Players

With his sweet swing and mature demeanor, Indians third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall may be a potential star in the making and a fixture at third for many years to come. Is it possible that Chisenhall could blossom into the next left-handed hitting slugger like Jim Thome? That's a question the IBI's Jim Berdysz asked and tries to answer....

It wasn’t long ago that Lonnie Chisenhall was one of the true can’t-miss prospects in baseball. Armed with solid power, projectable defensive skills and a swing straight out of the movies, Chisenhall was atop many Cleveland Indians’ fans’ top prospects list. They weren’t the only ones enamored with Chisenhall. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued him some the past two seasons, and this is a big season him.

As has been the case in each of the past four seasons, left-hander David Huff entered this year's Spring Training as a candidate for a spot in the starting rotation. However, Tribe skipper Terry Francona has since said Huff is no longer competing for that spot and can only make the team as a member of the Indians' bullpen. So, what does the future hold for Huff? Take a look as the left-hander is featured in this week's edition of Then & Now.

Nick Hagadone has gotten off to a torrid start this spring, and it looks as if he could be positioning himself as a front-runner for one of the Indians' open bullpen spots. Join the IBI's Steve Orbanek as he looks back at Hagadone's career and touches on what the future may hold for the left-hander in this week's edition of Then & Now.

Yan Gomes had a brilliant performance for the Indians in yesterday's Spring Training contest as the right-handed hitting catcher socked a home run, a double and recorded five RBI. Gomes is currently in camp competing with Lou Marson for a chance at the Indians' backup catching job. He's made some noise so far, but does he have a legitimate chance to supplant the incumbent Marson? Join the IBI's Steve Orbanek as he looks back at Gomes' career in this week's edition of Then & Now.

After a stellar 2011 campaign, Justin Masterson significantly regressed last season and was a key reason the Indians were unable to compete. Masterson will once again be looked at as a key component of the team's rotation this season, but what can fans expect? Join the IBI's Michael Hattery as he provides an outlook for Masterson's future in the first edition of his new series titled Swing Starters.

The IBI's Steve Orbanek returns with his latest edition of Then & Now, which looks at non-roster invitee Scott Kazmir this week. Kazmir joins the Indians after an epic rise and equally epic fall as an ace in the Major Leagues. With the Tribe's fifth starter spot up for grabs, does Kazmir have a legitimate shot to join the team's rotation? Join Steve as he ponders this thought and looks back at the up-and-down road that has been Kazmir's career.

The IBI's Steve Orbanek returns with his latest edition of Then & Now, which looks at Matt LaPorta this week. LaPorta has had a storied career for the Indians, both at the minor and Major League level. What does the future hold for LaPorta? And could he possibly have a future with the Indians? Steve ponders after the jump.

The Indians sent shockwaves through the baseball world last evening when it was announced that the team had come to terms with free agent outfielder Michael Bourn. On paper, it seems as if the Tribe is definitely a much improved team, and some fans are even labeling the Indians as a potential playoff team. But just how much have the Indians improved following the Bourn signing and the other moves this offseason? The IBI's Steve Orbanek ponders after the jump.

One’s first season playing pro ball is full of adjustments, lessons and personal tests. Cleveland Indians infielder Joe Wendle understands the importance of learning everywhere, from between the foul lines to off the field. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently caught up with him to get caught up with how his offseason is going and what he is looking forward to this season.

The IBI's Steve Orbanek returns with his weekly staple Then & Now, which takes a closer look at right-handed reliever Matt Langwell this week. Between his performance with the Clippers and in Puerto Rican Winter League, Langwell had a stellar 2012 campaign and now finds himself among the Tribe's non-roster invitees to Spring Training. What does the future hold for Langwell? Steve ponders after the jump.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with infielder Joey Wendle. He is an offensive-oriented infielder from a smaller school that may have been overlooked in the draft, but hit the ground running in his pro debut at Mahoning Valley. He is a lot like Cord Phelps, and may be a better hitter and have a little more versatility than Phelps had when he first came into the organization. Wendle is an interesting prospect, and Tony breaks him down in this detailed scouting report.

Life in the pros consists of day-to-day opportunity. Each day a player treads across the dirt of the diamond, new opportunities surface. For Cleveland Indians’ right-hander Shawn Armstrong, opportunities lie in overlooked places. He had a banner season last year across three levels, and going into this season he is well on the Major League radar. The IBI's Stephanie Metzger recently sat down and talked with him and shares what he said in here latest.

The IBI's 2013 Indians Top 60 Prospect countdown continues on with outfielder Tyler Holt. As one of the most fiery players the Indians have had in their system in a long time, Holt brings a lot of energy and emotion to his game and is a good top of the lineup prospect for the Indians. In this detailed scouting report Tony breaks down his qualities as a leadoff hitter, his skills defensively and on the basepaths, and what obstacles may hinder his chances of reaching the big leagues.

The IBI's Steve Orbanek returns with his latest edition of Then & Now, which looks at switching-hitting first baseman Mike McDade this week. McDade was acquired this winter by the Indians after the Toronto Blue Jays designated him for assignment. McDade seems to offer a lot of intriguing skills moving forward and since he is a member of the Tribe's 40-man roster, it appears as if the team holds him in high regard. So, just what does the future hold for McDade? Steve ponders after the jump...

Coming off of major surgery, Chen-Chang Lee is one of many Indians pitchers that is now somewhat of a question mark heading into the 2013 season. Lee was once one of the most dominant relievers in the Indians system, but what can be expected from him as he makes his way back from the surgery? The IBI's Steve Orbanek recaps Lee's career in this week's edition of Then & Now.