Sad ending to a winning season. Just too many injuries to overcome. A lot of surprise talent emerged to get the team to 93 wins. Still, they missed the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.

It will be an interesting off-season for the Indians.  What will the front office do this winter?  Last year, They were willing to bet that they could win the Central while down-scaling the payroll and letting some key players go (e.g. bullpen help and Brantley's outfield bat).  Their young starting pitching staff has matured more quickly than any of us expected and kept us in contention till late in the season.  But there are major questions. What will Kluber's future look like?  How will they address the deficits in the bullpen and in the hitting. How will the "Lindor window" be treated?  Will they recognize that the team can return to the playoffs with an absence of historic bad luck and injuries next year? What is the balance between fan support and ownership's mettle?  Indians payroll was 19th in the league this season and their attendance was 21st - not great, but not terrible considering the high number of home dates in a cold April this year.  (The division winning Twins had 2.2 million home attendance to the Indians' 1.7 million.) . The fan base here is clearly frustrated after the disappointing endings of the 17 and 18 campaign and the perceived lack of championship intentions in the off season.  And, generally, playoff teams have a significantly higher payroll than the Indians - not withstanding the Twins, the top 10 is filled with the likes of the Red Sox, Yankees, Dodgers, Cubs, Astros, Nationals and Cardinals.  

Francona is clearly a world-class manager, but he owns a disturbing annual trend late season - an inability to win must-win games. From the World Series 3-1 heartbreak through to this year's 4-6 record over the last 10, the Indians must change that trend to play October baseball next year.  In the meantime, Go Browns....

good news - at least for ownership advertising revenue i guess:

 

https://www.letsgotribe.com/2019/10/17/20918770/indians-have-second-highest-local-tv-ratings-in-mlb

 

 

 

3rd base considerations:

 

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/10/free-agent-third-basemen-who-could-help-the-cleveland-indians-in-2020.html

 

 

 

and ... this was more a throwback than current, but it was ok to see it all at a glance or if you weren't aware:

 

https://www.cleveland.com/sports/g66l-2019/10/315f7e8c51708/every-mlb-teams-greatest-excleveland-indians-player.html

Ex-Cleveland Indians pitcher C.C. Sabathia says farewell, ‘thank you’ to baseball

By Joe Noga, cleveland.com

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The baseball journey has come to an end for C.C. Sabathia, as the 19-year major league veteran pitcher shared a heartfelt thank you Monday via social media.  Sabathia, who was selected by the Indians No. 20 overall in the first round of the 1998 draft, walked off the mound Friday after injuring himself during Game 5 of an American League Championship series game between New York and Houston. He had earlier announced his intention to retire at season’s end, which came about Saturday when the Astros defeated the Yankees to reach the World Series.

 

“Through the ups and downs, baseball has always been my home,” Sabathia wrote. “From Cleveland to Milwaukee, New York and everywhere in between, I’m so thankful to have experienced this journey with every teammate past and present.”

 

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2019/10/ex-cleveland-indians-pitcher-cc-sabathia-says-farewell-thank-you-to-baseball.html

^ a shame, but its time.

 

baseball was way too hard on the big man's knees.

 

besides being an inning eating ironman in his prime, even toward the end you can never say c.c. didn't give his all.

 

thanks for all the great baseball you gave us fans c.c.!!!

bad and good tribe coaching news.

 

the yanks stole away the indians key architect of player development for pitchers:

 

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/28031153/yankees-hire-matt-blake-pitching-coach

 

the good news is my co-worker's best friend is indians coach brian sweeney and he was just promoted to bullpen coach.

Thank God we won't have to see that All-star game patch on the sleeves next year.  What are they replacing it with - a new logo?  Block C?  Nothing?

On 11/15/2019 at 4:20 PM, skiwest said:

Thank God we won't have to see that All-star game patch on the sleeves next year.  What are they replacing it with - a new logo?  Block C?  Nothing?

 

I didn't mind the Cleveland ASG artwork.   Better then most in recent years....

 

Cleveland Indians will try to avoid frostbite in early season games this year

Link: https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2020/01/cleveland-indians-will-try-to-avoid-frostbite-in-early-season-games-this-year.html

Paul Hoynes - Jan. 8, 2020

 

"Team schedules for 2020 were released late last season, but on Wednesday game times were revealed for the first time. Ten of the Indians first 13 games will start at 1:10 p.m., apparently for two reasons:

• Logically, it should be warmer during the day than at night in the Midwest in late March and early April.
• Teams can postpone games much earlier for day games than night games due to bad weather."

https://www.mlb.com/indians/schedule/printable

Edited January 9, 20205 yr by NorthShore647

i dont understand why they would change the time of the games to when people work and *yelling*  NOT JUST FAVOR THE DOMES AND WARM WEATHER CITIES DURING MARCH AND APRIL!!!!!!

Report: Indians reach $17.5M deal with Francisco Lindor

 

The Cleveland Indians have reached a deal with shortstop Francisco Lindor, according to MLB Insider Jon Heyman.

 

Lindor will reportedly receive $17.5 million in the deal.

 

This is the 2nd highest deal the Tribe has ever offered a 2nd time ARB eligible player.

 

MORE: https://fox8.com/2020/01/10/report-indians-reach-17-5m-deal-with-francisco-lindor/

Mr. Smile is going have an even bigger smile now.

^ ha, well deserved!

 

a reminder --- its coming up fast:

 

pitchers and catchers

tuesday, Feb. 11

 

full squad workout

Monday, Feb. 17

Last night the Dolans were honored at the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, and Paul Dolan ends his speech with this awkward comment:

 

“I’m very very excited about this years’ season. We have a good crop of young players. We saw them start to develop last year. And of course we have some old stars," Dolan said with a smile. "One of whom happens to play shortstop — who I know I’m going to enjoy. I’m not sure I can tell you people to enjoy him, but he is certainly fun to watch and I’m looking forward to some October baseball.” 

 

https://923thefan.radio.com/articles/dolan-family-presented-with-lifetime-achievement-award

Maybe he just slipped up in his wording?

Sounds like he was just making a joke because of the reaction last offseason after he said to enjoy the time with Lindor.

I believe he was saying that tongue in cheek. I think it’s ok to joke. Many people in our town don’t think sports is a joking matter.  Everyone needs to lighten up 

^Totally agree. I get he’s not generally popular, but the flaming he’s been getting on social media etc is ridiculous. 

He’s either being really transparent with the fan base, which people should APPRECIATE. We have a model (that works by the way and is proprietary to the Indians and other teams are envious of) and unless something changes he will likely be traded...OR....he is setting up the biggest underpromise and over deliver job in the history of cleveland sports, in which he will be a hero.  Either way, he’s not doing the fan base wrong. People think because he is rich that he can spend unlimited...it’s a separate business model from his personal financials. The team sinks and swims just like any other business and you have to run an income statement 

a sign of spring on the way --- baseball season 202 has officially begun -- pitchers and catchers report today. more:

 

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2020/02/as-curtain-rises-on-the-2020-season-10-questions-facing-the-cleveland-indians.html

Sad day.

 

https://www.mlb.com/news/sandy-alomar-stunned-by-tony-fernandez-s-death

 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

 

 

Just goes to show you what investing in a proven coach with a track record will get you.   It also helps that Francona has history here and (I believe) genuinely likes being in Cleveland.  

after a rainout with the reds, the tribe starts spring training 2020 games off with a bang!

 

 

Franmil Reyes homers, Jefry Rodriguez and James Karinchak impress as Cleveland Indians get 9-5 win against Kansas City

 

Updated Feb 24, 2020; Posted Feb 23, 2020

 

https://www.cleveland.com/tribe/2020/02/franmil-reyes-homers-jefry-rodriguez-and-james-karinchak-impress-as-cleveland-indians-get-9-5-win-against-kansas-city.html

Here we go again. 

 

https://fox8.com/sports/indians-pitcher-emmanuel-clase-out-for-8-to-12-weeks/

 

Good grief. Where does it end? So many professional, college and high school sports teams names could be considered offensive to someone.  Can't we all just lighten up and stop being so sensitive about everything?

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by skiwest

I didn't even think those cancel culture loons were going after the Indians name. Oh well, welcome back Spiders. 

there is probably a chance that if someone had come and practically wiped out your neighborhood (family and friends), you might be a little overly sensitive...   anywho...  changing it to the tribe could be an easy transition...  a tribe can be any group of people...

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by lockdog

When I was driving across country a few years ago I stopped at a reservation in Arizona. I realized I was wearing an Indians hat and put it away. You can imagine my surprise when I stopped at the store only to find several people wearing the Chief Wahoo hat. I asked them if they were fans and they said "of course we are...we are Indians!" I left it at that and went on my way. 

 

This is a complex issue here. My personal feeling, keep the name but make it count for something. Invest in Native American scholarships and do something real to honor the name and the heritage. I don't want my favorite team in all sports, the Cleveland Indians to disappear like my San Diego Chargers and the Cleveland Browns (1996-99). 

well its sad because unlike the redskins and the unfortunate chief wahoo its an honorary name.

 

but lets face it writing has been on the wall for a long time and the moment is now.

 

so...the cleveland first nations, is that going to work? perhaps that one is best. its more accurate than the indians misnomer is and its kinda rebel too. i like both of those aspects. also, a two word team moniker would be boss.

 

or a throwback name? naps? spiders? forest citys?? i kinda like the lake shores (1900). that would be a good one, if a bit tame.

 

ahh geez lets just go with the steamers and call it a day.

 

 

15 minutes ago, mrnyc said:

ahh geez lets just go with the steamers and call it a day.

 

Haha! That's good.

 

If they change the name before the Redskins do, Cleveland will look progressive as a city. Something it does need to do to promote its image as such a place....which I think it is. Most of the country still doesn't think so unfortunately. It could help.

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by metrocity

^ i didn’t think of that, but you are right, its actually urgent to make a move. with similar background team monikers they are definately in a battle for both moving first and for taking the choice ‘first nations’ moniker.

 

the cuyahogas might be ok as a backup. at least its lends itself to hilarity. as in hamilton saying,”back to back home runs! the cuyahogas are on fire!!”

People have short memories, Cleveland being progressive and  hosting the Gay Games in 2014 is a distant memory. It added to the the national perception or progression...but you have to keep on keeping on. Ohio is so bad at marketing in general. Boring and plain, and a follower.

 

I only mention the Gay Games because it is probably the only coup the state of Ohio has achieved in recent decades to show of it's relevance as a progressive northern state. Something that has history, but has been lost.

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by metrocity

Does anyone think the Braves, Chiefs and Florida State Seminoles will be changing their names? I personally don't see that happening.  The name "Indian" is not offensive in the same way the term "Redskin" is. Actually I don't recall any significant momentum out there to change the name of the Cleveland Indians, just to change the cartoonish logo of Chief Wahoo. 

 

Oh well, I'll just keep supporting my college, the Akron Zips until they fold all their sports teams because of budget cuts. 

 

 

 

   

It's not that hard to find out why "Indians" is probably not an appropriate term.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_American_name_controversy#:~:text=When he landed in the,Indians" in various European languages.

 

 

When he landed in the Antilles, Columbus referred to the resident peoples he encountered there as "Indians" reflecting his purported belief that he had reached the Indian Ocean.[4] The name stuck; for centuries the native people of the Americas were collectively called "Indians" in various European languages. This misnomer was perpetuated in place naming; the islands of the Caribbean were named, and are still known as, the West Indies.

 

Objections to the usage of "Indian" and "American Indian" include the fact that "Indian" arose from a historical error, and thus does not accurately reflect the derivation of the people to whom it refers; and some feel that the term has absorbed negative and demeaning connotations through its historical usage that render it objectionable in context. Additionally, "American Indian" is often understood to mean only the peoples of the mainland body of the United States, which excludes other Native Americans in the United States who are considered indigenous peoples of the Americas; including the Haida, Tlingit, Athabascan, Inuit, Yup'ik (Yuits/Alutiiq/Cup'ik), Iñupiat, Aleut (i.e., the groups whose traditional languages are Eskimo–Aleut languages), Marshallese, and Samoan; who are referred to collectively as either Alaskan Natives, First Nations, Native Hawaiians or Siberians.

Supporters of the terms "Indian" and "American Indian" argue that they have been in use for such a long period of time that many people have become accustomed to them and no longer consider them exonyms. Both terms are still widely used today. "American Indian" appears often in treaties between the United States and the indigenous peoples with whom they have been negotiating since the colonial period, and many federal, state and local laws also use it.[1

 

 

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by metrocity

^ yeah not to mention the native islanders like pr, hawaii, guam and all.

 

surf i tend to agree, but i think the fact that ‘indians’ is a long outdated misnomer is behind the push to change it.

 

the others aren’t really incorrect or offensive. at least i don’t think they are? although the braves fans tomahawk chop is, and always was, umm, yeah.

 

 

 

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by mrnyc

Ohio is no beacon of Native American conservation either, so the respect of the culture is not there:

 

http://www.native-languages.org/ohio.htm#:~:text=There are no federally recognized,Indian Removals of the 1800's.&text=They were moved to Indian reservations in Oklahoma instead.

 

"There are no federally recognized Indian tribes in Ohio today. Most Native Americans were forced to leave Ohio during the Indian Removals of the 1800's. ... They were moved to Indian reservations in Oklahoma instead."

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by metrocity

7 hours ago, mrnyc said:

^ yeah not to mention the native islanders like pr, hawaii, guam and all.

 

surf i tend to agree, but i think the fact that ‘indians’ is a long outdated misnomer is behind the push to change it.

 

There’s still a significant number of native Americans who proudly call themselves Indians. It just feels strange for white people to tell them they're wrong. 
 

Anyhow there’s an opportunity for something good to come out of this. Changing the name is symbolic and I understand the motive but that doesn’t really do anything. Keeping the name and doing actual concrete, substantive good works in the native communities would be much better imho. 
 

The name was actually chosen to honor a Native American player, not to poke fun.  

 

https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/articles/cle-myths-cleveland-indians-name-origins

 

10 minutes ago, skiwest said:

The name was actually chosen to honor a Native American player, not to poke fun.  

 

https://clevelandmagazine.com/in-the-cle/articles/cle-myths-cleveland-indians-name-origins

 

There's actually no proof of this.  Your link actually says that it is undecided but it is largely regarded as a myth.

Regardless, the name was not intended to be disrespectful. 

 

So where does this end? Will all western movies and TV shows that contain Indians, er, I mean Native Americans, need to be banned?

20 minutes ago, skiwest said:

Regardless, the name was not intended to be disrespectful. 

 

So where does this end? Will all western movies and TV shows that contain Indians, er, I mean Native Americans, need to be banned?

Slippery slope fallacy 

Some schools (FSU) have relationships with Native American Tribes and have asked for their blessing to use Tribal names. That’s not the case here. Like someone said earlier, Ohio doesn’t have a Federally recognized Tribe and the state hasn’t had a sizable Native American population in over 100 years. I’m not sure how we’re are honoring them (argument I’ve seen) by calling our baseball team the “Indians.” Native Americans aren’t receiving a benefit from the organization. The name isn’t as egregious as the Redskins. However, I’m not sure it’s worth the fight or even the right thing to keep it.

 

Edited July 4, 20204 yr by Sir2geez

46 minutes ago, skiwest said:

Regardless, the name was not intended to be disrespectful. 

 

So where does this end? Will all western movies and TV shows that contain Indians, er, I mean Native Americans, need to be banned?

 

 

where does it end? it never ends. culture is not static, its ever evolving. i would hope its for the better.

 

regarding tv, i saw there was something in the news recently about controversy showing gone with the wind (which is nothing new). they decided to put a disclaimer up front.

 

this whole thing makes me wonder what fans thought in 1915 when the naps changed their name to the indians? they were the naps for over a decade, there had to be some feels ???

What about F Troop? The Hekawis were portrayed in a rather unflattering way. Actually, they were supposed to be the Fukawis, but the censors didn't allow it.

On 7/4/2020 at 3:14 AM, surfohio said:

Does anyone think the Braves, Chiefs and Florida State Seminoles will be changing their names? I personally don't see that happening.  The name "Indian" is not offensive in the same way the term "Redskin" is. Actually I don't recall any significant momentum out there to change the name of the Cleveland Indians, just to change the cartoonish logo of Chief Wahoo. 

 

Oh well, I'll just keep supporting my college, the Akron Zips until they fold all their sports teams because of budget cuts. 

 

 

 

   

Native groups and supporters have been pressing for YEARS to get all of those mascots changed. They've protested every opening day in CLE for YEARS. Just because you haven't heard of it doesn't mean it hasn't been happening. 

Only a small number have been protesting, and many of them were non Native Americans.

14 minutes ago, skiwest said:

Only a small number have been protesting, and many of them were non Native Americans.

Well there are only a small number of natives for some reason.