Cleveland Sports Forum

J.R.

Michael Reghi was sitting in for Drennan this afternoon and said that an equipment truck has already left for Arizona. So I may have read that correctly yesterday after all.

Well, I hope they figured out what the best day is for those trucks to leave. I mean, the success or failure of an entire season hinges on that

The last couple years, they left on January 31, but then again ST started earlier last year:

http://www.wtam.com/onair/tribe-coverag ... -10751389/

Well the vast majority of trucks are leaving today. Regular season starts two months from today.

They got the most important thing packed. Some Bertman's mustard.

Oh, and Tito's scooter. Can't forget that!

Cleveland Indians' equipment trucks take off for spring training: video

http://www.cleveland.com/tribe/index.ss ... ay_sp.html


A sure sign of Spring: Cleveland Indians’ equipment heads to Arizona The Cleveland Indians packed and loaded the necessary equipment and supplies at Progressive Field for the 2-day trip for Spring Training in Goodyear, Arizona that begins with pitchers and catchers reporting on Feb. 18th. The full squad will report on the 22nd.
Zack Meisel, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Zack Meisel, Northeast Ohio Media Group

on February 06, 2015 at 11:35 AM, updated February 06, 2015 at 12:22 PM


CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Only a 2,000-mile voyage stands between the Indians and the dawn of another spring.

The Indians' two 53-foot equipment trucks departed Cleveland on Friday. They will arrive in Goodyear, Ariz., either Tuesday night or Wednesday morning. By late Wednesday afternoon, the staff will have the team clubhouse up and running, just a week before pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report for the new season.

"It's a big day for Cleveland fans to have a sign of spring coming," said Tribe clubhouse manager Tony Amato. "With the weather and everything, I think it's great for everyone here."

The trucks deliver gear for each player and coach and any personal items members of the team want shipped. Also on board are 12 pallets of water, one pallet full of plastic bottles of Bertman's Ball Park Mustard, about 25 sets of golf clubs, more than 30 bikes, exercise equipment and car seats. Corey Kluber even had a high chair sent across the country.

The staff placed all of its orders in October and November and spent the month of January organizing and preparing all of the packaging.

"I know we had over 50-some skids," Amato said. "It's probably a record. It seems like we were really heavy going down this year for some reason."

Baseballs -- more than 1,500 dozen of them -- were delivered on Thursday.

"Hopefully that lasts us through camp," Amato said.

Each position player receives between 18-24 bats. Some were shipped to Cleveland, where the clubhouse staff marked and labeled each for the specific player.

Amato said the strangest item he ever packed onto the truck was a safe, requested by a former member of the coaching staff. Of course, for the third straight year, the staff also shipped Terry Francona's red scooter.

"There's not anything unique that stands out this year," Amato said.

Pitchers and catchers report to Goodyear on Feb. 18.

More photos here:

http://www.foxsports.com/ohio/photos/in ... 0615#img_6

From the Indians:
We've been tracking our truck all weekend on its jaunt from Cleveland to Goodyear. Today's update?

Really, really close.

Still say wouldnt it be cheaper for Dolan to forget the whole spring training thing. The players who forget to work out all winter-they are professional athletes after all can get a membership in a health club. I think Executive club probably doesnt exist anymore and when the snow stops they can go out to the park and throw the ball around. Neomg would also save money as they wouldnt have to pay Hoynseeeee to go the desert. Does anytone really think the Indians record would be any different in the end. No one goes to games in Cleveland untily July so they can also use the first few months of the season to get rid of the excess poundage from all the buffet lines.

KENM: You could say that about any team. You don't seriously think MLB will abandon spring training? I'm sure FL and AZ wouldn't mind. Hey, maybe they could just sell tickets to area gyms around the country, to watch players work out on their own.

The truck has arrived at Goodyear!

Winter Haven in March, 2000, with KENM's favorite owner. He had just bought the team from Dick Jacobs that year. That's his wife over his left shoulder.

Albert Belle talks Corey Kluber, dance and Cinderella on visit to Cleveland Indians

Paul Hoynes, Northeast Ohio Media Group By Paul Hoynes, Northeast Ohio Media Group

on February 19, 2015 at 6:53 PM

GOODYEAR, Ariz. - The right-handed power hitter that the Indians need for the upcoming season walked through the front door of their Goodyear spring training complex Thursday morning. One problem - he was about 20 years too late.

Albert Belle, at one time the most feared slugger in the most feared lineup in the American League, made the drive from his home in Paradise Valley to see some old friends. Belle's teammates from the great Indians teams of the 1990s have long since retired, but he still knew plenty of people with the team.

Belle spent a lot of time talking the clubhouse staff - Tony Amato, Marty Bokovitz and Frank Mancini. Mike Seghi, the veteran director of team travel, stopped by to say hello. Ditto for Bart Swain, director of media relations.

Old teammates Sandy Alomar and Charles Nagy were on hand to chat as well. Alomar is the Indians first base coach. Nagy is a special assistant to baseball operations. Nagy and Belle played golf on Wednesday.

The last time Belle, 48, visited the Indians in spring training was 2012.

"I just wanted to see some of the guys," Belle told reporters.

Asked what he's been doing, Belle said, "Soccer and dance."

Belle has three young daughters.

"I tell them to use their elbows in soccer when somebody gets close to them," said Belle. "No, I don't get mad. You can't get through a soccer game without somebody crying."

Belle, who led the Indians to their first World Series appearance in 41 years in 1995, watches a lot of baseball on TV. That includes the Indians.

"I kind of watch whatever games are on," said Belle. "Otherwise, I'm watching Disney. Now, they've got the new Cinderella coming out."

Belle gave his scouting report on the Tribe, "Well, Corey Kluber should win 20 games. There are four or five question marks after that. There are a lot of question marks. The guy that closed last year, Cody Allen, I like him. I like Nick Hagadone, too. The bullpen was pretty decent."

The Indians are honoring the 20th anniversary of the 1995 Indians on June 19 and June 20 at Progressive Field. Former players have been invited to attend the ceremonies, but Belle isn't sure he'll be able to make it.

"I've got to look and see when all that stuff is," said Belle.

Belle, known as much for his temper as his power during his playing days, hit .317 with 52 doubles, 50 homers and 126 RBI in 1995. He is the only player in history to hit 50 doubles and 50 homers in the same season.

Told it wouldn't be a proper celebration of the 1995 Indians without him, Belle said, "I was just one of many characters on that team. Has anyone located Manny (Ramirez) yet?"

Belle, who career was cut short by a hip injury, finished his career with 381 homers. He hit 242 of them with the Indians.

#11. Mo Vaughn over Albert Belle for the 1995 A.L. MVP:

R H 2B 3B HR RBI BB/K AVG OBA SLG OPS WSAB/3 WAR WA2RB DIFF
Belle 121 173 52 1 50 126 73/80 .317 .401 .690 1.091 7.6 7.2 7.4 82.7%
Vaughn 98 165 28 3 39 126 68/150 .300 .388 .575 .963 4.2 3.9 4.1


One of the biggest screw jobs of all time