***Official CLEVELAND INDIANS Thread*** (1 Viewer)

[Bobcat10]

Bill Lubinger? Brantley is a promising power prospect? The PD is really going downhill fast when it comes to Indians reporting. At least the Cavs are covered very well this year.

I scan the PD for news items; I get my analysis from DiaTribe.

I know, I was not directing anything at you. I do the same. Although Paul goes overboard sometimes imo. Hell, I'll read the PD Sports front to back a few times a week.

 

[Tom Servo]

Bill Lubinger? Brantley is a promising power prospect? The PD is really going downhill fast when it comes to Indians reporting. At least the Cavs are covered very well this year.

I scan the PD for news items; I get my analysis from DiaTribe.

I know, I was not directing anything at you. I do the same. Although Paul goes overboard sometimes imo. Hell, I'll read the PD Sports front to back a few times a week.

I didn't think it was GB. Your "front to back" reading doesn't include those ads at the bottom of page 2, does it?

 

[Bobcat10]

Bill Lubinger? Brantley is a promising power prospect? The PD is really going downhill fast when it comes to Indians reporting. At least the Cavs are covered very well this year.

I scan the PD for news items; I get my analysis from DiaTribe.

I know, I was not directing anything at you. I do the same. Although Paul goes overboard sometimes imo. Hell, I'll read the PD Sports front to back a few times a week.

I didn't think it was GB. Your "front to back" reading doesn't include those ads at the bottom of page 2, does it?

OK, so maybe not front to back.....or whatever Shaw is trying to do above those adds on page 2. Now that I think of it, page 2 is an automatic skip most days.

 

[Tom Servo]

Bill Lubinger? Brantley is a promising power prospect? The PD is really going downhill fast when it comes to Indians reporting. At least the Cavs are covered very well this year.

I scan the PD for news items; I get my analysis from DiaTribe.

I know, I was not directing anything at you. I do the same. Although Paul goes overboard sometimes imo. Hell, I'll read the PD Sports front to back a few times a week.

I didn't think it was GB. Your "front to back" reading doesn't include those ads at the bottom of page 2, does it?

OK, so maybe not front to back.....or whatever Shaw is trying to do above those adds on page 2. Now that I think of it, page 2 is an automatic skip most days.

Yeah, those Asian massage parlor ads don't make the online version of the PD...

 

[Tom Servo]

Went to the caravan in Youngstown last night. Choo, Brantley and Wedge were there, with Tom Hamilton being the MC. A couple of things I'll try to fill in from memory:

* Someone asked about Choo's military committment. Apparently, he has to go in in 2010. He stated that he tries not to think about it too much and do what can for 2009. Someone at my table thought they heard that if Korea "did well" in the WBC he might see his obligation reduced.

* Someone asked about Garko playing the OF. Wedge didn't come out and say it directly, but he left the impression that Garko's in the organizational doghouse (not as bad as Marte) and that there really isn't a place for him in the OF.

* A question was asked about Victor playing 3B. Wedge said that DeRosa will get most of the time at 3B, with Peralta at SS and Cabrera at 2B. He related a story that took place last year where there was an injury and an ejection and Victor and Garko volunteered to play 3B. He joked, "The pitchers think they can hit, and the hitters think they can pitch."

* A little boy asked Brantley and Choo what their favorite non-Progressive Field ballpark was. Choo said Safeco Field and then handed the mic to Brantley who looked like Rodney Dangerfield when he pulls at his collar. He finally said, "Ummm...I'll have to get back to you."

* Wedge said Westbrook will be ready for 2009 - didn't say when. He said that Westy was in rehab daily getting ready for the season and looking "sleek"

* Finally, a little boy asked about the last time they won a championship. I think he was trying to ask the players about previous titles in Little League, Legion ball, etc but Hamilton (I think) mistook it as a question about the Indians last WS title. He said, "It was before your dad was born."

 

[s_ezy]

Went to the caravan in Youngstown last night. Choo, Brantley and Wedge were there, with Tom Hamilton being the MC. A couple of things I'll try to fill in from memory:* Someone asked about Choo's military committment. Apparently, he has to go in in 2010. He stated that he tries not to think about it too much and do what can for 2009. Someone at my table thought they heard that if Korea "did well" in the WBC he might see his obligation reduced.

Shapiro workout in the same Gym as I do, i get to talk to him a little bit about the tribe.he said that Choo will not honor his military committment, the downside being he can never go back into Korea.other comments he has said in the past few weeks"our bullpen needs have been addressed""a.j. burrnett is great when healthy and playing in a contract year""manny ramirez plays too many video games"if you guys have any questions i can try and ask him

 

[Bobcat10]

Went to the caravan in Youngstown last night. Choo, Brantley and Wedge were there, with Tom Hamilton being the MC. A couple of things I'll try to fill in from memory:* Someone asked about Choo's military committment. Apparently, he has to go in in 2010. He stated that he tries not to think about it too much and do what can for 2009. Someone at my table thought they heard that if Korea "did well" in the WBC he might see his obligation reduced.

Shapiro workout in the same Gym as I do, i get to talk to him a little bit about the tribe.he said that Choo will not honor his military committment, the downside being he can never go back into Korea.other comments he has said in the past few weeks"our bullpen needs have been addressed""a.j. burrnett is great when healthy and playing in a contract year""manny ramirez plays too many video games"if you guys have any questions i can try and ask him

Wow @ Choo. Hopefully they waive it for him so he doesn't have to feel like a traitor.I know that makes the brass pretty happy....they have always praised the young Korean (more than just brass-speak IMO).

 

[Tom Servo]

Shapiro workout in the same Gym as I do, i get to talk to him a little bit about the tribe.if you guys have any questions i can try and ask him

s_ezy:Ask him what he thinks Ben Sheets is looking for in a contract. (Heck, if the Rangers are talking to him we could be players, can't we? ) Plus, ask him if he think BS would take a Pavano-type deal with low base salary and a bunch of incentives. TIA.

 

[wadegarrett]

if you guys have any questions i can try and ask him

ask him if he can get Manny for a discount

 

[s_ezy]

if you guys have any questions i can try and ask him

ask him if he can get Manny for a discount

i talked to him about Mannyapparently he told everyone at the winter meetings that he is playing video games while waiting for offers.zero chance that Manny will play in cleveland until Manny grows up (i.e. not likely)

 

[s_ezy]

Shapiro workout in the same Gym as I do, i get to talk to him a little bit about the tribe.if you guys have any questions i can try and ask him

s_ezy:Ask him what he thinks Ben Sheets is looking for in a contract. (Heck, if the Rangers are talking to him we could be players, can't we? ) Plus, ask him if he think BS would take a Pavano-type deal with low base salary and a bunch of incentives. TIA.

he was out too fast today for my to talk to him, will ask on friday

 

[Tom Servo]

Shapiro workout in the same Gym as I do, i get to talk to him a little bit about the tribe.if you guys have any questions i can try and ask him

s_ezy:Ask him what he thinks Ben Sheets is looking for in a contract. (Heck, if the Rangers are talking to him we could be players, can't we? ) Plus, ask him if he think BS would take a Pavano-type deal with low base salary and a bunch of incentives. TIA.

he was out too fast today for my to talk to him, will ask on friday

GB

 

[Tom Servo]

Bump for results of s_ezy's trip to the gym this morning. Yes, I have no life...

 

[s_ezy]

my workout was good

shapiro said on ben sheets

"people are giving him offers, but remember he turned down $14 million in arbitration, so he wants a really big payday and no team wants him for that much. teams are offering, but he doesn't want to play for incentives because he isn't a hard worker. he is a country boy and a competitor, but he is fat and doesn't put in the time on staying in shape."

i still chuckle when i realize that he called ben sheets FAT

 

[harryhood]

Whats the outlook on David Huff? I have him in a 7 player minors system. Is he going to have some value this year, bigs wise? or am I going to have to sit on him for a year? Is he worth sitting on?

 

[Tom Servo]

my workout was good

Sorry, I guess I should have asked about that too.

shapiro said on ben sheets"people are giving him offers, but remember he turned down $14 million in arbitration, so he wants a really big payday and no team wants him for that much. teams are offering, but he doesn't want to play for incentives because he isn't a hard worker. he is a country boy and a competitor, but he is fat and doesn't put in the time on staying in shape."i still chuckle when i realize that he called ben sheets FAT

That explains a lot. I thought there was more to it than just coming off injury.

 

[Bobcat10]

Are they trying to deal Marte? Can't imagine there is anyone that desperate out there, right? Is it possible he hits his way onto the team this Spring only to start once or twice a week, if that?

 

[The Man With No Name]

Are they trying to deal Marte? Can't imagine there is anyone that desperate out there, right? Is it possible he hits his way onto the team this Spring only to start once or twice a week, if that?

He didn't do well enough in the Dominican League this winter to keep him over Barfield or anyone else. DeRosa is good enough for a while until they can develop or acquire a 3rd basemen that is younger and has a promising future.

 

[Bobcat10]

Are they trying to deal Marte? Can't imagine there is anyone that desperate out there, right? Is it possible he hits his way onto the team this Spring only to start once or twice a week, if that?

He didn't do well enough in the Dominican League this winter to keep him over Barfield or anyone else. DeRosa is good enough for a while until they can develop or acquire a 3rd basemen that is younger and has a promising future.

The first two questions still apply.

 

[wadegarrett]

Are they trying to deal Marte? Can't imagine there is anyone that desperate out there, right? Is it possible he hits his way onto the team this Spring only to start once or twice a week, if that?

He didn't do well enough in the Dominican League this winter to keep him over Barfield or anyone else. DeRosa is good enough for a while until they can develop or acquire a 3rd basemen that is younger and has a promising future.

The first two questions still apply.

Not sure they could get a can of beans for Marte right now.

 

[wadegarrett]

Loved this blurb from today's PD:

Adam Miller was throwing 95 to 98 mph with an 88 mph slider this winter in the Dominican.

 

[Bobcat10]

Are they trying to deal Marte? Can't imagine there is anyone that desperate out there, right? Is it possible he hits his way onto the team this Spring only to start once or twice a week, if that?

He didn't do well enough in the Dominican League this winter to keep him over Barfield or anyone else. DeRosa is good enough for a while until they can develop or acquire a 3rd basemen that is younger and has a promising future.

The first two questions still apply.

Not sure they could get a can of beans for Marte right now.

I agree. But we're not running the show.

 

[Tom Servo]

Are they trying to deal Marte? Can't imagine there is anyone that desperate out there, right? Is it possible he hits his way onto the team this Spring only to start once or twice a week, if that?

He didn't do well enough in the Dominican League this winter to keep him over Barfield or anyone else. DeRosa is good enough for a while until they can develop or acquire a 3rd basemen that is younger and has a promising future.

The first two questions still apply.

Not sure they could get a can of beans for Marte right now.

I agree. But we're not running the show.

If you can get a couple of cans of beans for him, make them different kinds so we can have chili. It's COLD around here.

 

[Tom Servo]

MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported on Hot Stove this morning that Pedro Martinez turned down the Indians. Wow, maybe (maybe?) Shapiro's not done looking for pitching.

 

[Tecumseh]

Good. I f'n hate Pedro.

 

[Tom Servo]

From the PD this morning:

The Indians finished 12th among the 14 AL teams last year with 67 stolen bases. The organization has devalued the stolen base, so it was surprising to hear that Wedge is stressing baserunning this spring.

"Baserunning is one of the toughest things to work on because you almost have to be on base during a game to do it," said Wedge. "I want them to push the envelope this spring regarding their leads when they get on base. I don't care if they get picked off base. Then they know they have to shorten up a little bit. But I want to work from that aggressive manner back. I want them going from 12 feet to 11 feet or 11 1/2 feet. Not from 10 feet to 11 feet.

"If they get picked off by a catcher on their secondary leads, I don't care. I want to rid some of these guys of their anxiety so they're comfortable out there. I want to gain a step or two. I want to think two bases _ home to second, second to home, first to third. I want that two-base mentality."

For the last few springs Wedge has stressed to his pitchers, catchers and infielders to control the running game. Now he's moving to the offensive side of the running game.

"Being a good baserunner is the ultimate team play," said Wedge. "It's totally selfless. You're doing it for the guy at home plate and your team."

Of course, this comment made me

COMMENTS (2)Post a commentPosted by LariSpitler on 02/18/09 at 10:26AM

What do we value on this team? It's not speed, it's not defense? We value guys that can play ten positions below average that are cheap. We value guys that bat .270 with 20 HR's, because he "has some pop" in his bat. Meanwhile real teams sign impact players that can approach a .300 batting average.

 

[Eephus]

Andy Marte designated for assignment. Another example of how hard it is to project Major League performance.

Looking back at his minor league stats, he never really dominated. He was advanced for his age but never really developed beyond that. The Braves front office look like smart guys now.

Marte is still only 25 and will still probably get at least one more shot somewhere. I wouldn't mind if the Giants took a flyer if the price was right, although it mean the Pablo Sandoval Thirdbaseman experiment isn't going too well

 

[wadegarrett]

Andy Marte designated for assignment. Another example of how hard it is to project Major League performance.

Looking back at his minor league stats, he never really dominated. He was advanced for his age but never really developed beyond that. The Braves front office look like smart guys now.

Marte is still only 25 and will still probably get at least one more shot somewhere. I wouldn't mind if the Giants took a flyer if the price was right, although it mean the Pablo Sandoval Thirdbaseman experiment isn't going too well

Andy Marte is back with the Cleveland Indians

by Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter

Wednesday February 25, 2009, 2:00 PM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- You can't get rid of Andy Marte that easily.

The Indians were unable to to trade Marte after they designated him for assignment last week. On Wednesday he cleared waivers and the Indians outrighted him to Class AAA Columbus. Marte, who has been working out at the Indians player developlment complex since being designated, will rejoin the Indians on Thursday in big league camp.

Marte, 25, has struggled with the Indians ever since they acquired him from Boston in January of 2006. His one failure has been an ability to hit and hit with power.

Last season Marte started at third base after the Indians traded Casey Blake to the Dodgers in July. But the Indians weren't impressed and traded for Mark DeRosa this winter to play third base.

Marte, who is out of options, hit .221 (52-for-235) with 11 doubles, three homers and 17 RBI last season.

 

[wadegarrett]

Good to hear the Indians back on the radio.

Back in the Cactus League!

 

[wadegarrett]

Good to hear the Indians back on the radio. Back in the Cactus League!

Mark DeRosa w/ first HR in Goodyear Park!

 

[Eephus]

Andy Marte is back with the Cleveland Indians

by Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter

Wednesday February 25, 2009, 2:00 PM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- You can't get rid of Andy Marte that easily.

The Indians were unable to to trade Marte after they designated him for assignment last week. On Wednesday he cleared waivers and the Indians outrighted him to Class AAA Columbus. Marte, who has been working out at the Indians player developlment complex since being designated, will rejoin the Indians on Thursday in big league camp.

Marte, 25, has struggled with the Indians ever since they acquired him from Boston in January of 2006. His one failure has been an ability to hit and hit with power.

Last season Marte started at third base after the Indians traded Casey Blake to the Dodgers in July. But the Indians weren't impressed and traded for Mark DeRosa this winter to play third base.

Marte, who is out of options, hit .221 (52-for-235) with 11 doubles, three homers and 17 RBI last season.

I'm surprised no other team took a flyer on Marte.

 

[wadegarrett]

Cleveland Indians' Grady Sizemore won't play in World Baseball Classic because of strained groin

by Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer Reporter

Friday February 27, 2009, 10:44 AM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Grady Sizemore has withdrawn from the World Baseball Classic because of a strained left groin muscle. Sizemore and teammate Mark DeRosa were scheduled to join Team USA Sunday in Clearwater, Fla., for training camp.

Sizemore played in the Indians' first two Cactus League games and looked good. He went 3-for-6 with a double and two RBI. Sizemore, nursing the injury for the last week, tested it by stealing second base in the fourth inning of Thursday's 15-9 loss to Arizona.

A team official said Sizemore felt pain and talked to manager Eric Wedge after the game about withdrawing from the WBC. Sizemore made his decision final this morning when he reported to the Indians player development complex. The Indians informed Bob Watson, who is running Team USA.

Sizemore and Detroit's Curtis Granderson were expected to share center field for Team USA. The only other outfielders on the WBC roster are Ryan Braun and Brad Hawpe.

After Thursday's game, Sizemore told reporters he was excited about going to the WBC. He did not mention the injury and said his only concern was leaving his teammates for a big part of spring training.

Tribe players expected to join DeRosa in the WBC include reliever Rafael Perez (Dominican Republic), Shin-Soo Choo (South Korea) and minor leaguers Nick Weglarz (Candada), Sung-Wei Tseng and Chen-Chang Lee (Chinese Taipei) and Damaso Espino and Paolo Espino (Panama).

 

[Tom Servo]

Andy Marte is back with the Cleveland Indians

by Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter

Wednesday February 25, 2009, 2:00 PM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- You can't get rid of Andy Marte that easily.

The Indians were unable to to trade Marte after they designated him for assignment last week. On Wednesday he cleared waivers and the Indians outrighted him to Class AAA Columbus. Marte, who has been working out at the Indians player developlment complex since being designated, will rejoin the Indians on Thursday in big league camp.

Marte, 25, has struggled with the Indians ever since they acquired him from Boston in January of 2006. His one failure has been an ability to hit and hit with power.

Last season Marte started at third base after the Indians traded Casey Blake to the Dodgers in July. But the Indians weren't impressed and traded for Mark DeRosa this winter to play third base.

Marte, who is out of options, hit .221 (52-for-235) with 11 doubles, three homers and 17 RBI last season.

I'm surprised no other team took a flyer on Marte.

So am I...

 

[Bobcat10]

Andy Marte is back with the Cleveland Indians

by Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter

Wednesday February 25, 2009, 2:00 PM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- You can't get rid of Andy Marte that easily.

The Indians were unable to to trade Marte after they designated him for assignment last week. On Wednesday he cleared waivers and the Indians outrighted him to Class AAA Columbus. Marte, who has been working out at the Indians player developlment complex since being designated, will rejoin the Indians on Thursday in big league camp.

Marte, 25, has struggled with the Indians ever since they acquired him from Boston in January of 2006. His one failure has been an ability to hit and hit with power.

Last season Marte started at third base after the Indians traded Casey Blake to the Dodgers in July. But the Indians weren't impressed and traded for Mark DeRosa this winter to play third base.

Marte, who is out of options, hit .221 (52-for-235) with 11 doubles, three homers and 17 RBI last season.

I'm surprised no other team took a flyer on Marte.

So am I...

Maybe he'll "find it".

 

[Tecumseh]

Andy Marte is back with the Cleveland Indians

by Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter

Wednesday February 25, 2009, 2:00 PM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- You can't get rid of Andy Marte that easily.

The Indians were unable to to trade Marte after they designated him for assignment last week. On Wednesday he cleared waivers and the Indians outrighted him to Class AAA Columbus. Marte, who has been working out at the Indians player developlment complex since being designated, will rejoin the Indians on Thursday in big league camp.

Marte, 25, has struggled with the Indians ever since they acquired him from Boston in January of 2006. His one failure has been an ability to hit and hit with power.

Last season Marte started at third base after the Indians traded Casey Blake to the Dodgers in July. But the Indians weren't impressed and traded for Mark DeRosa this winter to play third base.

Marte, who is out of options, hit .221 (52-for-235) with 11 doubles, three homers and 17 RBI last season.

I'm surprised no other team took a flyer on Marte.

So am I...

Maybe he'll "find it".

Seems like I heard about Marte's "potential" 10 years ago here in Atlanta. Can't believe he's only 25.

 

[Bobcat10]

Kid just can't catch a break w/ that finger:

Cleveland Indians Adam Miller grounded; no chance of making pen out of spring trainingby Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter Sunday March 15, 2009, 4:04 PMAdam Miller has been sidelined for the second time this spring.UPDATED 7:15 p.m. GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Adam Miller's chances of making the Indians bullpen out of spring training are over. He's been sidelined for the second time this spring because of a problem with his right middle finger.Manager Eric Wedge, following the Indians 6-3 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday, told reporters Miller is no longer a candidate to fill the seventh spot in the bullpen."It's disappointing for everyone, especially Adam," said Wedge.Miller, who has not thrown in a Cactus League game this spring after experiencing swelling in his surgically repaired middle finger on Feb. 27, had just resumed playing catch on Wednesday. He played catch again Friday, but didn't throw Sunday.He told reporters Sunday morning that he can't bend the tip of his finger. He said he will be examined by a hand specialist Monday in Scottsdale, Ariz. Dr. Thomas Graham, making his regular rounds of the teams in Arizona, is scheduled to look at Miller's finger Tuesday."It's a funky thing," said Wedge. "We're going to have a couple of different people (doctors) take a look at what's going on with the finger."Last season Graham performed surgery on Miller's finger on May 27 to repair a hole in the finger and a torn pulley ligament. Miller was sidelined the rest of the season, but did pitch well in the Arizona Instructional League and in the Dominican Republic this past winter."There's no pain in the finger," Miller told reporters.After Miller resumed his throwing program Wednesday, Indians head athletic trainer Lonnie Soloff told reporters that Miller still had time to make four to six appearances before the start of the regular season. What Miller's new timetable to the big leagues might be is anyone guess.

 

[Bobcat10]

Sowers out of the running, not a shocker...

Jeremy Sowers, SP CLENews: The Indians optioned LHP Jeremy Sowers and catcher Wyatt Toregas to Triple-A Columbus and reassigned RHP Greg Aquino, 1B Michael Aubrey, OF Michael Brantley, OF Matt LaPorta and RHP Kirk Saarloos to minor league camp Tuesday.Analysis: Sowers is a control-and-command lefty who hasn't been able to establish himself in the majors to this point. Consider him nothing more than a deeper AL-only or long-term keeper stashee to start the season now.

 

[Bobcat10]

A. Reyes and Scott Lewis are 4th/5th starters for Tribe. Laffey sent down to AAA.

 

[Eephus]

Pronk is 5 for 32

 

[MAC_32]

A. Reyes and Scott Lewis are 4th/5th starters for Tribe. Laffey sent down to AAA.

Scott Lewis over Laffey? Wasn't expecting that...

 

[wadegarrett]

A. Reyes and Scott Lewis are 4th/5th starters for Tribe. Laffey sent down to AAA.

Scott Lewis over Laffey? Wasn't expecting that...

Surprised as well.

After long expedition, Lewis finds last spot in Tribe pitching rotation

by Paul Hoynes / Plain Dealer Reporter

Thursday March 26, 2009

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Manager Eric Wedge told Scott Lewis on Wednesday morning that he'd made the Indians' starting rotation. Lewis, cool as ever, waited until later in the day to call his family and friends.

The Indians gave Lewis the job one day after Jeremy Sowers and Kirk Saarloos were sent to the minors and on the same day Aaron Laffey was demoted as well. Sowers, Laffey and Saarloos were Lewis' main competition for the last open spot.

"It says a great deal about Lewis in reference to what he did in big-league camp," manager Eric Wedge said. "I told him today that he came in and won the job from people who have had, or will have, a lot of success in the big leagues."

Sowers, Laffey and Saarloos, scheduled to start for Class AAA Columbus, have had time in the big leagues. Lewis has had exactly four big-league starts. They came in September and he won them all.

"I think a lot of it had to do with how I pitched in September and how I've pitched this spring," Lewis said.

Lewis will fill the fourth spot in the rotation, meaning he'll pitch the home opener against Toronto on April 10 at Progressive Field at 4:05 p.m. Anthony Reyes will pitch in the fifth spot.

"We just felt that was the best way to set it up," Wedge said.

The rotation will be Cliff Lee, Fausto Carmona, Carl Pavano, Lewis and Reyes. In terms of left-handers and right-handers it will go left, right, right, left, right.

Lewis, who lives in Washington Court House, Ohio, is 1-1 with a 3.52 ERA in five Cactus League appearances, including one start. He has 12 strikeouts and six walks in 151/3 innings. He's allowed six earned runs and the opposition is hitting .241 against him.

"I came in here trying to make the team and get ready for the season, like I always do," Lewis said. "It was a little different this year because of the competition, but it didn't get to me too much. I've been able to block everything out when I get on the mound. You get back to pitching again."

Lewis was a combined 12-4 last year at Akron, Class AAA Buffalo, N.Y., and Cleveland. He went to the Dominican Republic over the winter to get some more innings in and prepare for this season. Lewis was pitching for Akron in the playoffs in September when the Indians called him up to replace the injured Reyes (right elbow).

Lewis throws four pitches, a fastball, curveball, slider and change-up. He's not overpowering, throwing between 87 to 89 mph, but he has good location and a change-up that he throws between 76 and 78 mph.

"I'm mostly a fly-ball pitcher," Lewis said, "but the change-up has been a big pitch for me. It's a pitch I need. You can get some early swings on it. It will keep your pitch count down and I've gotten some ground balls on it."

 

[Limp Ditka]

Cliff Lee better get his head out of his ### in the next 10 days

 

[Limp Ditka]

Pronk is 5 for 32

Just saw a blurb on rotoworld about Jhonny that mentioned Pronk was slugging something like .275 this springMade me wonder what they're on the hook for here and it's ugly2009 - $11.52010 - $11.52011 - $132012 - $132013 - Team option @ $13M or $2.75M buyout.yikes

 

[Tom Servo]

Yeah, we could end up with dead weight at DH. I don't think we're getting the 2006 Pronk back ever.

 

[The Man With No Name]

Westbrook has set a goal of pitching in the minors in May and being back with the Tribe June 12th

 

[JoeSteeler]

Yeah, we could end up with dead weight at DH. I don't think we're getting the 2006 Pronk back ever.

He will never be the same IMO. I would be shocked if he did anything to help the Tribe.

 

[wadegarrett]

Hafner gets his first HR of the Spring yesterday. So, at least we know he can actually still hit HRs. Which is nice.

 

[Peak]

Hafner gets his first HR of the Spring yesterday. So, at least we know he can actually still hit HRs. Which is nice.

..... :X

 

[Bobcat10]

Hafner gets his first HR of the Spring yesterday. So, at least we know he can actually still hit HRs. Which is nice.

.....

Two straight days....is Pipes awakening?

 

[Limp Ditka]

The more I look at this team, the more I fall in love with their offense.

If Hafner can be even close to his old self, and V Mart is healthy, look out. This team is going to put up some serious runs.