Happy October

Happy October Everyone! We have reached the post season. The Indians have proved themselves to be the best of the American League. After defeating the Boston Red Sox in 4-0 games in the ALCS the Indians went on to defeat the Toronto Blue Jays 4-1 in the ALDS, punching their ticket to the World Series for the first time since 1997. They will be taking on the Chicago Cubs who have not seen the World Series since 1945. Both teams are looking to end decades with out a World Series.

Sorry!

I know it has been so long since I have posted. Now that we have hit post season I will post updates from each game! Happy October!

Update

Sorry I have not posted in a while. I've been busy on vacation. I plan to get back on track with my postings. My first few post back will be about the men getting inducted into the Indians Hall of Fame at the end of this month. Currently, the Indians are currently in 1st place in the AL Central division with a 4.5 game lead over second place Detroit. Also with the trade deadline approaching we shall see what the Indians do.

Saturday Spotlight: Michael Brantley

Michael Brantley is a center fielder for the Cleveland Indians. He was recently released off the DL and has rejoined the line up. He was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers on June 7, 2005. He was traded to the Indians on October 3, 208. His MLB debut was September 1, 2009. Brantley had a great season in 2014. He played in 156 games, scored 94 runs, had 200 hits, 45 doubles, 20 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 23 stolen bases. He batted .327, had and OBP of .385, and a slugging percentage of .506. He made the All-Star team and won the Silver Slugger that season as well. Last season he still had stellar numbers. He played in 137 games, scored 68 runs, had 164 hits, 45 doubles, 15 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases. His batting average was .310, OBP .379, and slugging percentage .480. Currently he has a 4 year $25 million contract signed through 2017 and will be a free agent in 2018.

My Apologies

I am truly sorry I did not post this weeks Saturday Spotlight on time. Life gets in the way sometimes but I will make sure I post on time next time. Enjoy my late post and remember Go Tribe!!

Saturday Spotlight: Carlos Carrasco

Carlos "Cookie" Carrasco was born in  Barquisimeto, Lara, Venezuela. He was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as an amateur free agent in 2003. He was traded to the Indians in 2009 in a trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Phillies. He made his MLB debut on September 1, 2009 against Detroit. He pitched three innings, gave up nine hits, six earned runs, struck out three, and walked three. Last seasons is undoubtedly Carrasco's breakout season. He pitched 30 games with 14-12 record with three complete games and one shutout. He had a 3.63 ERA, gave up 154 hits, 18 home runs, 43 walks, and struck out 216. He pitched 183.2 innings, he averaged 10.9 strikeouts per 9 innings, and had a WHIP (walks plus hits per inning) of 1.073. He earned a Cy Young Award consideration an placed 13th on the ballot. Carrasco is signed through 2018 on a 4 year $22 million contract and can be a free agent in 2019.

Opening Week

Indians have been off to a slow start this season thanks to the weather. Currently the Indians are 2-2 with two games to be scheduled later. Half of the games have been postponed due to bad weather. Opening Day against the Red Sox was postponed because of the cold weather. They made that game up Tuesday. They were able to play Wednesday but Thursdays game was postponed due to bad weather. The Indians left for Chicago in hopes to get away from the bad weather but it to was not good. They played in heavy snowfall Friday for the White Sox home opener and played Saturday. Sunday's game against the White Sox was postponed because of snow as well. This first week has not been easy. Indians hope to avoid the weather today against the Tampa Bay Rays where they have a roof. Weather should be no problem for baseball there. They will play three games there and go back home to host a three game series against the Mets on Friday (Also Jackie Robinson Day). That will also open a 6 game home stand. Hopefully mother nature will not get in the way.

Too Cold?!?!

Unfortunately due to cold weather the Indians game was postponed. It was too cold to play. They will try again tomorrow at 1:10pm. Lets Go Tribe!!!

Baseball is back!

Happy Opening Day! Indians home opener is today facing off against the Boston Red Sox. Corey Kluber takes the mound for a 4:00pm game start! Baseball season is back! #CapsOn

Starting Rotation

This years starting five have been set!
Corey Kluber
Carlos Carrasco
Danny Salazar
Cody Anderson
Josh Tomlin
Kluber will kick things off Monday, April 4th against Boston for the home opener. Carrasco and Salazar will follow to finish out the series. Anderson and Tomlin have proven themselves during spring training to earn them the fourth and fifth spots. Trevor Bauer who was also in the running for a spot in the rotation will start the season in the bullpen.

Indians Logo

Recently it was announced that the Indians main logo will now be the block 'C' instead of chief Wahoo. A few people are outraged over the idea of this. The Indians actually made this move a few years ago and have slowly been moving away from chief Wahoo.
Personal I don't mind the change. Because of today's society people are becoming more sensitive to "political correctness". Due to the fact that chief Wahoo is depicted as a red faced Indian some people find it offensive. They have every reason to be offended. The way that Native Americans have been shown for years has never been right. There has been a constant battle to change things like that. I understand where people want to keep the chief but we need to look at the big picture. To someone who does not know the history of the Cleveland Indians they might not see chief Wahoo the same way that an Indians fan would. Cleveland became the Indians because of a player who played for them who was a Native American. I see why people want to keep the chief but lets not block the 'C'. Lets keep and open mind about the change and get ready to cheer on our Tribe no matter what their symbol is.


This post is my own personal opinion. I saw this discussion on Twitter and decided to make a response of my own. If you have an opinion on if you like this change or not let me know in the comments.

Saturday Spotlight: Larry Doby

Larry Doby played centerfield for the Cleveland Indians from 1947-1955 and 1958. He was the first African American to play in the American League and the second to play in the MLB behind Jackie Robinson. He was from a little town in South Carolina called Camden. He was signed as a free agent in 1947 and played for a combined 10 years with the Indians. He had two stints with the Indians. In 1955 Doby was traded to the Chicago White Sox. Then in 1958 he was traded back to Cleveland form the Baltimore Orioles. In 1959 Doby was traded to the Detroit Tigers for Tito Francona, the father of current Indians manager Terry Francona. Between all trading he did play for the indians for 10 years. In those ten years he had 808 runs, 1234 hits, 190 doubles, 45 triples, 215 home runs, 776 RBIs, 44 stolen bases, 703 walks, 805 walks, and a batting average of .286. While his numbers don't seem to be that big he made 7 All-Star teams and made it to the World Series twice, 1948 and 1954. Because Jackie Robinson was the first black to play in the majors Doby goes unrecognized in his accomplishments and firsts as an African American. He was the first black in the American League, first black to hit a home run in the World Series, first player to go from the Negro Leagues to the majors, first player to win a championship in the Negro League and the Major League, first black player to win the home run title in the majors, and first black player to win the RBI title in the American League. All of these amazing firsts have left him a legend in Cleveland. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998, and as of 2015 has a statue on the plaza outside the gates in Cleveland. Larry Doby might go under the radar in most places but he will always be a part of Cleveland history.

The Voice of the Indians

The voice of the Indians Tom Hamilton has signed a contract extension. He will begin his 27th season of calling Indians baseball in 2016. He has become a legend in sports broadcasting and will continue making Indians radio very colorful and exciting.

Saturday Spotlight: Bob Feller

Bob Feller was a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians from 1936-1941 and 1945- 1956. He left baseball in 1942 to serve his country in the Navy during WWII. He signed with the Cleveland Indians when he was only 17 years old, in 1936, for $1 and an autographed baseball. His debut was on July 19, 1936.
One year before he left baseball in 1940 at the age of 21 he had a stellar season. He pitched 43 games with a win loss record of 27-11. He had an ERA of 2.61, struck out 261 batters, and pitched 320.1 innings. Of his 43 games he had 31 complete games and 4 shutouts. He gave up 245 hits, 102 runs, 93 earned runs, 13 home runs, and 153 walks. He lead the American League in ERA, wins, games pitched, innings pitched, strikeouts, complete games, shutouts, and games started. Feller won the AL Triple Crown leading in strikeouts, wins, and ERA.
In 1942 Feller left to join the Navy in WWII. He served on the USS Alabama during his time in the war. He returned to baseball at the end of the war in 1944.
One year after his return, in 1946, Feller still seemed to be as good as he was before he left. He pitched 48 games with a win loss record of 26-15. He had an ERA of 2.18, struck out 348, and pitched 371.1 innings. In his 48 games he had 36 complete games and 10 shutouts. He gave up 277 hits, 101 runs, 90 earned runs, 11 home runs, and 153 walks. He lead the American League in wins, games pitched, innings pitched, strikeouts, complete games, shutouts, games started, walks, and hits. He was third in ERA that season as well.
In his 18 years playing for the Indians he played 570 games. HE had 226 wins, 162 losses, ERA of 3.25, 44 shutouts, and 279 complete games.  He pitched 3827 innings and struck out 2581 batters. He gave up 3271 hits, 1557 runs, 1384 earned runs, 224 home runs, and 1764 walks.
Although pitch speed was not recorded at the time, Feller was said to throw upwards of 100mph. Some throws were recorded at 98.6 and 107.6 mph. This earned him the nickname Heater from Van Meter.
Feller was an 8 time All-Star, 6 time American League wins leader, and 7 time MLB strikeout leader. He help lead the Indians to a World Series win in 1948 and has three no hitter to his name, 1940, 1946, and 1951. He was a first ballot inductee to the 1962 Hall of Fame wining 93.8% of the votes. His number, 19, is retried by the Indians and he will always be a legend in the heart of the Indians.

Pre-Season Baseball

Today marks the start of pre- season baseball. The Indians played today against the Cincinnati Reds. Countdown to regular season baseball continues with only 34 days left!!!

Saturday Spotlight: Yan Gomes

Yan “Yanimal” Gomes is catcher for the Cleveland Indians. He was drafted by Toronto Bluejays in the 10th round in 2009. November 3, 2012 he was traded along with Mike Aviles for Esmil Rogers. Gomes has played for Cleveland for three seasons. His biggest year came in 2014. Not only was he good defensively he was killing it at the plate. Defensively in 2014 he had 1052 putouts, and nine double plays. He had 66 stolen base attempts which was fourth in the AL, and 31 were successful caught steeling which was second in the AL. Gomes was fifth in the AL in caught stealing percentage 32.09%, which was down from 40.8% in 2013. At the plate 2014 left Gomes booming. He had 61 runs, 135 hits, 21 home runs, 72 RBIs, a batting average of .278, and a slugging percentage of .472. These stellar numbers lead him to win the Silver Slugger award for Catchers in 2014 the same season pitcher Corey Kluber won his Cy Young award. Gomes is currently signed trough 2019 on a 6 year $33 Million contract and will become a free agent in 2020.

Team Adriana

I am pleased to report that Mike Aviles daughter Adriana was announced cancer free! Although Aviles is no longer with the Indians, teammate and fan alike are pleased to hear the good news. Forever and always #TeamAdriana

Baseball is Beginning!!

Yesterday marked the start of baseball season with pitchers and catchers reporting to Spring Training! We are 46 days away from Opening Day! BASEBALL IS BACK! I'm just a tad bit excited!!!!!

Saturday Spotlight: Corey Kluber

Corey Kluber is a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Indians. He was a fourth round draft pick in 2007 by the San Diego Padres. On July 31, 2010 Kluber was apart of a three team trade between the Indians, Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals. Kluber was sent to the Indians and Indians closer Jake Westbrooke was sent to St. Louis. Current General Manager of the Chicago Cubs has stated that the Kluber trade was his biggest regret from his time working for San Diego via cubs.com.
Kluber pitched three seasons before his big breakout year in 2014. He lead the AL in wins with 18, had 9 losses in 34 games started. He had three complete games with one shut out. His Earned run average (ERA) was 2.44 and allowed 207 hits, 51 walks, and 14 home runs in 235.2 innings pitched. In 2014 he was second in the AL in strikeouts with 269 and averaged 10 SO per 9 innings. These staggering statistics earned him a Cy Young Award in 2014.
In 2015 on the surface looks like Kluber did not have the greatest season. He went from leading the AL in wins to leading in losses with 16 losses and 9 wins in 32 starts. He still had an amazing season by the numbers. He had a 3.49 ERA and had 4 complete games. He gave up 22 HRs, 45 walks, 189 hits in 222 innings pitched. Kluber was 3rd in the AL in strikeouts with 245 as well as being one of for Indians starting pitchers to have 100+ strikeouts. At the end of the season he was 9th in the runing for Cy Young Award.
On May 13, 2015 Kluber set records. In a game against the St. Louis Cardinals Kluber struck out 18 with no walks, one hit through 8 innings. The Indians came away with a 2-0 win. This record setting outing stands as the most stikeouts in less than nine innings. Also it tied a team record set by Bob Feller on October 2, 1938. An intresting side note is that the same day the Bob Feller was opening at Progressive Field. 
Klubers projected 2016 stats have him with a 11 win and loss season with a 3.34 ERA. He is projected to give up 18 home runs, 45 walks, and 175 hits over 194 innings pitched. As well as striking out 205 averaging 9.5 strikeouts per 9 innings. 
Kluber is signed with the Indians through the 2019 season on a 5 year $38.5 million deal.
Kluber is a fan favorite with a no non-sense face when he takes the mound which has earned him the nickname Klubot.

Help: Lets get Bob Feller the Presidential Medal of Freedom

 Please help me in joining me to sign this petition to award Bob Feller the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Feller put is All-Star career on hold to serve in WWII. He deserves nothing but the best! So please join in signing this petition!

https://petitions.whitehouse.gov//petition/award-bob-feller-presidential-medal-freedom-his-military-service-during-world-war-ii

Saturday Spotlight: Mike Hargrove

Mike "Human Rain Delay" Hargrove played first base for the Cleveland Indians from 1979-1985. He managed the Indians from 1991-1999. Hargrove was born October 26, 1949 in Perryton, Texas. He went to Northwestern Oklahoma State University and was a 25th round draft pick in 1972 by the Texas Rangers. He made his MLB on April 7, 1974 with the Rangers. He spent 5 years with the Rangers. In his times with the Rangers he batted .295, a slugging percentage of .409, OBP .399, 380 runs, 730 hits, with 47 home runs, and 395 RBIs. He was Rookie of the Year in 1974 and was an All Star in 1975. He was traded to the San Diego Padres in 1978. He spent on year there and traded to the Indians in 1979. In Cleveland he had 388 runs, 860 hits, 33 home runs, 383 RBIs, batted .292, OBP of .396, and slugging percentage of .382. Life time Hargrove had a batting average of .290, OBP .396, slugging percentage .391, 783 runs, 1614 hits, 80 home runs, and 686 RBIs. Hargrove was given the nickname "Human Rain Delay" for his crazy ritual at the plate. He would first adjust his helmet, second adjust batting glove, third pull each sleeve of his jersey up an inch, and fourth wiping each hand on his uniform pants. He would do this ever time he stepped out of the batters box, sometimes more than once. After he stopped playing baseball he turned to managing. he managed the Indians from 1991-1999. He lead the Indians to five connective AL Central Division championships from 1995-1999 as well as two world series appearances in 1995 and 1997. After the Indians he went to manage the Baltimore Orioles (2000-2003) and Seattle Mariners (2005-2007). Today he is employed as an adviser with the Cleveland Indians.

Indians Off Season Transactions Update November-January

If you have not been keeping up with all the Indians off season transactions here is what you have missed. 

November

2nd- SS Mike Aviles roster status changed. 

20th- Indians released RHP C. C. Lee

December

3rd- LHP Nick Hagadone elected free agency.
17th- Indians signed free agent CF Rajai Davis form Detroit
18th- Mike Aviles signed a one year contract with the Detroit Tigers
21st- Indians released 3B Chris Johnson
23rd- Chicago White Sox claimed Jerry Sands off waivers

January

5th- Indians signed free agent 1B Mike Napoli from Texas Rangers

Contract Update January 26, 2016

Pitcher Josh Tomlin signed a two year contract with team option in 2018. $5.5 million
Closer Cody Allen, no arbitration, signed one year deal. $4.15 million
Out fielder Lonnie Chisenhall, one year deal. $2.725 million
Pitcher Jeff Manship, one year deal. $765,000
Pitcher Bryan Shaw, one year deal. $2.75 million
Pitcher Zach McAllister, one year deal. $1.3 million

Scott Atchison has been hired as a Major League advance coach and staff assistant. 

Saturday Spotlight: Jason Kipnis

Jason Kipnis plays second base for the Cleveland Indians. He was a 2nd round pick in 2009 and signed with the Indians on June 9, 2009. He spent three years in the minors until his debut on July 22, 2011. Since then he has a batting average of .272, 640 hits, 53 home runs, 272 RBIs, and 100 stolen bases. In his second full season as an Indian he made his first All-Star team. He had one at-bat and hit a double and picked up a RBI. The American League went on to win that game 3-0. He struggled a bit in 2014 due to injury but bounced back in 2015. Kipnis had a stellar 2015 finishing the season with a .303 batting average, 171 hits, 43 doubles, 52 RBIs, and an on base percentage (OBP) of .372. He also made his second All-Star team. He had one at bat and was unsuccessful and ended up striking out, but the AL still ended up winning 6-3. This season he finished second in the AL in doubles, fifth in AL second basemen in fielding percentage, and was seventh in the AL in batting average. He was AL player of the month for the month of May after having 51 hits and 30+ doubles that month alone. His projections for the 2016 season have him batting .275, 140 hits, 11 home runs, 32 doubles, 54 RBIs, and an OBP of .347. Kipnis is currently signed to a 6 year, $52.5 million contract trough 2019, and will become a free agent in 2020.

Saturday Spotlight

I am going to be starting series of blog posts called Saturday Spotlight. Every other Saturday I will post a spotlight on someone current or former who played for the Indians. My first one will be posted tomorrow! My first Saturday Spotlight is......Jason Kipnis!!!

Welcome To My Blog

Hi, my name is Mackenzie and I am a huge Cleveland Indians fan. I decided to create a blog to talk about my favorite thing. I hope to highlight different players, former and current, as well as keep you up to date on things happening in the Indians baseball world. This is not in relation to the Cleveland Indians organization. This just one girl, a computer, and a dream to be a sports journalist. I apologize for the sites current state. The blog is a work in progress. Hope you enjoy!

-Mackenzie