This week on the Leading Off podcast, we talk the Cleveland Indians and the trade deadline.  This year seems like many others. The Indians are off to a strong start thanks largely to excellent starting pitching, of which they have a surplus. But their offense has often let them down, especially in the outfield.  Indians beat reporter Ryan Lewis explains what could happen on Monday's trade deadline for the Indians and what they might be considering. Could a Clint Frazier reunion be in the works? Ryan also answers a dumb question: Who has crazier stats to start the season, Shane Bieber or James Karinchak? See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Leading Off with Ryan Lewis: A podcast on the Cleveland Indians Podcast

Indians trade rumors: Previewing Monday's trade deadline

Nearly a third of the way through an unprecedented baseball season, we are finally back with Leading Off with Ryan Lewis.  On this episode, Ryan and Dan Kadar cover three big Indians topics. The first of them is the controversy that started with pitcher Zach Plesac going out on the town in Chicago. That was followed by fellow starter Mike Clevinger being with him and initially not disclosing it. That's led to some strong reaction from the team. They talked about the possible fallout and what's next. Manager Terry Francona is finally back with the team following a health issue that caused him to miss eight game. Sandy Alomar Jr. filled in, and they have a theory about the future of the fan favorite coach. The show closes with some thoughts on the struggles of the offense, why it might not actually matter and more.

The next step for the Indians following the Plesac/Clevinger incident; Terry Francona thoughts

After numerous injuries throughout the season, the Cleveland Indians narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing the year at 93-69. Where does the team go after a disappointing season? On the latest edition of Leading Off, Ryan Lewis and Dan Kadar break down the future of the team. That began this week with the team picking up the option on starting pitcher Corey Kluber while turning them down for second baseman Jason Kipnis and reliever Dan Otero. After starting just seven games in 2019, Kluber will rejoin a packed starting rotation.  The loss of Kipnis could lead to a domino effect in the infield where Jose Ramirez moves from third base to second. There are also questions about the outfield where Yasiel Puig is a free agent, and where the Indians want to try Franmil Reyes in right field.  The overarching storyline for the Indians for the next two years, though, will be what happens with superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor. Is it too early to consider what the Indians will do with the All-Star?  There are also some thoughts on Yu Chang and Bobby Bradley fit in the offense, how the outfield could shape up now that Bradley Zimmer is back and much more.

Where the Cleveland Indians go after missing the playoffs

The Cleveland Indians were dealt another injury blow with second baseman Jason Kipnis likely being out for the season with a broken hamate bone. It's an injury similar to third baseman Jose Ramirez. Ramirez will more than likely be back with the Indians in 2020. That may not be the case with Kipnis, the team's longest-tenured position player. Kipnis has a hefty club option after this season that will probably not be picked up. That could end a Cleveland career for Kipnis that has included two All-Star Game appearances. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we talk about Kipnis' play on the field. At times it was frustrating, but inspiring at others. We also talk about what the Indians will miss by losing him in the clubhouse. This week we also talk about relief pitcher James Karinchak and how he gives the Indians something in the bullpen they just haven't had. We close the podcast this week talking about the Indians' playoff chances and how the wild card chase will come down to the final week of the season.

What the Indians will miss about 2B Jason Kipnis on and off the field

As the MLB season winds toward a conclusion, the Cleveland Indians still find themselves in contention for the playoffs.  On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we talk about Cleveland's chances of making it to the postseason. Do they have a real chance, is it a coin flip proposition or is it an outside shot? If the Indians simply earn a wild card spot, would Shane Bieber or Mike Clevinger get the start? We talk about that and these topics on Leading Off this week:  - How Cleveland's schedule compares to that of the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A's, the other two teams playing for a wild card spot. - How the Indians should proceed with Franmil Reyes in the last series of the season on the road against Washington when he can't play designated hitter. - What the Indians need to do in the upcoming series against the Minnesota Twins.

Who would start an Indians wild card game?

Despite winning a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, the Indians had a rough weekend. Starting third baseman Jose Ramirez broke the hamate bone in his right hand, and the team is still waiting to hear how long he'll be out. What does the Tribe do without him? We talked about that on this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast. Here are the topics we hit on: - The first answer for the Indians could be keeping power hitting designated hitter Franmil Reyes hitting fifth. If that's not the plan, we talk about what the team could do. - What Ramirez's replacement, Yu Chang, could bring to the team and how he's viewed in the team's plans for the future. - How Mike Freeman could factor into things after looking solid in sporadic starts this season. - Our brief hot takes on the jerseys for Players Weekend. Indians manager Terry Francona didn't like them. We had a slightly different opinion.

How the Indians can get by without Jose Ramirez and still make a playoff push

In his last three games, Cleveland Indians closer Brad Hand has allowed five runs and eight hits in three innings. As the Indians continue to push for the playoffs, is it time to be concerned about Hand's effectiveness?  Before we get there on this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we cover these topics:  - The Indians are coming off their toughest stretch of games this season, winning a series against the Twins, losing a series to the Red Sox and splitting a series with the Yankees. Ryan gives his thoughts on how the team played over the stretch and what we learned about the team, especially when it was without Yasiel Puig in the middle of the batting order. - Corey Kluber suffered a setback in his latest rehab start, exiting the game after an inning due to an abdominal strain. What does this mean for his comeback? And if Kluber does return to the Indians this season, which starter is at risk of losing his spot in the rotation? - Carlos Carrasco is also starting to work his way back. We explain that while it's a great story, be hesitant with your expectations for the starter. - More with Hand: We wondered, do the scars of Indians closers past taint the public opinion of Hand?  - Ryan explains the pitch that Hand has faltered on, and what could be the cause of his recent struggles.

Should we be concerned about Indians closer Brad Hand?

Between recordings of the Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast the Cleveland went and pulled off a blockbuster trade. The team shipped starting pitcher Trevor Bauer out and brought in power hitters Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes, along with several other players.  On this week's Leading Off, we talk about the trade and how Puig and Reyes are helping beef up the Indians' offense. We also talk about how it's taking some of the pressure off Franicsco Lindor and Carlos Santana. This week we also discuss two of Cleveland's young starting pitchers, Shane Bieber and Aaron Civale. Both 2016 draftees, they're showing off Cleveland's ability to draft and develop starters as questions remain about Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. They also exist plenty of Danny Salazar, who struggled in his first start in the majors in two years. Bieber is obviously a big part of Cleveland's success this season. In fact, the All-Star might be one of the most valuable players in baseball when you consider his contract. Can Civale become a similar type of player for the Tribe? We talk about it this week.

First impressions of a beefed up Indians offense

The idea for this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast was supposed to fully be about the upcoming MLB trade deadline on Wednesday. Then Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer decided to launch a baseball from the pitcher's mound over the outfield wall at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday. Now, Bauer's long toss may not lead to a trade. And really, throwing a baseball is far from a big offense. But it's just another incident with Bauer. The real damage will be if he gets suspended by the league. Anyway, the trade deadline on Wednesday. The Indians made a minor trade over the weekend, acquiring relief pitcher Hunter Wood and infielder Christian Arroyo. Is that the only move the team will make?  Ryan explains what the Indians could do and why they're doing it. He also details Cleveland's philosophy when it comes to making trades.

Trevor Bauer's long toss, the Indians' trade deadline decision

The Cleveland Indians have arguably been the best team in baseball in July. Going into Tuesday night's game at the Toronto Blue Jays, the team is 13-3 on the month. But can that pace be sustained?  On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast we cover that topic, and some interesting stats the Indians have accumulated in the month. Of course, it has ramifications on what the team could do at the trade deadline. We also have another call for the Indians the rest of baseball to extend the netting down the line after a 3-year-old fan was struck by a ball hit by Franisco Lindor recently. We close out the week's podcast with some thoughts on Indians and Blue Jays playing a game that will only air on television on YouTube. Is that really a good thing for baseball and Indians fans? 

Can the Cleveland Indians sustain their hot July pace?

With the All-Star Game in the rear view mirror, and the second half well underway, the Cleveland Indians will soon face a major decision. Baseball's July 31 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Indians have to decide whether they'll be buyers or sellers. That is, unless they manage to be both. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we re-assess what direction the Indians could go later this month. If the Indians are acquiring players, we discuss the position they could target, and a couple specific players who could be in mind. That's not all on this week's show. Here's what else we covered: - Some final thoughts on a memorable All-Star Game in Akron.  - Health updates on players like Corey Kluber and Danny Salazar. - If Salazar makes his way back to Cleveland, where he could help the most. - The struggles of rookie Bobby Bradley, and if he could potentially be sent back down to Triple-A if he doesn't improve.

Where the Cleveland Indians stand with the trade deadline approaching

The Cleveland Indians have turned their season around, just in time for the All-Star break. The Indians are 50-38 on the season, and hold one of the two wild card positions. That doesn't tell the full story, though. Cleveland has cut Minnesota's lead in the American League Central to 5.5 games at the break after going 22-9 since June 1. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we look back on the first half for the Indians, and how they got to where they are. We also pick out a team MVP. It's not as easy of a choice as you might think. We also talk about something that was surprising in the first half of the season. But this week's podcast starts off with some serious business. That is to say, some serious Home Run Derby business. After disclosing our Home Run Derby fandom on last week's podcast, this week we make our picks. And we put a bet on it. If you're looking for more All-Star game coverage, find everything at ohio.com/indians.

Assessing the Cleveland Indians at the All-Star break

The biggest stars in baseball are coming to Cleveland next week for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game at Progressive Field. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we talk about some of the things we're looking forward to seeing during the festivities. Namely, we're both way too into the Home Run Derby on Monday. But thus far, only six players have been announced, including Carlos Santana of the Indians.  Who else should get the nod? We have names, and why they should be crushing homers into downtown Cleveland. We also talk about the other All-Star events in Cleveland, and what we're looking forward to the most. Also this week, we cover the controversial subject of extending netting at baseball stadiums and why it's long overdue. 

What we want to see at the MLB All-Star Game

When June started, the Cleveland Indians were 29-29, far behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central division and battling for a wild card playoff spot. The Indians have surged back, going 15-6 in June and now 43-35 on the season. On this week's edition of the Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about how the team has gotten so hot in June. Leading the way is second baseman Jason Kipnis. After a slow start to the season, Kipnis has hit .410 in the last 10 games, including a walk-off home run on Monday night. A changed swing is helping. Third baseman Jose Ramirez is also starting to find his swing. This week we also covered these topics: - Bobby Bradley finally getting called up, and his spot in the every day lineup - Thoughts on Carlos Santana potentially being in the Home Run Derby, and why it won't mess up his swing. - An important piece of vacation advice from Ryan. 

How the Cleveland Indians got hot in June

The Cleveland Indians are coming off series wins against the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees. Although the team didn't gain much ground in the playoff race, the results are impressive nonetheless. On today's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we cover the team's recent play and how catcher Roberto Perez has helped power the Indians to victory. As Ryan explains, maybe Perez just needed a consistent opportunity as a starter. Perez is now second on the team with 11 home runs. But as Perez excels, two Indians outfielders are struggling. Jake Bauers and Leonys Martin are both striking out at a high rate. What is the future for both as the season progresses? We close this week's show talking about the starting pitching situation for the Indians. The team was dealt a serious blow when it was announced that Carlos Carrasco had to step away from the game. But Mike Clevinger should soon be returning and helping to solidify Cleveland's starting rotation.

Roberto Perez's power surge is boosting the Indians

Leading Off with Ryan Lewis: A podcast on the Cleveland Indians.

Leading Off with Ryan Lewis: A podcast on the Cleveland Indi...