SB Nation Cleveland: All Posts by Eddy Jansenhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48841/cleveland-fave.png2012-12-18T17:50:00-06:00https://cleveland.sbnation.com/authors/eddy-jansen/rss2012-12-18T17:50:00-06:002012-12-18T17:50:00-06:00rookie shooting guard is cleared to start, Cavs lo
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<figcaption>Cavaliers guard Dion Waiters | US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>rookie shooting guard is cleared to start, Cavs look to start winning </p> <p>Exactly one week ago, the Cavaliers confidence received an ally oop when Kyrie Irving returned to the team, face mask or not. Tonight, the Cavaliers get some more good news as this years fourth overall pick Dion Waters returns from a sore ankle.rookie shooting guard is cleared to start, Cavs look to start winning Now, for the first time in 20 games, the Cavaliers are at full strength, ready to take on the Toronto Raptors.</p>
<p>"I though about bringing him off the bench because CJ has played so well lately," said coach Byron Scott. "But I also considered that Kyrie missed 11 games, had to practice, put him back in the starting lineup, Dion missed eight games and had a good practice yesterday, so put him back in the starting lineup. That is my mentality. You can not loose your starting job due to an injury."</p>
<p>In addition to a returning starter, the Cavaliers will also have a full compliment of reserves, and they will be active tonight. Coach Scott has an idea of what he wants to do, but "it is more of a feel thing." Irving and Waiters will both be on the floor this evening starting for the Cavaliers. They will be joined by Alonzo Gee, Tristan Thompson, and Anderson Varajao, each of whom will be looking to build chemistry with the previously injured guards. </p>
<p>That means that guard CJ Miles is headed to the bench, but Coach Scott said he would be the "first one" off the bench. Miles has averaged over 20 points per game in Waiter's absence in the starting lineup.</p>
<p>Toronto can not say the same about being at full strength; they are far from it. They will be without their second and third leading scorers, Andrea Bargnani and point guard Kyle Lowry. Their top offensive weapon, Demar DeRozan, is not in the starting lineup, but may see minutes off of the bench. Toronto will look to steal a game from Cleveland and the three masked men Irving, Tyler Zeller, and Tristian Thompson.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/12/18/3782076/the-wait-is-over-dion-returns-to-the-cavs-tonightEddy Jansen2012-12-14T22:17:46-06:002012-12-14T22:17:46-06:00Turnovers doom Cavs hopes of getting a home win
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<figcaption>David Richard-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Ellis's 33 Doom Cavs </p> <p>Cavaliers Head Coach Byron Scott knew exactly why the Cavaliers could not close out their game vs. Milwaukee at Quicken Loans Arena Friday night.</p>
<p>"It's pretty simple. When you come out with a lack of energy and lack of effort that we came out with, you are not going to win a whole lot of games."</p>
<p>He was referring to the 27 turnovers, six of which came in the fourth quarter, that the Cavaliers surrendered. The Bucks were able to cash in on those miscues for 23 points. The Bucks outscored the Cavs only by by one point in the final twelve minutes, but the inability to protect home court did them in. The Cavaliers fell to 3-7 at home with the loss.</p>
<p>"We had mentioned from day-one about protecting home court," said Coach Scott after the game. "It was mentioned even before training came started. It's just not registering. Twenty seven turnovers speaks for itself."</p>
<p>This was one of those games where the top scorer needed to take over. Irving attempted six shots in the fourth quarter, but only two of them went in. The former number one overall pick drove hard to the basket mid way through the second quarter, and came down with a boom after the contact from Milwauke's Doron Lamb. It was a scary moment that took the breath of the fourteen thousand plus fans for a moment, but Irving recovered without leaving the game. The team is taking precautionary measures to take a further look at his left cheek.</p>
<p>Milwaukee's top scorer, Monta Ellis, appeared unguardable at times. He tallying up 33 points, with nine coming in the final quarter.</p>
<p>Defense really was not the problem, though Coach Scott points to a lack of offensive execution, leading to several mistakes, for the team's second straight loss.</p>
<p>"We did a good job for the most part defensively tonight, but the lack of focus on the offensive end - there were times when I had no idea what we were running." Scott said. Their defense held the Bucks to just 40 percent shooting, but the could not step up when they needed to.</p>
<p>Guard C.J. Miles, other than Irving, who scored a team high 26, was just about the only Cavalier to have things flowing with the ball in his hands. He went three of five from behind the three point arc, and totaled 17 points at nights end.</p>
<p>"We really were not attacking them on offense,." Miles said in the locker room. "We took a lot of jumps shots. And then down the stretch Monta (Ellis) made a couple plays, and we did not make a couple plays."</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/12/14/3768990/the-buck-doesnt-stop-here-27-turnovers-cost-cavs-a-winEddy Jansen2012-12-14T18:08:30-06:002012-12-14T18:08:30-06:00Cavs Look to Move the Ball for Forty Eight Minutes
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<figcaption>Eric P. Mull-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>After Slow second half, Cav's look to Rebound at Home </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fearthesword.com/">Cavaliers</a> are hoping that history will repeat itself tonight at the Q as they welcome the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brewhoop.com/">Milwaukee Bucks</a>. Cleveland has won 14 of their last 18 games against the Bucks at Quicken Loans Arena.</p>
<p>Though, last time the two teams faced off, Milwaukee point guard <span>Brandon Jennings</span> hit a buzzer beating three point shot to douse the Cavaliers 105-102. The Cavs will turn to red hot guard <span>C.J. Miles</span> tonight, who will get his third consecutive start at guard. Miles has scored 28 points in back to games, and has scored in double figures in each of the past five games on 51.7% shooting.</p>
<p>Miles fills in for the injured rookie Dion Waters, who has been out since December third with a sore ankle. Coach <span>Byron Scott</span> told reporters that Waiters had his clearance to play from the doctors, but will not see action tonight. "I still need to see him go through a full day of practice," said Scott. "I want to see him play five on five, go up and down the court, attacking the basket, being defended. Only then will I be more satisfied."</p>
<p>Scott's philosophy is that an injured player never looses a starting spot due to injury, but Waiters still has a while to go. The team is targeting Tuesday night vs Toronto for Waiters' return to the floor.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/12/14/3768166/cavaliers-go-for-two-out-of-three-tonight-vs-milwaukeeEddy Jansen2012-10-11T09:57:10-05:002012-10-11T09:57:10-05:00Fracona's mandate obvious as he takes over Tribe
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<p>The mandate for new Indians manager Terry Francona is quite clear.</p> <p>If the Major League Baseball season is comparable to a roller coaster ride, then the first and steepest hill came much later than it should have for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/">Indians</a>. The first hill on the way to the top is usually the toughest, but it was the final peak that the team could not surmount.</p>
<p>They won five games in August. They were in first place in the American League Central Division as late as June, then spiraled out of control to fourth out of five faster than the Top Thrill Dragster's greatest speed of 120 miles per hour.</p>
<p>Kids love rides, so the Indian's young core should have fared much better than they did in 2012, right?</p>
<p>This is why the Indians gave new manager Terry Francona a seat in the front row of the ride; complete with safety harness and clear view at the head of the organization. He was not handed the job on a silver platter; however, a well-established baseball cognizance is more often than not the best way to elevate young players.</p>
<p>The Tribe got exactly what they needed in Francona: More than 30 years of professional baseball know-how, and perspectives from a player's, coach's, and manager's angle. As the head guy, Francona rarely disappointed, leading the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.overthemonster.com/">Boston Red Sox</a> to five playoff appearances during his eight year tenure as their skipper.</p>
<p>And previous ties to the organization are always a plus; not that the Tuscon native is a local boy by any means. But the former Montreal Expos first-round pick in the 1980 amateur draft joined the Indians as a player in the '88 season. After his playing career ended, he began his second stint with the team as a special assistant to Mark Shapiro back in 2001.</p>
<p>But his resume as the Red Sox manager was perhaps the main reason the Indians sought to bring him to Cleveland. What people see on the outside is that he came to a Boston club loaded with players (<span>Manny Ramirez</span>, <span>David Ortiz</span>, <span>Pedro Martinez</span>) that were there before Francona took over.</p>
<p>''People who don't know me may have thought I was looking for something different," Francona said when asked why he chose the Indians over other teams. "It's almost a family feeling."</p>
<p>Francona will add some stability to a team looking for consistency. "During his career he has consistently won at a high level while transitioning young players to the big leagues," said Indians General Manager Chris Antonetti. "He is a great communicator and is adept at leading a clubhouse."</p>
<p>He turned up-and-coming players such as <span>Dustin Pedroia</span>, <span>Jacoby Ellsbury</span>, <span>Jon Lester</span> and others into perennial <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/teams/show?affiliation_key=l.mlb.com&team_key=l.mlb.com-t.32">All-Stars</a>. Hopefully Jason Kipnis, <span>Carlos Santana</span>, <span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span>, and others are the next bunch. Francona will have to work with what the team has, because the Indians are no Red Sox when it comes to reputable free agent signings. Plus, a high payroll does not mean much, as proven in the past.</p>
<p>"It will make you an analyst," Francona said comically.</p>
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https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-indians/2012/10/11/3484090/terry-francona-indians-cleveland-rosterEddy Jansen2012-08-06T09:16:52-05:002012-08-06T09:16:52-05:00Browns Training Camp: Competition For Roster Spots Heating Up In Dog Days of August
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<img alt="Jun 12, 2012; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur walks from the huddle at the end of minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_5QqlGEbeM2VrW--uXL5QMQKaFg=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/7389910/20120612_kdl_ar7_109.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jun 12, 2012; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur walks from the huddle at the end of minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>The days of August are characterized by training camp battles around the league. The Browns are no different, particularly on the offensive side of the ball where a number of veterans and newcomers are jockeying for position.</p> <p>Several signs have made Clevelanders aware of what time of year it is. The dog days of August are amongst us thanks to scorching temperatures, bone dry front lawns, and family vacations. A special guest, new <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Browns</a> owner Jim Haslam, along with his family, shook hands of the Browns players and coaches, then endured the heat to watch the Browns practice on Friday morning. Several guys wanted to make a good first impression on him under the sweltering sun. But this was not the main reason for players to be atop their game through blood, sweat, and, well, there is no crying in football.</p>
<p>The competition is heating up. Training camp has been going on for more than a week now, and the process of shaking off the cob webs has passed; it's time to get down to business.</p>
<p>This is a process, however, that the Browns have gone through plenty of times since returning in 1999. Last year's battle for the tight end spots, for example, was one of impressive proportions. The team carried four tight ends last year and all of them contributed. This year's skirmish among that same group will be just as intense.</p>
<p>Ben Watson, according to Coach Shurmur, is the Browns starter. He led the group in catches as well as receiving yards and was third on the team in yards with 410. <span>Evan Moore</span> caught four touchdown passes, which tied wideout Josh Cribbs for the team lead. Last year's fourth-round pick, <span>Jordan Cameron</span> out of USC, is catching not just passes from quarterback <span>Brandon Weeden</span> but also attention in Berea despite only having eight games under his belt in 2011. The tight end group rounds out with crafty veteran Alex Smith, who is perhaps the most versatile of the unit -- able to line up on either side, as well as in the backfield.</p>
<p>Teams don't normally hold four tight ends on their roster, and having that many guys at that position for a second straight year would seem quite rare -- but it is not unheard of. Shurmur likes to use double tight end packages when they fit, and likes to use them for additional blockers on the outside. The group is making the decision for Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert a tough one. But that is a good thing.</p>
<p>"I want there to be tough decision," Coach Shurmur said Friday in Berea. "Until we establish a team when we move forward, this good competition is what you want to see. That is part of what excites me."</p>
<p>Shurmur must also be excited about the stable of running backs on his depth chart. Former Green Bay Packer Brandon Jackson has taken an increased work load in practice, and has not disappointed. Not favoring a particular side of the offensive line to get behind, Jackson has hit the holes with authority and busts into the secondary quite regularly. Second-year back <span>Montario Hardesty</span> is also making a case to get more reps during the season. He seems to be fully recovered from his knee issues that troubled him at the University of Tennessee and with the Browns.</p>
<p>Those two guys have been impressive, and not to mention the Browns top draft choice -- <span>Trent Richardson</span>. There has been a resounding increase in ‘ohs' and ‘ahs' from the peanut gallery along the practice field sidelines when Richardson touches the ball. This Browns' backfield may be as deep as it has been in the new era.</p>
<p>And then there is the quarterback drama, if we can even call it that anymore. Hopefully, the fiasco that existed for the past thirteen-some-odd years has just about been put to rest with the drafting of Oklahoma State gunslinger Brandon Weeden. But the forgotten former Texas Longhorn <span>Colt McCoy</span> is not going to go away easily.</p>
<p>"He's doing great," Coach Shurmur said of his third-year man. "He's continuing to improve. I'm seeing him do things in this camp that he didn't do a year ago, getting more comfortable within our system. He is doing a good job. He has got the command in the huddle, he knows what his receivers can do, where he can put the ball. He is doing just fine."</p>
<p>Though Weeden has not been named the starter for opening day against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a> in a month, the quarterback spectacle is right where it should be. A little competition is healthy for a team, especially when the situation clearly favors one guy over another. It makes both guys better, but does not distract the team in any way. The first string guys have a good feeling who will be throwing the ball to them during the preseason games, but they need to get used to it on the fly.</p>
<p>It is, of course, expected that one of the three backup quarterbacks -- McCoy, veteran <span>Seneca Wallace</span>, or young scrambler <span>Thaddeus Lewis</span> -- will be cut or traded before the start of the season. But hese guys give Weeden some extra motive to improve his game. He is excited to utilize the depth the Browns have been fortunate enough to have.</p>
<p>"We are going to be deep across the board. Adding Josh (Gordon), and Travis (Benjamin), those are some solid additions to what we already have in Cribbs and Mo (Massaquoi)," said Weeden. "Then you throw the tight ends in there, and we are four deep there too. We have a stable of guys all around here that can make plays and step up."</p>
<p>"As a quarterback, I'm giddy about it. I know I will always have somewhere to go with the ball because all of those guys can play. Yes, they are young, but they are improving every day, and I'm excited about how deep we are at those positions."</p>
<p>And not only are the Browns deep all the way around, they have contrasting styles to their starters. <span>Travis Benjamin</span>, the Browns fourth-round pick out of Miami, adds some speed to the receiving corps that will give him an advantage in the slot. Defenses have to respect speed, which can be converted into a vertical threat. Gordon has great size, and could be a target in the red zone. Jackson and Hardesty add some muscle behind center that will give the Browns the chance to run the ball as often as they want.</p>
<p>The competitions in camp are certainly heating up, matching the temperatures out on the practice field in Berea. While winners of some seem like a foregone conclusion, the camp battles will only help to improve everyone's performance as the season draws close.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-browns/2012/8/6/3223155/browns-roster-cuts-training-camp-battlesEddy Jansen2012-07-02T19:32:51-05:002012-07-02T19:32:51-05:00Cavaliers Draft: GM Grants Scott’s Wishes
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<p>Fourth Pick Not a ‘Reach’ if it’s What Coach Wants </p> <p></p>
<p>For the second year in a row, the <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a>' faithful uttered a resounding sigh of confusion, frustration, and lack of forbearance at the Radio City Music Hall during the NBA Draft. The response came last year as forward Tristian Thompson was taken fourth overall out of Texas. The same result came this summer when Syracuse perimeter man Dion Waiters was selected in the same spot.</p>
<p>Very few draft boards around the country projected Waiters to go this high. The notion of the Cavaliers taking him did not even come into play until a week prior to the draft. He had not even worked out in front of the Cavs front office personnel.</p>
<p>But someone really liked him, and that someone happens to be the most important person on the team; coach Bryon Scott. He was voted in the top three toughest coaches, requiring grit, endurance, and resiliency from his players. This is exactly what Waiters' game is about.</p>
<p>"There was no game that he was in where the moment was too big," Coach Scott said. "He seemed to really like those situations. He finished pretty much every game and he had the ball in his hands."</p>
<p>The Big East Sixth Man of the Year fits Scott's repertoire perfectly, and will be an excellent complement to reigning NBA rookie of the year Kryie Irving. There is a lot to like about the Cavs' top pick.</p>
<p>"He's not afraid to fail. That's the thing I love about him. He's a competitor and a tough kid."</p>
<p>Starting or not starting, Waiters was a key contributor to the Orange's run to the Elite Eight all season long. His twenty plus minutes per game feature him as a true sixth man. Don't expect him to come off the bench in the NBA though. The other guard spot, next to Irving, is Waiters' for the taking.</p>
<p>The Cavaliers passed on a number of talented college hoops men, among them include Kansas forward <span>Thomas Robinson</span>, North Carolina super star Harrison Barnes, and Connecticut big man Andre Drummond. But what that says about Cleveland General Manager Chris Grant is that he has Coach Scott's back. He was confident from the start in selecting Waiters with the fourth overall pick, despite the guard having not started a game in his collegiate career.</p>
<p>The previous time the Cavaliers selected fourth overall, they took forward Tristian Thompson ahead of Lithuanian center <span>Jonas Valanciunas</span>, Bringham Young guard <span>Jimmer Fredette</span>, and others. Not that he became an All-Star or anything, but he did not disappoint after being named the starting center after Anderson Varejao's season ending injury. The highest drafted Candian born and raised player was named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team, becoming the first Canadian ever to do so.</p>
<p>If the Cavaliers can get a similar type of production from Dion Waiters, the Cavaliers are in business. Waiters, along with Irving, Thompson, and the 17<sup>th</sup> overall pick Tyler Zellers, compose a formidable staple of young franchise players that will lead the Cavaliers back the post season.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/7/2/3132541/cavaliers-waiters-zellers-irvingEddy Jansen2012-06-11T16:08:08-05:002012-06-11T16:08:08-05:00NBA Draft: Cavaliers Need Immediate Impact Player
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<p>Instant gratification is just what Cavaliers, fans need.</p> <p>The great city of Cleveland has not had much to perk up about in the past few years, though it feels like much longer than that. After watching a superstar walk away via an overly dramatized public viewing of "The Decision" on national television, the ensuing season resulted in the number one overall pick in the NBA draft.</p>
<p>What goes out of town comes around.</p>
<p>The Cavs' top pick that year, Krie Irving, is looking like one of the top young point guards on the rise. He was the unanimous pick to win the NBA Rookie of the Year. The <a href="https://www.fearthesword.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cavaliers</a> have one All-Star, and in this year's draft, they need another one, and fast.</p>
<p>Whoever is going to be their top pick at number four overall better be ready to contribute almost immediately. With a few of the Cavaliers current best players on their way out, there are plenty of holes to fill. A top draft pick wouldn't be a savior at this point, but it would be a nice whipped topping with Irving's cherry on the Cavaliers' ice cream Sundae.</p>
<p>Yes, this is beating a dead horse, but this city is desperate for a contending franchise. The Cavaliers are on the right track and getting closer to being back where they were in the mid-2000's. Owner Dan Gilbert and General Manager Chris Grant cannot afford to strike out with this draft class. The team has a lot invested in this year's upcoming prospect. The Cavs dealt Ramon Sessions to the Lakers to get the 24th overall pick, and also received a pick from New Orleans through Miami that could be used to bump them up a few picks. Seldom does a team draft with back to back picks, in the Cavs case, at 33 and 34.</p>
<p>Will the Cavs have four draft picks come draft day? The odds are slim. But they will have a young gun that can help them improve as soon as they take the floor in the fall. As for who they will take at number four, it's anybody's guess. Anthony Davis is a pencil in at number one. From there, the possibilities tend to focus on Brad Beal, Harrison Barnes, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.</p>
<p>One of a few lead candidates to go fourth overall to Cleveland is the Florida Gators' Bradley Beal. Though one of the youngest players in the draft at age 18, Beal is anything but young due to his maturity level and smart shot selection. The freshman first-team All-Southeastern Conference player might have the highest basketball IQ of anyone coming out of college this year, and is a great defender. Shooting guard is on the list of the Cavaliers' needs, but there are more pressing voids to fill.</p>
<p>The Cavaliers were not terrible in rebounding, but they were second worst in shot-blocking, and could use a defensive presence in the post. Connecticut freshman Andre Drummond would dramatically improve that statistic, but his lack of hustle and mental awareness make him a potential headache for teams around the league. He is there physically, and has tremendous strength, but drafting him fourth overall, or even taking him period might bring back bad memories of <span>J.J. Hickson</span> to Clevelanders, an unfulfilled promise best left avoided.</p>
<p>The player that makes the most sense for the Cavs needs is Harrison Barnes. The wing position for the Cavs has been as lonely as Progressive Field in April. Barnes' midrange jumper is as crisp as it comes, and he can also get to the rim off the dribble. However, his off-the-ball skills on both offense and defense need a lot of work. A solid NBA coach, such as the Cavaliers' <span>Byron Scott</span>, could erase that flaw.</p>
<p>Whichever player Grant decides to choose at number four must have one thing; the readiness to contribute at the NBA level early and often. It is quite likely that this pick will be in the starting lineup come opening night. And thank goodness there is no lockout this year, with Irving and this new pick having adequate practice time, the Cavs really are on the verge of something special.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/6/11/3078996/nba-draft-cleveland-cavaliers-barnesEddy Jansen2012-06-03T12:46:14-05:002012-06-03T12:46:14-05:00Indians Trade Rumors: Don’t Anticipate Tribe Pursuing Any Big Name Hitters At MLB Trade Deadline
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<img alt="February 22, 2012; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians general manager Chris Antonetti watches a bullpen session during spring training at the Cleveland Indians Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bKVUGG8dCeZIUOdda7cKOR-fv7g=/1x0:999x665/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/5629813/20120222_kkt_st3_043.jpg" />
<figcaption>February 22, 2012; Goodyear, AZ, USA; Cleveland Indians general manager Chris Antonetti watches a bullpen session during spring training at the Cleveland Indians Player Development Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Indians' Offensive Woes Can Be Solved Only One Way; In House </p>
<p>It's truly amazing how quickly the MLB teeter-totter can swing the other way. In a matter of days, the <a href="https://www.letsgotribe.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indians</a> transitioned from first place fandoms into slipping sea ducks.</p>
<p>But don't expect how they go about returning to the top of the American League Central to be triumphant. In fact, we might not even notice the next time they climb back to first place in their respective division. If they are going to do so in the first place, at least one of two things must happen: One, the pitching must become more consistent. This is much more likely than the other option.</p>
<p>Plan B is to produce more offense, which will be easier said than done. Due to a nasty bite from the injury bug, the Indians will be without a few vital players. Designated hitter <span>Travis Hafner</span>, who turns 35 on Sunday, went on the disabled list for the sixth time in his career after microscopic surgery on his right knee Thursday to remove tattered cartilage. His return is expected to come after the All-Star break.</p>
<p><span>Carlos Santana</span>‘s concussion, though only placing him on the 7-day disabled list, could be as serious in the long run. Though he has been cleared for cardio activities, head trauma can rear its ugly head at a moment's notice. To add to it, his replacement, <span>Lou Marson</span>, was nailed in the face by a <span>Gavin Floyd</span> pitch that required stitches. And luckily, it appears that shortstop <span>Asdrubal Cabrera</span>‘s tight hamstring is endurable.</p>
<p>But the hitters who will replace Hafner and Santana on the roster will not be anything flashy. Third basemen <span>Lonnie Chisenhall</span> could assume the DH duties after losing the starting hot corner job to veteran <span>Jack Hannahan</span>. With Hannahan's steady glove work, and <span>Jose Lopez</span> ‘s right handed bat, Chisenhall's only viable spot on the lineup card is at designated hitter.</p>
<p>It is also viable to recall <span>Matt LaPorta</span> from triple-A Columbus. It may not be the most opportune time, seeing the drop-off in his batting average from April (.380) to May (.241). But his power is improving, his 14 home runs leads the Clippers with the next closest being <span>Beau Mills</span> at seven. And a manager won't care if 13 of LaPorta's home runs came at home; the point is, they came. Even if LaPorta is out of options and may not be sent back to the minors without clearing waivers, he is 27, and running out of time to prove himself.</p>
<p>If those two are not enough, and the Indians decide to pursue offensive help, the renowned sluggers from around the league will not be on the Tribe's radar come late June, early July, and there is one very specific reason for that.</p>
<p>Small, even mid-market teams seldom make blockbuster trades in back-to-back seasons. The trade with the <a href="https://www.purplerow.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rockies</a> that sent ex-Tribe pitching prospects <span>Drew Pomeranz</span> and <span>Alex White</span> packing nearly depleted the depth of the Indians' farm system. There simply are not enough up-and-coming players that would attract the eye of GM's across the league for an All-Star caliber hitter. The Indians' top prospect is short stop Francisco Lindor, who, at age 18, is too young to trade right now.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/2012/6/3/3057991/indiansEddy Jansen2012-05-30T14:45:49-05:002012-05-30T14:45:49-05:00Royals Take 2 of 3 From Tribe, Panic Meter Rising
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<p>The <span class="caps">MLB</span> season brings many highs and lows, and right now, the Tribe has fallen in a ditch, dropping 5 of their last 6 dating back to the sweep of the Detroit Tigers. Starter Jeanmar Gomez lasted just 5 innings, surrendering 5 runs. The Indian’s offense, got to Bruce Chen early, but the Royal’s bullpen hold on to seal the deal in the 9th, despite a bases loaded situation for the Indians.</p>
<p>Jose Lopez grounded into a 4-6-3 double play on the first pitch to end the threat.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-indians/2012/5/30/3053131/indians-royals-Eddy Jansen2012-05-30T12:36:51-05:002012-05-30T12:36:51-05:00A Bloop And A Belt Have Royals In 4-3 Lead In 4th
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<p>The Cleveland Indians became the latest victim of a rally that should not have happened; just ask Jim Leyland and the Tigers how that feels.</p>
<p>The Tribe came away licking their wounds in the 4th when DH Alex Gordon belted an <span class="caps">RBI</span> double after Jose Lopez ’s off target throw to first that was scored a base hit by Alicdes Escobar. Then a shallow bloop to center by Johnny Giovatella put Kansas City ahead 4-3 in the 4th.</p>
https://cleveland.sbnation.com/cleveland-indians/2012/5/30/3052827/indians-royalsEddy Jansen