Re: General Discussion

4923
How about that stiff Cain being ALCS MVP. He was an Indians stiff for a while. Think we just cut him....
He was never an Indian Frank. But, back in the day, when we traded Sabathia to the Brewers, Brantley and Lorenzo Cain were the players I wanted, not Matt LaPorta.
“Every day is a new opportunity. You can build on yesterday's success or put its failures behind and start over again. That's the way life is, with a new game every day, and that's the way baseball is.”
-- Bob Feller

Re: General Discussion

4928
Indians exercised INF Mike Aviles' $3.5 million option for 2015.
It was reported a week ago that they planned to pick it up, and now it's official. Aviles hit just .247/.273/.343 this season, but he offers plenty of value with his ability to play all over the diamond.

Oct 31 - 1:10 PM

Re: General Discussion

4932
Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Indians plan to have shortstop prospect Francisco Lindor begin next season at Triple-A Columbus.
It's not surprising after they failed to promote Lindor in September when rosters expanded. Pluto writes that the Indians "believe (Lindor) can use more time" in the minors, and there's also the matter of holding back the start of his arbitration clock. It's possible Lindor can change the team's mind with a strong spring training, but the smart money is on Jose Ramirez starting at short until the Super Two deadline passes in late May/early June, at which point Lindor should take over.

Re: General Discussion

4934
The Cleveland Indians and Manager Terry Francona have agreed to a two-year contract extension, through 2018, that includes club options for 2019 and 2020.

Francona, 55, has led the Indians to consecutive winning seasons and a Postseason berth in 2013, compiling a mark of 177-147 (.546) over his two-year tenure with the Indians that includes the 2013 AL Manager of the Year Award.

His 177 wins and .546 winning pct. rank fourth- and fifth-best, respectively, in club history among managers through their first two seasons. The New Brighton, Pa., native owns the fourth-most wins (1,206) among active big league managers. Since 2004, Francona’s teams have posted winning records for 10 consecutive seasons.


"Being with (the club) for two years, we’re a pretty tight-knit group. I’m talking about from the clubhouse kids to the trainers to Paul Dolan, to Mark. We do things together, and we have fun doing it. … During the tough times, that’s probably when I appreciate being here the most.”
I grew up 80 miles from here, in a very similar type environment. Midwest, values… Cleveland is kind of almost like our team, and shoot, like myself. You get pushed around, kicked a little bit. Now you’re ready to kick back, fight back. … Being here is something I’m really grateful for.
This game … if you don’t enjoy it, it can run you into the ground. Every morning I wake up, I’m excited to come to work.
I checked with a couple of the players (during the extension talks). … I believe this is about the players. I wanted them to be comfortable knowing that I was going to be here also, or I wouldn’t have done this."

video - interview here:
http://tribevibe.mlblogs.com/2014/11/04 ... 4_34962207

-----------------------------
btw, it's his dad's birthday today.