Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Cleveland Indians add Jordan Brown, six others to the 40-man roster

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November 20

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians added first baseman/outfielder Jordan Brown and six others to the 40-man roster today to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft on Dec. 10 at the winter meetings. Today is the deadline for filing rosters. Last season Brown won the Class AAA International League batting title for Columbus by hitting .336 (140-for-417). The Indians, however, did not promote him to the big leagues in September, choosing instead to take a look at the virtually unknown untility infielder Niuman Romero. An angry Brown said he expected the Indians to leave him off the 40-man roster this time around. He was happy about the prospect because he was sure another team would take him in the Rule 5 draft and ..."

Hiring of Alomar a popular move

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November 19

Akron Beacon Journal

"It doesn't take a professional pollster to know the Indians' most popular move of the offseason to date has been hiring Sandy Alomar as the new first-base coach and catching instructor. Alomar spent 11 of the Tribe's most glorious seasons as the No. 1 catcher, winning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 1990 and going to the All-Star Game six times. In his career, Alomar batted .277 with 92 home runs and 453 RBI while being a solid presence and a leader behind the plate. Now 43, Alomar returns to his baseball roots and the city where his two children, Marcus and Marissa still live. ''I'm looking forward to the opportunity to come back to the Indians, and my family is very ..."

Sandy Alomar Jr. talked his way back to Cleveland

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November 19

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Sandy Alomar Jr. really wanted to return to Cleveland. The Mets offered him a job to coach first base and instruct their catchers on Jerry Manuel's big-league staff. Last week, General Manager Omar Minaya seemed certain Alomar would accept that job and remain in New York, where he'd been the catching instructor for the past two years. Tuesday, however, the Indians announced Alomar would be new manager Manny Acta's first base coach. How did it happen? "This developed over the last week," said Alomar, speaking to Cleveland reporters Wednesday on a conference call. "I talked to Omar relentlessly. At first he was skeptical, but I was persistent. When he gave me the opportunity to talk to the ..."

Former Sox catcher Alomar to coach for Indians

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November 18

Chicago Tribune

"Former White Sox catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. is back with the Cleveland Indians. The popular former All-Star catcher has been hired by new Indians manager Manny Acta as a first-base coach. Alomar spent the past two years as a catching instructor for the New York Mets. He will mentor Cleveland's catchers. Alomar played 20 seasons in the majors -- five with the Sox, 11 in Cleveland -- before retiring in 2007."

Acta hires Alomar as first-base coach

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November 18

Akron Beacon Journal

"There's a baseball adage that says great players don't always make great coaches. It goes with the line of thinking that great players often are so athletically gifted, they can't always understand why other players aren't as good, as smart or as gifted as they are. But new Indians manager Manny Acta isn't buying it - at least not when it comes to Sandy Alomar Jr. Acta named the former Indians All-Star catcher as the Tribe's first-base coach for the 2010 season. ''There are guys who can be great players and great coaches,'' Acta said. ''And I think [Alomar's] one of them.'' There's no doubt about the former. Alomar, 43, was the 1990 Rookie of the Year and a six-time American League ..."

Acta and Shapiro cobbling together a coaching staff

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November 17

Akron Beacon Journal

"So far, the makeup of the coaching staff that will assist new Indians manager Manny Acta has been a combination of men who already work for the organization and outsiders. In other words, both Acta and General Manager Mark Shapiro have cooperated in choosing the coaches who will advise the manager and instruct the players. Three coaches were hired today: bench coach Tim Tolman, bullpen coach Scott Radinsky and third base coach and infield instructor Steve Smith. Radinsky and Tim Belcher, named earlier in the month as pitching coach, already were working for the Tribe. Tolman was the third base coach for the Washington Nationals in 2006 and 2007, when Acta was the Nationals' manager. Smith ..."

Indians name Scott Radinsky, Tim Tolman and Steve Smith to Manny Acta's coaching staff

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November 16

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Manager Manny Acta's coaching staff is starting to take shape. The Indians today announced the signings of bullpen coach Scott Radinsky, bench coach Tim Tolman and third base/infield coach Steve Smith. Pitching coach Tim Belcher was signed last week. Radinksy, a former big-league reliever, has been the Indians Class AAA pitching coach for the last three years. He has coached in the Indians system for the last six years. He made 557 relief appearances over an 11-year big leaguer career."

Sources: Wedge on Mets' bench coach short list

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November 15

Foxsports.com

"Former Indians manager Eric Wedge, former Mariners and Diamondbacks manager Bob Melvin and former Orioles bench coach Dave Jauss are candidates to be the Mets' next bench coach, according to major-league sources. The Mets, however, are considering numerous other names as well, and do not appear close to a decision. The position could be a stepping stone; Mets manager Jerry Manuel, coming off a 70-win season, is entering the last year of his contract. Wedge, who is getting paid by the Indians through 2010, can be selective in choosing his next job. Melvin interviewed for the Astros' managerial position and also drew consideration from the Nationals. Jauss previously worked as a bench coach ..."

Indians are in a deep hole, what will it take to climb out?

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November 12

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Let's start with the crater in the middle of the Indians' starting rotation. After trading CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee in consecutive years, it resembles the kind of indentation that astronomers study on the far side of the moon. The hard part is filling it. The Yankees certainly have a big enough shovel. They won the World Series earlier this month after signing Sabathia, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettitte. Not too many other teams can do a patch job like that, especially the Indians. They've been contemplating the problem since sending Lee to the Phillies on July 29. The contemplation continued Wednesday when the Indians left the General Managers meetings, but this is a problem with no ..."

Indians right-hander Jake Westbrook will test elbow in Puerto Rico

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November 11

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians should know soon if Jake Westbrook will be an option for their starting rotation in 2010. Manager Eduardo Perez, a former Indians first baseman, said Tuesday that Westbrook is scheduled to make his first start for Ponce in Puerto Rico on Nov. 28. Perez is managing Ponce for the second straight season. "Jake is scheduled to go two innings," said Perez. "If everything goes well, he'll be there through Dec. 17." A healthy Westbrook could be the Indians' opening day starter in 2010. Westbrook, however, missed all of last season because of setbacks following Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Westbrook underwent elbow surgery on June 12, 2008. In the last two seasons, he's made ..."

Indians want a veteran pitcher; if Jake Westbrook isn't ready, is Carl Pavano an answer?

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November 11

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians, at the moment, are expecting Jake Westbrook to be in the starting rotation when the season opens April 5 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. It's why Westbrook will start for Ponce and manager Eduardo Perez on Nov. 28 in Puerto Rico. Perez, the Indians' former first baseman, is managing Ponce for the second year. He said Tuesday at the General Managers meetings that Westbrook will test his surgically repaired right elbow from Nov. 28 through Dec. 17. "Our expectation is, at this point, that Jake will be in our rotation at the start of the year," said assistant GM Chris Antonetti. If Westbrook, who did not make a big-league start last year and has just five in the last two ..."

Indians bring a more wary outlook to 2009 winter meetings

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November 10

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians jumped into the free agent market early last winter. They signed closer Kerry Wood in December at the winter meetings in Las Vegas to a two-year, $20.5 million deal. In the weeks and months that followed, the closer market, and the free-agent market in general, tumbled. Headliners such as CC Sabathia, Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett were paid handsomely, but by February good players such as Bobby Abreu and Orlando Hudson were a bargain hunters delight. The Angels signed Abreu to a one-year deal worth $5 million. The Dodgers signed Hudson for one year and $3.38 million. MLB's general managers meeting opened Monday at the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Hotel. No one knows how much money ..."

Indians do some scouting housecleaning in Japan

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November 9

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Latin America isn't the only part of the world where the Indians are redoing their scouting structure and methods. John Mirabelli, Indians director of scouting, said Pacific Rim scouts Jason Lee and Nate Minchey have been fired. Minchey was scouting Japan and Lee the Pacific Rim. Mirabelli said Dave DeFreitas will scout and live in Japan, while two part-time scouts will be hired to cover Taiwan and South Korea. The Indians last week announced the hiring of Ramon Pena as their new director of Latin American Operations. Pena will lived in the Dominican Republic, much like DeFreitas will live in Japan. "We want to have someone in Japan fulltime so we can to keep up with the amateur and ..."

Indians insider to coach pitchers

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November 7

Akron Beacon Journal

"The Indians didn't have to look far to hire a pitching coach. Tim Belcher has been working for the team the past eight years as special assistant to baseball operations. In that role, he has done advance scouting, instructed pitchers in spring training and filled in as pitching coach at several minor-league levels. As of Friday, he replaces Carl Willis as the Tribe's pitching coach. Willis, along with the rest of the coaching staff and manager Eric Wedge, was fired last month. Apparently, the key factor in getting Belcher on board was making sure he wanted to undertake a full-time job that took him away from his family (in Columbus) for seven months a year. ''Tim is a guy we've known for ..."

Indians name new director for Latin American Operations

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November 7

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Veteran scout Ramon Pena has replaced Lino Diaz as director of Latin American Operations for the Indians. Pena, who has scouted for 28 years, was employed by the New York Mets for the last three seasons as a special assistant to GM Omar Minaya. He spent 21 years with the Tigers and has signed over 40 players who have reached the big leagues. Among them are Francisco Cordero, Fernando Rodney, Jair Jurrjens, Frank Catalanotto, Ramon Santiago and Omar Infante. "We are extremely fortunate to have someone of Ramon's experience, track record and influence join our organization," said John Mirabelli, Indians director of scouting, in a statement. "We are excited to add Ramon and feel he could ..."

Indians name Tim Belcher pitching coach for new manager Manny Acta

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November 6

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Tim Belcher is the Cleveland Indians' new pitching coach under first-year manager Manny Acta. Belcher, 48, has served the Indians as a special assistant to the baseball operations department for the last eight years. He will replace Carl Willis, who was fired along with manager Eric Wedge and the rest of his coaching staff on Sept. 30. In 14 big-league seasons, the native of Sparta, Ohio, went 146-140 with 4.16 ERA. Belcher pitched with seven big league teams, winning 10 or more games in nine seasons."

Cleveland Indians interested in returning Sandy Alomar Jr. to Acta's coaching staff

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November 5

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians have talked to the New York Mets about adding former All-Star catcher Sandy Alomar Jr. to new manager Manny Acta's coaching staff. Alomar has been added to the Mets' big-league staff after serving two years as their bullpen catcher and catching instructor, but his job hasn't been finalized because of other changes on the staff. One of those changes included the firing of Alomar's father, Sandy Sr. In his 11 years with the Indians (1990-2000), Alomar was one of the most popular players in team history. He was voted into the Tribe's Hall of Fame this past summer. Acta is looking for a catching instructor and bullpen coach. It's unclear if Alomar is being considered for both ..."

Manny Acta using World Series to winnow down staff candidates

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November 4

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"In picking a coaching staff, Indians manager Manny Acta would like to name a pitching coach and infield coach first. The team is not expected to make any announcements until the World Series is complete. Acta has been in Los Angeles since the start of the World Series on Oct. 28. He doing analyst work for Fox en Espanol on the Series. GM Mark Shapiro says Acta has been interviewing candidates almost every day. Shapiro and assistant GM Chris Antonetti are still in Cleveland, but have been involved in the interviews. "We've talked to a lot of good candidates already," said Acta in an e-mail. "We're making progress." Internal candidates for the pitching coach's job include Scott Radinsky ..."

Lee trade helped Francisco too

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November 1

Buffalo News

columnist Mike Harrington

"Back in April, former Buffalo Bisons star Ben Francisco became the answer to a trivia question when he scored the first run in the new Yankee Stadium. He told me after that game he didn't realize the significance until his phone was flooded with text messages when he came into the clubhouse. Of course, Francisco was with the Cleveland Indians that day so there was no way he figured to be back in the Bronx in the World Series in October. But there he was Wednesday night, starting in Game One against CC Sabathia for the Phillies. Francisco is the "other guy" for the National League champions, the other piece of the trade that brought ace Cliff Lee from the Tribe before the July 31 deadline. ..."

Pedro Martinez's twilight time with Phillies a strange sight for Indians fans

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November 1

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"It's hard to root for Pedro Martinez, even now when he's old and pitching against the Yankees in the World Series. There are few players who tortured the Indians more than he did during their glory days in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The Indians and Martinez were in their primes, but Martinez's prime was always better. It never seemed like victory was enough for him. During his great run with Boston from 1998 through 2004, Martinez seemed to go out of his way to rub his opponent's face in his greatness. The Indians were often that opponent. On April 30, 2000, Tribe catcher Einar Diaz doubled twice off Martinez at Progressive Field. In the seventh inning, with a 2-0 lead, Martinez ..."

Manager Manny Acta may hire Tim Tolman for coaching staff

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October 31

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Tim Tolman, Manny Acta's third base coach in Washington in 2007 and 2008, could be joining Acta's staff in Cleveland. Tolman has roots with Acta and the Indians. He spent 14 years in Houston's player development and scouting departments, where Acta was a player, minor league coach and manager. Tolman was the Indians minor league field coordinator from 2003 through 2006. This year Tolman was Seattle's coordinator of minor league instruction. It's not clear what position Tolman is being considered for on Acta's coaching staff. Tolman and four other Washington coaches were fired at the end of the 2008 season. Acta, who signed a three-year deal with the Indians last week, was fired as manager ..."

Manager Manny Acta may hire Tim Tolman for his coaching staff

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October 30

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Tim Tolman, Manny Acta's third base coach in Washington in 2007 and 2008, could be joining Acta's staff in Cleveland. Tolman has roots with Acta and the Indians. He spent 14 years in Houston's player development and scouting departments, where Acta was a player, minor league coach and manager. Tolman was the Indians minor league field coordinator from 2003 through 2006. This year Tolman was Seattle's coordinator of minor league instruction. It's not clear what position Tolman is being considered for on Acta's coaching staff. Tolman and four other Washington coaches were fired at the end of the 2008 season. Acta, who signed a three-year deal with the Indians last week, was fired as manager ..."

Cleveland pines for ones who got away

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October 30

Camden Courier-Post

columnist Mike Lopresti

"We interrupt this World Series to feel sorry for Cleveland. Let's review the sports menu this week for the good folks of northern Ohio. It's been like choosing between liver, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. They could watch the Cavaliers start the season 0-2. How's that LeBron-Shaq dream date going so far? They could ponder the future prospects of the Browns. That might require a strong constitution, however, since the Browns are 1-6. Or Wednesday night, they could have watched Cliff Lee outduel CC Sabathia in the first annual reunion of former Indians' Cy Young-award pitchers, otherwise known as Game 1 of the World Series. What must Cleveland have been thinking? "They can't be feeling ..."

Fox analyst Manny Acta is seeking coaches

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October 30

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"New Indians manager Manny Acta is in Los Angeles serving as an analyst for Fox Sports Spanish-speaking coverage of the World Series. Talking about two-fifths of a starting rotation that could have been his -- CC Sabathia for the Yankees and Cliff Lee for the Phillies -- isn't the only thing he'll analyze. Acta will conduct interviews for his coaching staff. Just who he'll talk to is unknown, but internal candidates Torey Lovullo and Scott Radinsky live in California. Lovullo, who lost out to Acta for the manager's job, has managed the Indians' Class AAA club for the previous four years. Radinsky has been his pitching coach the past three years. The Indians need a full set of coaches -- ..."

For Indians, tough to watch Phillies starter Cliff Lee beats CC Sabathia, New York Yankees

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October 29

New York Daily News

columnist Bill Madden

"In case you hadn't heard, Shapiro's Indians, like a lot of middle-to-small-market clubs in baseball, are experiencing some tough financial times that revenue sharing apparently hasn't been able to cure. As a result, Shapiro was forced to trade off Sabathia last year before he reached free agency, receiving the Milwaukee Brewers' top two outfield prospects, Matt LaPorta and Michael Brantley. This year, he had to move Lee and catcher Victor Martinez. For Lee, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner, Shapiro received four of the Phillies' top prospects: pitchers Jason Knapp and Carlos Carrasco, infielder Jason Donald and catcher Lou Marson. It remains to be seen, however, if any of them will ..."

Cliff Lee dazzles in duel of ex-Indians, as Philadelphia wins Game 1 of World Series, 6-1

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October 29

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Darek Braunecker, Cliff Lee's agent, Tuesday described his client's state of mind as he prepared to start Game 1 of the World Series on Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. "I can guarantee you that Cliff will be excited," said Braunecker, "but he won't be intimidated for one moment. He has no fear." There may be some debate today as to whether Lee has any nerves at all as he pitched the Phillies to a 6-1 victory over the Yankees. He struck out 10 and is 3-0 in this postseason, allowing two earned runs in 33 1/3 innings. In a meeting between former Indians Cy Young winners, Lee not only out-pitched CC Sabathia, but he looked cool doing it. Lee's signature moment came in the sixth inning ..."

Acta all the way in' for Indians' rebuilding challenge

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October 28

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians took their first serious step toward Opening Day 2010 by introducing new manager Manny Acta to Cleveland on Monday afternoon at Progressive Field. They came to terms late Saturday night. There still is much to do following this year's 65-97 season. A coaching staff must be hired. GM Mark Shapiro said it could take between two and three weeks. Calls already have been made to teams to ask permission to talk to candidates. Acta said he'll start making phone calls to his new players today. He's already planning trips to Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and the Arizona Fall League to see the Indians playing winter ball. "When I'm in, I'm all the way in," said Acta, 40. "I'm going ..."

World Series starters Sabathia, Lee highlight Cleveland Indians' deconstruction

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October 28

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"They will be watching from Puerto Rico and Cleveland. From Texas to Virginia and a lot of places between. CC Sabathia vs. Cliff Lee in Game 1 of the World Series Wednesday night at Yankee Stadium. "I'm mad because we'd like to have them pitching for us in the World Series," said catcher Kelly Shoppach, from Fort Worth, Texas. Even if you don't believe in the Curse of Rocky Colavito, the Curse of Jose Mesa and that evil forces guided Edgar Renteria's high-chop single over Charlie Nagy's outstretched glove in the 11th inning of Game 7 of the 1997 World Series, it's going to be hard to be an Indians fan in Game 1. "They'll probably be licking their wounds in Cleveland," said Darek ..."

Indians supplied aces Cliff Lee, CC Sabathia to World Series foes

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October 28

St. Petersburg Times

"Before CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee throw their first pitches in tonight's World Series opener, the Cleveland Indians are already the big losers. That's because the Indians traded away both pitchers, and now - having lost 97 games and fired manager Eric Wedge - have to watch their pair of former aces in the spotlight. "They can't be feeling too good about it," Lee said. "I mean, it's two guys they could have had on their team that are now on different teams facing each other in the World Series. That's the way this game works sometimes, though." Sabathia was traded to Milwaukee last season then signed with the Yankees. Lee was dealt to the Phillies this July. They became close friends in ..."

Lee and Sabathia goes from friends to foes

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October 28

Camden Courier-Post

"The friendship began seven years ago -- Sept. 15, 2002, to be exact -- when Cliff Lee made his major-league debut at the Metrodome in Minnesota and wowed CC Sabathia, his new Cleveland Indians teammate. "He went out and dealt," Sabathia said Tuesday. "He was the Cliff that he is now." Over the years, they've grown closer, kidding each other about their vastly different backgrounds, encouraging one another to become better. Even after Sabathia got traded last season, they stayed in touch via almost daily text messages. And after facing off in the first game at new Yankee Stadium in April, they dined at Sabathia's house. Tonight, the friendship will add another chapter. Sabathia and Lee -- ..."

Lee vs. Sabathia: A pitching matchup only Cleveland could hate

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October 28

Philadelphia Daily News

columnist Rich Hofmann

"The question goes to the very origin of the baseball species. CC Sabathia will pitch Game 1 of the World Series for the Yankees, Cliff Lee will pitch for the Phillies, and the city of Cleveland will lament what was. The lesson for everyone is simple, really primal.It is good to be the carnivore.Baseball is a zero-sum game. The Indians' loss was the Yankees' and the Phillies' gain. Lee vs. Sabathia. It is emblematic of what still can be the innate unfairness of this sport - less unfair than it used to be, but still so unequal when it comes to revenues. It is emblematic, too, of the journey the Phillies have taken as a franchise over the last few years. Because it wasn't that long ago when ..."

New Indians manager Manny Acta will need help from Dolans to get the job done

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October 27

Cleveland Plain Dealer

columnist Bill Livingston

"Manny Acta, the Indians' new manager, says he knows he is not a big shot. He also politely wondered what caliber of reputation Joe Torre had when he began managing three decades ago with the New York Mets. "A big shot is a little shot who keeps shooting," said Acta. "I'm ready to keep shooting." This requires ammunition, of course. Torre never had a winning season with the Mets. George Steinbrenner strapped a Brink's truck of bats and arms on Torre with the Yankees, and Torre was Rambo every October for a while. That is not an alternative here. Acta is the first managerial hire since the interminable Mark Shapiro/Eric Wedge partnership. He transmits a positive charge of energy, and ..."

Indians introduce Manny Acta as their new manager

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October 27

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians took their first serious step toward Opening Day 2010 by introducing new manager Manny Acta to Cleveland on Monday afternoon at Progressive Field. They came to terms late Saturday night. There still is much to do following this year's 65-97 season. A coaching staff must be hired. GM Mark Shapiro said it could take between two and three weeks. Calls already have been made to teams to ask permission to talk to candidates. Acta said he'll start making phone calls to his new players today. He's already planning trips to Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and the Arizona Fall League to see the Indians playing winter ball. "When I'm in, I'm all the way in," said Acta, 40. "I'm ..."

Tribe fans should give Acta chance to prove himself

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October 27

Akron Beacon Journal

"Who did you expect, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa, Ron Gardenhire? They all have jobs, and if they didn't, they would command top dollar in the marketplace. Would that disqualify them to manage the Indians? Who knows? It doesn't matter, because that's not reality. What's real is Manny Acta, the Tribe's new skipper. I'm fairly certain that Acta would not be the fans' choice. Mark Shapiro might disagree. If Indians partisans had a chance to converse with Acta for several hours, as the club's general manager has, they might change their minds. Acta is personable, engaging, candid. He has years of experience plying his craft. He played six years in the minors with the Houston and Atlanta ..."

Acta does his homework to land Indians job

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October 26

Akron Beacon Journal

"Manny Acta spent a majority of the second half of the baseball season paying close attention to the television, watching and then often re-watching games involving teams that he had a hunch would soon be looking for a manager. To say that Acta saw his share of Indians losses is an understatement. Armed with a wealth of knowledge about the team, Acta impressed the Indians' front office personnel during the first round of telephone interviews and again last week in an all-day in-person interview that ended with a sit-down with local media. Acta's hiring was confirmed Sunday afternoon by the team, and the Indians will make it official at a news conference at 4 p.m. Monday at Progressive ..."

Former Nats manager Acta gets another chance with the Indians

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October 26

Washington Post

"Three months after being fired as manager of the Washington Nationals, Manny Acta had no trouble lining up his next gig. The Cleveland Indians on Sunday named Acta their new manager, after Acta reportedly turned down the Houston Astros. Acta, who turns 41 in January, so impressed the Indians the team sped up its hiring process, apparently handing the job to Acta before he could change his mind about Houston. In a statement released through the team, Acta called the Indians "a talented group of young men who seem to possess a lot of energy and passion for their work." His contract with the Indians reportedly is for three years, plus a team option for 2013. "After speaking with an impressive ..."

Indians select Manny Acta

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October 26

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Manny Acta was asked the question last week in Cleveland at the end of a seven-hour interview with GM Mark Shapiro and the rest of the Indians' front office. What would he do if the Indians and Astros offered him a chance to be their manager at the same time? "This is my job, and it's a business, too," replied Acta to a reporter's question. "All of us in life have to separate our heart and our head when that time comes. I don't know if I'd be so blessed that both teams would offer me this job." Not only was Acta so blessed, he had to separate heart from head and make a decision. Acta chose the Indians, who named the 40-year-old former minor-league infielder as their 40th manager Sunday. ..."

Indians select Manny Acta as new manager with 3-year contract

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October 25

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Manny Acta will be named the 40th manager of the Indians today. Acta reportedly turned down an offer to become Houston's manager to accept the Indians job, which is for three seasons with a team option for 2013. Acta played eight years in the Astros' minor-league system and managed another seven years. The Indians interviewed Acta, Bobby Valentine and Torey Lovullo last week to be Eric Wedge's replacement. They were scheduled to interview Dodgers hitting coach Don Mattingly later this week. Acta managed Washington from 2007 until he was fired July on 13. His overall record was 158-252. The Nationals were 26-61 when he was fired this year. He used the free time by watching the Indians on ..."

3 candidates discuss how they'd fix the bullpen mess

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October 25

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Last week, Manny Acta, Bobby Valentine and Torey Lovullo told the Indians how they'd construct, handle and fix the Indians bullpen if they were named manager. It is a bullpen that has ranged from good (2005) to very good (2007) to bad (2009) to downright awful (2006) over the past six years. One reason GM Mark Shapiro decided to interview a wider range of candidates to replace Eric Wedge was to learn as much as he could about how to assemble a bullpen, a job that has humbled him more than once. Here's a look at the pen's highs and lows from 2004 through 2009: This year, the Indians' pen went 20-24 with a 4.66 ERA. They tied for the fewest saves in the American League with 25 and ..."

Former Cleveland Indians player praise new Tampa Bay Rays hitting coach Derek Shelton

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October 25

St. Petersburg Times

"Rays officials had heard good things about Derek Shelton's work and were even more impressed when they spoke with him. Hiring new hitting coaches isn't an exact science, as gray of an area sometimes as evaluating old ones, but after considering five candidates, then a couple very seriously, they feel very good about their decision. Talking to a few of Shelton's former Indians players, it sounds as if they couldn't have done better. "I thought he was a great hitting coach," now-Dodgers 3B Casey Blake said. What Shelton does best, from what Blake and now-Phillies OF Ben Francisco said, is work hard, communicate and, most important, mold his coaching techniques to each player. "I feel ..."

Lovullo's familiarity might hurt

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October 24

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Torey Lovullo has a lot of qualities that would make him a good choice to be the Indians' next manager. Unfortunately, he has a big one working against him -- he's one of their own. The Indians have been an isolationist organization when it comes to hiring big-league managers. They haven't crossed their own bounda ries since former GM Hank Peters brought in John McNamara in 1990. For a long time, it worked. Mike Hargrove, McNa mara's successor, went to two World Series and won five division titles. Charlie Manuel, who took over for Hargrove, won a division title in 2001. Since then, it has grown rather stuffy inside the manager's office at Progressive Field.

Yes, there was ..."

Royals hire Cleveland assistant as new head trainer

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October 23

Kansas City Star

"The Royals reached outside the organization Thursday in hiring Nick Kenney to replace Nick Swartz as their new head athletic trainer. Kenney joins the organization after spending the previous five seasons as an assistant trainer for the Cleveland Indians. He previously worked two years as an assistant trainer for the Cincinnati Reds. "We have hired one of the most highly respected trainers in the game," Royals general manager Dayton Moore said. "Nick brings a high level of energy, enthusiasm and expertise to the Royals' organization. "I'm extremely confident that he will lead and direct our medical programs in a very progressive and dynamic manner.""

Valentine would be intriguing gamble

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October 23

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"For the Indians, Bobby Val entine is a baseball wild- card. He has spent the past six years managing Japan, and admits being out of touch with the American League. He claims no expertise about the Tribe's roster and confessed to skipping his homework. He also happens to be the only candidate to replace manager Eric Wedge who has any success as a major-league manager. His stance seems to be: If you want me, take me as I am. I'm not about to beg for this job. Odds are that he'll make a major impact in the dugout, either good or bad. The former Mets and Rangers manager may turn out to be hopelessly out of touch with the American game, a guy out for one last big payday at the age of 59."

Indians get permission from Angels to speak to Ron Roenicke

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October 23

Los Angeles Times

"The Cleveland Indians have received permission from the Angels to speak to bench coach Ron Roenicke about their managerial job, which opened when the team fired Eric Wedge in the final week of the regular season. It was unclear Thursday when Roenicke, who has spent 10 seasons with the Angels under Manager Mike Scioscia, six as a third base coach and the last four as the bench coach, would interview for the position, or if he has already been interviewed. Angels General Manager Tony Reagins would neither confirm nor deny the Indians' interest. Roenicke, who interviewed for the Seattle job when the Mariners hired Mike Hargrove in 2004, declined to comment."

Bobby Valentine says he wants to manage the Cleveland Indians

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October 22

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Former big league manager Bobby Valentine, following today's interview to be the next manager of the Indians, said "I had a great day. I met with baseball people. It couldn't be any better than that." Valentine left his gig with ESPN late Wednesday night. He arrived in Cleveland early after about two hours of sleep and met the media at 3:30 p.m. "When I managed in the states, Cleveland was a pretty progressive thinking organization," said Valentine, who managed Texas and the New York Mets. "They signed young guys to longer contracts. Built a new ballpark and filled it for 455 straight games. "That was the envy of everybody in baseball. That's the idea of the culture I had from afar. ..."

Tug of war over Acta?

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October 22

Foxsports.com

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"Acta not only is a finalist for the Indians, but also a leading candidate for the Astros. The Indians are not likely to alter their process because of the Astros' interest. But Astros owner Drayton McLane might react to the Indians' pursuit. The competition for Acta is reminiscent of the battle between the Rangers and Orioles for Phil Regan after the 1994 season. The Orioles' interest in Regan only intensified after club officials learned that Regan also was a target of the Rangers and their new general manager, former O's exec Doug Melvin. Orioles owner Peter Angelos, fearing he might lose Regan, would not let him leave Baltimore without a contract. McLane is the same type of owner that ..."

Indians to put Bobby Valentine through paces today as manager search continues

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October 22

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"This time around, when it came to hiring a manager, GM Mark Shapiro wanted to expand the search. He didn't desert his home base, yet he cast his nets as far and wide as possible. The next two candidates scheduled to interview today and Friday at Progressive Field to become the Indians' 40th manager reflect that search. Bobby Valentine, who has managed 2,189 games in the big leagues and another seven years in Japan, arrives today to meet Shapiro, Indians President Paul Dolan, assistant GM Chris Antonetti and others. Torey Lovullo, who has managed eight years in the Indians' minor-league system, including the previous four at Class AAA, will interview Friday. Former Washington Nationals ..."

Mattingly Has Preliminary Interview With Indians

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October 22

New York Times

"Don Mattingly, the Dodgers' hitting coach, had a preliminary telephone interview with the Cleveland Indians for their vacant managerial position, and could meet with them after the Dodgers' season ends. Speaking before Game 5 of the National League Championship Series on Wednesday, Mattingly said he spoke with Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro more than a week ago. He declined to provide more details because he said he wanted his focus to remain on the field as long as the Dodgers were still playing. "I definitely want to manage," Mattingly said. "I just don't think it's the time right now. I spoke to the guys in Cleveland, it was a week ago or so. I wanted to keep it quiet. I didn't ..."

Acta eager for chance with Indians

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October 21

Akron Beacon Journal

"You'd think anyone who had managed the woeful Washington Nationals for 21/2 seasons would beg to be retrained for employment in a different industry. But Manny Acta apparently is a glutton for punishment, a man who is anxious to go from the fire into the frying pan. In that regard, Acta thinks he would be getting the better of the deal, because in his estimation, the Indians have far more skilled players than the Nationals. ''The Indians have a lot more people in place,'' he said. ''They pretty much have a whole lineup of exciting young players. It was a very different scenario [in Washington]. ''There were not that many pieces in place. Over here, it's gettting the right attitude and ..."

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