NILES- On a cloud-free night at Eastwood Field, the Scrappers copied last night’s losing effort and fell to Jamestown by almost the exact score, 3-0. Yet again, dominant pitching performances and missed opportunities were the theme.
On a gorgeous night for baseball in Niles, Ohio, the Jamestown Jammers and the Mahoning Valley Scrappers kicked off the 2013 season in front of a near-capacity Eastwood Field.
The 2013 Mahoning Valley Scrappers are certainly an eclectic bunch. A combination of fresh draft picks, older free agents, and rising prospects, the Scrappers embody their nickname perfectly; they are the personification of scrappy. Just trying to scratch and claw their way to the next level, each Scrapper has a different story. The IBI's Hayden Grove talked with several of the Scrappers over the weekend and sets the stage for the start of their season tonight!
The "Radar Report" returns this week, and Tony shares almost three dozen radar readings from players in the Indians' system that he has recorded over the past few weeks. This is a premium site feature which will post about once a month and provide the fastball - and at times the secondary velocities - and in this report he has the readings on several players such as Cody Anderson, Dillon Howard, Dylan Baker, Jacob Lee, Mitch Brown, Shawn Armstrong, Trevor Bauer, and almost 30 others.
The first edition of Minor Happenings each year typically does not post until the first Thursday after the season opens, but there is a lot to talk about and get everyone caught up on. In today’s special edition of the Happenings, I give an update on Tony Wolters’ move to catcher, introduce Robert Whitenack, break down Tyler Naquin’s great opening night showing, and have all kinds of quotes from the front office on the catchers in the system and where some of the missing players are to start the season.
Opening night is here for the minor leagues. The Minor League Baseball season kicks off tonight as all of Triple-A Columbus, Double-A Akron and Low-A Lake County open their seasons. High-A Carolina has to wait a day as they open their season on Friday. We polled several of the site writers to get their take on things as the season gets ready to begin. Which affiliate and prospects are the most exciting? Who is due for a breakout? All of that and more are shared in the annual IBI roundtable...
Minor league spring training is in full swing, and over the next few weeks players will work their way to make a full season roster. With the new season on the horizon, Tony takes a look at the upcoming decisions with players and how several players will be handled this season. From that you can really get a good feel for their prospect value and who may stick around in the organization this season.
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.
We continue our year end review of each team in the Indians organization with a look back at the player movement of the short season Single-A Mahoning Valley Scrappers. Every week up until December 21st we will look back at the roster movement over the past season for one club in the Cleveland Indians organization.
The Cleveland Indians have announced their organizational staff alignment within the Player Development System for the upcoming season. Several coaches, managers, coordinators, and special assistants have changes roles for the 2013 season, and we recap them all after the jump.
Short-season Single-A Mahoning Valley had 13 players from the 2012 Draft make their organizational and pro debut for the Indians. Tony recently had a chance to sit down with Mahoning Valley pitching coach Greg Hibbard and discussed how some of those debuts went, what strides were made, and what improvements are still being work on. Players discussed include Josh Martin, Jacob Lee, Luis Morel, Scott Peoples, Jake Sisco, Jimmy Stokes, Ryan Merritt, Jack Wagoner and more.
Today we wrap up the 2012 Tony Awards with the announcement of the All-Tony teams for 2012. These are the first, second, and third teams as I see them in the Cleveland Indians organization based on their performance this past year. Again, this is not a top prospect listing by position, but a listing based 100% on performance from the 2012 season.
Today we continue the IPI’s year-end awards with the announcement of the Offensive Player of the Year. This award goes to the position player in the Indians organization that had the best year offensively and like with all the awards so far is 100% based on performance and not on prospect standing. This is the final “Tony Award” to be handed out, but this weekend the "All-Tony" team will be posted as Tony lists the best players this season position-by-position in a “1st team” and “2nd team” format.
Today we continue the IPI’s year-end awards with the announcement of the Pitcher of the Year. This award goes to the starting pitcher in the Indians organization that had the best year from a performance perspective, not necessarily from a prospect standing. Later this week the Offensive Player of the Year and All-Tony Team will be announced.
Today we continue the IPI’s year-end awards with the announcement of the Comeback Player of the Year. This award goes to the player who came back from a rough 2011 season – be it due to injury or performance – and any other obstacles to put up a very good 2012 season and reestablished and/or solidified himself as a prospect for the Indians. In the coming days the Pitcher of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and All-Tony Team will be announced.
Today we continue the IPI postseason awards with the announcement of the Relief Pitcher of the Year. The starting pitchers often get most of the focus, so this award gives an opportunity to showcase and recognize some of the top relief pitching performances over the course of the 2012 season. In the coming days the Comeback Player of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year and All-Tony Team will be announced.
The 2013 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!