Jason Kipnis (Photo: AP)The Indians acquisition of Casey Kotchman gives an answer (unsatisfactory to some) to the off-season-long question: Who’s on first?But what does this move spell out for the rest of the roster? Presumably, Kotchman will be given the chance to play 1B on an everyday basis and Matt LaPorta (proud owner of one remaining option) will be asked to compete in Columbus...

Grady Sizemore, Shin-Soo Choo and Michael Brantley can be an electrifying group in the outfield when they are healthy. The Indians, who have stockpiled some outfield depth this winter, are counting on the threesome to be a formidable presence between the lines instead of in the trainer's room.

Shin-Soo Choo (Photo: AP)This is the first piece from Andy Nichols, one of three new IPI writers that will be debuting over the next several days. He is a college student and will be writing about the Indians.The Cleveland Indians went to the bottom of the eighth inning down 2-1 to the Boston Red Sox, the popular World Series pick among fans and baseball experts.With the game broadcast...

The Kansas City Royals have been slightly active this week.  They have signed Kevin Kousmanoff to a minor league contract with a spring training invite.  The signing worries me that leaves Yuni out of the backup third base picture and forced into a role a SS.  I can only hope the signing is for depth.  This afternoon we saw random rumors floating around Twitter regarding Billy...

The Kansas City Royals have been slightly active this week.  They have signed Kevin Kousmanoff to a minor league contract with a spring training invite.  The signing worries me that leaves Yuni out of the backup third base picture and forced into a role a SS.  I can only hope the signing is for depth.  This afternoon we saw random rumors floating around Twitter regarding Billy...

The Kansas City Royals have been slightly active this week.  They have signed Kevin Kousmanoff to a minor league contract with a spring training invite.  The signing worries me that leaves Yuni out of the backup third base picture and forced into a role a SS.  I can only hope the signing is for depth.  This afternoon we saw random rumors floating around Twitter regarding Billy...

The Kansas City Royals have been slightly active this week.  They have signed Kevin Kousmanoff to a minor league contract with a spring training invite.  The signing worries me that leaves Yuni out of the backup third base picture and forced into a role a SS.  I can only hope the signing is for depth.  This afternoon we saw random rumors floating around Twitter regarding Billy...

The narrative du jour surrounding the Cleveland Indians is pretty straightforward.  A young team that should be getting better.  A durable pitching staff with at least two front-end arms.  A bullpen built on young talent.  A core of position players that seems poised to hit its prime.  Even with the glaring hole at first base, it’s pretty easy to squint and see this team winning...

Per The Plain Dealer’s Paul Hoynes, the Cleveland Indians front office feels that veteran slugger Carlos Pena could be the answer to their gaping hole at first base.  The only issue, which has historically been a big one, is the ownership team’s willingness to provide the funds to acquire a non-basement-level free agent. Hoynes states that Chris Antonetti and Company...

Without doing anything to you and me, let’s assume a few things. First, let’s assume that the roster for the 2012 Indians is, if not set in stone, then at least not likely to undergo significant additions.  Let’s also assume that Michael Brantley will open the season in left field and spend most of his time in the outfield this season.  Further, let’s assume that the Indians...

Without doing anything to you and me, let’s assume a few things. First, let’s assume that the roster for the 2012 Indians is, if not set in stone, then at least not likely to undergo significant additions.  Let’s also assume that Michael Brantley will open the season in left field and spend most of his time in the outfield this season.  Further, let’s assume that the Indians...

The Indians have acquired outfielder Aaron Cunningham in a trade with San Diego. Cleveland sent minor league reliever Cory Burns to the Padres for Cunningham on Friday, adding more depth to the Indians' outfield. The 25-year-old Cunningham can play right or left field and Indians general manager Chris Antonetti said the club believes ''he has a lot of upside left.'...

Brantley saw some time at first in the minors in2007 and 2008, and could see some spot dutythere next season. (Photo: Huntsville Stars)Some news, notes, and thoughts from my Indians notebook…Brantley to first base?The Indians are considering playing outfielder Michael Brantley at first base next season. They approached him about it at the end of the season, and he will likely get...

The Indians plan on being as creative as possible in their quest to upgrade their roster. That is why Cleveland is considering giving outfielder Michael Brantley a trial run as a part-time first baseman this spring.

"Give me Josh Willingham over Michael Brantley in left every day of the week and twice on Sundays. Maybe Brantley will make a big jump up this season, but so far his bat is that of a fourth outfielder and his glove is that of a left fielder only. He had some big hits last year, but unfortunately he didn't have enough regular old hits for me to want him to be a starter. And he doesn...

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com. “The Indians’ primary outfield options, at present, are Shin-Soo Choo, a five-tool talent coming off a one-star season, and Michael Brantley, a bud who still has...

While We’re Waiting serves as the early morning gathering of WFNY-esque information for your viewing pleasure. Have something you think we should see? Send it to our tips email at tips@waitingfornextyear.com. “The Indians’ primary outfield options, at present, are Shin-Soo Choo, a five-tool talent coming off a one-star season, and Michael Brantley, a bud who still has...

Here for good: Travis Hafner Big Pronk is almost assured to continue being the longest tenured Cleveland Indian. Hafner is signed through 2012 with an option for 2013. To release him right now would cost the team $15.75 million and they would get nothing in return. There are also few teams that would be willing to trade for an aging slugger at that kind of cost. The Indians shouldn...

The Indians dropped two players from their 40 man roster today, most likely to make room for a couple players who are currently on the 60 day DL. Three of the four Indians on the DL (Shin-Soo Choo, Michael Brantley and Josh Tomlin) will be activated before next season and will count against the 40 man roster. The two players released were Mitch Talbot and Jerad Head. Talbot has...

Shelly Duncan and The Cleveland Indians look as though they are still battling for the top spot in the A.L. Central.  Duncan the guy who was logging mileage between Columbus and Cleveland this season has somehow found a grove and has become one of the Tribes Clutch hitters this season.  The Indians with Duncan’s help overcame a 6 run deficit to log another win yesterday over...

As the regular season winds down, 22 teams are facing an offseason filled with golf rounds and hot-stove strategery. But we're not going to let them get off that easy. No sir. No way. In an attempt to bring some closure between franchise and follower, we're giving a blogger from each team the opportunity to detain their squads for the equivalent of a Saturday morning detention...

I’ve been accused of being pretty negative lately regarding the Indians. Maybe I have gone a little bit overboard, but can you blame me? Since July 20th when the Tribe last had a piece of the AL Central Crag, the Indians have won about a third of their games. While I knew 30-15 was just too good to be true to hold up the rest of the season, I was hoping the Tribe could play...

Even though some of you have started your fantasy football drafts, we still have a month to go in the baseball season and hopefully you are still in the running for a spot in the money. Here are a few players who can help you get to the playoffs or win your league down the stretch. Mixed Leagues – 12/15 teams: OF – Ezequiel Carrera (CLE) – With Michael Brantley...

Michael Brantley underwent surgery on Wednesday to have the hamate bone in his right hand removed. Dr. Thomas Graham, a hand specialist, performed the procedure at the Cleveland Clinic. Brantley landed on the 15-day disabled list on Friday and was transferred to the 60-day DL on Sunday.

Cleveland Indians outfielder Michael Brantley underwent season-ending surgery Wednesday to remove the hamate bone from his right wrist. Brantley, 24, was injured in a game against Seattle on Aug. 22. Seeing full-time duty for the first time, Brantley finished the season with a .266 average, seven homers, 46 RBIs and 13 stolen bases in 451 at-bats.