Cleveland Indians - Breaking the SI Jinx!

[ohiodevil]

In 1987, the Cleveland Indians achieved a baseball first. The Indians had veteran pitchers Steve Carlton and Phil Niekro on their roster to add experience. Their most notable accomplishment was appearing in a game together against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Carlton and Niekro became the first teammates and 300-game winners to appear in the same game. Both were ineffective in a 10-6 Yankee victory. It would be Carlton’s first and only pitching appearance at the legendary stadium. Neither pitcher would finish the season with the Indians. Carlton would end up with the Minnesota Twins and win a World Series championship. Niekro would be picked up by the Toronto Blue Jays and come within two games of winning the American League East Championship.

The Cleveland Indians finished in seventh place in the American League East. Sports Illustrated magazine predicted that the Indians would finish in first. Club president Peter Bavasi would resign before the regular season began. Bavasi had joined the Indians in November 1984. As president of the Cleveland Indians, he served on Major League Baseball's Executive Council. During the 1986 season, the team had an 84-78 record, its best since 1968, and attendance of 1.47 million, its highest since 1959. There was a lot of optimism that the team would reach its full potential in 1987.

Sluggers Joe Carter and Cory Snyder were featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated on April 6, 1987, with the headline "Indian Uprising". The Indians were being predicted as the best team in baseball on the back of their two 30+ home run hitters. What sports writers overlooked was that Cleveland had one of the worst pitching staff in the majors, despite the presence of 300 game winners Phil Niekro and Steve Carlton, as well as Tom Candiotti (with Niekro and Candiotti, Cleveland had two starters whose main pitch was the Knuckleball).

The 1987 Indians would finish 61-101 and would go on to be associated with the Sports Illustrated cover jinx.

Almost 28 years to the date of the 1987 SI issue, the Cleveland Indians are once again featured on the Regional cover of Sports Illustrated. The 2015 edition features 2014 American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber and MVP Award finalist Michael Brantley with the headline 'Wait Til This Year'. Can the Indians be the ones to break the dreaded SI Jinx and bring a championship to a city that has not seen one in 50 years?

Indians President Mark Shapiro and Owner Larry Dolan have announced that Chris Antonetti has been promoted to Vice President of Baseball and in order to focus on his new duties, they have promoted his Assistant General Manager, Mike Apotsos to General Manager. Antonetti will stay on through the 2017 season and act as a mentor and assist the 39 year old Apotsos in his new role. "It is exciting to take over the team you grew up rooting for your whole life" said Apotsos. "I hope that I can continue to build on the success that Mark and Chris have laid out before me, but most of all, I hope to finally bring home a championship to the great city of Cleveland after these 50 plus long years of suffering.....that journey begins today"!

[ohiodevil]

Owner - Larry Dolan: Born on Feb 8th, 1931 in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Mr Dolan took control of the Indians franchise in 2000 after purchasing the team from Richard Jacobs for a price of $323 million. He has been criticized by many Cleveland fans and media members as being "cheap" and that he has turned a former contender into a team that his son, Paul, suggests might compete "every four or five years" due to the economics of baseball in Cleveland, a statement that has not been taken very well in the championship starved city.

Mr Dolan has seemed to have loosened his checkbook the last couple seasons, as the team spent big money on free agents Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and David Murphy....and the signing of star pitchers Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco to long term extensions.

With a set budget of $140 million, he has given new GM Mike Apotsos the following goals:

1) Reach the playoffs in 2015
2) Acquire a Team Leader by 2017
3) Reach the World Series by 2020

All three seem reasonable, and with his commitment to building the minor league system and the recent push to sign the young core of players to long term deals, numbers 1 and 3 should be within reach.

Manager - Terry 'Tito' Francona: Born on April 22nd, 1959, Tito is widely regarded as one of the top managers in all of baseball. He has compiled a career record of 1206-1062 in 13 seasons as manager for the Philadelphia Phillies (1998-2000), Boston Red Sox (2004-2011) and Cleveland Indians (2013-Present). He has won 2 World Series rings (2004 and 2007) and been named Manager of the Year once (2013).

His playing career was nothing to write home about, bounced around the league for 9 seasons (1981-1990) where he compiled a career batting average of .274, hit 16 home runs and knocked in 143 RBIs with 5 different teams (Montreal, Chicago (N), Cincinnati, Cleveland and Milwaukee).

Bench Coach - Brad Mills: Born on January 19th, 1967, Brad Mills was hired in 2012 to serve as the Third Base coach for the Indians and as the Bench Coach, a post he held in Boston under Francona, He managed the Houston Astros from 2010 to 2012, compiling a 171-274 record for a team that was definitely rebuilding. He is regarded as a good coach who is respected by the players, but it is known that he would love for another chance to manage in the big leagues.

Mills only played in 106 games in the majors spanning the 1980 to 1983 seasons, all with Montreal. He compiled a career batting average of .256 with 1 home run and 12 RBIs. He and Francona were teammates in Montreal but he is enshrined in the history books as Nolan Ryan's 3,059th strikeout victim, lifting him past Walter Johnson as the all time strike out leader in MLB history.

Pitching Coach - Mickey Callaway: Born on May 14th, 1975. Callaway was promoted to his current position after serving as pitching coach for Class Single-A Kinston in 2011. He has been given credit for the emergence of Corey Kluber, helped turn Carlos Carrasco's career around after early struggles and helped Scott Kasmir revive his career. Callaway seems to have a good relationship with his pitchers and looks to be content in his current role with the Indians.

Callaway broke into the majors in 1999 with Tampa Bay, posting a 1-2 record with a 7.44 ERA in 5 games (4 starts). He was traded from Tampa to Anaheim in 2001 for minor leaguer Wilmy Caceres, ending the 2002 season as the Angels 5th starter due to an injury to Aaron Sele. Calaway would go 2-1 with a 4.14 ERA in 6 starts for the Angels. He would post a career 4-11 record with a 6.26 ERA in 40 career games (20 starts) in the MLB with Tampa, Anaheim and Texas. He would retire from playing in 2009 and is the winningest pitcher in Durham Bulls history.

Hitting Coach - Ty Van Burkleo: Born on October 7th, 1963. Van Burkleo was hired in 2013 by Francona to serve as the hitting coach. He was the Bench Coach for the Seattle Mariners from 2009-2010., prior to that he was the Hitting Coach with Oakland in 2007 and 2008. He is regarded as a decent coach, who is well liked by his players. Former Indians DH, Jason Giambi credits Van Burkleo as the one who helped him smack 9 home runs in 2013 after struggling in 2012. He does not have the ambition to be a manager some day and seems happy in his role with the Indians.

Most of his playing career was spent over in Japan, where he was named player of the year in 1988 with the Seibu Lions after hitting 31 home runs and driving in 90 runs for the 1988 Japan Champions. He played in 14 games in the MLB, batting .132 with 1 home run and 1 RBI. He did hit 55 HRs and knock in 128 RBIs in 4 seasons in Japan.

[CatKnight]

GOOD LUCK!

When I saw that SI cover last week, I thought "Oh God, we're doomed."

[buckeye22]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

GOOD LUCK!

When I saw that SI cover last week, I thought "Oh God, we're doomed."

You say that like it's a bad thing.

I've got a lot of friends that are Indian fans, it's turned into a nice fun rivalry for me. Even though I have to admit that I *gulp* kinda don't totally mind the Indians right now. Fun group of guys they've got. As long as they finish 2nd I'm cool with them being good.

[ohiodevil]

Originally Posted by buckeye22

You say that like it's a bad thing.

I've got a lot of friends that are Indian fans, it's turned into a nice fun rivalry for me. Even though I have to admit that I *gulp* kinda don't totally mind the Indians right now. Fun group of guys they've got. As long as they finish 2nd I'm cool with them being good.

I'm ok with the Indians finishing 2nd in the Central, as long as they are 1st in the Wild Card and the Tigers are in 3rd

[ohiodevil]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

GOOD LUCK!

When I saw that SI cover last week, I thought "Oh God, we're doomed."

I know, I remember that SI cover in 1987....even as a 12 year old, I knew they weren't as good as the magazine made them out to be....that pitching staff was horrible.

Thanks for the luck, hopefully the in game counterparts to Kluber and Carrasco can mimic the real life ones.

[Pronkytonk]

Finally a Cleveland Indians dynasty - I sure will be following ! Good luck !

[buckeye22]

Originally Posted by ohiodevil

I'm ok with the Indians finishing 2nd in the Central, as long as they are 1st in the Wild Card and the Tigers are in 3rd

Touche.

I love all the AL Central dynasties we have going here. Even better that no one's taken the White Sox. Think we can all agree that the White Sox are evil......

In all seriousness, good luck here. I like what the Indians are doing locking up their core for pretty cheap. Should be a real contender, if not this year then soon.

[CatKnight]

Originally Posted by buckeye22

Touche.

I love all the AL Central dynasties we have going here. Even better that no one's taken the White Sox. Think we can all agree that the White Sox are evil......

Yep, I'm on board with that one.

[ohiodevil]

Originally Posted by CatKnight

Yep, I'm on board with that one.

I second that!

[gotigers]

Third that...

[mpejkrm]

Good luck. This looks like it could be a good one.

[ohiodevil]

Cleveland Indians acquire Matt Carpenter in trade with St. Louis Cardinals

By Paul Hoynes, Northeast Ohio Media Group
March 30, 2015 at 4:49 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio. -- The Indians, after much talk, have acquired All-Star third baseman Matt Carpenter and minor league pitcher Ryan Sherriff from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals receive third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall, left handed reliever Nick Hagadone, minor league pitcher Mitch Brown, minor league outfielder Bradley Zimmer and minor league first baseman Bobby Bradley.

Carpenter, 29, hit .272 with 8 home runs and 59 RBIs last year, and really knows how to get on base, walking 95 times and smacking 33 doubles. He is in the second year of a seven year deal that he signed in 2014 that could earn him up to $67 million. He will earn $3.5 million for 2015. He is expected to start at third base and solidify a spot that the Tribe has been looking to shore up since the days of Travis Fryman. Carpenter has been selected to the last two National League All-Star teams, and there is nothing to say he cannot do the same this year in the American League. Also coming to the Indians in the deal was 24 year old LHP Ryan Sherriff. He appeared in 40 games (3 starts) for Double-A Springfield, where he went 2-7 with a 2.64 ERA in 64 2/3 innings, striking out 48 and walking 19. Sheriff did appear in 4 games for Triple-A Memphis, posting a 6.75 ERA in 4 innings pitched, he will be assigned to Double-A Akron.

Lonnie Chisenhall started the year off extremely hot, batting near .400 for the first three months of the season. But he soon came back to earth and finished the year batting .280, with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs. What really hurt Chisenhall was his poor defense, which seemed to get worse as the season went on, and was routinely replaced in the late innings for a better fielder. The Indians talked about moving him to the outfield, but they failed to find a replacement at third base this off-season.

Nick Hagadone was one of the last pieces left in the 2009 trade that sent Victor Martinez to Boston for Hagadone, Justin Masterson (now back with Boston) and Bryan Price (at Triple-A Columbus). Hagadone spent most of 2014 bouncing between Cleveland and Columbus, but posted a 1-0 record with a 2.70 ERA in 35 appearances with the Indians. He seemed to get better as the year went on and he solidified himself as a member of the Cleveland bullpen in July.

Of the three minor league players that went to St. Louis, outfielder Bradley Zimmer has the most promise to contribute on the major league level. The Indians chose him in the 1st round of the 2014 draft out of the University of San Francisco and went on to hit .304 with 4 home runs and 30 RBI for Short-A Mahoning Valley and hit 2 solo home runs in 3 games for Single-A Lake County. He will report to Single-A Palm Beach of the Florida State League to start the 2015 season.

Righty Mitch Brown was a 2nd Round pick of the Indians in the 2012 draft and is looked at as a possible back end of the rotation type of guys. He went 8-8 with a 3.31 ERA in 27 starts for Single-A Lake County in 2014. He will report to Single-A Peoria of the Midwest League to begin the 2015 campaign. The final piece in the trade, was 18 year old first baseman, Bobby Bradley. He was taken in the 3rd round of the 2014 draft and hit .361 with 8 home runs and 50 RBIs in the Arizona Rookie League, but was not viewed as a top prospect by the Indians.

Marcum Waived:

The Indians announced that they have placed 33 year old RHP Shaun Marcum on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release. He signed with the Indians last season while attempting to make a return from shoulder surgery. He appeared in 9 games (2 starts), posting a 1-0 record with a 2.08 ERA in 17 1/3 innings pitched, walking 7and striking out 13 between Triple-A Columbus and the Indians Rookie team in Arizona. Marcum has compiled a 58-46 record in 188 games (161 starts)in his 8 year career with Toronto, Milwaukee and New York (N).

Welcome Back!:

Travis Hafner and Einar Diaz are back with the Indians organization, not as players, but as coaches. Diaz spent seven seasons with the Indians (1996-2002), appearing in 456 games behind the plate where he hit .259, 15 homers and 139 RBIs. He will report to Single-A Lake County where he will serve as Hitting Coach.

Hafner spent ten years with the Indians, where he hit 200 of his 213 career home runs. 'Pronk' was one of the most popular players on the team from 2003-2012, but injuries slowed his career and he officially announced his retirement in January of 2015. He will go to Single-A Lynchburg of the Carolina League to serve as the Hitting Coach.

Minor Signings:

The Indians have signed 21 year old Venezuelan outfielder Delbis Arcila, 19 year old Panamanian infielder Arial Venegas and 19 year old Venezuelan outfielder Cesar Apaez to minor league contracts. Venegas and Apaez will report to the Indians Rookie team in the Dominican Summer League, while Arcila will report to Single-A Lake County.

[ohiodevil]

Starting Pitchers

RHP - Corey Kluber: 2014 Stats - 18-9, 2.44 ERA, 51 BB, 269 SO
6'3" 215lbs, 28 yrs old

Kluber is the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner and was named the opening day starter by manager Terry Francona early in Spring Training. One of the top pitchers in the American League, Kluber looks to build on a stellar 2014 where he finally looked like the player that most scouts thought he could be. He can be almost unhittable at times, seemingly able to place the ball wherever he wants to put it. Look for another Cy Young worthy season and to live up to that new 5 year, $60 million contract extension he singed a few days before the season started.

How Acquired: July 31st, 2010 in a three team trade that sent Jake Westbrook (CLE) & Nick Greenwood (SD) to St. Louis, Ryan Ludwick (STL) to San Diego and Kluber (SD) to Cleveland.

RHP - Carlos Carrasco: 2014 Stats - 8-7, 1 SV, 2.55 ERA, 29 BB, 140 SO
6'3" 210lbs, 28 yrs old

Carrasco started the 2014 season in the starting rotation, but struggles found him in the bullpen where he seemed to find himself and posted a sub 2.00 ERA over his last 10 starts of the season. Looks to build on his late season success and the Indians are hoping that he does not revert to the pitcher he was at the start of the 2014 season, especially after signing him to a new 4 year, $22.5 million contract extension.

How Acquired: July 29th, 2009 in a trade with Philadelphia that sent Cliff Lee and Ben Francisco to the Phillies for Carrasco, (P) Jason Knapp, (C) Lou Marson and (IF) Jason Donald.


RHP - Zach McAllister: 2014 Stats - 4-7, 5.23 ERA, 28 BB, 74 SO
6'5" 240lbs, 27 yrs old

McAllister spent part of the season at Triple-A Columbus, where he looked like a different pitcher than the one we saw in Cleveland. Slated to go to the bullpen in 2015, an injury to free agent Gavin Floyd and the demotion to Danny Salazar opened the door for McAllister to step into the 3rd spot in the rotation.

How Acquired: August 20th, 2010 as the player to be named later in a trade that sent (OF) Austin Kearns to New York (A).

LHP - T.J. House: 2014 Stats - 5-3, 3.35 ERA, 22 BB, 80 SO
6'0" 205lbs, 25 yrs old

House started the 2014 season at Triple-A Columbus, but was called up and made his major league debut in May, throwing one scoreless inning against Oakland, He impressed manager Terry Francona and pitching coach Mickey Callaway so much. that he was given the chance and locked down the 5th spot in the rotation and was a big part of the run at the Wild Card. He will get a chance to prove himself this year as he locked down the #4 spot in the rotation.

How Acquired: Drafted in the 16th round of the 2008 amateur draft out of Picayune High School in Picayune, Mississippi.

RHP - Trevor Bauer: 2014 Stats - 5-8, 4.14 ERA, 60 BB, 143 SO
6'0" 190lbs, 24 yrs old

Bauer started the season in Triple-A Columbus but was recalled when Danny Salazar was sent down to fix himself. Trevor had his ups and downs, but started to show flashes of being a top starter in the league after the All-Star break. If he can put is all together, look for him to become one of the "Big Three" in the Cleveland rotation.

How Acquired: December 11st, 2012 in a three team trade that sent Bauer (ARI), Matt Albers (ARI), Bryan Shaw (ARI) and Drew Stubbs (CIN) to Cleveland, Shin-Soo Choo (CLE) to Cincinnati and Didi Gregorius (CIN), Lars Anderson (CLE)and Tony Sipp (CLE) to Arizona.

[mpejkrm]

Steep price to pay for Matt Carpenter. Will be interesting to see how he performs.

[ohiodevil]

Originally Posted by mpejkrm

Steep price to pay for Matt Carpenter. Will be interesting to see how he performs.

Yeah I was a little reluctant to make that trade, but I wanted to upgrade the defense at third and get a better hitter in the 2 spot and I don't think Chisenhall will ever be more than a left handed Casey Blake. We have a lot of left handed relief pitchers, so Hagadone was expendable. The guy I wanted to hang onto was Zimmer, but the Cardinals wouldn't make the trade unless I included Zimmer, Lindor or Sheffield, so I chose the once I have more depth at. I hope this trade doesn't bite me, especially since Carpenter is locked up through 2020.

[ohiodevil]

Relief Pitchers

RHP - Austin Adams: 2014 Stats - 0-0, 9.00 ERA, 1 BB, 4 SO
5'10" 190lbs, 28 yrs old

Adams was the last guy added to the 25 man roster, so he could be the ping pong ball that bounces between Cleveland and Columbus. Adam is a converted starter who has looked very good in the minors pitching out of the bullpen and manager Terry Francona like to have a deep bullpen, so Adams fits the bill as a middle relief/long man.

How Acquired: Drafted in the 5th round of the 2009 amateur draft out of Faulkner University.

RHP - Scott Atchison: 2014 Stats - 6-0, 2 SV, 2.75 ERA, 14 BB, 49 SO
6'2" 200lbs, 39 yrs old

Atchison is the "old guy" in the Indians bullpen and always been a favorite of manager Terry Francona. He pitched very well in 2014, which earned him a 2 year extension and a guaranteed spot in the bullpen and if you look at his career numbers, he seems to pitch very well for Francona, who seems to know how to use him effectively.

How Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2014.

LHP - Kyle Crockett: 2014 Stats - 4-1, 1.80 ERA, 8 BB, 28 SO
6'2" 170lbs, 23 yrs old

Crockett only spent 42 games in the minors before earning a call up to Cleveland in 2014. He has flown through the Indians system and is looked at as a possible closer but definitely has become one of the more effective setup guys in the league. The big question is can he continue to dominate at the major league level.

How Acquired: Drafted in the 4th round of the 2013 amateur draft.

LHP - Marc Rzepczynski: 2014 Stats - 0-3, 1 SV, 2.74 ERA, 19 BB, 46 SO
6'2" 220lbs, 29 yrs old

Rzepczynski seemed to find himself after the 2013 trade that brought him over to Cleveland. He has become manager Terry Francona's go to guy when he needs to get a tough lefty out. Look for more of the same this year from Rzepczynski.

How Acquired: July 30, 2013 trade with St. Louis that sent Juan Herrera to the Cardinals and Rzepczynski to Cleveland.

RHP - Bryan Shaw: 2014 Stats - 5-5, 2 SV, 2.59 ERA, 22 BB, 64 SO
6'0" 210lbs, 27 yrs old

Shaw has become one of the top setup guys in the American League and has been an anchor in the back end of the Indians bullpen. He usually comes in the game in the 7th or 8th inning and rarely gives up a lead. Look for more of the same from Shaw, who is also the backup closer in a very deep bullpen.

How Acquired: December 1st, 2012 in a three team trade that sent Shaw(ARI), Matt Albers (ARI), Trevor Bauer (ARI) and Drew Stubbs (CIN) to Cleveland, Shin-Soo Choo (CLE) to Cincinnati and Didi Gregorius (CIN), Lars Anderson (CLE)and Tony Sipp (CLE) to Arizona.

RHP - Anthony Swarzak: 2014 Stats - 3-2, 4.60 ERA, 28 BB, 47 SO (w/ Minnesota)
6'3" 210lbs, 29 yrs old

Swarzak is one of those guys that all managers love to have, a guy that can come in and give you 3 innings or make a spot start for you when you get into the dog days of the season. He came into camp as a non roster invitee and made the team with a very strong showing. He will give Francona the versatility he lost when Gavin Floyd and Josh Tomlin were injured and Zach McAllister had to go into the bullpen.

How Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2015


RHP - Cody Allen: 2014 Stats - 6-4, 24 SV, 2.07 ERA, 26 BB, 91 SO
6'0" 210lbs, 26 yrs old

Allen took over the closer role in May when John Axford struggled to finish out games with the lead and lost confidence. Allen never gave the role back and has become one of the better closers in the American League. The only question is can he repeat the success as the closer, or will the Indians have to make the move to Shaw....our bet is he flourishes.

How Acquired: Drafted in the 23rd round of the 2011 amateur draft.

[ohiodevil]

Position Players

C - Yan Gomes: 2014 Stats - .278, 21 HR, 74 RBI, 25 Doubles, 3 Triples
6'2" 215lbs, 27 yrs old - Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Gomes built on his strong 2013 by winning the 2014 Silver Slugger Award and had the numbers to be an All-Star. Gomes handles a pitching staff very well and has a great arm behind the plate, so there is no reason the think that he won't continue to become one of the best catchers in the league.

How Acquired: November 3rd, 2012 trade that sent Esmil Rogers to Toronto for Gomes and Mike Aviles.

C - Roberto Perez: 2014 Stats - .271, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 5 Doubles
5'10" 225lbs, 26 yrs old - Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Perez came up late in the season and became the regular backup to Gomes after hitting .305, 8 HR 43 RBI for Triple-A Columbus. When Perez is in the game, you don't lose anything defensively and he has just as much power potential as Gomes, but still needs to work on his hitting. He gives the Indians a great backup plan if something should happen to Gomes.

How Acquired: Drafted in the 33rd round of the 2008 amateur draft.

1B/OF - Jerry Sands: 2014 Stats - .190, 1 HR, 4 RBI (w/ Tampa)
6'3" 225lbs, 27 yrs old - Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Sands was a non roster invitee to Spring Training and was originally slated to start the season at Triple-A Columbus, but the Carpenter trade opened up a spot for a right handed bat on the bench, and the Indians chose Sands over Jose Aguilar. He has put up good power numbers in the minors, but that has not transitioned to the majors yet. Look for him to DH against left handed pitchers and get the occasional start at first or in left field.

How Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2014.

1B - Carlos Santana: 2014 Stats - .231, 27 HR, 85 RBI, 25 doubles, 5 SB
5'10" 210lbs, 28 yrs old - Bats: Switch, Throws: Right

Santana started 2014 as the Indians opening day third baseman but the learning a new position really took a toll on his bat and he struggled to hit .130 over the first month and a half of the season. Once he was moved to a more familiar position at first base, he seemed to relax and hit like the guy everyone knew he could be. Look for more of the same, but hopefully his average will be 30 or 40 points higher than last season.

How Acquired: July 26th 2008 trade that sent Casey Blake to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Santana.

2B - Jason Kipnis: 2014 Stats - .240, 6 HR, 41 RBI, 25 Doubles, 1 Triple, 22 SB
5'10" 190lbs, 28 yrs old - Bats: Left, Throws: Right

Kipnis really struggled in 2014 and it was revealed that he was battling injuries all season long and it limited him to 129 games and it showed in his performance. He looks to bounce back and is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate and return to the 2013 version of himself and if he can do that, the Indians offense should really get a boost.

How Acquired: Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2009 amateur draft.

3B - Matt Carpenter: 2014 Stats - .272, 8 HR, 59 RBI, 33 Doubles, 2 Triples, 5 SB (w/ St. Louis)
6'3" 215lbs, 29 yrs old - Bats: Left, Throws: Right

Carpenter is a two time All-Star in the National League and is looking to duplicate that success with the Indians. Recently acquired from St. Louis to solidify the hot corner, Carpenter has a chance to really have a break out season at Progressive Field. The only question is can he continue to play at such a high level defensively and continue to get on base like he did last season.

How Acquired: March 30th 2015 trade that sent Lonnie Chisenhall, Nick Hagadone, Mitch Brown, Bradley Zimmer and Bobby Bradlet to St. Louis for Carpenter and Ryan Sherriff.

IF/OF - Mike Aviles: 2014 Stats - .247, 5 HR, 39 RBI, 16 Doubles, 1 Triple, 14 SB
5'10" 205lbs, 34 yrs old - Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Aviles is the type of guy that every team looks for, someone that can play any position and not embarrass himself. He has been a key member of the team since arriving and Terry Francona knows how to use him to get the most out of him. Look for Aviles to get the same amount of playing time as the last couple seasons and more of the same, solid, steady results.

How Acquired: November 3rd, 2012 trade that sent Esmil Rogers to Toronto for Aviles and Yan Gomes.

SS/2B - Jose Ramirez: 2014 Stats - .262, 2 HR, 17 RBI, 10 Doubles, 2 Triples, 10 SB
5'8" 165lbs, 22 yrs old - Bats: Switch, Throws: Right

Ramirez came up after the Indians dealt starting shortstop, Astrubal Cabrera at the trade deadline and he showed that he was ready to hold down a starting spot in the majors. Most people view him as the stopgap until Francisco Lindor is promoted, but Ramirez has shown that he won't go quietly...a good situation to have if your the Indians.

How Acquired: Signed as an ameteur free agent in 2009.

LF - Michael Brantley: 2014 Stats - .327, 20 HR, 97 RBI, 45 Doubles, 2 Triples, 23 SB
6'2" 200lbs, 27 yrs old - Bats: Left, Throws: Left

Brantley has quickly become one of the leagues rising stars, finishing a distant 3rd in the MVP voting in 2014. He looks to build on is breakout year and take that next step to being one of the top players in the American League. He is one of the most important players in the lineup and plays at a gold glove level.

How Acquired: October 3rd, 2008 trade as the player to be named later in the deal that sent CC Sabathia to Milwaukee.

LF/RF - Ryan Raburn: 2014 Stats - .200, 4 HR, 22 RBI, 7 Doubles
6'0" 185lbs, 33 yrs old - Bats: Right, Throws: Right

Raburn had a great 2013, but 2014 really was a down year for him, as he struggled to stay healthy and just didn't look right when he was on the field. The Indians desperately need him to regain his 2013 form so they can balance out their left handed heavy lineup. He could be on a very short leash, especially if Aguilar performs well in Triple-A and Raburn struggles.

How Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2013

CF - Michael Bourn: 2014 Stats - .257, 3 HR, 28 RBI, 17 Doubles, 10 Triples, 10 SB
5'10" 180lbs, 32 yrs old - Bats: Left, Throws: Right

Bourn has been bothered by tightness with his hamstrings since signing that 4 year deal with the Indians. Cleveland had hoped he would stay the same player he was in 2012 for Atlanta, but the injuries and age seem to have been catching up to him. The Indians need him to have a bounce back season in order to get some return on the investment they made and hope that he can provide a spark at the top of the order.

How Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2013

RF/1B - Brandon Moss: 2014 Stats - .234, 25 HR, 81 RBI, 23 Doubles, 2 Triples, 1 SB (w/ Oakland)
6'0" 180lbs, 31 yrs old - Bats: Left, Throws: Right

Moss is coming off hip surgery this past offseason, but the Indians felt that he was worth the risk when they made the trade with Oakland to get him. He has shown that when healthy, he has explosive power and should flourish in Progressive Field. He will most likely play RF and DH a little until Nick Swisher returns from the DL, then he most likely will be the primary RF.

How Acquired: December 8th, 2014 trade that sent Joe Wendle to Oakland for Moss.

RF/LF - David Murphy: 2014 Stats - .262, 8 HR, 58 RBI, 25 Doubles, 1 Triple, 2 SB
6'3" 210lbs, 33 yrs old - Bats: Left, Throws: Left

Murphy had an up and down year in 2014, not able to regain the form he had in Texas. He put up some decent numbers, but the Indians needed more offense out of him and he just does not have it in him. Look for him to start at DH against right handers and spell Brantley and Moss in the corner spots. He could be moved in a trade before the trade deadline.

How Acquired: Signed as a free agent in 2013

[ohiodevil]

April 6th, 2015 - Opening Day has arrived in Houston, Texas, The Indians open the 2015 campaign in Houston against the Astros. Potential Pitching matchups for the series are:

RHP Corey Kluber (18-9 2.44 ERA in 2014) vs LHP Dallas Keichel (12-9 2.92 ERA in 2014)
RHP Carlos Carrasco (8-7 2.55 ERA in 2014) vs RHP Collin McHugh (11-9 2.73 ERA in 2014)
RHP Zach McAllister (4-7 5.23 ERA in 2014) vs RHP Scott Feldman(8-12 3.74 ERA in 2014)

Today's Lineup for the Indians is:

1) SS - Jose Ramirez
2) 3B - Matt Carpenter
3) C - Yan Gomes
4) 1B - Carlos Santana
5) CF - Michael Brantley
6) RF - Brandon Moss
7) LF - Ryan Raburn
8) DH - Jerry Sands
9) 2B - Jason Kipnis

Today's Lineup for the Astros is:

1) 3B - Luis Valbuena
2) RF - George Springer
3) CF - Colby Rasmus
4) DH - Evan Gattis
5) 1B - Chris Carter
6) SS - Jed Lowrie
7) C - Hank Conger
8) 2B - Jose Altuve
9) LF - Alex Presley

[ohiodevil]

Indians fall in season opener to Evan Gattis and the Astros 5 to 3.

By Paul Hoynes, Northeast Ohio Media Group
April 6, 2015 at 11:49 PM

Houston, Texas. -- The Indians opened the 2015 campaign with a 5 to 3 loss at Minute Maid Park to the Houston Astros. Designated Hitter, Evan Gattis slugged two home runs and knocked in all five of the Astros runs in the victory. In the bottom of the first inning, Gattis came to the plate with two on and one out and deposited the first pitch from Kluber over the left field wall to give the home team a three run lead. "I just hung a curveball and Gattis took advantage of my mistake" said Kluber, "He did what you're supposed to do when you are a major league hitter".

The Indians would come back and tie the game in the 5th inning when left fielder Ryan Raburn a three run home run of his own off Astros starter Dallas Keuchel. But that was all the Indians would muster, as Gattis his his second home run of the game off reliever Scott Atchison to give the Astros a 5 to 3 lead and that was how the game would stand.

FINAL SCORE: Houston 5 Cleveland 3
Time: 2:32
Attendance: 31,429
Player of the Game: Evan Gattis (Hou)

W - Joe Thatcher (1-0)
L - Corey Kluber (0-1)
SV - Luke Gregerson (1)
HR - Hou - Evan Gattis 2(2); Cle - Ryan Raburn (1)