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.