Tribe Talk: It's Only The Beginning

By Alex Hale, @ThatCLESportGuy

They weren’t supposed to be that close to a World Series Championship.  The injuries that depleted their roster would make us just lucky to be in the playoffs, let alone winning the first American League pennant since 1997.  The players that emerged were supposed to be fringe prospects that could be serviceable, but you couldn’t count on them.  The coaching was suspect and with a down year could potentially put a future Hall of Fame Manager on the hot seat.  Yet…after all of that, the Cleveland Indians were 1 WIN AWAY from winning the Franchise’s first World Series since 1948.  And while the loss in the World Series to the Cubs stung, the Indians and their fans shouldn’t hang their heads down over this.  What they did was nothing short of miraculous and shouldn’t be forgotten, given everything that happened.  In 2016 we learned more about the character of the Cleveland Indians franchise than we did by the pure potential of the team in terms of talent.  In this Season Wrap-up we will see how the Indians got to the doorstep of winning the Fall Classic.

We go back to March when Spring Training started, the Indians were looked at by many as a team with a great Starting Rotation, a solid bullpen, but an offense that was extremely suspect, especially with Michael Brantley not scheduled to return until May.  The Indians had added Mike Napoli and Rajai Davis to add some veteran presence along with the power and speed they provided.  The Indians would add Juan Uribe to provide someone to start at 3B, along with his winning attitude that he’s brought everywhere he’s been.  What the Indians didn’t expect was the Spring Training emergence of Tyler Naquin who would torch pitching throughout March, earning his spot on the Opening Day roster.  Going into the regular season, expectations were low, I had the Indians finishing fourth in the division.  Little did we know the craziness that awaited us in the Regular Season…

The Indians started the year at home against the Boston Red Sox, a team a lot of analysts had picked to win the AL East.  That series would have 2 postponed games and the Indians would struggle out of the gate.  The Indians were primarily led by Josh Tomlin who went 3-0 with a 3.18 ERA.  Corey Kluber would start out the year in April going 1-3, leaving a lot of people to wonder if the Indians were going to get the 2015 Kluber, who pitched well, but just had no luck in terms of run support.  Michael Brantley would return late in the month of April, but would only be on the roster for 11 games before suffering a setback that would keep him out the rest of the season.  The Indians would go 10-11 in April, leaving many fans to wonder if 2016 was going to be just another mediocre year.

The Indians would show signs of life in May going 16-13, but it wasn’t until June that the Indians started to really come together.  The Indians would go on a 14 game winning streak that lead to a 22-6 month of June clearly putting the Indians atop of the AL Central.  The Indians were finally getting the 2014 AL Cy Young Corey Kluber back and Josh Tomlin was quietly off to one of his best seasons ever and would be one of the biggest AL All-Star snubs.  The Indians rotation was coming together, the Indians bullpen was hitting their stride and finding some new impact relievers like Dan Otero to bolster the depth.  The biggest story though in the month of June was the emergence of Jose Ramirez, who had burst onto the scene as a clutch hitter who was capable of filling the role left by the loss of Michael Brantley.  By June, the Indians had been platooning Ramirez with Juan Uribe at 3B and by July would become the full-time 3B as the Indians would release Juan Uribe.

In the month of July the Indians were at a crossroads, they had a solid offense that would probably propel them to an AL Central Championship as Mike Napoli became the Indians cleanup hitter and allowed the rest of the lineup to find their own roles to create a consistent balanced lineup.  But the Indians were missing something, a lefty reliever that they could rely on.  As the Trade Deadline approached, the Indians searched many options, but decided to go bold and push their chips in acquiring from the Yankees RP Andrew Miller AND Brewers C Jonathan Lucroy…or so we thought.  As the Andrew Miller trade was finalized that sent prized OF prospect Clint Frazier to the Yankees, Jonathan Lucroy would use this opportunity to exercise his No Trade clause, rejecting playing for the Indians.  This would force the returning Roberto Perez to platoon with veteran journeyman Chris Jimenez at Catcher.  But through this process, the Indians Front Office made a statement, “We’re ready to win NOW”.  That message hit home with the locker room who would use Jonathan Lucroy’s rejection as fuel that would propel them to the AL Central Crown, finishing the regular season at 94-67.

But the end of the year caused some roadblocks for the Indians going into the playoffs.  Danny Salazar had gone through shoulder problems in the 2nd Half that would put the Indians down one in their rotation.  Then Carlos Carrasco got in the way of a line drive that would break his hand, ending his season.  The Indians would go on to rely on Kluber, Josh Tomlin (after a horrible month of August), Trevor Bauer and Terry Francona’s “bullpen days” that would utilize the entire bullpen to get them through the game.  Going into the postseason, very few had the Indians really making it past the first round against the Red Sox.  Even Indians beat writers doubted their chances.

In the playoffs the Indians as they had come to show all year long showed the resilience that became their identity.  Against almost impossible odds to even stop Boston and the David Ortiz farewell tour, the Indians made quick work sweeping the Red Sox.  The Indians would then go on to face former team President Mark Shapiro and his Toronto Blue Jays.  With Corey Kluber and a revitalized Josh Tomlin, the Indians took two wins in Cleveland.  But a certain drone incident would set the team back again as Trevor Bauer’s pinky would be severely cut and in Game 3 wouldn’t make it out of the 1st inning because of his cut being reopened.  The Indians would somehow with their bullpen win Game 3 and would lose Game 4 with Corey Kluber starting.  That left Game 5 in the hands of rookie SP Ryan Merritt, who had one other career start late in the year at Kansas City.  Merritt would shock everyone, dominating an extremely talented Toronto lineup before turning it over to ALCS MVP Andrew Miller and the bullpen to close out the series and send the Indians to the World Series.

Now we all know how the World Series went down, the Indians against overwhelming odds and almost every analyst saying the Cubs would easily win this series, would somehow have a 3-1 lead against Chicago.  While the Indians would blow that lead, Game 7 of the World Series was the definition of the Cleveland Indians.  Down 6-1, the Indians wouldn’t quit and claw their way back before Rajai Davis, who had struggled all postseason would hit a game tying Home Run off Aroldis Chapman, who before Davis hadn’t given up a Home Run since he arrived in Chicago.  The Indians would one swing away from their first World Series Championship since 1948.  Even down 2 in the 10th, the Indians would continue to fight, scoring one and have the winning run at the plate before the Cubs finished the series once and for all.

Rajai. Davis.

Cleveland. Legend. #Game7 pic.twitter.com/PptzTVwcu5

— MLB (@MLB) November 3, 2016

So what did we learn in 2016 about the Cleveland Indians?  The Indians may not have the superstars like most teams, but the Indians have a will to win that can’t be measured.  Every time you count this team out, they fight until the bitter end.  While the ending wasn’t what we all had hoped for, the Indians seem like they’re in the same position as the Royals were after coming up short in 2014.  Like those Royals, the Indians not just have the bullpen, but the resilience that makes you never count them out of a game.  I fully expect the Indians to come into the 2017 season hungry to finish what they started in 2016 and to be honest, no matter what they do in the offseason, I wouldn’t put anything past these guys.  In 2015, I said their struggles throughout the 2015 season was exactly what they needed.  The Indians had guys like Jason Kipnis and Corey Kluber step up as a leaders and hold the team accountable.  It started to rub off on the new blood of the core like Jose Ramirez and Francisco Lindor who have finally seemingly have the left side of the infield plugged in for years to come.  Most of the team is under contract and will be back together for 2017 and will be ready to finish their mission.

While the Indians have decisions to make on bringing back Rajai Davis and Mike Napoli, I’m going to save my offseason predictions.  I mean nothing really happens until the Winter Meetings, but rest assured, you’ll see what I’d do and more importantly how the Indians have plenty of money to spend this offseason.

Guys…the Indians weren’t supposed to get here.  All the series of events throughout the season screamed that the Indians were lucky to even get to the playoffs.  Yet somehow, someway the Indians were 1 swing away from a World Series Championship.  This is only the beginning Tribe fans, the future is indeed bright for the Cleveland Indians.  WE WILL BE BACK…I guarantee it.

Krunch Time With Katelin 5.19.16: Why Won't The Indians Give Naquin a Chance?

By Katelin Marshall, @KatelinKnowsCLE

When are the Indians going to give Tyler Naquin a chance to just take over the starting center field spot? This question got be wondering after the Indians sent him down today to make room for rookie starting pitcher Mike Clevinger, who will make his MLB debut tonight against the Reds.

Naquin made the team out of spring training after playing lights out in March and because of injuries to Michael Brantley and Lonnie Chisenhall. Naquin who was the Indians' first round pick in 2012 (15th overall) has played in 27 games this year for the tribe and is hitting .317.

Now I get it, he is still a  rookie who has only been in the MLB for two months but the way the Indians are projected to use him is interesting.

Obviously any rookie is a work in progress but I don't understand the Indians thinking. You have Tyler Naquin, a 25 year old rookie, who has shown he could hit for contact and play a decent center field with pretty good speed and he is a natural center fielder being sent down to triple A. Instead of Naquin the Indians are still hoping for Lonnie Chisenhall to become the power hitting bat they initially thought back in 2008 when the Indians drafted him in the first round.

My main concern is that the Indians might waste another first round pick while desperately trying to get every little ounce of another. Lonnie has been a major disappointment, once projected as the third basemen for the next 10+ years he his now a platoon outfielder with a soon to be 39 year old Marlon Byrd...and I can't forget the Indians now are trying to have Chisenhall play center field. Yes, Lonnie is 27 and has just entered the "prime" of his career but the Indians will have to choose sooner rather than later.

My other concern is again wasting a first round pick (Naquin) just to be the Indians' 4th or 5th outfielder for the next 5-7 years. Now I know having someone like him is valuable for depth on the 25 man roster but with the way guys like Bradley Zimmer and Clint Frazier have progressed it seems that Naquin might be the odd man out. Now this is not saying Naquin is better than those two but with Frazier and Zimmer progressing as quickly as they are and with youth on their side this year might be the only real chance Naquin gets to become a starter.


I get the Cleveland Indians are known for their patients while developing young players but at what point can they just take a chance? Instead of watching a converted outfielder who has a career .258 BA.  play 5x a week, why not let Naquin develop on the fly in Cleveland?

Tribe Talk: Cleveland Indians 2016 Preview #Indians

Its Tribe Time, Once Again
By Alex Hale, @DaSportsGenius7

As Spring Training comes to a close, that means that Opening Day is only a week away and the Indians Opening Day roster is starting to take shape.  The Indians going into the season look to be one of the dark horses in the American League and a potential threat to the defending World Champion Royals in defending their AL Central crown.  While the Indians have stiff competition from other teams in the division, the Indians certainly look ready for the challenge.  But before we talk about this year’s Indians, we need to take a second to look back at last season in order to set our expectations for this year.

2015 Indians Review

While Sports Illustrated last year crowned us as the World Series Champions, a slow start in April and the loss of Yan Gomes set the Indians back early on.  Corey Kluber would struggle to get any run support and the 2014 Cy Young winner went winless for the first month and a half but finished strong.  Jason Kipnis had a great start to the 2015, but he tailed off in the second half.  Outside of Kipnis’ strong start, the only consistent bat was Michael Brantley.  The biggest story obviously was the arrival of the much-hyped Francisco Lindor and was exactly as advertised.  The Indians defense was vastly improved and Lindor was at the head of it.  Lindor more importantly surprised people with his hitting ability, especially showing signs of power in his power.  With Giovanny Urshela and Lonnie Chisenhall providing much upgrades defensively for their positions, both need to prove more offense for the Indians in 2016 to really make some noise.  In a nutshell, the 2015 Indians got exactly what the doctor ordered.  Identifying having a good clubhouse atmosphere and finally having the core players step up as the leaders will benefit the Indians moving forward.


2016 Indians: What To Watch For

Francisco Lindor

Let’s address the Elephant in the room right now.  Lindor, along with Carlos Correa are being tabbed by National Media as the next Alex Rodriguez/Derek Jeter rivalry when it comes to the position.  Lindor excelled both offensively and defensively in his rookie year, and in my personal opinion was robbed of the Rookie of the Year.  As great as Lindor is, I’ll use the comparison former Indians GM Jon Hart said the night the Indians drafted Lindor calling him, “An Omar Vizquel who can hit”.  I urge Indians fans not to expect Lindor to win the MVP award this year, but I expect a Gold Glove season and a potential All-Star debut.

Pitching Staff

We all know the Indians pitching staff is among the best in the bigs, the major question is will the Indians get the emergence of a 4th starter (Bauer, Clevinger, Tomlin, or Anderson) to go with the 3-Headed monster in Kluber, Carrasco, and Salazar.  While Kluber did have a bad start last year, the numbers didn’t reflect his continued effectiveness.  If the Indians can score runs for Kluber, then Kluber could easily win 20 games and get back into Cy Young Award discussions.  But a lot of people have talked about Carlos Carrasco as the pitcher who could shock people and emerge as the true ace.  Carrasco has improved each of the last 2 years, if he continues this, nothing will shock me.  But my money is on Danny Salazar to be the one everyone fears.  Salazar hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential, I expect Salazar to tap into his changeup as a bigger weapon and will emerge as one of the top pitchers in the American League.

Tyler Naquin

Well it’s now official, Tyler Naquin after being the Indians 1st Round pick in 2012 will finally debut for the Tribe on Opening Day.  Naquin has torn up Spring Training and rightfully won the job, especially after Abraham Almonte was suspended.  Naquin was known coming out of Texas A&M to be a very polished hitter who may not stand out in one area, but does everything well.  Naquin should be the Indians everyday Center Fielder in 2016.  What Indians fans should know is Naquin is a huge upgrade defensively in Center Field and compared to Almonte, an upgrade offensively.  I’m gonna be bold here, but my money will be on Tyler Naquin to win Rookie of the Year.

The New Guys

In the offseason, the Indians turned down plenty of opportunities to get offensive help through trade and instead went out and got veterans Mike Napoli, Rajai Davis, and Juan Uribe to help bring not just some extra offense, but clubhouse leadership.  Napoli is the one I’d focus on.  Napoli although his numbers say he did poorly, Napoli turned things around in September and ended the year strong.  He’s shown in Spring Training he was worth the investment, Indians fans better hope he was.

Indians Financial Situation

Nobody will discuss this, but I’m putting it out there.  If the Indians are in the playoff hunt in July, Indians Owners Larry and Paul Dolan are going to have to make a very tough decision.  As we all know, the Dolan's have been very reluctant in past years to invest into the team when we needed to make a big splash.  This will be the ultimate test for the Dolan's, and if they were to finally invest in this team, the Dolan's could finally earn the trust of Indians fans everywhere.  If not, this fan base will make sure the Dolan's never hear the end of this, especially if it costs the Tribe a playoff run.

Terry Francona

Guys, I know we all love Terry Francona and what he’s brought to the Indians, but if Francona can’t get the Indians over the hump this year, questions need to be answered.  Is Francona the right guy to push the Indians where they need to go.  In my personal opinion, another .500 season isn’t good enough to keep his job.  As unpopular it is for me to say this, but Francona is on the hot seat with me and he should be with the Indians.


The Next Generation

This season for the Indians does look to be a very promising one, but the Indians fans really should take the time to go see the future of this team in the Minors while they still can.  The Indians future is extremely bright and these are a few names the fans should check out.

Clint Frazier

While Bradley Zimmer is probably the next big hype prospect up on the Indians, Clint Frazier is the “crowned jewel” of the entire Farm System.  Frazier struggled at the beginning of last year, but ended extremely well and it extended into the Arizona Fall League.  He probably is going to start the year at AA Akron, and I expect him to be there for the entire season with maybe a late season AAA call up.  Frazier’s pure hitting ability and love for the game make him a future star when he finally arrives in Cleveland.

Bobby Bradley

When fans talk about the next stars of the Indians, Bobby Bradley might be the best 1B prospect the team has had in years.  Reminiscent of a young Ryan Howard, Bradley’s pure power is amazing and if Bradley can cut down on the strikeouts, he could be right up there with the Indians next core of stars with Lindor, Naquin, Zimmer and Frazier.  I expect him to start in High-A Lynchberg, but he should arrive in Akron by year’s end.

Brady Aiken

Before I talk about Aiken, I’d like to thank the first 16 teams that picked before the Indians for passing on Aiken.  The former #1 Overall pick in 2014 didn’t sign with the Astros and later would have Tommy John Surgery due to injury.  Aiken is the best pitching prospect the Indians have had in quite possibly the past 20 years.  While he won’t start the year right away, when he does he’ll probably be in Lake County and every start is MUST WATCH.  He has a great fastball that sits in the mid/low 90s, but more importantly already has advanced secondary pitches, especially a devastating curveball.  He might not arrive until 2018, but Indians fans need to enjoy him in the minors.

Triston McKenzie

I have to make room for my favorite prospect in the Indians organization.  The Indians 2nd pick in the 2015 draft after Brady Aiken, McKenzie was signed to a $2.3 million contract to get him out of his commitment to LSU.  McKenzie his tall and extremely lanky, will need to add some bulk as he makes his way up, but his delivery is smooth and consistent.  With his current frame, he throws a low/mid 90s fastball, but that could go up as he gains some bulk.  His curveball is already advanced for his age to go with a developing changeup.  He’s years away from Cleveland, but he might be better than Aiken when its said and done.


2016 Projection

The Indians must start out strong to begin the 2016 season.  The first month will be the Indians biggest challenge and will determine the rest of the year for the team.  We all know the Indians can end strong, but can they keep it up for the 6 month journey that is baseball’s season?  It’s imperative that the Indians WIN ON OPENING DAY.  For the past 3 years, the Indians consistently fail in front of a jam packed Progressive Field.  We know Progressive Field will be jammed Opening Day and against David Price and the Red Sox, it’s going to be a tough challenge.  If the Indians can win that game, its small but it shows the improvement the Indians have made.  The AL Central is stacked with the emerging young Twins, the Chris Sale/Jose Abreu tandem in Chicago, the bottomless pockets of Mike Ilitch and the Tigers, and the defending World Champion Royals.  The Indians cannot be intimidated or let one game let them down on their quest for another playoff birth.  I expect this year the Indians to finally make that jump and put themselves in position to get in the Playoffs.  It will be a long and trying season for the Indians and its fans, but my firm belief is keep the faith in this team, these group of guys are destined to take the next step.

Final Record: 88-74, 2nd in AL Central, Wild Card Game

On The Mark 4.2.15: Cleveland Indians 2015 Season Preview #Indians

By @MarkW2112

Hello Tribe fans! It's time once again for baseball on the "corner of Carnegie and Ontario" and this year, expectations are high for the Cleveland Indians.  This is the third year Terry "Tito" Francona has been manager and while they made the wildcard one off game in 2013, 2014 was a bit of a disappointment when they weren't able to make the playoffs.  And while there was some highs (Corey Kluber's Cy Young winning year) there were also lows (Michael Bourn and Nick Swisher injuries) the time might be right for the Indians to make a run at the AL Central Division title.

Let's start with the pitching staff.  Corey Kluber leads the starters after a phenomenal season.  Going 18-9 with a 2.34 ERA and 269 strikeouts were definitely Cy Young worthy numbers.  Look for him to continue his streak of excellent pitching this year.  Following him are youngsters' Trevor Bauer and Carlos Carrasco.  Both showed flashes of brilliance, especially later in the season.  Carrasco really changed things around after the All Star break when he became the dominant pitcher many thought he could be.  Both pitchers will have their ups and downs this year but I expect both to continue to improve as the year goes on.  Lefty T.J. House and Zach McAllister will round out the 5 man rotation for the Tribe.  

The bullpen will have good contributors in closer Cody Allen, Mark Rzepczynski and Bryan Shaw.  The season will depend on this group being solid if the Indians have any chance at the playoffs.

Offensively, Michael Brantley will lead the team after having an MVP worthy 2014.  His .327 average with 20 home runs, 45 doubles and 97 RBI's were career highs.  Expect him to duplicate many of those same numbers if not exceed them in 2015.  The addition of Brandon Moss (who has had a monster training camp) should help the middle of the lineup along with steady contributions from Carlos Santana, Yan Gomes, a healthy Jason Kipnis and  Michael Bourn.  The only question mark going into the season is who will be the every day shortstop.  Right now it looks more like a platoon between Jose Ramirez and Mike Aviles.  Both are a stop gap for Francisco Lindor, who I truly believe will finally make his major league debut sometime after July.

Season Prediction:  Screw any Sports Illustrated "jinx".  The Indians have a very good shot at winning the AL Central for the first time since 2007.  With injuries and free agency taking away some of the weapons both the Royals and Tigers had last year, the Indians can sneak in and win the division.  It will all depend on the young but solid starting staff and if the Indians can get more production from Bourn, Kipnis and, eventually, Nick Swisher.  Brandon Moss will bring a power bat and his platoon with Ryan Raburn should be successful for both.  The biggest advantage is Terry "Tito" Francona who may very well be the best manager in all of baseball.  His excellent managerial skills along with the chemistry his team has can get the Tribe to over 90 wins and in to a deep playoff run.

Final Record: 91-71, first place, AL Central Division Champions with the Tribe going far in to the playoffs this year.  Perhaps even a World Series trip.

I look forward to writing and contributing Indians recaps and stories for Triple Threat CLE this spring/summer and in to the fall.

Leadoff with Lee 8.2.14

-During last night's USA Basketball intrasquad scrimmage game at UNLV, Indiana Pacers star forward Paul George suffered a VERY gruesome broken right leg. While getting back on defense, George went up in the air to defend a James Harden lay up and landed at the base of the basket stanchion. George's leg buckled and snapped, breaking the skin. Teammates reacted immediately, sickened and doubled over with great concern for their fallen friend, teammate and basketball brother. Medics rushed to the fallen George, stabilizing his leg in an air cast before taking him to a Las Vegas hospital where he was accompanied by his family. Needless to say, U.S. coach and Duke University coach Mike Krzyzewski announced that out of respect for Paul and his family, the game was over.

Almost two hours after the incident, Paul George tweeted this out:

Thanks everybody for the love and support.. I'll be ok and be back better than ever!!! Love y'all!! #YoungTrece

— Paul George (@Paul_George24) August 2, 2014

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo would not speculate on the severity of the injury and asked the media to be patient and not to ask when Team USA roster cuts would be made. Along with all members of both scrimmage teams, players around the league reacted, sending out their well wishes and prayers to Paul and his family.

George, only 24, has emerged as the leader of the Pacers and one of the best players in the NBA and a two-time All-Star. George signed a 5 year $90M extension with the Pacers last season that was ready to kick in this season.

USA Basketball it announced that he had successful emergency surgery of a right leg open tibia-fibula with no ancillary damage and is expected to remain in a Las Vegas hospital for about 3 days. Recovery time could range anywhere from 6 to 12 months, at minimum. A very sad time for USA Basketball, the NBA, the Indiana Pacers and Paul George and his family.
-Chris Williams, The Raven Report

---

-Even though we all know Andrew Wiggins has been involved in the trade talks for Timberwolves big man Kevin Love, I have "may" have further proof of the trade details that were made in principal. After looking at Cavs.com jerseys, Andrew Wiggins' jersey has been labeled discontinued. Could this be a internet error? I for one, don't think so. Remember when LeBron was drafted? His jersey was labeled sold out and wasn't labeled discontinued until he signed with the Heat.

-Josh Gordon's appeal hearing appearantly went longer than I first reported. From the same source I talked to yesterday morning around 10:22 to be exact, called me at 5:45 and told me "That was just a recess at 10:30am. Gordon's appeal hearing will resume Monday afternoon. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will review all the details and I will still say we will hear something Wednesday or Thursday at the latest. In my opinion, sample A was positive and samble B was negative. 1 positive + 1 negative = 0. I was horrible at math but I'm sure that is correct. But according to the NFL CBA, Sample A is the main test and sample B is to confirm the drug was in the system. But I have heard and seen false positive tests.

-Who knew golfers get tested for drugs? Dustin Johnson tested positive for cocaine. He also failed tests for marijuana in 2009, and two more tests for coke in 2012. Johnson has been suspended for 6 months by the PGA. Friday he stated, he will seek treatment for his "personal challenges" I.E his drinking, drug and sex indiscretions.

-The Cleveland Indians romped the Texas Rangers 12-2 on Jim Thome statue day. Danny Salazar pitched 6 innings, giving up one run, 4 hits and 4 strike outs. "Dr. Smooth" Michael Brantley went 3-4 with 2 RBI. Right fielder David Murphy went 4-4, scoring 2 runs and 2 RBI. It was just an all out hit fest as the Indians scored 12 runs on 16 hits. Danny Salazar goes to 4-4 on the season. They will take the field again tonight at 7 PM, with TJ House on the bump.

-Support Triple Threat Podcast by liking and following us on Facebook and Twitter, @triple3xthreat. Also, tweet and follow Chris Williams here @nevaRWilliams and myself, Chris Lee here @cleeverizon.

Leadoff with Lee 5.9.14

-Be on the lookout later today for Browns React where we cover the Cleveland Browns draft picks in the 2014 NFL Draft.

-The Miami Heat beat the Brooklyn Nets 94-82. King James had a game high 22 points, Chris Bosh added 18. Deron Williams couldn't hit a shot, going 0-9 from the field with 0 points for the Nets. Mirza Teletovic set a Nets playoff record, hitting six 3-pointers scoring a total of 20 points off the bench. Miami leads the series 2-0. Game 3 will be Saturday in Brooklyn.

-The Spurs topped the Blazers 114-97 to go up 2-0 in the series. As always, the Spurs played a great overall team game with Kawhi Leonard leading the way with 20 points. San Antonio had 7 players score double figures. Other notables for the Spurs, Tony Parker had a double-double scoring 16 points and 10 assists. The Blazers shot a dismal 43% from the field. Nicolas Batum had a team high 21 points for the Blazers. Game 3 will be on Saturday.

-The Indians racked up 15 hits in their 9-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins yesterday afternoon at Progressive field. Asdrubal Cabrera, Michael Brantley, David Murphy and Mike Aviles all had 3 or more hits in the game. Cabrera and Brantley both hit home runs for the Tribe. Justin Masterson improved to 2-1 on the season with the win. He went 6.1 innings giving up 4 hits and 2 earned runs in the series finale. The Indians open up their weekend series versus the Rays in Tampa on Friday at 7 PM.

Leadoff with Lee 4.14.14

-Sunday's Indians game should be labeled "The Long Lost Game". Including rain delays, the game lasted for 5 hours and 18 minutes. Despite a great pitching performance by Corey Kluber, the Tribe lost a tough one versus the Chicago White Sox with a final score of 4-3.

The Indians struck first after Michael Brantley's solo homerun in the top of the 4th. After a 45 minute rain delay, the Sox scored a run of their own after a botched throw to first by Asdrubal Cabrera, which brought in Connor Gillespie from 3rd base. After being knotted up 1-1 through 8, Corey Kluber gave up a solo shot to Marcus Semien to put the Sox ahead 2-1. Heading into the 9th inning, Michael Brantley scored after a single from Yan Gomes to tie the game 2-2. Gomes came in to score from 3rd base after a wild pitch from White Sox closer Matt Lindstrom. But in the bottom of the 9th, Alexei Ramirez crushed a 2-run homer off of Indians closer John Axford to give the White Sox a 4-3 victory.

-The Cavs had the night off as they prepare for their season finale at home against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday. The Cavs final home game is also fan appreciation night, with tickets still available.

-"Draft Day" the movie about the Cleveland Browns, starring Kevin Costner, raked in $9.8 million dollars in its first weekend of release.