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Tag Archives: Cleveland Indians
INDIANS ADD FIVE PLAYERS TO ROSTER WITH SEPTEMBER CALL UPS
CLEVELAND, OH – The Cleveland Indians today announced the following roster moves relative to the Major League roster:
Recalled RHP AUSTIN ADAMS (#49), INF JESUS AGUILAR (#36) and RHP BRYAN PRICE (#56) from Triple-A Columbus.
Activated DH JASON GIAMBI (#72) from the 60-day Disabled List (40-man now at 39)
Reinstated C CHRIS GIMENEZ (#53) from the Paternity List.
Adams, 28, begins his third stint with Cleveland in 2014, appearing in 3 games (3.1IP, 5H, 4R/ER) during stints from July 11-20 and July 31-August 1 in his first taste of big league action. Around his stints in Cleveland he has gone 3-2 with 5 saves and a 2.50 ERA in 42 relief outings (54.0IP, 44H, 16R/15ER, 16BB, 52K, .224AVG) at Triple-A. With Columbus he limited right-handed batters to a .211 (23-109) average against as batters hit .216 (19-88) overall with runners on base.
Aguilar, 24, is also beginning his third stint with Cleveland in 2014, going 3-for-16 with 2RBI and a run scored in 8 games (5/15-19; 5/27-6/6). Around his two stints in Cleveland he has batted .304 (130-427) for the Clippers with 31 doubles, 19 home runs and 77 RBI in 118 games (.395/.511/.905). He has almost identical OPS’ vs. left-handed (.894) and right-handed pitching (.911), has hit .294 (58-197) with runners on base and over his last 21 games since August 5 he is batting .420 (34-81) w/18 RS, 9 2B, 5HR & 13 RBI. Jesus ranks among International League leaders in on-base pct. (.395, 2nd), OPS (.905, 2nd), slugging pct. (.511, 4th), walks (64, 5th), RBI (77, 4th), average (.304, 6th), runs (69, T6th), home runs (19, 5th) & total bases (218, 8th). Among organizational leaders he is 3rd in HR, 4th in RBI and 5th in average.
Price, 27, is making his debut at the Major League level after splitting the season between Double-A Akron and Triple-A Columbus, going a combined 1-1 with a 2.48ERA in 28 relief appearances (36.1IP, 26H, 10ER, 12BB, 44K, 10.9SO/9.0IP). His season did not begin until June 1 (R shoulder soreness) at Akron and over his last six outings to finish off his tenure at Columbus he tossed 8.2 scoreless innings. Overall for the Clippers he was 0-1-4 with a 2.73ERA in 20 appearances (26.1IP, 19H, 8ER, 28K) and limited right-handed hitters to a .185 (10-54) average against. Price, the 45th overall pick in the 2008 draft out of Rice University, was acquired by Cleveland from Boston in July of 2009 along with Justin Masterson and Nick Hagadone in exchange for Victor Martinez.
Giambi has been on the 60-day Disabled List since June 12 and recently began a rehab assignment at AA Akron on August 26.
CAVS, BROWNS, INDIANS, BUCKEYES and GLADIATORS – NEWS AND NOTES
MERRY CHRISTMAS CAVS
As we told you a few weeks ago and is now being reported by the four letter network’s Marc Stein, LeBron James and the Cavs will play in a Christmas day game against Dwyane Wade and the Heat in Miami. The NBA and Cavaliers full schedule will be announced on Wednesday night around 6pm.
THE REX EFFECT ANS WHO STARTS AT QB
As we also told you months ago, Rex Grossman would sign with the Browns and the free agent QB has. We pointed out to you then that this made so much sense because he played for Kyle Shanahan in Washington and Houston, knows his offense and can help teach it to Brian Hoyer and more importantly, to Johnny Manziel. think of it this way, Grossman is to Johnny Football, what Gary Danielson was to Bernie Kosar. Grossman by the way, will wear #3.
As far as who the Browns starting QB will be in game #1 at Pittsburgh on Sunday, September 7th? Head coach Mike Pettine said he’d like to name that starter before the team’s third preseason game, preferably on their off day on Thursday, August 21st. Both Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel will take snaps with the first team offense in their second preseason game on Monday night in Washington. Here’s hoping one of the two QB’s helps the offense score a touchdown, something they didn’t do against Detroit and in their “Family Night” scrimmage.
WALKING WOUNDED WAHOO WARRIORS
Not a good time to have three key players hurt if you’re the Indians.
NICK SWISHER (right knee soreness): Was examined by Dr. Rick Parker yesterday at the Cleveland Clinic after recurrence of right knee pain. Currently gathering more information and seeking additional opinions on present condition before diagnosis and plan of care are administered.
DAVID MURPHY (right oblique strain): MRI yesterday confirmed a strained right oblique. Expected to return to Major League game action in 4-to-5 weeks.
MICHAEL BOURN (left hamstring strain): Currently tolerating planned rehab assignment without issue. Was scheduled for 9.0 innings Tuesday in AAA Columbus.
BUCKEYES BLACK STRIPES
Ohio State rookies wear black stripes on their helmets during training camp until they display actions and efforts that prove they understand the Ohio State culture on the field of “4-to-6 seconds” and go as hard as you can from “point A to point B.” Once they show they understand that, they then have their black stripes removed. It should come as no surprise that the first two rookies to have the black stripe removed from their helmet were highly touted linebacker #5 Raekwon McMillan and running back Curtis Samuel.
O – H – I – O HOOPS
Ohio State’s December 2nd matchup at Louisville in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge is set for a 9:30pm tip from the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The game, one of 14 played during the three-day event, will be televised on ESPN. In his career Thad Matta has a 6-4 record in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and has won five of the last six games in the event.
TITLE BOUND
The Cleveland Gladiators, led by head coach Steve Thonn and quarterback Shane Austin will host Arena Bowl 27 at Quicken Loans Arena on Saturday, August 23rd at 8pm. The Gladiators (19-1) play the Arizona Rattlers (17-3) for the Arena League Championship! Austin, pictured right, threw 7 touchdown passes in the Conference Championship game to beat Orlando and advance Cleveland to the title game.
INDIANS INJURY NEWS ON NICK SWISHER, DAVID MURPHY AND MICHAEL BOURN
Here’s the latest injury updates on three Indians players –
NICK SWISHER (right knee soreness): Was examined by Dr. Rick Parker yesterday at the Cleveland Clinic after recurrence of right knee pain. Currently gathering more information and seeking additional opinions on present condition before diagnosis and plan of care are administered.
DAVID MURPHY (right oblique strain): MRI yesterday confirmed a strained right oblique. Expected to return to Major League game action in 4-to-5 weeks.
MICHAEL BOURN (left hamstring strain): Currently tolerating planned rehab assignment without issue. Scheduled for 9.0 innings tonight in AAA Columbus.
CLEVELAND INDIANS ANNOUNCE MAJOR ENHANCEMENTS TO FAN EXPERIENCE AT PROGRESSIVE FIELD
‘Progressive Field Evolution’ project includes expanded Kids Clubhouse, two-story bar with expansive views, dramatic new Gate C entry and concourse, and redesigned bullpens in center field for more intimate fan connection
Cleveland, OH—The Cleveland Indians announced on Thursday that the club would make major enhancements at Progressive Field this offseason aimed at adapting to fans’ expectations for their ballpark experience.
The significant enhancements to the ballpark will create new attractions targeting multiple fan segments; create dramatic new connections to a revitalized Cleveland and Indians players; and celebrate our club’s rich history and heritage throughout the ballpark. The project, with support from our partner Delaware North Companies, is completely privately funded.
Developed after extensive research into the team’s fan base and its preferences and demands, the project will include:
- Expanded Kids Clubhouse: First introduced in 2012, the Kids Clubhouse will grow to two levels. The Mezzanine concourse area also will be renovated, with new, improved attractions for families.
- Social gathering space: A climate-controlled, two-story bar in right field with views unmatched in Cleveland.
- Dramatic new Gate C: The new Gate C area will be a dramatic entrance with visual connection to the field from the exterior and dramatic views of the Cleveland skyline from inside the ballpark. This will be enabled by removing The Market Pavilion and Batter’s Eye Bar and reorienting the fan entrance, allowing for a better connection with a revitalized part of the city and allowing residents and downtown workers better views of the field.
- Connection to players: Redesigned bullpens in center field provide unique interaction with players and a new exclusive seating area.
- Connection to Cleveland: Popular city neighborhoods like Ohio City and Tremont will be incorporated into the new Gate C concourse space.
- Historical connection: More of the franchise’s storied history will be incorporated throughout the ballpark, especially at the new Gate C; the Bob Feller and Jim Thome statues will be consolidated there, and will be joined there by future statues – including in 2015 by a Larry Doby statue.
- New Group seating area: The Upper Reserved area in right field will feature terraced decks for group outings with sweeping views of the playing field, which previously were limited to the Carnegie Tent area on the ballpark’s exterior.
“Fans have changed the way they interact with baseball and other forms of entertainment. As a result, we have to adapt by creating new, compelling experiences to evolve our ballpark to align with fans’ interests,” said Indians President Mark Shapiro. “We’re proud to provide targeted, new experiences that enhance the connection between Progressive Field and revitalizing city around us.”
Complete project details, including renderings of the planned changes, can be found at www.Indians.com/ProgressiveField. High-resolution renderings and a video depicting project details are available by clicking here.
INDIANS OBSERVATIONS
Thank God or maybe Bud Selig for baseball’s second wild card. It has kept the Indians relevant for the second straight year. With 51 games to play the Tribe is just three games out for the second A.L. wild card spot. If not for that extra chance to make the playoffs Terry Francona’s team would be on the outside looking in from a far, trailing the Tigers by 6.5 games in the A.L. Central and 10.5 games behind the wild card leading Angels.
The Indians won’t miss Justin Masterson or Asdrubal Cabrera the rest of this season. Both of those players were being counted on this year to put up big numbers to help the Indians compete for a division title and both failed miserably. You can look at it as addition by subtraction and the Tribe’s front office picked up a couple of prospects for two players they weren’t going to sign in free agency at the end of the year anyways.
Speaking of disappointments, Nick Swisher is the Mayor of “Disappointmentville”. Making $14 million dollars a season and expected to be a big middle of the order bat, Swisher has failed miserably this year. He’s hitting just .212 with 8 homers and 42 runs batted in. He left yesterday’s game with right wrist soreness after going 0-3 with 3 strike outs. I never wish for a player to get hurt, but this injury will force manager Terry Francona, who has been loyal to a fault this season with Swisher, not to play him and just like with Masterson and Cabrera, it’s addition by subtraction with the way Swisher has under performed this season.
Jason Kipnis also resides these days in “Disappointmentville”. An All-Star last season for the Tribe, Kipnis is struggling mightily at the plate with a paltry .239 average and only 6 home runs and 36 rbi’s. He is another reason why the Indians are looking up at the Tigers and the wild card contenders.
With so many key players failing to meet their expected standards for this season, it’s amazing that the Indians still have a chance at making the post-season for the second consecutive year. Two of the big reasons they’re still in the race are Michael Brantley and Corey Kluber. Brantley’s All-Star first half has carried over into the second half as he continues to lead the team in hitting at .322 and rbi’s with 69, while ranking second in home runs with 20. His clutch hitting and consistent play is a big reason the Tribe is only three games out for the second wild card spot. Masterson was expected to be the team’s ace this year, but Kluber has taken over that role posting a n 11-6 record with a 2.61 era.
Other players that have helped keep the Indians in the playoff hunt are closer Cody Allen who has racked up 14 saves, 9 holds and an impressive 1.89 era. Lonnie Chisenhall has stepped his game up this year as he continues to hit for average at .306 while providing some power with 10 homers and 43 rbi’s. David Murphy has also been a pleasant surprise. The free agent outfielder has come up with some clutch hits for the team this year and with Swisher potentially out for a little while, maybe he’ll get a chance to add to his .261 average and his 7 home run and 53 rbi total.
With 51 games to go the Indians are (56-55) and in third place in the Central Division. Is Detroit’s 6.5 game lead insurmountable? No, but the Indians are going to have to go on a hot streak like they did last year to catch the Tigers and with this roster I just don’t see that happening. So if you’re a Tribe fan, realistically you should probably focus on the second wild card spot if you want to see the Indians in the post-season again this year. And while that’s not a whole bunch to grab a hold of, it’s still something, whereas in years past this Indians season would be over already. Thanks Bud for that second wild card spot!
THE RODA VIEW – THROUGH REALISTIC GLASSES
In order for the Indians to win the A.L. Central in 2014 they must get to at least 91 victories. Why 91? In the last five years the A.L. Central champ has won an average of 91 games. So with a (47-47) mark at the All-Star break, that means the “Wahoo Warriors” must go (44-24) in their final 68 games to have a chance to win the division. Last year the Tribe finished with 92 victories, but still finished a game behind division champ Detroit. So 91 is the minimum to avoid playing in that one game Wild Card scenario again.
I love that the Ohio State Buckeyes have at least five night games this season. Four of them are 8pm contests versus Virginia Tech, Penn State, Illinois and Michigan State, the other is a 6pm start against Cincinnati. There’s something special about night games in college football, especially when they’re played at “The Horseshoe” in Columbus. If you’ve never been to an O.S.U. game under the lights in C-Bus, you have three chances this season and I highly recommend it. The atmosphere under dark skies and bright lights is amazing. From the tailgating, to “TBDBITL” marching on to the field before the game and then performing “Script Ohio”, to the student section going crazy with the “Buckeye Bounce”, the “Quick Cals”, the O – H – I – O chant going around and around the stadium and then with the singing of “Carmen Ohio” following another Ohio State victory. So take advantage of your three opportunities this year and it will be a night you’ll never forget.
Even with LeBron James on the roster I’m going to have to disagree with Las Vegas. I don’t see the Cavaliers as the favorites to win the NBA Championship in 2015. The defending champs from San Antonio are back in tact and are at the top of my list. The Spurs are followed by the Thunder, the Clippers, the Bulls and then the Cavs for me. However should Cleveland G.M. David Griffin find a way to pull off a trade for Kevin Love while keeping Andrew Wiggins, I will be moving the Cavaliers up that list. How high? It all depends on who they have to give up in the deal with Minnesota and if necessary, a third team.
Pre-Powder Toss
Not only will LeBron James help the Cavaliers, I believe he can help the Browns because he can advise, mentor and keep an eye on fellow “LRMR” client Johnny Manziel. While I’m not worried with what the swan riding, champagne drinking, selfie taking quarterback has done off the field to this point, I will be watching closely to see if those actions continue during the football season. If they do, then I will be concerned, but I believe “King James” will set “Johnny Football” straight and put him in his place if necessary.
Thank goodness Tiger Woods is back playing on the PGA Tour. As good as all those other guys are, and they’re pretty good, it’s just not the same when Tiger isn’t teeing it up any tournament. Welcome back Tiger as “The Chase to 18” resumes with this week’s British Open.
THINKING OUT LOUD ON LEBRON, JOSH GORDON, WORLD CUP AND MORE
Not only has Dwyane Wade’s on-court game diminished, so has his endorsement game. When the only commercial we see you in now is for the “Endura Cool Towel” which you can buy at Lowes, you know your superstar status is in question. Think about that LeBron!
The longer this free agency period goes in the NBA without a legit free agent willing to take less money to play in Miami, the Cavs chances, as well as all the other teams in on the LeBron James sweepstakes increase daily. I had the Cavs chances at 30 percent yesterday. I’ll improve that to 35 percent today.
So yes, Cleveland has a decent shot at getting LeBron James back if he doesn’t retrun to the Heat. If that happens thank yous need to be sent to the Spurs, Endura Cool Towels, Kyle Lowery and others.
The Indians off season moves, or lack thereof, are hurting their chances to win the Central Division, as they trail first place Detroit by seven games and second place Kansas city by three games. Here are the moves that hurt the most.
They elected not to resign starting pitcher Scott Kazmir who is now (10-3, 2.53era) with the first place Oakland A’s.
Aaron Harang was a spring training invite for the Indians, but was told he didn’t make the Indians opening day roster, so he used a clause in his contract to opt out and become a free agent. Soon after, he was picked up by the Atlanta Braves where he has posted an 8-6 record so far with a 3.67era.
They passed on adding a power bat, which they so desperately needed like Nelson Cruz in free agency and all he’s done so far for the Baltimore Orioles is hit 27 home runs, while driving in 70 with a .286 batting average. How good would he look in the middle of the Tribe’s order?
I will give the Indians credit for not re-upping Ubaldo Jimenez (3-8, 4.52), saying so long to Chris Perez and not caving in to Justin Masterson’s ridiculous demands for a huge contract, but the earlier mentioned moves that they didn’t make have really hurt.
There’s still time to do something before the trading deadline of July 31st, but they better act quickly if they not only want to still challenge for the division title, but also the two A.L. Wild Card spots. With 76 games to go the Indians are 5½ games out of the second Wild Card spot.
On a positive note, let me be the first to say congratulations to Michael Brantley for representing the Indians at this year’s MLB All Star Game. It hasn’t been officially announced yet, but this is a no-brainer. If he doesn’t make it, an investigation should be done by the FBI and the CIA with Major Legaue Baseball. Brantley is the Tribe’s best all-around player and he has the numbers to back that up (.319-13HR-56RBI) through 86 games.
I can remember saying it on the radio, TV and on KennyRoda.com over the last two years. I never worried about wide receiver Josh Gordon during the season, but when he’s away from the Browns in the off season is when you should be very worried about him, and how accurate have those statements been? Wow, you talk about throwing away a chance at stardom, that’s exactly what Gordon is doing. He’s soaking wet with talent, but prefers partying and allegedly breaking the law over a successful career in the NFL. He needs some serious help to get his life together as former teammate D’Qwell Jackson pointed out on Twitter yesterday.
If Gordon is suspended for a full season, and reports suggest that we should find that out here in the next week or so, the Browns will have 14 other wide receivers on the roster that combined for one touchdown catch last season. Yes that’s right, one TD grab! Nate Burleson caught one in Detroit in the 9 games he played for the Lions.
I said it then and I’ll say it again; not drafting a wide receiver somewhere in the draft was a big mistake by Ray Farmer and the Browns. I wanted Sammy Watkins in the first round, but I can understand the trade down to select Justin Gilbert and get Buffalo’s number one pick next year. But to ignore the WR position the rest of the draft was a bad decision by Farmer.
©Kenny Roda
Thank you Jurgen Klinsmann, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and the rest of the U.S. soccer team for an exciting run in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
I thought I’d never say this, but I’ve become a full-fledged soccer fan! Yeah that’s right, the guy who used to rip the sport on the radio many years ago, now has fallen in love with the sport! I think I’ve missed two World Cup games. I watched every minute of every game played by the United States and was thoroughly depressed when the U.S. Men’s National Team was knocked out in the round of 16 by Belgium.
I’m hopeful that other new U.S. fans like me will stay with the sport and help it grow in notoriety over the next four years leading up to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
I Believe!
MID-SEASON THOUGHTS ON THE TRIBE
The Indians have hit the halfway point of the 2014 season. At the 81 game mark they are (39-42). Last year at this time they were (43-38). So that’s a four game differential on the negative side from a year ago when they finished (92-70) and in second place in the A.L. Central, but claimed the A.L.’s top Wild Card spot.
I’ve claimed all along that I didn’t think they’d be as good as they were last year mainly because of the starting pitching, or lack thereof. But also there is still no legitimate clean-up hitter with power, poor defense, they’re going to wear out their bullpen and two of their biggest bats Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana are hitting (.193) and (.207) respectively.
Having said all that, thanks to the two Wild Card spots in the A.L. and a Tigers team that is still the favorite in the division, but also not as good as they were last year, the Indians are far from out of it in the American League playoff picture. The Wahoo Warriors trail first place Detroit by 6 ½ games as of today, and are just 4 ½ games out in the Wild Card race with a lot of baseball yet to play.
A big power bat and a legit number #2 or #3 starter would go a long way of bettering their chances of getting to the post-season for the second straight year and they have until July 31st to make a trade, however don’t hold your breath on those. But as I’ve learned over the years in sports, never say never. Let’s hope that Chris Antonetti and Mark Shapiro address at least one of those two big needs.
MID-SEASON AWARDS
MVP – Michael Brantley – This one was easy. Dr. Smooth is on pace to hit .318 with 25 homeruns and drive in 108 runs. He is the most complete and consistent player on the team and it’s not even close.
MDP (Most Disappointing Players) – Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana – This one was easy too. Your two so-called power bats are not only struggling average wise at the plate, they aren’t hitting for power either. Yes Santana is tied for the team lead in HR’s with 12, but that’s not saying much and Mr. Brohio has only hit 5 balls to “Souvenir City”.
MSP (Most Surprising Player) – Lonnie Chisenhall – Another easy choice. Where would the Indians be without the offense that “Lonnie Baseball” has provided? He’s hitting .350 with 8 homers and 36 RBI’s. Cody Allen is the runner-up here with 7 saves and a 2.67era as your closer.
Player Least Likely To Be Here After The Trading Deadline – Asdrubal Cabrera. He’s only hitting .248 with 8 homers and 36 runs batted in. Plus he leads the team with 14 errors and he’s a free agent at the end of the year. Trade him and get something in return for him because you sure as hell aren’t going to pay him what he’ll be asking once he hits the market. You have Mike Aviles to play short on an everyday basis for the rest of this year and until Francisco Lindor is ready for the big leagues.
Pitching Rotation – My rotation for the 2nd half of the season would be – Corey Kluber, Justin Masterson, Josh Tomlin, Trevor Bauer and whoever gets hot, but leave Carlos Carrasco in the bullpen. He has found a home for now and if it ain’t broke don’t fix it.