**2016 Cleveland Indians Thread***

[tkraft24]

Originally Posted by gpenko826

On the flip side, it's a waste of his talent and you have to wonder if this is going to screw him up mentally and developmentally...

This is what I'm most concerned about, how Bauer responds. But I feel better knowing that there is no way this decision was made without Callaway buying in. Mickey is the man and I'll trust his judgement.

[lambeauleap87]

My thought is that this move comes simply because Bauer would be the most effective out of the 'pen for a short period of time because someone will need to be sent down when Chisenhall comes back (Anderson?). Even then, I know Bauer still has some potential, but it's hard to look at his numbers over a pretty decent sample size (60 MLB starts) and take him for more than what he is. A career 4.50 ERA and 4.36 FIP without ever showing consistent improvement is what it is.

[gradedeflator]

Was hoping this was Bauers year...anyone think they might dangle him for OF help?

Dodgers need a pitcher. Maybe they eat Ethier or Crawfords contract. Or trade Trayce.

[RedsBaseball]

Does anyone know of somebody that is wanting to sell opening day tickets?

I tried to get them when they were released, but they sold out in like a minute.

I looked on the usual ticket marketplaces and people want world series prices for tickets it seems like lol.

[lambeauleap87]

Minor League rosters are live:

http://pressbox.mlb.com/documents/3/...1_ukylr2k1.pdf

[hohlernr]

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

Minor League rosters are live:

http://pressbox.mlb.com/documents/3/...1_ukylr2k1.pdf

Jealous of those that live near Akron.

[lambeauleap87]

Originally Posted by hohlernr

Jealous of those that live near Akron.

I live halfway between Akron and Columbus and greatly prefer Clippers games (although there's a bias), but if I don't spend the summer in Columbus, I think I'll be going to a lot more Akron games to start the season.

[tkraft24]

Originally Posted by RedsBaseball

Does anyone know of somebody that is wanting to sell opening day tickets?

I tried to get them when they were released, but they sold out in like a minute.

I looked on the usual ticket marketplaces and people want world series prices for tickets it seems like lol.

What are you looking for? My wife bought extras. I'll check to see what we have, but think we have 2 pairs of club seats and some standing room only.

[Matesamo]

I am starting to get excited about the season starting, god willing we get off to a better April then the last couple of years. I just planned out a road trip from RI to Ohio this summer so we can check out the Tribe pay in person on July 29th, July 30th, and July 31st. GO TRIBE!

[BobbyMac15]

Originally Posted by Matesamo

I am starting to get excited about the season starting, god willing we get off to a better April then the last couple of years. I just planned out a road trip from RI to Ohio this summer so we can check out the Tribe pay in person on July 29th, July 30th, and July 31st. GO TRIBE!

With a nice finish to break camp, winning five in a row, I'm ever so hopefully of the same. If they can stop shooting themselves in the foot right out of the gate, and at least stay around .500 until the Dr. comes back, maybe it could be a good year. I'm looking forward to seeing them at the end of June when they come down South to play the Braves. I made it up there last year for the six-game Memorial Day homestand, but won't be making it up this year.

And I totally agree with some of the comments above worrying about Bauer taking to the pen. I truly believe if he owns his role, he could be completely dominant in a late-inning situation, ala Wade Davis. And with Zach Mc and Chicken Al, we could be bringing some heat out of the back end of the bullpen like that other AL central team has had such success with the last couple of years.

Here's hoping...

[xbignick]

I've never seen so many Indians picks to win the world series. When did this become a thing?

[tkraft24]

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

Even then, I know Bauer still has some potential, but it's hard to look at his numbers over a pretty decent sample size (60 MLB starts) and take him for more than what he is. A career 4.50 ERA and 4.36 FIP without ever showing consistent improvement is what it is.

Now that the initial shock of the move has passed, I'm completely on board.

Bauer simply isn't as coach-able as Anderson and Tomlin. What Trevor needs to understand is that his poor results will matter way more than players that are 'with the program'. The reason being that other players are putting in their work (that was instructed) and the coaching staff believes the results will come with continued work.

With Bauer, the coaching staff might not believe the results will come with him doing his own thing. The team has been very patient and understanding of his individual preferences and obviously he hasn't progressed as hoped. So hopefully the shuffle will make something click.

I think the organization did a great job of making a few tough, win-first decisions this off-season:
(1) Dumping Chris Johnson: pretty unexpected for a 'smaller-market' team to dump its 2nd highest paid player for the year. Addition by subtraction!
(2) Starting Naquin: He will be the first rookie to start Opening Day for the Indians in 30 years. Thanks Almonte!
(3) Bauer to the Bullpen: Coaching staff is showing some spine with most shocking move of all.

Things are starting to feel a little different around here!

[gpenko826]

In former Indians news -

Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher have both been released by the Braves. Along with us dumping Chris Johnson at the start of the off-season, there will be 3 players being paid nearly 40 million dollars total to NOT PLAY this year. When it's all said and done, Swish and Bourn might be the 2 worst free agent signings in team history - you're finally off the hook, Keith Hernandez and Jack McDowell!

[tkraft24]

Looks like I might have jumped the gun with Naquin starting Opening Day. Cowgill is the projected starting CF if that means anything.

[awz50]

Opening day against you guys, In less then 48 hours

[tkraft24]

Originally Posted by awz50

Opening day against you guys, In less then 48 hours

I'll be there and won't need to worry about my beer getting warm

[awz50]

Originally Posted by tkraft24

I'll be there and won't need to worry about my beer getting warm

It snowed in Boston last night, so hopefully it's a little warmer in Cleveland.

[lambeauleap87]

Originally Posted by tkraft24

Looks like I might have jumped the gun with Naquin starting Opening Day. Cowgill is the projected starting CF if that means anything.

Just a platoon move since Naquin never hit lefties that well in the Minors, so I'm guessing they're hesitant to have him make his ML debut against one of the best lefties on the planet.

[tkraft24]

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

Just a platoon move since Naquin never hit lefties that well in the Minors, so I'm guessing they're hesitant to have him make his ML debut against one of the best lefties on the planet.

Understood, just don't like the move. Just about every hitter has a bad day when an elite lefty SP takes the mound. I like the eventual Chiz/Byrd platoon in right since Byrd is a proven commodity. But Cowgill over getting a rookie regular playing time and on the job training? no thanks.

Hope he proves me wrong tomorrow and gives me something to cheer about!

[Matesamo]

Opening Day postponed due to cold, announced less than two hours before first pitch. What a shame, lots of people already downtown and parked before the announcement that the game will be played tomorrow.

What a nightmare since it a) is supposed to be just as cold tomorrow and b) it is a 11am start instead of 4pm which means I (along with many others I would assume) will be at work and will miss the game.

[SaveMeTheGum]

Originally Posted by Matesamo

Opening Day postponed due to cold, announced less than two hours before first pitch. What a shame, lots of people already downtown and parked before the announcement that the game will be played tomorrow.

What a nightmare since it a) is supposed to be just as cold tomorrow and b) it is a 11am start instead of 4pm which means I (along with many others I would assume) will be at work and will miss the game.

and c) you have Toronto (dome team) playing against Tampa (dome team) in Tampa Bay. I have a crazy idea. How about BOS @ TOR and Cleveland @ TB to start the season....

[hohlernr]

Bush league out of the Indians for waiting so close to first pitch to cancel. I can understand if there was rain or snow, but to cancel due to cold when you've known the forecast for days is ridiculous. Unfortunately I was parking when they made the announcement so I essentially drove 6 hours from Michigan for nothing.

They also really dropped the ball with their original ticket replacement policy. The updated policy is slightly better, but doesn't help me because I can't make another game in April or May. Plus the face value of the tickets I bought were 3x normal tickets so even getting 2 games is not equal value.

[tkraft24]

Worst Opening Day ever! Everyone at the the Clevelander was ready to go and in disbelief with the decision. Just terrible. Not even close to the conditions in 2007 and they tried to get the game in then.

[lambeauleap87]

The outfield combined to go 0-9 with eight strikeouts today, so that's pretty neat. Bauer looked terrible out of the 'pen. I know it's only one game, but it sure was an ugly one game.

[tkraft24]

Originally Posted by lambeauleap87

The outfield combined to go 0-9 with eight strikeouts today, so that's pretty neat. Bauer looked terrible out of the 'pen. I know it's only one game, but it sure was an ugly one game.

Naquin makes ML debut via pinch hitting?!? Pure bafoonery.

I was downtown yesterday and today. The city was ready for the game yesterday....place would have been packed. It would have been a great showing of fan support, a true Opening Day.

Today's game was just another game. Nothing about the environment felt special. I feel bad that the 2016 Indians didn't get there dose of Opening Day to show the kind of environment the fans are capable of creating.