Bryce Stowell Rides Electric Fastball to Success

With all the issues that have plagued the Tribe this year, few thought the bullpen would be a point of weakness. Injuries and struggles have caused the once mighty pen to have a few shaky moments, and the troubles of Indians closer Chris Perez have thrown another wrench into the cogs. Luckily the Indians have a good deal of relief depth in their system. One of those players is Akron Aeros right handed reliever Bryce Stowell.

Stowell was drafted by the Indians in the 22^nd round of the 2008 draft out of the University of California, Irvine. He started his career in 2009 at Lake County but quickly moved up to Kinston (now Carolina) for the majority of the season out of the bullpen. Then next year he began at Kinston where he went 1-0 with a 1.42 era in 11 games. In a most impressive showing, he struck out 41 batters in 25 innings pitched. He moved up to Akron later in that season and pitched 22 scoreless innings before getting called up to Columbus in just his second Minor League season. Read More

Today in Tribe History: June 18, 1950

In the nightcap of a doubleheader, the Cleveland Indians score 14 runs in the 1st inning for an American League record as they trounce the Philadelphia Athletics, 21 – 2.

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Roller Coaster Season Could Reach New Heights

The Indians wake up this morning at 34-34, experiencing a roller coaster ride that would make most Cedar Point goers blush on the journey that they have traveled.

By definition, the Indians are what make a .500 team. They have inconsistent starting pitching, inconsistent offense—and suddenly an inconsistent bullpen. Most .500 teams are inconsistent, some days looking like a contender while other times looking like a team headed for the cellar.

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Today in Tribe History: June 17, 1993

Carlos Baerga of the Cleveland Indians hits three home runs in a 9 – 5 loss to the Detroit Tigers. Detroit hits five home runs of their own, including a pair each by Travis Fryman and Dan Gladden. Baerga, Fryman … Read More

Kluber’s Arm The Key As Cleveland Blanks Washington; Indians 2, Nationals 0

Corey Kluber gave the Indians eight shutout innings and Vinnie Pestano closed it out as Cleveland defeated the Washington Nationals, 2-0, on a beautiful Father’s Day afternoon to claim the interleague series.

Kluber (5-4) effectively worked into and out of trouble, getting timely strikeouts and double plays throughout the game to earn his fifth win of the season. Kluber was in control of his pitches throughout the game, allowing seven hits but giving up no free passes. Eight Nationals batters were vicitimized by strike threes at the plate.

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Like Father, Like Son

The gradual decline of baseball as America’s Pastime has been a reoccurring topic of discussion amongst those who follow the sport for many years.

Baseball has not been marketed as effectively as the National Football League, which has capitalized on prime time games, a short 16-game schedule, and a bit of parity from the implementation of a salary cap. Baseball is not dominated by highly publicized and paid star athletes and commercial stars, as with the National Basketball Association. Both sports are easier to play and easier to play in small groups. Throw the ball, catch the ball. Pass the ball, shoot the ball. Throw in some defense for good measure.

Baseball, despite inflating contracts and a shadow of the steroid saga still chasing its formerly good name, is more reminiscent of an older day, when things moved more slowly. The decline of baseball has been occasionally linked to the absence of the fathers from the homes of the present, whether it is because of the ever increasing needs of parents to be active members of the work force to generate income for the home, or because of the overall increase in single parent homes throughout the nation.

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Today in Tribe History: June 16, 1940

A disgruntled group of Cleveland Indians players petition owner Alva Bradley to fire team manager Oscar Vitt. Bradley turns down the players’ request, but eventually watches the team lose its hold on first place during the final weeks of the … Read More

Indians Battle Back but Bullpen Fails to Hold the Lead; Nationals 7, Indians 6

Scott Kazmir struggled mightily in Saturday’s game and was chased out in the third inning, but the Tribe offense battled hard against the excellent Washington pitching. Home runs ruled the day with a total of seven hit and the Indians came back from a five-run deficit to gain the lead heading into the eighth. The bullpen couldn’t hold it however, and the Indians dropped game two of the series, 7-6.

The Indians came into the game on the heels of a three-game winning streak. Both the Washington Nationals and the Cleveland Indians held an even .500 record at 33-33 entering the game. The Tribe now looks to clinch the series win and climb the ranks in the American League Central with a victory Sunday. Read More