Cleveland%20Indians

Three former Indians players Omar Vizquel, Travis Hafner, and Ryan Garko all found new homes with a team for 2013, but none of them are returning to Cleveland. Vizquel will coach with the Angles, Hafner looks to be close to signing with the Yankees, and Garko has signed with the Rockies.

The Cleveland Indians have re-built their entire offense into a versatile group of players that can hit from both sides of the plate. Over the years, these players have either put up a tremendous amount of offensive firepower, or have to ability to do just that. Do the Indians have an offense that could explode in 2013, or is the upside potential of this team a lot lower than the optimism that has surrounded them since the hiring of Terry Francona?

The MLB arbitration hearings begin next Monday February 4th and continue through until the 20th. Most of the arbitration eligible players around the league have already signed a one year deal a few days ago, but the Indians still have one player that is unsigned: Mike Aviles.

The Indians have been busy this offseason making some significant changes to the lineup and pitching staff. But exactly how much have they improved? IBI newcomer Jake Dungan takes a look at the 2013 lineup and compares it to its 2012 counterpart in the first of a four part series that will break down and compare the 2012 and 2013 versions of the lineup, bench, starting rotation and bullpen.

Today the Cleveland Indians have announced that they have a new five-year agreement with Clear Channel Media and Entertainment Cleveland for WTAM 1100 AM to remain the “Flagship Home of the Cleveland Indians” through 2017. The deal also includes WMMS 100.7 FM as they will become the “FM home of the Indians” with at least 144 simulcast broadcasts.

Welcome to this week's edition of the IBI Power Poll. The Poll will take a look at a relevant topic of the time, an all-time list, or just something that we're talking about here at the IBI home offices. There's nothing like a list to spur a debate, so join us in our lively banter with our weekly polls! Today's poll focuses on the best Indians' shortstop of all time...

We are now two weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Goodyear for the start of spring training. The offseason is wrapping up, and Tony takes a look into two issues facing the Indians as they prepare to open spring training: what they should do at DH and who should leadoff. He notes how the use of the DH has changed over the last few seasons, and how the Indians may be wise to consider another option at leadoff other than Brantley. Tony also discusses Carlos Santana's value, what spring invites reveal, and much more.

With about three weeks left until spring training one of the more interesting battles to watch will be the backup catcher position. For the last three years that’s a role that has been held by Lou Marson, but after the November trade that brought Yan Gomes into the fold it’s clear that the Indians intend to create competition for the job this spring. Michael Goodman breaks down the pluses and minuses of both after the jump...

It is one of the biggest questions leading into spring training for the Indians: who should lead off? With the departure of Shin-Soo Choo in a trade, the Indians lost their best lead off option, and the IBI's Jeff Ellis breaks down all the schools of thought with regard to what kind of player should hit lead off before finally settling on an obvious solution to this question.

With the Dominican Winter League Championship Series wrapped up, the championship action continues in the championship series of the Puerto Rican and Venezuelan winter leagues. A couple of Indians are still in action and hoping that they can help lead their team to the championship. The IBI's Steve Orbanek touches on those Indians and their performances in this week's edition of the Winter Ball Notebook.

Today the Cleveland Indians announced that they have extended non-roster invitations to Major League spring training camp to first baseman Jesus Aguilar, right-handed pitcher Matt Langwell, right-handed pitcher Preston Guilmet, catcher Roberto Perez, and left-handed pitcher Giovanni Soto.

The IBI's Steve Orbanek returns with this week's edition of Then & Now, which looks at left-handed pitcher Scott Barnes. Barnes made his debut with the Indians last season and left a favorable impression, but what does the future hold? Last season, Barnes was a reliever, but could he possibly again be positioned to be a starter? Steve ponders after the jump.

The Indians turn the corner from Tribe Fest and head through the final three weeks of the offseason with a few questions yet to answer. With a time-share likely at DH with the current roster, can their numbers improve? Are there just too many questions with regards to Ubaldo Jimenez and the starting rotation for the Tribe to succeed? Jim Pete tackles these, as well as Kipnis, Chisenhall and much, much more...

Last week the IBI first mentioned that the Indians have been in talks with free agent slugger Jim Thome, and according to a report today from Jon Heyman of CBS Sports he says the Indians are considering a reunion with Thome and Travis Hafner.

Large crowds descended upon Progressive Field this past week for the inaugural Tribe Fest, and it turned out to be a rousing success. The Indians appear to be getting everything right this offseason with their trades, free agent signings, manager and coach hires, and now a great fan friendly event. What momentum the organization has built going into the 2013 season, and Jake Dungan recaps the event in his debut piece for the IBI.

Welcome to this week's edition of the IBI Power Poll. The Poll will take a look at a relevant topic of the time, an all-time list, or just something that we're talking about here at the IBI home offices. There's nothing like a list to spur a debate, so join us in our lively banter with our weekly polls! Today's poll focuses on the best Indians' third baseman of all time. Join Jim Pete after the jump...to find out the who made the cut...