You would think with Manny Acta doing his thing for covering the World Series for the FOX Spanish broadcast, that we wouldn't have much news to divulge into.

But there is plenty to get into about Acta's staff that he'll start putting together once his commitment to World Series coverage ends.

We're starting to get some names though and while all of them have been internal candidates from the Indians organization, one has not been.

The name being floated around by the Cleveland Plain Dealer as a possible coach for Acta's staff, Tim Tolman.

Tolman was a third base coach for Acta in Washington during the 2007 and 2008 seasons. He was fired last year and spent this year in Seattle's minor league system. Now Tolman actually has ties to the Indians organization, so with ties to Acta and the Tribe, there is some sense there.

Tolman was with the Indians from 2003 to 2006 as the minor league field coordinator. What he really did, who knows. But with the Nats, he was the third base coach. I've made it clear I'd give that spot to Torey Lovullo, but as long as he's on staff, I don't care.

I don't think Tolman would be brought on as the bench coach, I think Acta would want a more established name, but this is someone he obviously trusts. As for his playing background, he was a corner outfielder slash first baseman with Houston and Detroit from 1981 to 1987. 132 total games through seven seasons in the big leagues with a career .168 average.

Now I brought up Lovullo and he definitely has interest in being on the staff, as anyone in his position would. Lovullo is already working the right angle, continuing to show how bright of a thinker he is.

"I'm not sure exactly what direction they're going in," Lovullo said. "But I would be honored if I did have that opportunity."

"I could probably fill a lot of gaps, as to what Manny might not know at this point," Lovullo said. "In time, he's going to know the players well, but I could give him a little insight about their strengths and weaknesses. That might be the biggest thing at this point."

Loves was just grateful for the opportunity given to him by the Indians. But this guy is going places, so why not elevate him? He's motivated to do so and he's ready.

Should be noted that both Torey and C-Bus pitching coach Scott Radinsky live in California, where Acta is for FOX's coverage. Acta is going to be conducting interviews for coaching positions, if he'll do or has done any while in Cali is another story.

Chris Antonetti said they've asked teams for permission to talk to some people.

Two guys who will not be on the staff or be interviewed, as we've mentioned already, Derek Shelton, who is with Tampa Bay now. Congratulations need to be sent out to Jeff Datz now as well, who was hired as bench coach for the Baltimore Orioles. Big Daddy lands on his feet in Baltimore, congrats to him.

Could Luis Rivera be in the mix? He interviewed for the first base job in Pittsburgh but lost out. He said he felt he had unfinished business with the infielders, so you know he'd be interested.

The Hoynes link above says the Indians are making the pitching coach their first order of business.

Terry Pluto has some interesting things about Acta. He makes the comparison, or at least shares an e-mailers comparison with Terry Francona. We've seen baseball people already make the comparison and it is very close.

Pluto touched up on two of the Indians fallen stars in Carmona and Peralta though. He mentions how Acta will have to get JP back on track. He also unveils how the Indians offered to give Carmona the winter off, but he chose to partake in Winter Ball.

So far, I don't believe he's pitched. You can see a full list of players who've played and their statistics in their respective leagues here.

Jordan Brown is ripping it up still. Carlos Rivero led the Peoria Saguaros (whooo Saguarooooo!) to a win over Phoenix the other day. Rivero is working on his hitting and defense, the defense as something he's always had to work on, the offense as something that struggled in 2009.

Now that Acta is the man, we're starting to see the names that were also considered come forward.

It turns out Ron Roenicke was not a finalist, but rather just a top ten finalist. Turns out the Indians did just get permission to speak with him over the phone and they weren't thinking of bringing him in for a sit down.

Other names mentioned.. Clint Hurdle, who was thought to be a back up plan if things didn't go right, Bob Melvin, and Ned Yost, all former NL managers.

So the top ten: Manny Acta, Bobby Valentine, Torey Lovullo, Don Mattingly, Clint Hurdle, Ron Roenicke, Ned Yost, Bob Melvin, and two unknown? John Farrell if he wanted to.. I think we have an idea now of what the Indians were looking for. Experience.

Here's the only gem worth visiting in Hey Hoynsie.

Hey, Hoynsie: Do you know if GM Mark Shapiro will be throwing out the first pitch in Game 1 of the World Series? -- Frank Jacketty, South Euclid.

I lied.. This unrelated to the Indians one, which makes absolutely no sense.

Hey, Hoynsie: Why is Andy Pettitte allowed to have the ball in his glove and nobody can see if he's spitting on the ball before every one of his pitches? Is there some rule I don't know of? -- Bob Hofelich, Berea.

Hey, Bob: The plate umpire may not be able to see what Pettitte is doing to the baseball when he puts it in his glove and holds it close to his face as he comes to a set position, but the first-, third- and second-base umpires would be able to see if he was putting a foreign substance on the ball.

Not to mention the TV cameras.

Really? Just Really?

In preparation for the Rule V draft, the Indians have cleared up a few more spots for their roster so that they can add players to protect. I doubt they take a chance on anyone this year, but we'll have to wait till we see the player pool that is formulated first after the November 20th deadline.

The Indians out-righted Mike Gosling, Niuman Romero and Scott Lewis to Columbus.

Potential players up for Rule V Protection: Carlos Rivero, Chuck Lofgren, Frank Herrmann, Jeanmar Gomez, Jordan Brown, Josh Rodriguez, Josh Tomlin, Kelvin De La Cruz, Matt McBride, Nick Weglarz, Stephen Head, Wes Hodges.

Two spots will be needed for Anthony Reyes and Jake Westbrook who are on not on the 40 man because they are still on the disabled list. So that leaves five spots for offseason acquisitions and prospect protections.

Nick Weglarz is a lock. There is seem to be the thought that De La Cruz is as well, especially after they protected Rondon last year. Too valuable to risk. Will Jordan Brown get protection? Who knows..

It's up in the air, but there isn't anyone that is a lock like Weglarz outside of De La Cruz. Hodges looked like one last year, but now, not so much.

I've updated all the charts. The offseason one especially. The 40-man roster and salary is up to date. I've switched over to 2010 mode with salaries and option years fixed. There are four arbitration eligible players for Cleveland. Kelly Shoppach who is in year two, Rafael Perez, Anthony Reyes, and Jose Veras.

They could non-tender Kelly and he should have Type B eligibility, meaning he'd get you a draft pick if you play your cards right. Veras seems like someone the Indians might want to hold onto, but I wouldn't hesitate to let him go if the roster spot was needed.

Anyway, all that stuff is updated. Have at it.

Finally... David Huff Q and A. Have at it.