Lincecum Helped Shape, Reaffirm Tribe’s Draft Process

Lincecum almost became an Indian in the summer of 2005 (Photo: AP). Imagine for a moment a Cleveland Indians rotation headlined by CC Sabathia, Cliff Lee, and Tim Lincecum. That is a rotation that would go down as one for the ages and match up with the all-time great ones of the past. Such a […]

Review: Time in the Minors

If you want a very good representation of the minor league baseball lifestyle and the near impossible road to the Major Leagues most of these players follow, you should check out Tony Okun’s “Time in the Minors.” Coming in at just over 85 minutes in length, the movie tells the tale of two minor leaguers […]

LeBron situation brings back Manny memories

This whole Lebron James saga which played out live on national TV and the internet the past couple of weeks was an eerie reminder for Cleveland fans of the whole Manny Ramirez saga which in its own way played out on TV back in 2000.  While ESPN may not have been as big then as […]

Mirabelli, Indians Plan To Be “Aggressive” In Draft

The First Year Player Draft for Major League Baseball is quickly approaching.  This year the first round of the draft will be carried live on TV on Monday night June 7th and then the rest of the draft will be completed on Tuesday June 8th and Wednesday June 9th. As the draft clock gets closer […]

Minor Happenings: Indians Coordinator Talks Pitching

“Minor Happenings” is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that […]

Baseball and Reality TV: A “Natural” Fit

The reality TV circuit has covered just about every genre of the entertainment industry imaginable. From singing and dance competitions, to former rock stars looking for love, to boxers looking to be contenders and so on, just about everything you can think of from an entertainment perspective has been covered. Everything that is except for […]

Minor Happenings: Santana Continues To Destroy AAA

“Minor Happenings” is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that […]

Adams Still Learning, But Impressing

It’s a tough transition for any player this late in the game to switch from being a position player to a pitcher full time, or vice versa. That player has spent years gaining experience and building credibility at a specific position, only to have to start from square one again and practically learn a new […]

Minor Happenings: McFarland Having A Breakout Season

“Minor Happenings” is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that […]

Herrmann Hoping For Big League Chance

Right-handed reliever Frank Herrmann has done what so few in professional baseball do, which is to go from being an undrafted free agent signing to becoming a legitimate big league pitching option. Herrmann, who turns 26 years old later this month, was signed by the Indians after the 2005 Draft when after all 50 rounds […]

Minor Happenings: Donald Could Join Indians Very Soon

“Minor Happenings” is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that […]

Extended Spring Training 101

Extended spring training can vary a little from team to team, but for every team it is exactly as it is termed. It is an extension of spring training. Commonly referred to as “extended” or “EST”, it is very much like regular spring training with the daily routine filled with drills, workouts and scrimmages with […]

Minor Happenings: Bo Knows Baseball

“Minor Happenings” is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that […]

Donald’s Future Looks To Be At Second

At this time last year, infielder Jason Donald was playing with the Philadelphia Phillies Triple-A affiliate in Lehigh Valley trying to make every impression possible to somehow crack a Phillies infield situation where he was road-blocked by All-Stars Jimmy Rollins at shortstop and Chase Utley at second base. Even though the situation in Philadelphia appeared […]

First Base Offers New Opportunity For Hodges

The beginning of a new season brings new opportunity. For players who had good years the previous season, it presents them with the opportunity to add to the success with another successful season. But for those that maybe struggled with their performance or with injuries, the turn of the page on the calendar to a […]

Minor Happenings: White, Gardner Off To Great Starts

“Minor Happenings” is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that […]

Minor Happenings: Santana Shines In AAA Debut

“Minor Happenings” is a weekly column which covers the important developments and news in the Indians farm system. While most of the information in this report is from my own research and through interviews I have conducted with organizational personnel, some information in this report is collected and summarized from the various news outlets that […]

House Looking To Have Stronger Season

On Sunday afternoon, left-hander T.J. House made his advanced Single-A debut in the Carolina League for the Kinston Indians.  He did not disappoint, going five strong innings where he allowed two runs on six hits and one walks, but most impressively had ten strikeouts. Depending on what publication you refer to House is a top […]

Atkins Talks About Importance Of Single-A

Ross Atkins has been a part of the Indians organization for 16 years, five of those as a player and 11 as a part of the front office. He was drafted by the Indians as a right-handed pitcher in the 38th round of the 1995 Draft out of Wake Forest University, and in his five […]

Managing Service Time Vital For Indians And Other Teams

With the Indians making the announcement last week that with the signing of Russell Branyan he would become the everyday first baseman, it came as a surprise to many. As a result, it has sent a shockwave which is going to be felt by either first baseman/outfielder Matt LaPorta or outfielder Michael Brantley where one […]