Tony chimes in with his weekly Tribe Happenings piece and this week discusses how much he has disliked the Indians' "what if" tagline the past two seasons and takes a look at key moments in Indians history over the last 20-25 years and looks at what if things would have ended up different. He also talks about the hiring of Mike Sarbaugh to new manager Terry Francona's staff and what it means and lots more!
Chun-Hsiu Chen has been one of the best offensive performers in the Indians system for years. Yet, because of his lack of power, his future is now uncertain since he made the switch to first base prior to the 2012 season. What does the future hold for Chen? The IPI's Steve Orbanek takes a look as he recaps Chen's career in this week's edition of Then & Now.
The Indians have a massive undertaking in front of them if they are to win in 2013. Their current roster needs to find new consistency, their starting rotation needs to find new blood, first base, DH and left field need to find new residents, and the team as a whole needs to find a new culture? Can it happen? It's easier than you think. The only question is, will the Indians have the guts, if not the cash, to do it?
The IPI's Steve Orbanek returns with the Winter Ball Notebook. In the piece, Steve provides all the winter stats for Indians players and touches on the hot-hitting Ronny Rodriguez as well as the slumping Jesus Aguilar. Plus, left-handed starter T.J. House continues to make a case that he could one day be a Major League contributor.
This week's Corner of Carnegie title likely caught your attention, and for good reason. The Cleveland Indians can absolutely contend in 2013. Join Jim Pete as he takes an in-depth look on what the Indians COULD do if all things were perfect for a front office heading into this offseason, and no, he's not completely insane. Well, maybe a little. This two-parter starts with the current team...after the jump...
Fresh off an Eastern League Championship, the Akron Aeros made more waves on Wednesday when they introduced new owner Ken Babby. The 32-year-old Babby is the owner of fast Forward Sports Group and will replace former team owners Mike and Greg Agganis.
New Indians manager Terry Francona is still working through the interview process to finalize his coaching staff for the 2013 season. Other than Sandy Alomar Jr and Brad Mills, it is unknown as to what other coaches will be joining his staff. The most important decision Francona makes probably is who comes in to be the new pitching coach, and Adam McGavin chimes in with his thoughts on that and lists several potential candidates that Francona may be considering for the job.
In Tony's regular Sunday notebook he takes a look at starting pitching being the main area of focus the Indians will look to upgrade this offseason and how they will attempt to do it. He also discusses the latest injury and surgery to Matt LaPorta which could be the final nail in the coffin to his Indians' career, the coaching options for Francona's staff, the much different manager search this time around than three years ago, and lots more.
Today's special edition of Carnegie and Ontario will take a look at the Detroit Tigers starting rotation, and showcase just why it's more than just the Benjamins.The Indians will never be able to compete with some of the clubs because of cash flow, so they better be the smartest team in the room.
It's hard to believe but numerous winter leagues have already been in action for over a full week now. The Indians have a handful of players competing in the different leagues, so there's certainly plenty of reasons for fans to pay close attention. Though sometimes that can get pretty difficult, so the IPI's Steve Orbanek is here to help as he recaps all the action and provides all the stats in his Winter Notebook.
While the Indians have already been hard at work this offseason with changes to their coaching staff and organizational philosophy, the player procurement process does not start for another few weeks. As the Indians prepare to add talent to the roster this offseason, they also need to decide which players to remove from it, and Tony breaks it all down with which players leave as free agents, have club options declined, are non-tendered, or designated for assignment.
Terry Francona was the first move in an intricate offseason that will see a front office try to reinvent themselves on the fly. Each move this team makes will carry a massive amount of weight. Phase one was the hiring of a credible manager. Phase two begins as that manager shapes his coaching staff. Join Jim Pete as he takes an inclusive look at potential candidates, talks bullpen, Michael Brantley and playoff baseball, after the jump
The lack of impact arms in the Indians farm system has been addressed on many occasions. However, thankfully, there does seem to be one pitcher that currently projects as an "impact arm." Danny Salazar just completed a brilliant 2012 campaign and is now very much on the radar of the big league club. The IPI's Steve Orbanek looks back at his career in this week's edition of Then & Now.
Minor league free agency opens tomorrow, Tuesday October 16th, and with that Tony provides a listing of the Indians current 2012 minor league free agents. A few former top prospects that have struggled with injuries are included in that listing, and some recent good performers as well.
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.
The Cleveland Indians made the first move in major league baseball when they hired Terry Francona as their 42nd manager. While that's clearly a move of major importance, if it becomes the Indians biggest move of the offseason, the Indians will be in serious trouble in 2013. Can Chris Antonetti build on his early momentum with the hiring of Terry Francona, or will this offseason turn into another winter of discontent?
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!
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