t improved in the last few seasons.

But criticisms and arguments aside: What are the prospect rankings looking like thus far this offseason? Obviously, there was the high-profile acquisition of Trevor Bauer from the Diamondbacks, but how does he stand in comparisons with reigning No. 1 Tribe prospect Francisco Lindor? And is there anyone else emerging from the rest of the “mess” of the organization?

In as easy of a format as I can muster, I’ll share the answers to those questions and more. [Read more...]

While We’re Waiting … NBA Flopping Rules, Varejao’s Trade Value, A Browns Super Bowl Upset

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com.

Who said Andy flops?! I didn’t … Maybe: “The NBA has new guidelines to outlaw flopping, and Cavaliers coach Byron Scott doesn’t seem to care. And why should he? ‘It doesn’t affect us,’ Scott said, smiling. ‘We don’t have any floppers. It doesn’t affect us one bit.’ Some around the league – well, actually, a lot of folks – might argue with Scott’s take. A lot of folks might tell you Cavs big man Anderson Varejao is the originator of faking fouls, that his ability to ‘sell’ charges on opponents to referees can be his biggest strength. Anyone who’s seen Varejao in action knows he does, in fact, make a pretty strong case. He leans into the offensive player a little, waits for the man he’s guarding to dip his shoulder, then crashes back-first to the court with wild hair whirling and arms flapping.” [Sam Amico/Fox Sports Ohio] [Read more...]

WFNY Wednesday Wahoos: Indians Minor League Weekly Review 7/25

Each and every Wednesday, I try to bring you all of the news and notes from the Cleveland Indians minor league system. Enjoy.

And the trading madness has begun. … Oh wait. The Indians have only acquired IF/OF Brent Lillibridge thus far? That’s not that incredibly exciting then. But Tuesday’s series-opening victory over Detroit sure got Cleveland fans back in the excitement of the playoff race, at least. [Read more...]

WFNY Wednesday Wahoos: Indians Minor League Weekly Review 7/18

Each and every Wednesday, I try to bring you all of the news and notes from the Cleveland Indians minor league system. Enjoy.

Last Thursday, I traveled off to Lake County to get the scoop on the Captains. Also included in this week’s edition of the Wahoos is the latest on some top prospects’ hot streaks, a no-hitter, some reliever promotions and a rehabbing lefty on his way back to Cleveland soon. We’re officially less than two weeks away from the trade deadline, so stay tuned next week for plenty on more on possible trades. [Read more...]

WFNY Wednesday Wahoos: Indians Minor League Weekly Review 7/11

Each and every Wednesday, I try to bring you all of the news and notes from the Cleveland Indians minor league system. Enjoy.

It’s officially the all-star break, which means trade rumors are just starting to heat up. In my closing word today, following the usual prospect update and quick hits, I’ll share some of my guys to keep an eye on as possible trade pieces if the Indians are buyers over the coming weeks. Also featured this week: A brief Futures Game recap, info on some recent draft picks set to make their debuts, the scoop on some intriguing recent promotions and I’ll share my take on LHP Nick Hagadone’s peculiar injury situation. [Read more...]

WFNY Wednesday Wahoos: Indians Minor League Weekly Review 7/4

Each and every Wednesday, I try to bring you all of the news and notes from the Cleveland Indians minor league system. Enjoy.

Happy Fourth of July everyone! For this edition of the Wahoos, I’m going to spare you my usual introduction. Instead, I’ll later be passing the baton to some of the other great baseball writers out there with a new link roundup section. I’ve also got tons of details on Francisco Lindor’s struggles, another Jesus Aguilar hot streak, how some local guys are doing in the system, the amazing Akron bullpen and much, much more. Click forward for all the info. [Read more...]

WFNY Wednesday Wahoos: Indians Minor League Weekly Review 6/13

Every Wednesday, I provide tons of updates from the Indians minor league system. Today’s a special edition with a new top 10 ranking and some special insight on the MLB Draft. Enjoy.

For now this season, I hope you all have enjoyed my six or seven editions of the WFNY Wednesday Wahoos. They’ve been a great deal of fun to write each week, and I’m looking forward to continuing it for the rest of the season. Today’s post is a bit of a special one, as with the middle of the minor league season approaching quickly, I decided to expand a bit with some new features.

[Read more...]