The Cleveland Indians are caught in the middle of a vicious battle for the AL Central crown. Meanwhile, in the National League, the Cardinals sit just 3.5 games back of the surging Cubs, putting them firmly in the hunt for the NL Central.
It seems, however, that even though the Cards are relatively close to a playoff spot, they're willing to deal from a surplus, even if it annoys their fan base. And, according to reports, the Indians are interesting in acquiring two of the Cards talented young players.
Randal Grichuk has been a rising star in the Cards organization for a few years now, and has proved his worth this season despite a small stint in the minors earlier this year.
Meanwhile, the veteran Tommy Pham is hitting an incredible .310 on the year with 14 homers and 44 RBI. The addition of either of these guys into the Cleveland lineup would give them a reliable bat to use anywhere in the lineup.
We'll see if the two sides can work on a deal before the deadline.
Long toss is part of the Driveline program as well, including the "end-zone" to "end-zone" approach. It's an interesting program, and one that is picking up steam at the college levels. It's based on statistical data as a foundation, that has been built out to include long-toss, plyo-balls, and various approaches/cadences to arm/strength training. It's a bit more scientific than the old school ways, which has many "traditional" coaches uneasy. I like the fact that they are willing to put their research, strategies, and findings out there for others to view/read/review/critique. They aren't hiding anything in their approach.Tom Servo said:One of the things he does long toss before the game. And by "long toss", I mean throw it from foul line to foul line while listening to his favorite band Amon Amarth on his mp3 player. His dad was an engineer and they've worked together on his exercise and work routine all through his baseball career.
Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com also reports the Indians are in on the chase to acquire Britton. Per Hoynes, Cleveland is "pushing hard" to obtain Britton to pair him with left-hander Andrew Miller since the club lost lefty Boone Logan to injury earlier in July.
The Indians, per MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal, were trying to get righty Addison Reed from the Mets before he was dealt to Boston. Now, Cleveland is upping the ante, looking to pry Britton from Baltimore
The Indians appear poised to make at least one high-impact move prior to today's Trade Deadline, as the defending American League champions eye another late October run.
MLB Network Insider Ken Rosenthal reports the club is still targeting Rangers starter Yu Darvish, despite the Indians being included in the righty's no-trade clause. The team is also reportedly making a run at Orioles closer Zach Britton, according to Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
The Indians were in on Mets reliever Addison Reed, according to Rosenthal, until Reed was reportedly dealt to the Red Sox for three prospects on Monday morning.Now the Tribe's focus will reportedly shift to Britton as the club looks to add to a bullpen that already leads baseball in relief ERA (2.78).
Darvish would help anyone, and the market is understandably competitive for him despite what's been a down year by his standards. The Indians are one of 10 teams Darvish can block a trade to, complicating matters from Cleveland's end.
The Cleveland Indians will acquire right-handed reliever Joe Smith from the Toronto Blue Jays, a source confirmed to MLB.com's Jon Paul Morosi. The deal was first reported by MLB Network insider Ken Rosenthal.
Neither club has confirmed the report.
Smith, 33, is 3-0 with a 3.28 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings for Toronto this season, and he's pitched to a 2.95 ERA in 677 appearances over 11 MLB seasons with the Mets, Indians, Angels, Cubs and Blue Jays.
According to MLB Pipeline's Jonathan Mayo, the Blue Jays will receive two Minor Leaguers in return: 23-year-old left-hander Thomas Pannone and 19-year-old second baseman Samad Taylor. Neither player ranked among MLBPipeline.com's list of the Indians' Top 30 Prospects.
Yeah, that game was a swinging tire fire.Man last night's game was rough. If Jose could've made either of those two plays it would've been a different ball game. You could see the attitude of the team change once Boston took the lead on those plays. Clev lost the strikezone and little miscues like Yan's throw behind Lindor may not have occurred if they stayed in the game. They got down on themselves quickly and never recovered.
Glad to see Joe Smith back in Cleveland. It's a great story, and he's also doing pretty well this year statistically. It would've been nice to grab Nunez from SF, as he's looking pretty good for Boston right now. He's the one I felt like we let get away in July. Not worried about Darvish or Gray, as I'd rather keep Meija and Tristan and the other prospects. With Salazar and Cookie back in the rotation this year, it's like we picked up two SP without having to get rid of any prospects. Still need that extra bat or Utility Player. Urshela has looked decent, but EGon makes me cringe whenever I see him in the lineup. He reminds me of MM a little too much.
It was a good back and forth game. My 11yr old stayed up and watched it with me and he was engaged the whole game - whereas he would normally tune out during a pitchers dual. When Lindor hit the game tying homerun, he went nuts. But then when Cody kept throwing into the dirt, my son would start bouncing around uneasy and nervous that they would lose. I haven't seemed him this engaged since the World Series last year. The game last night kind of had that feel to it. A fun watch and a glimpse of what October could look like with these teams. But definitely a "snatching defeat from the jaws of victory" kind of moment.JoeSteeler said:JFC stayed up to watch that ####?
I yelled this exact same statement. My son then looked at me and said, "but dad...if he would've bunted it just a little bit softer then bases would've been loaded. He just bunted it wrong."Tom Servo said:WHY THE #### ARE YOU BUNTING JRAM!! WHAT KIND OF IDIOT ARE YOU????
Your #4 hitter is up and you've got Chris Sale on the rocks. You don't give up the out. Full stop.I yelled this exact same statement. My son then looked at me and said, "but dad...if he would've bunted it just a little bit softer then bases would've been loaded. He just bunted it wrong."
Hard for me to argue with an 11 yr old, but it makes sense. With that said, I'd rather have JRam swinging full and drive in the runs than get cute and go for the small ball, "move 'em around the bases" approach with that at bat.
STORYApparently Jay Bruce is heading to Cleveland
Per the Indians, he'll be joining the team in Tampa.The Cleveland Indians acquired veteran outfielder Jay Bruce from the New York Mets in a trade Wednesday night. The Indians have agreed to pick up the roughly $4.2 million that's left of Bruce's $13 million salary this season, a source confirmed.
Minor league pitcher Ryder Ryan is headed to New York in the trade. Ryan, 22, was a 30th-round pick by Cleveland out of the University of North Carolina in the 2016 MLB first-year player draft. He's 3-4 with a 4.79 ERA for Lake County in the Class A Midwest League this season. He has recorded six saves while appearing in 33 games -- all in relief.
CLE willing to eat the rest of Bruce's salary is what kept Jay from being a Yankee. I like the pickup, and he fits in nicely with this lineup. First glance it kind of extends the power hitting deeper into the lineupBig time salary dump by the Mets. Bruce is a good pickup by Cleveland. When he gets on a hot streak he can carry a team. Basically gave up a bag of balls for him.
An embarrassment of riches...unusual for the Indians.Yep, rotation has been great lately. Need to make sure Miller is 200% healthy when he goes back out there.
I heard Chiz is going to get some looks at 3B on his rehab coming up. When/If everyone is healthy the OF is deep...Bruce, Zimmer, Brantley, Chiz, Almonte, AJax and Guyer...and there will have to be decisions made assuming we make the playoffs. Zimmer has really been struggling and they just need to let him hit his way out of it for now. I like what Austin Jackson has provided when he's been out there and what Guyer can do vs LHP. Almonte is clearly one of the odd men out. Tough on the 2nd player though. Usually these things work themselves out.
Ramirez leaving did not look good. Visions of last August when Carrasco took a line drive on the mound.Carrasco not looking good early after being spotted 2 in the first. Oof.
Ramirez leaving did not look good. Visions of last August when Carrasco took a line drive on the mound.
They're reporting that nothing is broken. Maybe a little rest and he'll be back Sat or Sun? I saw that Tito is bring EGon to the KC series this weekend in case Ramirez can't play.Bobcat10 said:Ramirez leaving did not look good. Visions of last August when Carrasco took a line drive on the mound.
Miller and Santana leaving early, though.What a great game! Walk off E3 on a Robo bunt! Have to admit I get nervous when the bottom of the lineup is a bat, but they pulled it out tonight. Great team effort! Now only 2 games back of the Red Sox. I would love to see a home series sweep right here!
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True. I'm good if we don't see Miller again until he's fully healed (mid-Sept?). He'll be an intregal part to the post season, and I'd rather he rest and get 100%. Olson has been doing well filling the lefty out of the bullpen, along with Smith as the righty. As long as our starters can go 7 innings, our bullpen should be able to maintain and close it out.Miller and Santana leaving early, though.![]()
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They removed the walking boot and have him do some light baseball stuff. Target IIRC is September 1st - DH against the Tigers following the off day.any word on Brantley?
At this point, let him sit for 2 weeks vs 1 week. What's the harm? I'd rather have him as healthy as can be for the Post Season than push him too much too soon.The Cleveland Indians announced that reliever Andrew Miller has been diagnosed with patellofemoral syndrome with associated patella tendinitis. That’s a very fancy way to say he has a bum knee. He’s been shut down 5-7 days.
That’s not a common injury in baseball, but Miller is 6’7″ so he’s going to suffer from stuff your average baseball player might not experience. Indeed, in getting this diagnosis, the Indians consulted doctors for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are more used to dealing with stuff that ails tall guys. After his time off, the Indians say he’ll start a throwing program.
Miller usually averages around 94 MPH on his fastball. During his last two outings he’s averaged 92.1 and 90.1 MPH, presumably because of the knee. The lefty is carrying a 1.65 ERA with a 79/16 K/BB ratio in 54 2/3 innings on the season.
Tonight would be a nice Cy statement game for Klubs.Indians killing Sale, again. Kluber now has ERA lead and is solidly in Cy Young race
You hiring?My employer is having a Finance department "retreat" and we all get to leave work at 10:30 and go to the Indians game on 9/28![]()
Love me some Candy ManTribe sweeps the DH and the series at the Boogie Down yesterday. The last time it happened was 1989; the starting pitchers were Rich Yett, Greg Swindell, and Tom Candiotti.