May 23, 2013

MLB News: Kazmir, Giambi, Raburn make Indians roster

March 25, 2013 by 4 Comments

As expected, the Indians made some decisions and announcements this afternoon as it pertains to their Opening Day 25-man roster. The team’s official Twitter account broke some of the nuances, none of which were all that surprising based on existing predictions.

Notably: LHP Scott Kazmir, RHP Carlos Carrasco, LHP Nick Hagadone, RHP Bryan Shaw, 1B/DH Jason Giambi and IF/OF Ryan Raburn all officially will be on the team’s roster. Technically, Carrasco will be serving a six-game suspension at the start of the year, so the Tribe will be down to 24 men.

The fact that Kazmir and Carrasco might both make the team was not news today. Because of Carrasco’s suspension, and the fact the Indians start the season with 13 straight gamedays, it was thought that the front office might decide to roster 6 starters. This also delays the eventuality of deciding who might be the No. 5 starter long-term, as Kazmir had the better spring, but both haven’t pitched much since 2011.

On the position player side of things, both Giambi and Raburn were expected to land near-final 25-man nods. Along with C Lou Marson, these three beat out IF Cord Phelps and C Yan Gomes, who both were sent down to Triple-A Columbus.

The last decision remaining is for one final reliever on the roster. The two most likely candidates are RHP Matt Albers and LHP David Huff.

Finally, the @Indians added one vital caveat to these tweets today: “barring injury.” That’s almost the entire for now and we’ll see for certain if anything changes between now and next Tuesday, when the Tribe open the season in Toronto against the Blue Jays.

[Related: Four Stat-Lines to Watch on the 2013 Indians]

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While We’re Waiting… A conversation with Mark Shapiro

March 24, 2013 by 2 Comments

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.

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Our friends at The DiaTribe had a neat opportunity of a sit-down with Mark Shapiro. Here is Shapiro’s first quote: “‘Yeah, if you define active by spending money. This is my 22nd season with the team, and there’s never been anything of this magnitude. It’s clearly both a statement and effort by ownership. This isn’t just a front office effort. We identify players, make recommendations and provide alternative plans and they ultimately make the decisions. With both Swisher and Bourn, Paul Dolan was extremely involved and assertive in our efforts to get those players.’” [Al Ciammaichella] [Read more...]

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An early look at Cleveland Indians prospect rankings

March 3, 2013 by 5 Comments

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...]

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MLB Rumor: Daisuke Matsuzaka unlikely to make Indians roster

March 3, 2013 by 3 Comments

This shouldn’t be too surprising to folks keeping up-to-date with all the latest Spring Training news, but it is worth emphasizing again: odds are that free agent Daisuke Matsuzaka won’t make the Indians’ final 25-man roster.

Matsuzaka, 32, has battled several injuries in the last few years. He notably had Tommy John surgery in June 2011, which kept him out of MLB action for nearly a year. He also had two offseason backsurgeries in winter 2011, then missed even more time in 2012 with a stiff neck.

The Japanese right-hander also wasn’t very good when he pitched last year. In his five September/October outings, he went 0-4 with a 14.36 ERA, allowing 10 walks, 30 hits and 25 runs in just 15.2 IP.

He’s off to an OK start out in Arizona with the Tribe, as he has allowed one walk, four hits and two runs in 4.0 IP in his two games. But murmurs lingered that his velocity was plateau-ing in the mid-80s and his stuff still wasn’t right. The latest rumor of his unlikeliness to make the team and earn his $1.5 million deal for doing so comes via Terry Pluto’s usual Sunday notes in the Plain Dealer:

“8. It would be a shock if Daisuke Matsuzaka makes the team. His fastball is in the middle 80s and his arm doesn’t seem healed from 2011 elbow reconstruction surgery. He was 1-8 with a 8.28 ERA for Boston last season. Matsuzaka is on a minor-league contract, so he’s paid only if he’s on the opening day roster.”

As previously indicated, there still remain several other more serious candidates to break Spring Training as the No. 5 starter for the Tribe. Scott Kazmir and Trevor Bauer are the hot names, while it seems Zach McAllister continues to maintain his leg up for the No. 4 spot.

[Related: Spring Training: Matsuzaka, Kazmir, Bauer shine in Indians debuts]

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MLB News: Indians’ OF Michael Brantley leaves game with laceration; gets stitches

February 25, 2013 by 6 Comments

Cleveland OF Michael Brantley was cut on his left forearm while sliding into third base in a spring training game against the Oakland A’s. Brantley apparently was cut by the spikes of the A’s player covering third. Having made the third out, Brantley did not take the field in the next half inning.

Reports coming from Arizona indicate that Brantley received stitches for the injury, and will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Indians manager Terry Francona on the injury-

“They took him to Good Samaritan and stitched him up and he was sent back to Goodyear. His forearm was sliced up pretty good.”

Brantley went 1 for 2 on the day before sustaining the injury. The Indians won the game 14-10 to push their spring record to 5-0. Raburn continued his hot streak going 2 for 3, but did not homer again today.

Masterson, Jimenez and Pestano all pitched well for the Indians today.

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Spring Training: Matsuzaka, Kazmir, Bauer shine in Indians debuts

February 24, 2013 by 7 Comments

On the first Sunday of Spring Training out in Arizona, the Cleveland Indians competed in two different intrasquad games. With half the team in Goodyear against Cincinnati and the other half in Maryvale against Milwaukee, three new Cleveland pitchers stole the spotlight.

Daisuke Matsuzaka, 32, pitched the third and fourth innings against the Reds. He needed only 10 pitches to do, walking one batter but retiring the other six he faced. His effort spurred the Indians to a 3-0 win with 7 pitchers combining on a 1-hitter. Despite Dice-K’s positive peripheral stats, there were some conflicting scouting reports of his performance. Per Tom Withers of the Associated Press:

Matsuzaka likely is a long-shot for a consistent rotation spot with the Indians in 2013. He doesn’t have much of any long-term prospects with the organization, although certainly his pre-existing relationship with new manager Terry Francona will help. Meanwhile, over in Maryvale, two other new pitchers provided nice outings as well.

Lefty Scott Kazmir, 29, arrived in relief of starter Carlos Carrasco, 25, who allowed four runs in a chaotic first inning. Kazmir restored order: He struck out one batter and allowed one hit in two scoreless innings. He had just 9 pitches, all strikes. This all is good early news for the former strikeout champion who hasn’t pitched in the majors since one outing in 2011. Reports indicated he was feeling good afterwards too, per the Chronicle-Telegram’s Chris Assenheimer:

Trevor Bauer, 22, then replaced Kazmir. The highly touted prospect, named No. 17 in baseball by MLB.com, punched out two batters and allowed two hits in his two innings of work. All 12 of his pitches were strikes. Unsurprising, Cleveland writers already were taken aback by his quirky warmup routines. Per 1100′s Nick Camino:

Obviously, this is just one of the many premature Spring Training storylines for the Tribe (hello, Ryan Raburn). We probably won’t have any clear indication about the leader for No. 5 rotation spot for at least another 2-3 weeks. For now though, this all was good news for new pitchers that have arrived in the last few months.

[Related: On the 2013 Indians starting rotation and narratives]

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Perez: The front office stepped up and now it’s time for us to get it done

February 15, 2013 by 9 Comments

Outspoken Indians’ closer, Chris Perez took heat last season after calling out fans for their lack of support. Now, Perez is pointing the finger at himself and his teammates.

Perez continued, this time speaking on the difference between this club, and Indians’ teams of the past.

The Indians’ opening day lineup is expected to have four new faces with the additions of Michael Bourn, Nick Swisher, Drew Stubbs, and Mark Reynolds.

[Related: Michael Bourn says hello to Cleveland in introductory presser]

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Francona: If you didn’t like this winter, you’re probably going to be mad at anything

February 15, 2013 by 2 Comments

Here you go Tribe fans, your manager is excited and he thinks you should be too. New Indians’ manager, Terry Francona dipped into the Cleveland sports fan psyche delivering a message for all the haters out there.

Today was the team’s first full squad practice in Goodyear, Arizona. They will begin play in the Grapefruit League on February 22 against their in-state rivals, the Cincinnati Reds.

[Related: Michael Bourn says hello to Cleveland in introductory presser]

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David Huff to Make Rehab Start for Aeros Tonight

April 20, 2012 by 4 Comments

Left-hander David Huff will make a rehab start on the road for the Double-A Akron Aeros tonight at 7:05 p.m. The Aeros will be facing off against the Reading Phillies.

Huff, 27, is recovering from a strained right hamstring that he suffered March 29 at the end of Indians spring training. He was one of the leading early candidates to win the No. 5 position in the starting rotation, but his injury sealed the deal for right-hander Jeanmar Gomez.

Most recently, Huff pitched a simulated game last Monday at Canal Park in Akron. He is expected to pitch four innings or 60 pitches this evening, whichever comes first. He was eligible to come off the disabled list April 14, but no specific timetable is known for when he could return to Cleveland.

Huff holds a 15-25 career MLB record with a 5.50 ERA in 49 games. He was a supplemental first-round draft pick by the Indians in 2006 out of UCLA. He burst through the team’s farm system to make the club in mid-2009, but has struggled to find consistency against major-league hitters ever since.

He did shine in his first 6 starts last year with a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings pitched, before crashing down to earth again. Likely short-term options for Huff could be a return trip to Triple-A as a starter, a move to being a long-relief guy in Cleveland or possibly competing again against Gomez, who has just made one start so far.

Source: [Akron Aeros press release]

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While We’re Waiting … Tribe Opening Day, Expected Value of Tanking, Post-Hollins Struggles

April 5, 2012 by 4 Comments

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.

The DiaTribe features its annual player/song matches to get folks psyched for today’s opener: “[T]o lighten the mood before Game #1 – the annual suggestion of music to accompany each Indians’ player to the plate or to the mound. After an off-season of conjecture, a Spring Training of dissection, and before a season of heavy lifting, this little exercise in frivolity always serves to break up the tension and perhaps provide a little bit of “firing up” to those in need.” [Paul Cousineau/The DiaTribe]

[Read more...]

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Video: Ubaldo Jimenez beans Troy Tulowitzki

April 2, 2012 by 7 Comments

We only had pictures of the incident before now. This video is so new that it is still loading a bit slowly, but here it is!

(H/T @KevinKaduk on Twitter)

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Indians Report: David Huff and Derek Lowe both leave game with injuries

March 29, 2012 by 5 Comments

Derek Lowe left after 3 innings pitched today with back spasms. Manny Acta said that the injury isn’t believed to be serious, and that Lowe should still make his next scheduled appearance.

The news on David Huff isn’t as good.

Huff left after facing just one hitter, after straining his hamstring fielding the ball. The injury likely takes him out of contention for being the 5th starter out of camp. Not that the Indians will need that 5 starter for a couple weeks after camp breaks anyway.

In other injury news, Chris Perez made his return to the mound today, setting down 3 hitters in 5 pitches.

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Significant Nothings: Thoughts on The Indians & Spring Training

March 5, 2012 by 15 Comments

As I continue to battle my annual case of Spring Training writer’s block,* I thought I’d just ramble a bit about some of the Tribe issues on my mind.

Left Field – I keep wondering: how was this team so ill-equipped to handle the inevitability of an injured Grady Sizemore? Had no one in the front office considered the possibility that Grady would miss part of this season? We’re currently left with no palatable options to fill our third outfield spot. This isn’t the worst thing in the world, I guess—we do have some upside offensive capability at positions that most teams employ glove-only specialists (catcher, second base, short stop). But I can’t help but think that the two easiest positions to find a bat—left field and first base—have been black holes for the team for as long as I can remember. When you pine for the days of Ryan Garko and Javid Delichaels, something is amiss. [Read more...]

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Indians Manager Manny Acta: “I don’t believe in a sophomore jinx”

February 28, 2012 by 1 Comment

“We feel this guy is going to bring a lot to our line-up. I don’t believe in a sophomore jinx or anything like that. I’m looking forward to seeing this guy get over 500 at bats and have a solid season for us.”

-Indians manager Manny Acta on second baseman Jason Kipnis. Kipnis is currently penciled in as the number seven hitter in Acta’s mind.

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Yes, I Still Love Albert Belle

February 28, 2012 by 37 Comments

They say time heals all wounds. If there is one guy who will test that theory, it is LeBron James. In 15 years, assuming he never comes back to play in Cleveland, will people ever forgive him for how he left us all in the dust? I just can’t see that ever happening. Clevelanders have a long memory of being left at the dance for a prettier girl.

But more than a decade before there was “The Decision,” another Cleveland athletic giant, a dominating force in his sport, became a free agent and decided to leave Cleveland for more money and a bigger stage. I’m talking about the one and only, surly as they come, Albert Belle. [Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Evaluating Tom Heckert, keeping up in a small market and Browns CBs praised

February 20, 2012 by 9 Comments

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.

Evaluating Heckert- “The Browns, who are well under the cap, were not aggressive last offseason and don’t expect much to change this year. Heckert is not a go-for-broke type GM like Phil Savage. Think patience. I know that is a word Browns fans get sick at the sight of, but Heckert’s plan is not a quick turnaround. He is aware the Browns need offensive playmakers. He said so toward the end of the 2011 season, but throwing money at the hot free agents is not his M.O. The Browns are building for long term and not looking to repeat the one-year wonder like 2007.

Last season, Young wasn’t an impact player and Jackson got hurt. Heckert took to resigning current Browns players and we’ll see if that trend continues this offseason with the likes of Peyton Hillis, Phil Dawson and D’Qwell Jackson. The only grade to give Heckert at this point is incomplete because, well, the Browns’ roster is just that. He seems to be an improvement over past Browns GMs when it comes to the draft, but the Browns roster is far from complete.” [Delco/Orange and Brown Report] [Read more...]

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Looking Forward to Baseball Season with Jim Rosenhaus

February 16, 2012 by 17 Comments

I had the opportunity through 93.1 The Fan in Lima to sit down for a few minutes with Indians radio broadcaster Jim Rosenhaus. It was my first opportunity to meet him and I came away impressed.

Rosenhaus was named Tom Hamilton’s partner for the 2012 season back in December, replacing the retiring Mike Hegan. Rosenhaus has been involved in production for the Indians for the past five seasons, including hosting Indians Warm Up and filling in for Hegan on longer road trips. Before his time with the Major League club, he worked for the Buffalo Bisons for 11 seasons as their play by play broadcaster. Jim was inducted into the Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame for his work with the Bisons. He was the play by play broadcaster for 3 AAA championships in Buffalo.

Rosenhaus recognizes the irregularity of having two play by play men in the booth, particularly when both have no MLB playing experience. His baseball playing days ended at little league.

“The team looked for a former player with some broadcast experience and background in the off-season” said Rosenhaus. “We’ll continue to have special guests in the booth.”

Guests like Mike Hargrove, Brian Anderson and Joe Borowski who all appeared in the booth for the Tribe last season. (Borowski was amazing. He would make a great color man someday in my opinion.) [Read more...]

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The Seduction of Spring: A Meditation on Lonnie Chisenhall

March 10, 2011 by 13 Comments

I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Lonnie Chisenhall is raking in Spring Training.  He’s put up a .550/.609/1.050 line so far.  He’s already hit two doubles, two homers, and one triple in only 20 at bats.

Oh, and one more thing: The Indians don’t really have an incumbent at third base—Chisenhall’s position.  Jayson Nix kind of stinks.  Jason Donald has never played there.  And Shelley Duncan?  Well depending on whom you ask, he can’t play third either.

So it’s not at all shocking that as Chisenhall continues to amaze us with his spring performance, we start to see a groundswell of support for him to make the opening day roster.  TD touched on this sentiment earlier in the week, and I’ve heard some similar suggestions from a number of Tribe fans. [Read more...]

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Mike Hargrove: “It’s Good to be Back in an Indians Uniform”

March 3, 2011 by 2 Comments

It’s been four long years since Mike Hargrove took in a spring training as a member of an organization. 

Driving up to Goodyear, Arizona from the neighoring city of Tuscon, Hargrove and his wife Sharon – who was at the forefront of her husbands decision to walk away from the Seattle Mariners in 2007 – discussed the feelings that were being experienced en route to joining his former team.

Words like “interesting” and “butterflys” came to mind, but all nerves were calmed within a few claps of the ball hitting the leather-clad hands of the 2011 Cleveland Indians.

[Read more...]

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While We’re Waiting… Spring in the Air, Combine Notes and Uniform Nerds

February 28, 2011 by 4 Comments

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.

From the new must-read Tribe reporter- “Sunday’s star at the plate for the Tribe was that No. 76: Lonnie Chisenhall. He hit a laser of a double to right field in the seventh and added one to the left-center gap in the ninth. No. 65 — outfielder Ezequiel Carrera — did him one better in the seventh with a two-run homer to right field, marking the first blast of the spring for Cleveland.” [Bastian/Major League Bastian] [Read more...]

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