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***Official CLEVELAND INDIANS Thread*** (2 Viewers)

Suddenly I'm starting to feel a lil more comfy going into 2009 with Lee, Lewis, and Carmona as the top 3 pitchers.

 
kaa said:
Tom Servo said:
The Man With No Name said:
April 16-19, 2009 the Indians will be the first team to visit the new Yankee Stadium.
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Why does this give me the feeling that we're the Northwestern football team and playing in everyone's Homecoming game?
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Just Remember that the Joe Torre Era in Yankees history ended with him and his team watching the Indians celebrate winning the ALDS on the mound in the Bronx.
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A least you have something to hold onto.
 
Peak said:
wadegarrett said:
Green94 said:
By the way, just saw the fight. I absolutely love Carmona now.
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Yeah, that was A W E S O M E !!
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I'm assuming it's on YouTube somewhere. I missed it and after hearing about it I want to check it out! :lmao:
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Couple links on YouTube. Quality isn't great but still.ETA: Better Quality but no sound.

And BTW...JUST SERVED YOUR ####### SUSPENSIONS SO WE CAN PUT THIS MISERABLE NO GOOD ####### LOSER SEASON BEHIND US ALREADY!!!!!!!!!

 
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wadegarrett said:
Peak said:
wadegarrett said:
Green94 said:
By the way, just saw the fight. I absolutely love Carmona now.
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Yeah, that was A W E S O M E !!
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I'm assuming it's on YouTube somewhere. I missed it and after hearing about it I want to check it out! :mellow:
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Couple links on YouTube. Quality isn't great but still.ETA: Better Quality but no sound.

And BTW...JUST SERVED YOUR ####### SUSPENSIONS SO WE CAN PUT THIS MISERABLE NO GOOD ####### LOSER SEASON BEHIND US ALREADY!!!!!!!!!
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Sheffield didn't come off too great post game either, imo. What a loser.
 
I just want to thank STO for those Sunday Strategy commercials. It gives me a reason to stick around through the commercials. That's all.

 
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kaa said:
Tom Servo said:
The Man With No Name said:
April 16-19, 2009 the Indians will be the first team to visit the new Yankee Stadium.
Click to expand...
Why does this give me the feeling that we're the Northwestern football team and playing in everyone's Homecoming game?
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Just Remember that the Joe Torre Era in Yankees history ended with him and his team watching the Indians celebrate winning the ALDS on the mound in the Bronx.
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2007 called...they want their memory back.
 
Limp Ditka said:
Tom Servo said:
Limp Ditka said:
Tom Servo said:
As much as our season's sucked, I'm enjoying making life miserable for the White Sox.
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60 years strong.How does it feel to be Cubs Lite?
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I wouldn't know. The Tribe doesn't have a curse hanging over their head or have fascinations with goats and Steve Bartman.
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So plain and simple ineptness is the fallback. Got it.
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Yup; you got it. See Lane, Frank as an example. :thumbup:
 
With Milwaukee making the Playoffs, Tribe gets to pick the final player in the CC deal, instead of them picking it for us. :football:

 
Shapiro: Hafner may need surgery, starting pitching a prime need for 2009

Cleveland Plain Dealer

October 7, 2008

Travis Hafner's right shoulder, which ruined his 2008 season, might need arthroscopic surgery.

GM Mark Shapiro said Wednesday that the Indians were unhappy with the strength in Hafner's shoulder during his physical at the end of the season. Surgery is one of their options.

"The strength in his shoulder was not what we had hoped it would be," said Shapiro, during his state-of-the-team address. "It was a little disappointing.

"Right now, we're examining our alternatives. Travis is involved in the process."

Shapiro was reluctant to talk more about the subject. Lonnie Soloff, the Indians' head athletic trainer, would provide more information Monday.

Hafner and his agents could not be reached.

"The options all along have been to continue conservatively rehabbing it or to get a 'scope,'" said Shapiro.
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NO WAY!!! Consider me :goodposting: !In other news: the Earth is round.

 
2008 marked sort of an end of an era for the tribe. The farm system in the 1990s produced some incredible talents. Albert Belle. Manny Ramirez. Jim Thome. Bartolo Colon. But the last true "Tribe Great" in that stretch was C.C. Sabathia. We still seem to manage some nice trades to fill our farm system, but its not what it was. Basically the trades of Colon and Sabathia functioned to breathe life into the farm that suffered from weak drafts.

 
Indians' search for closer gains a few options

by Paul Hoynes

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Tuesday November 11, 2008

The Indians' search for a closer has gained an option. Another option could come into focus as soon as the Colorado Rockies' trade of Matt Holliday to the Oakland Athletics becomes official.

When the San Diego Padres took their $4 million offer to Trevor Hoffman off the table late last week, it triggered a reaction in the executive offices of Progressive Field.

"When negotiations between Trevor Hoffman and the Padres didn't work out, he became an alternative for us," said Tribe GM Mark Shapiro.

Hoffman, 41, is baseball's all-time saves leader. He saved 30 games in 45 1/3 innings last season.

The Rockies reportedly had traded Holliday, who can be a free agent after next season, to Oakland for left-hander Greg Smith, outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and closer Huston Street. The trade could be become official today as soon as the players involved pass their respective physicals.

Colorado is not expected to re-sign free-agent closer Brian Fuentes, but it has a backup in Manny Corpas. It has led to speculation that the Rockies may trade Street to a closer-hungry team such as the Indians.

The Indians reportedly tried to trade for Street last season but couldn't make a deal with Oakland.

Shapiro said he was not aware of rumors that the Rockies might trade Street, but added, "If there's a closer option out there, we will be involved."

The Indians already have talked to the Rockies about third baseman Garrett Atkins.

On Thursday, teams can bid on free agents other than their own.

"If we feel we can get a deal done quickly, we might make an offer or two early," said Shapiro. "If not, we won't."

Third baseman Casey Blake is one of the free agents the Indians might try to sign early. Jim McDowell, Blake's agent, said his client is looking for a three-year deal. McDowell said several teams are interested in Blake. The Indians, Dodgers and Twins are among them.

Shapiro would not say if he would offer Blake three years. Blake spent 5 1/2 seasons with the Indians before he was traded to the Dodgers on July 26.
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Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood agrees to deal with Cleveland Indians

Chicago Tribune

December 10, 2008

LAS VEGAS — With two teams to pick from in the American League Central, Kerry Wood appears to have rejected overtures from Detroit to take a deal with Cleveland.

Wood's decision to sign with the Indians followed closely Francisco Rodriguez's agreement with the New York Mets. Rodriguez's three-year deal, which is expected to be announced after he passes a physical, narrowed down Wood's choices.

The deal is believed to be two years with a vesting option for a third. Money terms remain unclear.

Wood fills a hole Cleveland has had at the back of its bullpen since the breakdown of Joe Borowski, a former teammate of Wood's with the Cubs. It allows Jensen Lewis to remain in a set-up role.

The Indians' spring training move from Florida to Goodyear, Ariz., was a factor because Wood lives in the Phoenix area.

Because they didn't offer him salary arbitration, the Cubs will not receive any compensation from Wood's signing.
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Why wouldn't the Cubs offer arbitration?

Each time I picture CC in a Yankee uniform, I vomit. That would be ten times this morning. What a D-bag and #### the Yankees.

 
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wadegarrett said:
Bobcat10 said:
Why wouldn't the Cubs offer arbitration?
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:rolleyes:
Bobcat10 said:
Each time I picture CC in a Yankee uniform, I vomit. That would be ten times this morning. What a D-bag and #### the Yankees.
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Spankee fans will find out the guy folds under the spotlight. He couldn't pitch in the postseason here. Imagine what it will be like in NY if the Spanks make the postseason.
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Ya let's hope so. I just want to be able to root for the guy. He's been one of my favorites. Would have loved to see him on the Dodgers. I can't stand the decision he's making. If Lebron is the guy that leaves Cleveland for less money elsewhere, I might be on suicide watch.They said on Rizzo that Wood passing his physical is no guarantee. Let's hold off on annointing him our closer.

 
Shapiro rebuilding the pen nicely. Was a real problem last year. Hopefully Betancourt can rebound and the pen will be very solid.

Indians deal Gutierrez, receive reliever Smith, infielder Valbuena in 3-team deal

by Paul Hoynes/Plain Dealer Reporter

Thursday December 11, 2008, 12:30 AM

LAS VEGAS -- The Indians acquired a reliever for their bullpen and a potential big-league infielder Wednesday night at the winter meetings in a three-way trade with Seattle and the New York Mets that involved 12 players. The Indians sent Franklin Gutierrez to the Mariners as part of the deal.

Gutierrez is expected to be Seattle's starting center fielder.

Right-hander Joe Smith, who went 6-3 with a 3.55 ERA in 82 appearances last season for the Mets, will go into the Indians' bullpen.

"He's a side-armer," said GM Mark Shapiro. "He's an extreme ground-ball guy. He's extremely tough on right-handers and should help us at the back end of the bullpen."

The Indians acquired left-handed-hitting infielder Luis Valbuena from the Mariners. He'll go to spring training and compete with Jamey Carroll and Josh Barfield for a job, but is expected to be the starting second baseman at Class AAA Columbus.

"We have a need for middle infielders at the upper level of our minor league system," said Shapiro.

Valbuena played second and short in 18 games with the Mariners last season. He hit .245 (12-for-49) with one RBI. At Class AAA Tacoma, he hit .302 (64-for-212) with two homers and 20 RBI. He started the year at Class AA West Tennessee where he hit .304 (73-for-240) with nine homers and 40 RBI.

"He's an average defender, but we like his bat," said Shapiro.

The Indians have had good luck acquiring middle infielders from the Mariners. They previously acquired Omar Vizquel and Asdrubal Cabrera from the Great Northwest.

"I'll sign on for that right now," said Shapiro.

The Mets received J.J. Putz, outfielder Jeremy Reed and right-hander Sean Green from Seattle. The Mariners received seven players in Aaron Heilman, outfielder Endy Chavez and first baseman Mike Carp, left-hander Jason Vargas and prospects Ezequiel Carrera and Maikel Cleto from the Mets along with Gutierrez.

Shapiro had been talking to Seattle about closer J.J. Putz for several weeks. The Mariners have liked Gutierrez for a long time, but the dynamic of the deal changed because the Indians have all but agreed to a two-year $20 million deal for closer Kerry Wood.

The Mets, however, wanted Putz to set-up newly-signed closer Francisco Rodriguez.

Mariners GM Jack Zduriencik, who was just hired after last season, said he's going to give Gutierrez a chance to start in center field.

"He can really play the outfield," said Zduriencik. "One of our goals is to improve our offense. Endy Chavez is a good defender as well. With Gutierrez, Chavez and Ichiro we've got three guys out there with great arms."

Shapiro said he was able to trade Gutierrez because the Indians have a lot of good outfielders.

"We also have three young guys coming in Matt LaPorta, Michael Brantley and Trevor Crowe," said Shapiro. "It was an area of depth for us."

Shapiro feels Valbuena could be a starting second baseman in the future, but he said he's still going to try and improve the infield this winter. Right now, the Indians still have a hole at third base unless they move shorstop Jhonny Peralta there.

"These meetings have been very productive for us," said Shapiro, "but we still have a lot of time to improve the team."
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I'll take that move on paper. Get a reliever and open up a clog that should let Crowe/Laporta/Brantley to the bigs sometime this year. I'd hold my breath on Brantley, I'm thinking he's 2010.

We also sold Mastny to some Japanese team I think.

 
Cleveland Indians acquire infielder Mark DeRosa from Chicago Cubs

by Paul Hoynes

Cleveland Plain Dealer

Wednesday December 31, 2008

The Cleveland Indians will begin the New Year with a new third baseman.

The Indians announced this afternoon at 1:30 that they have acquired infielder Mark DeRosa from the Chicago Cubs for minor-league pitchers Jeff Stevens, Chris Archer and John Gaub.

DeRosa, who played six different positions for the Cubs last season, is expected to play third base for the Indians. If that holds true, Jhonny Peralta will stay at shortstop and Asdrubal Cabrera will stay at second base. Last season, DeRosa, 33, batted .285 for the Cubs with 21 home runs and 87 runs batted in. He scored 103 runs.

DeRosa, who apparently is the missing piece to the Indians' infield situation, could bat second in the lineup.

As to why the Indians would put DeRosa at third when he spent most of his time at second base last season, a source close to the club said it would cause the least disruption. The source also said the Indians preferred to keep Peralta at short rather than move him to third. Peralta did play third base this winter in the Dominican Republic.

Stevens is the only pitcher the Indians gave up who is on the team's 40-man roster. Last season, Stevens went 5-1 for the Class AA Akron Aeros and 0-3 with Class AAA Buffalo. The 25-year-old has a career earned-run average of 3.52 during his four seasons in the minor leagues.

Archer, 20, had a 4.29 ERA last season while going 4-8 with the Class A Lake County Captains. He has played three seasons in the Indians' farm system.

Gaub, 23, also pitched for the Captains, going 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA.

DeRosa will make $5.5 million in 2009. Under terms of his contract, which expires after the 2009 season, he receives a $50,000 bonus for being traded. He'll be eligible for free agency after next season.

Among big league second basemen last season, DeRosa ranked third with a .376 on base percentage behind Philadelphia's Chase Utley at .380 and Baltimore's Brian Roberts at .378.

Besides playing 95 games at second, DeRosa appeared in 38 games in right field, 27 games in left field, 22 games at third base and 10 games each at first and shortstop. A source close to the Cubs said third base is his best defensive position.

"The acquisition of Mark DeRosa gives our club an experienced, high character infielder who complements our team perfectly with his professional, right-handed bat and defensive versatility," said GM Mark Shapiro.

The Cubs are a busy team. Before sending DeRosa to the Tribe, they signed infielder Aaron Miles today to a two-year $4.9 million deal to take DeRosa's spot at second base. They are also in negotiations with free agent Milton Bradley and in the process of trading right-hander Jason Marquis to Colorado.

Besides redoing their roster, the Cubs have played a big role in Shapiro's remodeling of the Indians this offseason. He signed former Cubs closer Kerry Wood just after the winter meetings to a two-year $20.5 million contract.

DeRosa could join new teammate Grady Sizemore on Team USA for the World Baseball Classic that begins in March. They have both accepted invitations to represent their country in the 16-team tournament.
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A view of the Tribe from out of town

With all the long-term spending going on in the Bronx -- yes, the Yankees have shelled out more in the free-agent market than the other 29 teams combined -- it's easy to lose track of lower-profile, but quality off-season efforts going on.

So in case you haven't noticed, the Cleveland Indians should be AL Central contenders again -- thanks in part to a nice trio of moves by general manager Mark Shapiro, who has this winning-on-a-mid-market-budget thing down pat, thank you very much.

The latest move is dealing for Mark DeRosa, an underrated, versatile and valuable player who apparently will make the move back to third base in Cleveland. To get him, the Tribe sent three decent pitching prospects to the Cubs, but none from their top 15.

DeRosa says third base is his best position -- and he has played most of them -- but there has been speculation the Indians would move Asdrubal from second base to shortstop and Jhonny Peralta from shortstop to third base. That was feuled by the earlier acquisition of top second-base prospect Luis Valbuena from Seattle as part of the monster, 12-player, three-team deal also involving the Mets.

But no matter what manager Eric Wedge decides position-wise, he has another quality bat in the lineup -- one that enjoyed a career year in 2008. And while this will be DeRosa's fourth team in six years, he has been a quality character guy in every clubhouse, and that can only help.

More than anything else, the Cubs' budget concerns were at the root of DeRosa's departure (as well as Jason Marquis to Colorado), and the Indians wisely will benefit for the relative bargain price of $5.5 million in 2009.

Kerry Wood always is a health risk, but there also is good reason to think he can put together a couple of healthy, productive years with the reduced innings load of a closer. So giving him two years and $20 million to fill the Tribe's biggest hole has little downside, and potentially a big upside.

Sidearmer Joe Smith, who's very tough on right-handed hitters, also came from the Mets in the 12-player deal. If top pitching prospect Adam Miller emerges, and Rafael Betancourt bounces back from an off year to join Rafael Perez and Jensen Lewis as set up, this could be a very good bullpen. And that would be a big change from last season when Indians reliever posted a 5.13 ERA.

A couple of other signs point to an Indians' return to power in the AL Central: They finished very strongly last season -- 40-28 after the All-Star break to finish an even 81-81. They will have Victor Martinez and Travis Hafner back from injuries from the get-go, Fausto Carmona is healthy and throwing well in winter ball coming off his poor 2008 season, and Jake Westbrook likely fwill be back for the second half.

But one thing to keep in mind: CC Sabathia won't be around to make those 18 starts again before being traded to Milwaukee, and Cliff Lee isn't going to go 22-3 again. Still, it shouldn't be a big surprise if the Indians approach 90 games in 2009.
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Kirkjian is picking up what Shapiro's laying down :goodposting:

ETA: This was written before the DeRosa pickup.

One of the stories that got somewhat lost in the 2008 season was the strong finish of the Cleveland Indians. The Indians went 44-28 after July 9, the second-best record in the American League during that stretch. They finished with 81 wins -- one fewer than the Diamondbacks -- and finished seven games out of first place in the American League Central, closer than the Yankees or Brewers finished in their divisions.

Granted, a terrible May and June effectively ended the season early for the Indians, who had come within one victory of the World Series in 2007. And, yes, it can be misleading to judge a team that got hot when the games didn't mean as much. "But it was very important for our organization," said Indians general manager Mark Shapiro. "The players knew they were capable of winning even without a great pitcher and great team leader like CC [sabathia]. It gave credibility for our fan base. The second half was meaningful for our club."

The winter has also been meaningful. The Indians had to upgrade their bullpen after it posted a 5.13 ERA in 2008, second worst in the major leagues -- better only than the 5.15 ERA posted by the Rangers' pen. And Cleveland did upgrade its bullpen by signing free-agent closer Kerry Wood to a two-year, $20.5 million deal.

"He transcends our prior experiences at closer since I've been here," Shapiro said. "We've had capable guys at the end of games, but they got by on toughness, and playing the odds. Now we have a strikeout guy, with a fear factor. And we have support for him."

The Indians also acquired reliever Joe Smith, a sidearmer against whom right-handed hitters batted .192 last season, from the Mets. He joins Rafael Perez (one of the top eighth-inning pitchers in the game), Jensen Lewis (13-for-13 in save opportunities in '08) and Rafael Betancourt, who went from being a premier set-up guy in 2007 to wildly ineffective in 2008. The Indians have yet another option after the emergence of one of their top pitching prospects, right-hander Adam Miller, in winter ball and the instructional league.

"I saw him in the Dominican," one scout said of Miller. "He threw 97 [mph] with a great slider. They could use him at the end of the game."

The beginning of the game -- the starting rotation -- "is not where I want it to be," Shapiro said. He has 2008 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee at the top, followed by Fausto Carmona, whose victory total dropped from 19 in 2007 to eight in 2008, and his ERA ballooned from 3.06 in '07 to 5.45 in '08. But, according to Shapiro, Carmona is healthy and has fixed some of his mechanical flaws while pitching in winter ball in the Dominican Republic.

That leaves the rest of the rotation to be formed by some combination of Anthony Reyes ("he exceeded expectations after we got him from St. Louis," said Shapiro), Aaron Laffey, Zach Jackson, Scott Lewis, David Huff and Jeremy Sowers. Plus, Jake Westbrook is expected to be healthy and back in the major leagues by mid-July.

"We will have to mix and match there," Shapiro said of the Indians' rotation.

The Indians spent last season mixing and matching their lineup, given significant injuries to DH Travis Hafner and catcher/first baseman Victor Martinez. But even with those two driving in a total of only 59 runs, the Indians scored 805 runs -- seventh most in the major leagues.

Shapiro said Martinez and Hafner are healthy and ready to go, which creates an issue when it comes to playing time at first base and behind the plate. With Martinez hurt, Kelly Shoppach got a chance to catch every day, and responded by hitting 21 homers and slugging .517 in 352 at-bats.

"He has earned every opportunity to play more," said Shapiro of Shoppach.

So, manager Eric Wedge will mix and match behind the plate and at first base with Martinez, Shoppach and Ryan Garko, who, after a slow start, finished the season with 90 RBIs.

"With Vic and Haf," said Shapiro, "we hope to return to the elite level of run production."

The rest of the infield isn't clear. The Indians missed out on signing free-agent third baseman Casey Blake, who signed a three-year deal with the Dodgers instead. So, for now, shortstop Jhonny Peralta will play third, where he played almost exclusively in winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Asdrubal Cabrera will move from second base to shortstop, and second base will be handled by some combination of Josh Barfield, Jamey Carroll and rookie Luis Valbuena.

There is still a lot of work to do, "but the winter isn't over yet," Shapiro said. The Indians are looking for another starting pitcher to follow Lee and Carmona. They are looking for the best infielder available, be it a third baseman, shortstop or second baseman -- and who they acquire will determine where Peralta and Cabrera play. Count on the Indians signing or trading for someone else, but it won't be a major move because they don't have very much more money to spend.

They spent most of their money on Wood. But if he can be the healthy closer he was in Chicago all last year (the last pitch he threw was clocked at 97 mph), Carmona has a bounce-back season, they find another infielder and another starting pitcher, corner outfielders Ben Francisco and Shin-Soo Choo continue to progress and Martinez and Hafner produce like they're supposed to, that hot finish by the Indians last season could be followed by a hot start in 2009.
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Pavano signs with Tribe

Comment Email Print By Jerry Crasnick

ESPN.com

The Cleveland Indians signed free-agent pitcher Carl Pavano to a one-year contract Tuesday.

Financial terms were not disclosed. Sources told ESPN.com that the deal was worth $1.5 million plus incentives. Pavano can earn an additional $5.3 million based on starts and innings pitched.

Pavano, 32, is looking to rehabilitate his career after suffering numerous injuries in four seasons with the Yankees. He posted a 9-8 record in 26 starts after signing a four-year, $39.95 million contract with New York in December 2004.

The Florida Marlins had also been mentioned in speculation as a potential landing spot for Pavano. The Toronto Blue Jays expressed an interest in Pavano earlier this offseason but never followed through.

The Washington Nationals, another potential destination, filled two voids in their rotation this offseason by trading for Scott Olsen and signing free agent Daniel Cabrera. The St. Louis Cardinals, also in the market for a starter, have not expressed interest in Pavano.

Cleveland's rotation currently consists of Cy Young Award winner Cliff Lee and Fausto Carmona in the No. 1 and 2 spots. Jake Westbrook, who underwent elbow reconstruction surgery last June, could be ready to return by the middle of the season.

Aaron Laffey, Anthony Reyes, Jeremy Sowers, Scott Lewis and Zach Jackson are the other pitchers in contention for starting jobs in Cleveland in 2009.

The Indians, who finished third in the AL Central with an 81-81 record, have made a major push to upgrade their bullpen this offseason with the signing of free agent Kerry Wood and the acquisition of setup man Joe Smith in a trade with the New York Mets.
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:thumbup: to the Pavano signing. It's nice to pick up a veteran with some upside that can hold down a place in the rotation...plus, if he doesn't hit 18 starts, they're only out 1.5 million. Eventually, the rotation will look like this:

Lee

Carmona

Pavano

Westbrook

whoever

I like our chances to win the AL central a lot more than I did 6 weeks ago.

 
Anyone hitting any of the media caravans this month? I'm going to the one in Youngstown on the 20th. The roster is kinda thin; Choo, Brantley, Wedge and Tom Hamilton.

Anybody have a question they'd like me to ask Wedge?

 
Funny blurb from Bud Shaw:

Not even 15 years ago, the highest paid player on the '95 Indians was Dennis Martinez ($4,550,000). Manny Ramirez made $150,000 -- $22,000 more than Jesse Levis -- and produced 31 home runs and 107 RBI.
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Indians executives delivering optimistic pitch to season-ticket holders in meetings

by Bill Lubinger/Plain Dealer Reporter Tuesday January 13, 2009, 11:28 PM

Indians President Paul Dolan is among other team executives working to connect with fans this week in informal "town hall" meetings.

CLEVELAND -- From 1995 to 2001, the Indians rode a snappy new ballpark, a power lineup and unprecedented success through 455 straight sellouts.

Since then, inconsistent play, talent lost to free agency and a sinking economy -- especially regionally -- have made ticket sales more challenging. Which is why Indians executives are making house calls -- literally.

They've divided up a call list of season-ticket holders who haven't yet renewed for 2009. If you're one, the voice on the other line may be team President Paul Dolan, General Manager Mark Shapiro, executive vice president for business Dennis Lehman or maybe even radio play-by-play announcer Tom Hamilton.

On a few frigid weeknights in January, the Indians front office is also reaching out to fans where they live.

On Monday, Dolan, Shapiro and Lehman fielded questions from about 80 fans at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School auditorium in the first of three "Indians Town Hall" meetings with current and former season-ticket holders. The second was Tuesday night at Westlake High School with the third set for Thursday at Solon High School. Thursday's session begins at 7 p.m., with Indians manager Eric Wedge among the scheduled panelists.

Questions on Monday ranged from why, at $4 for bottled water, fans can't at least bring one in if it's still factory-sealed (Lehman promised he'd look into it) to whether the team had a contingency plan to add power to the lineup if injured designated hitter Travis Hafner doesn't return to form.

"We're not going to add anybody now," Shapiro said. A healthy Hafner will be given his shot. If that doesn't pan out, he said, then maybe they turn to promising power prospects Matt LaPorta or Michael Brantley.

Fans also wanted to know ...

Q: Hafner's status?

A: He's living in Cleveland and working out daily at Progressive Field to rebound from shoulder surgery. At most, he could be a week or two behind at spring training, Shapiro said, but should be healthy for the season opener.

Q. Is second baseman Josh Barfield the odd man out?

A: Asdrubal Cabrera reported to last year's spring training out of shape and was reminded of that, but it's his job to lose, Shapiro said. As for Barfield, he may find a role as a utility infielder, but also has minor-league options remaining.

Q. Will the late Herb Score be honored in any way in 2009?

A: Look for a patch on the uniform sleeve this season.

Q: It seems there are fewer ballpark food choices. There's less selection, especially for a gluten-intolerant fan.

A: The Indians have offered a wider menu, Lehman said, but without fail, the top 20 foods sold are the same every season -- hot dogs, nachos and other not-so-healthful selections. In fact, when the Indians sold sushi, Shapiro was usually the one slamming down the unsold rolls postgame.

Q. Will a change in manager be considered if the team isn't winning as expected?

A: "I thought Eric Wedge did the best job he's done his entire time here after July 10 last year," Shapiro said. "He took a group, after C.C. Sabathia and Casey Blake -- who are not only great performers but were leaders of this team -- were traded, and we had the best record in all of Major League Baseball. He got that out of those guys."

Odds and ends: Free agent pickup Carl Pavano doesn't make a dime in incentives until his 18th start. And if the pitcher starts 18 games, Shapiro said, then there's a good chance the season will be even better than they hope. ... Injured starting pitcher Jake Westbrook is on track to return in July. ... The Indians' $83 million payroll puts them close to the middle-third among the 30 major-league teams. "The team we're fielding this year is well over budget," Dolan said, "which means we'll probably lose money unless we make the playoffs."
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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.

 
Bobcat10 said:
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.
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I scan the PD for news items; I get my analysis from DiaTribe.
 
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