Clippers Clips: New Diggs for the Indians Triple A Affiliate

In the off season not only did the Cleveland Indians get a new home for spring training, they also got a brand spankin new home for their Minor League Triple A affiliate. The Wahoo Warriors teamed up with the International League Columbus Clippers who just opened up the brand New $55 Million Huntington Park (pictured above), which was rated by Ballpark Digest as one of the best new Baseball facilities.

With Cleveland knowing that their contract with Buffalo was ending after last season it work out perfectly for the Tribe as the Clippers only signed a two year agreement with the Washington Nationals (after previously being affiliated with the Yankees for over 30 years) and that contract was also up last year. It only made sense for the Tribe to make the easy trip down I-71 and team up with Columbus' finest...Columbus Clippers ring your bell! This new affiliation now leaves Cleveland with all but one of their Minor League affiliates in the Buckeye State. There were also two other factors that made sense for Cleveland.

#1 The Clippers were building a brand new beautiful state of the art facility
#2 This would be a fantastic oporrtunity to expand their fan base in the State Capital.

Because I live in Columbus, I have had the opportunity to watch 8 games at Huntington Park this year. Upon entering for the first time I can honestly say I was shell shocked....was this really a Minor League Facility....and did I just pay $3 to park and $6 for a ticket, someone pinch me. This facility is literaly a Major League Park on a smaller scale. It has all the ammenities, it is spacious, yet at the same time it is VERY intimate. You can pretty much sit anywhere and feel like you are on top of the field. For those of you who never experienced the old Cooper Stadium no need to worry. It was a piece of _ _ _ _! I hope they bury it in the cemetary that sat right next to it. At Cooper Stadium you had a 50% chance of either sitting next to someone who had about 4 teeth and another 50% chance of sitting next to NOBODY! The facility was so old and outdated and just did not draw a good crowd...not to mention it was in a terrible ghetto of a location. Ok, enough of my tangent on how crappy the old Clippers Stadium was.

Huntington Park brings an excitement to Downtown Columbus and a brand new clientele. People actually want to go to this place. It is always packed whether it is a Tuesday night game or Saturday day game. It is definitely an event. Sure there is an actual game going on, but you can make a night out of it. In left field they have a building that you would think has been standing forever...wrong. They built the AEP Power Pavilion building to make it look that way. It is truly a conversation piece in itself. The first floor houses the ticket office, Clippers Cargo team shop, restrooms, and concessions. The second floor is AWESOME. It is literally a huge bar...I said HUGE. The second floor basically gives you several options. You can sit out on one of 6 balcony's, you can belly up to the bar with friends and drink a cold one or do some shots if you wish, you can order food, or you can look at all the Clippers and Indians memorabilia that surrounds the entire floor. If you walk up to the third floor of this building you will notice two things that might be familiar. The first thing you will notice is the bleachers. Huntington Park took a little piece of Wrigley Field and put it in Columbus. That's right, there are bleachers high atop the building looking out onto the field. The second thing you will notice is the smell of Central Ohio's famous Roosters chicken wings. Roosters took over the third floor by offering their famous chicken wings and of course, you can always get a beer to quench your thirst.

Now, for the rest of the facility.... like I said it is truly amazing with a capital A. Everything from the site lines to the Concessions. 360 Architecture designed the facility and did a great job with the concourse...it is truly genius. Usually you have to walk down a tunnel and stand in line forever only to miss that unbelievable catch or long home run....not at Huntington Park. The concourses are set up on both the first and third base sides and are completely open to the view of play. So if you want to get up and grab your hotdog and Cracker Jacks you don't have to miss a single pitch. Throughout the concourse there is memorabilia from the Clippers past teams plus they offer food from several of Columbus' local restaurants so you are not stuck on the same old ballpark food. The one thing that I like the most about the park is that they have railing along the entire ballpark so if you feel like grabbing something to eat or drink or if you just feel like standing you have a perfect view anywhere in the park...plus you have something to lean against. I have found that buying the $6 bleacher seats and then standing right behind the first base dugout is the best value in town. That being said, Columbus Clippers General Manager, Ken Schnake did Columbus fans right with the ticket prices.....he kept them affordable! Box seats are $12, Reserved seats are $10, and General admission (bleacher seats and standing room) are $6. Plus they kept the parking at $3 (however if their is an event going on at Nationwide Areana then the parking goes to $10). With all this being said, a single person (like me) can go to a game, park, and watch the Clippers for under $10.

Here are some quick facts on the park:

-Year Opened: 2009
-Capacity: 10,000 (7,600 seats, 1,200 specialty seats, 1,200 lawn/SRO spots)
-Number of Suites: 32, with 42 loge boxes
-Owner: Franklin County
-Architect: 360 Architecture
-Naming Rights: Huntington Bank, $12 million
-Dimensions: 325L, 365LC, 400C, 365RC, 318R
-Website: clippersbaseball.com
-Phone: 614/462-2757
-Ticket Prices: Box Seats, $12 in advance, $15 day of game; Reserved Seats, $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children twelve years old and under; Assigned Bleacher Seat General Admission, $6 for adults, $3 for seniors and children twelve years old and under.
-League: International League (Class AAA)
-Affiliation: Cleveland Indians
-Parking: Between $3 and $10 in adjoining lots and ramps.

In summary this is a fantastic place to watch the next stars of the Cleveland Indians. As a matter of fact, this year you have seen such players as Trevor Crowe, Matt LaPorta, David Huff, Luis Valbuena, Zach Jackson, Tony Sipp, and several more already don both Clippers and Indians uniforms. And the way the Tribe has been playing this year I am sure you will see several more players make the two hour drive back and forth on I-71. So if you are looking to see the next generation of the Indians play, or you just want to see the perfect Minor League Ballpark, then come to Columbus, OH and look me up...I'll show you around.

Tomo Ohka to the Rescue

With Zach Jackson's performance yesterday being less than stellar (really bad) and with Greg Aquino and Luis Vizcaino both hurling 2 scoreless innings yesterday (really good), the Tribe has called on veteran Tomo Ohka to help in the pen today (pictured left). The bullpen has actually pitched pretty good sans Jensen Lewis over the past few games. This is probably the right move since David Huff hasn't got out of the fourth inning of his previous two starts and Ohka can be stretched out as a long man. Don't look for Tomo to stick around very long as Rafael Perez has thrown 9 shutout innings down in Columbus. The Tribe looks the to sweep the 4 game series against the Rays today at 12:05 PM.

Zach Jackson to start tonight, Huff tomorrow, Rundles sent down

The Indians have settled on Zach Jackson starting Wednesday night's game and letting David Huff get one more shot in the rotation by having him throw Thursday. Jackson hasn't been real good in Buffalo, so it will be interesting to see how he fares against a tough Tampa Bay lineup. I assume whoever pitches better between the two will earn a spot in the rotation, while the other will be sent packing. Sowers earned himself another look with his 5 scoreless innings of relief Monday. Rich Rundles was sent back to Columbus, which was to be expected. In another minor move, Triple A shortstop Wilson Valdez was traded to the New York Mets for the dubious player to be named or cash. We hardly knew you buddy! The Tribe tries to make it 3 in a row for the first time all season tonight as Zach Attack takes on Ben Francisco's favorite pitcher Andy Sonnanstine.

Clipper Clips

With the Indians off tonight, I decided to watch Cleveland's Triple A affiliate via the wonders of the internet. Columbus was unable to deal with the loss of veteran grinder David Dellucci, falling to the Durham Bulls 6-3. The Tribe's Triple A affiliate was only able to scrape together 6 hits and 3 walks. Right Fielder Stephen Head was the player of the game, going 3-4 with a double and a run batted in with two outs, something Indians fans have seen all to infrequently. The struggling Chris Gimenez went 1-2 with a double and two walks, while "The Golden Boy" Matt LaPorta (pictured above courtesy of indianspropectinsider.com), went 0-3 with a base on balls, probably ticked off that he has to wait until June to be called up to the major league club while the "gritty" Double D is back to finish off his disappointing run as an Indian. Wes Hodges went 0-3 with a sac fly RBI, but was robbed of hits twice by Bulls Third Baseman Chris Nowak.

As for the pitching, veteran Jack Cassell pitched a solid 6 innings, allowing 3 runs, scattering 8 hits and walking 5. To say he got himself out of a bit of trouble is an understatement. The bullpen ended up blowing the game as Zach Jackson loaded the bases in the 7th and allowed 3 earned runs. John Meloan came in to try and get the Clippers out of a jam with second and third with two outs, but gave up a double to right field to clear the bases. He pitched a scoreless 8th, but still needs time to polish up his pitch location. The Clippers continue their 4 game series against the Bulls tomorrow as David Huff is scheduled to throw Friday. Rays phenom David Price goes against Tomo Ohka Saturday, so it will be interesting to see how Columbus hits against Tampa Bay's top prospect.

Tony Sipp called up, Zach Jackson sent down.

With the Cleveland bullpen in complete shambles, the Indians have called upon rookie left hander Tony Sipp to try and help straighten out the relief corps. The 25 year old Sipp has stuckout out 10 batters in 7 innings for the Clippers, while posting a 3.86 ERA. Tony has been a guy the Indians have been high on for years while he has went through various injuries. His 40 Man Roster status is a main reason he was called upon as the only other real options without designating someone for assignment would be Jon Meloan and Rich Rundles. Meloan got knocked around pretty hard in his last outing, and Rundles is primarily a left handed matchup guy. The Tribe's late inning guys have been atrocious this year, so it really can't get much worse. Jackson was only used twice out of the pen this season, and is more of a long relief guy rather than a setup pitcher. Zach may even see some starts down in Triple A. Cliff Lee takes on Brian Bannister tonight as the Indians look to string together two consecutive wins for the first time this season.

Zach Jackson wins last spot in the Pen

The Indians announced today that the final spot in the bullpen will be filled by left-hander Zach Jackson. Acquired from the Brewers as part of the CC Sabathia trade, Jackson has been selected probably due to his ability to either start or relieve. His spring training numbers were not too impressive (18 plus innings, 6.87 ERA), but he will serve as an innings eater if one of the starters get pounded for runs in the first few innings, or as a spot starter if rainouts occur early. The loser in the race, right-hander Vinnie Chulk, has been sent to Columbus. Chulk has an opt out clause in his contract that allows him to leave the organization after May 15th if he is not on the major league roster. Chulk compiled a 1.72 ERA in 9 games this spring and will be the first bullpen option out of Triple A. The way Masa Kobayashi has been pitching (10.00 ERA in 9 games), Vinnie shouldn't have to wait very long. Masa will be on a very short leash in 2009. Only one more week to go until opening day, so it looks like the roster is finally set.

Barfield wins Indians' last bench spot; Gimenez and Crowe Optioned to Columbus

In a not so surprising development, Josh Barfield has made the Cleveland Indians as a super utility guy. Although he hasn't been exactly knocking the cover off of the ball (.184, 9-for-49 .216 on-base percentage in 19 spring games, entering Saturday.), J-Barf has shown the ability to adjust to various positions around the diamond. He seems to be playing pretty well out in the outfield, and is getting more comfortable at third base. The Indians will use Barfield as a pinch runner, late inning defensive replacement with an occasional start here and there. Manager Eric Wedge has liked what he has seen out of the former Padre...

"Josh's versatility was part of the decision,'' Wedge said Saturday. ''Also his speed, his ability to steal a base. We still feel like his hitting is coming. It has yet to translate into a game, but I feel like it will.
''He's probably a little better in right than in left. Of course, second base is his best position, and he needs some work at third.''

With the announcement, the Indians optioned the Chris Gimenez and Trevor Crowe to Triple A Columbus. Both played great in the spring, so don't be surprised if you see them up with the big league club sometime in 2009.

Gimenez showed outstanding position flexibility, playing both corner outfielders, first base, and his everyday position as a catcher. He also posted outstanding stats (.357, 10-28 2 HR, 7 RBI, .486 OBP, .670 SLG) in 20 spring games. The guy is major league ready and will force the Indians to make some pretty hard decisions on the roster very soon.

Crowe also played great, (.289, 13-45, 6 SB) and played all out in every game he appeared in. Trevor is a player to watch and will be the first call up position player wise in 2009 when an injury occurs. Crowe looks to be poised to make an impact in 2009 as well.

The final bullpen slot seems down to Vinnie Chulk and Zach Jackson. Jackson seems to still have the inside edge as a left handed long man, but Chulk has pitched great as well. Look for a decision Monday or Tuesday.

Tribe Claims Reliever Jae Kuk Ryu

In a move to add some depth to the bullpen, the Indians claimed Korean right hander Jae Kuk Ryu off of waivers from the San Diego Padres. Ryu was pretty bad in Cactus league play, posting an ERA above 10. To make room, the club placed Jake Westbrook on the 60 day disabled list. The 25 year old Ryu will be added to the ever growing list of relievers down in Columbus. It seems that the last spot in the bullpen may not be decided until early next week, which will be interesting to see which way Shapiro and Co. go with their decision. Stick with Ed Mujica who has been awful but is out of options? Go with Vinnie Chulk or Matt Herges due to their experience? Pick Zach Jackson because of his inning flexibility? The answer is coming soon.

Heavy Rotation: 2009 Cleveland Indians Starting Staff

With still three weeks to go until the start of the 2009 MLB season, the Cleveland Indians seem to have one glaring weakness heading into the games that count for real; Starting Pitching. Many fans and pundits alike seem to over analyze players each preseason to justify their prognostications. Will Player X bounce back from a rough year? Can Player Y maintain the dominance he showed on the mound? The main questions surrounding the Tribe concern each member of the starting 5 (or 6, or 7 or 8 or 9 even 10!) is consistency. This group has a lot to prove come April, and many fans' hearts and minds to ease as well.

Going into 2008, most Tribe fans would agree that they felt pretty confident with CC Sabathia, Fausto Carmona, Jake Westbrook, and Paul Byrd toeing the rubber four out of every five games . The only question mark surrounded the 5th starters' spot, which turned into a 3 left-armed down between Jeremy Sowers, Cliff Lee and Aaron Laffey in spring training. Injuries to two main offensive weapons (Martinez, Hafner), young players starting off slow (Gutierrez, Cabrera, and Garko) and a bullpen from Hell (insert any 2008 relief pitcher here) and the importance of the guy starting the game with the ball can be quickly negated. Add to that injuries to Carmona and Westbrook and you get a 47-60 record on July 31st and a look forward towards 2009. While 2008 was a season to forget, General Manager Mark Shapiro was able to make some trades to save payroll (traded Byrd to the Red Sox), add minor league depth (traded CC for prospects, and bring in some guys (Reyes) to compete for spots this season. The 2009 version of the rotation will bring many more question marks, but the off season additions to surrounding cast (DeRosa, Wood, Smith) may be able to minimize any struggles the starters may face in the early months of the season. Here are the guys you will see in 2009...

Cliff Lee

Biggest Concern: Can Cliff repeat his dominant Cy Young season of 2008?

While no one expects Lee to win 22 games and post a 2.54 ERA again, he needs to establish early to opposing A.L. teams that he is one of the leagues' best and not a fluke. The key to Cliff's success last season was his ability to minimize walks (only 34 in 223+ innings), get ahead of hitters, and locate his fastball. He was able to do all of this to alarming success and much of it can be attributed to his now-personal catcher Kelly Shoppach. The chemistry between the two resulted in a full-time Lee/Shoppach battery for 2009, a point Manager Eric Wedge has stated numerous times during spring training. While Lee is stilling trying to get some early kinks out of his system, he has never put too much unneeded pressure upon himself in preseason (see 2008). Last season was extraordinary, but don't think that it is the only success Lee has had in the majors as he has amassed a 76-39 career record with a 4.15 ERA. That includes a horrendous 2007 (5-8 6.29 ERA in 20 games) where he was left off of the post season roster. In entering his 6th full season, look for Lee to come down to earth a bit (15-17 wins, ERA in the mid 3's), but be one of the most consistent guys on the mound.

Fausto Carmona

Biggest Concern: Can Fausto regain his 2007 dominance?

Injuries and walks plagued the 2008 season for the young Dominican. Still only 25, the future of the starting staff rests on one Fausto Carmona to be the guy Indians fans unnerved by a swarm of bugs clinging to his face during the 2007 ALDS. After starting the season pretty well (3.10 ERA in 10 starts), Carmona injured his left hip and was never the same. In 22 games, Carmona average walking 5.2 batters per 9 innings, a rate that will get even the best of pitcher into trouble. The main issues he faced was commanding his slider, a pitch that needs to stay down in the zone to be effective. Also, pitching coach Carl Willis found some things in Carmona's delivery that was causing some of the issues. Manager Eric Wedge also has stated that Victor Martinez will be catching the majority of his starts, as Martinez has had much success calling his pitches. Fausto seemed to iron out many of these problems in Winter ball and has pitched quite well in the Spring (2.45 ERA in 11 innings). Look for big number 55 to have some stretches of inconsistency, but overall be more like the pitcher he was during 2007.

Carl Pavano

Biggest Concern: Will the Indians get anything out of this Yankee washout?

General Manager Mark Shapiro and company truly believe that Pavano as healed from all of his ailments and is poised for a bounce back 2009 campaign. I am not so optimistic. He has looked less that average in Spring Training and reports have said that he is topping out at 88-90 MPH on his fastball which does not bode well at all. His 4 season in New York were a complete and utter disaster, and beyond that only had one good year (2004). Pavano's injuries include right rotator cuff tendinitis and pain in humerus, right shoulder tendinitis, right forearm tendinitis, Tommy John surgery, car accident, and dating Alyssa Milano. His whole right arm has seemed to be completely reconstructed. It seems that the Indians are paying this guy actually TOO MUCH in giving him $1.5 million plus incentives for 2009 as he has really proven nothing for 4 seasons: a non-roster invitee if I have ever seen one. Hopefully he can eat some innings and not be a total disaster on the mound at least until the All-Start break when Jake Westbrook is expected to return, but I wouldn't bet on it. The Tribe is probably hoping for mostly 5-6 innings from Pavano, allowing 3-4 runs while staying competitive in the game until they can hand it over to the pen. Look for Pavano to show glimpses of good, but an overall record of bad.

Anthony Reyes

Biggest Concern: Can A-Rey stay healthy enough to maintain the promise of his 2008 performance with the Tribe?

Anthony Reyes jumped into the national spotlight in 2005 where he started game 1 of the World Series in which he went 8 innings, giving up 2 runs and earning a victory. He has been unable to recapture his early glory, as he has amassed a career 4.91 ERA in 59 games. Reyes pitched extremely well in his brief stint with Cleveland, posting a 2-1 record and a 1.83 ERA over six starts. He was eventually shut down in early September with a sore right elbow. The southern California native has pitched well this spring (1 earned run in 7 innings), attributing much of his success to USC pitching coach Tom House. All reports peg the righty as a competitor and fully healed from his prior ailments. Look for Reyes to have a solid 2009 (12-14 wins, ERA low 4's) allowing the Indians to compete in most every game he pitches.

Aaron Laffey

Biggest Concern: Which Laffey will show up in 2009.

This soon-to-be 24 year old pitched pretty well at the end of 2007 (4-2, 4.56 ERA in 9 starts), to gain some confidence heading into 2008. While losing out to Cliff Lee for the 5th starter's spot last year, everyone knew Laffey would be the first guy called upon from Buffalo. When Laffey arrived in Cleveland, he was lights out over his first 6 starts (1.59 ERA) and was named AL Rookie Pitcher of the Month for May where he went 3-2 with a 0.79 ERA in 5 starts. He seemed to have some left arm inflammation and subsequently flamed out the rest of the year posting a 8.37 ERA over his final 5 starts. The Tribe ended up shutting him down for good in September to refocus his attention to 2009. Laffey is a pitcher who relies upon his control and the ability to force batters into hitting ground balls. His spring has been up and down (7.00 ERA in 9 innings) but has looked better as of late and is still displaying confidence in his stuff. Baring a complete meltdown, look for the Maryland native to break camp with the big league club. I look for Aaron Laffey to have a good season in 2009, earning 10-12 wins and solidifying his place in the rotation.

Jeremy Sowers

Biggest Concern: Will he ever pitch like he did in 2006?

This Vanderbilt alum actually was supposed to be a big part of the rotation in 2007, but struggle mightily (6.42 ERA in 13 starts). Sowers is a soft tossing lefty who has never been able to sustain the success he has had in the minors due to his inability to differentiate his fastball from his change-up. Jeremy was a first round pick in 2004 but seems to not be much more than a fifth starter in this organization. Has pitched decently in the Spring (3.00 ERA in 12 innings) and will be a great depth option in Columbus. Sowers is an extremely intelligent ballplayer who still has the potential to be a middle of the rotation guy, but I just don't see it in Cleveland as Willis and company have been unable to help him improve on his flaws. This Ohio native will probably start 10 games for the club and help out the team at some point in 2009.

Scott Lewis

Biggest Concern: Was his 2008 a fluke?

Lewis burst onto the scene in Cleveland last September posting a 2.63 ERA and earning a win in each of his 4 starts. This former Buckeye has had a solid spring and looks to be a pitcher the Indians will count on in the future. The left hander is only 25 years old and will be a top of the rotation guy in Triple A Columbus. Look for Lewis to be called upon sometime in 2009 and be guy looked upon in 2010 as well.

David Huff

Biggest Concern: Will his Minor League success translate into Major League dominance?

The answer to this question will take years to answer, but everything out of camp suggests that Huff is a player to watch in 2009. While technically in contention for the 5th spot in the rotation, the left hander is not currently on the 40 man roster and has only appeared in 4 Cactus league innings, so he will mostly likely start off as a Clipper. Huff was the Minor League pitcher of the year for the Indians Organization in 2008, posting a combined 11-5 record with a 2.52 ERA. He is able to locate his fastball (clocked as high as 94 MPH) and walk few batters. Look for this former UCLA Bruin to make an impact on the big league team after the All-Star break.

Zach Jackson

Biggest Concern: Is this guy a starter or a reliever?
Zach Attack is the longest shot to make the rotation out of spring, but the lefty's versatility will come in handy. Jackson started 9 games in 2008 for the Tribe after being acquired as part of the CC Sabathia deal. His solid spring (4.35 ERA in 10 innings) has earned him an outside chance at making the club as a left handed long reliever right out of spring, so I don't believe he will be starting too many games with the big league club. He does have an option, so Jackson will be up with the big league club at some point in 2009. Look for Zach to be part of the rotation in Columbus and become a solid contributor to the ball club.

Jake Westbrook

Biggest Concern: Will Jake add anything to the Indians in 2009.

Westbrook's 2008 season ended after 5 starts, having to undergo Tommy John surgery and hip surgery in 2008. Jake has been a solid member of the Indians organization for 8 seasons now, posting a 63-62 record with a 4.25 ERA, resulting in a 3 year 30 million dollar contract through 2010. Westbrook recently pitched off of the mound down in Spring Training, leaving the Indians optimistic for his return sometime after the All-Star break. It normally takes a pitcher a full year and a half to recover from the reconstructive surgery, so look for Jake to add a few quality starts in August and September, aiding in a hopeful playoff run.

Seems to be quite a bit more questions than answers circling the Cleveland Indians rotation this season. With a division there for the taking, the Tribe's starting staff will be the biggest key for a potential return to October baseball

It's official, CC to Brewers for LaPorta and 3 others.

Multiple sources are reporting that 2007 AL Cy Young winner CC Sabathia will be traded to the Milwaukee Brewers tomorrow for OF Matt LaPorta, pitchers Zach Jackson and Rob Bryson, and a player to be named later who is likely 3B Taylor Green. Laporta is the main player in this deal, so expect him to be start out at Buffalo and make his way up to Cleveland after September 1st. Here are their stats...

Matt LaPorta: .291 (.404 OBP) 20 HR 66 RBI AA Huntsville

Zach Jackson: 1-5 7.81 ERA 22 Appearances (6 starts) AAA Nashville

Rob Bryson: 3-2 4.25 ERA 22 Appearances (5 starts) A West Virginia

Taylor Green: .297 (.381 OBP) 10 HR 50 RBI A Brevard County

I was hopping the Tribe could snag the Escobar kid, but we won't know how good this trade will be until 3-4 years from now. LaPorta seems to be the real deal, and the Bryson kid has 73 K's in 55 innings pitched. CC was one of the best players ever to don a Tribe uniform and will be sorely missed. It is a sad day to be a Indians fan as our best pitcher in the past 30-some years will now be pitching elsewhere. More to come over the next 24 hours.