2019 Cleveland Indians Opening Day Roster

[Lee]

I don’t know where the standard started but this is 100% true. And IF! the day ever comes where the Indians move, the outrage will be ridiculous. Indians are the redheaded step child of Cleveland

We will see moving forward. Browns will always be #1, that is no doubt. When they left, the Indians were good and so they took over for a bit. Then the Browns came back, Indians stank and Cavs ended up being lucky enough to draft the savior of the city in Lebron.

Now the Cavs stink, Indians are good. It doesn't matter what the Browns do, good or bad, they are #1, but in a year or two if the Cavs continue to stink and Indians remain good, I could see Indians taking over the #2 spot which would mean more attendance.

We shall see, but clearly Cleveland cannot support 3 good teams, but hopefully we can support 2. I hate that this is true, but then again I am not doing any favors since I moved to Arizona and only go to a couple spring training games a year at most.

 

[I'mWithDan]

To illustrate the different standard the Tribe is held to around here, I can't help but think of when Baker Mayfield called out the fans for the noticeable amount of empty seats during the Panthers game. He was widely praised for speaking out and rightly so. However, I could only imagine what the reaction would be if Lindor or Kluber criticized the fans for their underwhelming attendance. "Don't tell us how to spend our money!!" "Parking is too much!"

Honestly, it's just a symptom of baseball. I don't think it has anything to do with who is delivering the message. The baseball season is too long, it is generally too boring on a single game basis and (some think) too nuanced for causal fans.

I'm in Chicago and there's a ton of baseball apathy here too. Sox draw for shit, even when they are decent and the only reason people consistently go to Cubs games is to party in Wrigley. If you look around at a Cubs game, it is a social event for 70% of the people there. It's pretty tough to replicate that in a city like Cleveland, where you draw from 1/20th of the metro area.

I'm a huge baseball fan but in comparison to the NBA or NFL or NHL, I'd much rather watch any of those other sports live.....even if the on field / court / ice product is worse. Baseball is just an incredibly slow, antiquated sport. It was my favorite sport to play growing up but regular season baseball is easily my least favorite thing to tune in to on a game by game basis. I still watch the games and follow the Indians but unless I'm getting nice weather, I literally would rather do about 500 other things than go to a garden variety regular season baseball game.

 

[Lee]

Honestly, it's just a symptom of baseball. I don't think it has anything to do with who is delivering the message. The baseball season is too long, it is generally too boring on a single game basis and (some think) too nuanced for causal fans.

I'm in Chicago and there's a ton of baseball apathy here too. Sox draw for shit, even when they are decent and the only reason people consistently go to Cubs games is to party in Wrigley. If you look around at a Cubs game, it is a social event for 70% of the people there. It's pretty tough to replicate that in a city like Cleveland, where you draw from 1/20th of the metro area.

I'm a huge baseball fan but in comparison to the NBA or NFL or NHL, I'd much rather watch any of those other sports live.....even if the on field / court / ice product is worse. Baseball is just an incredibly slow, antiquated sport. It was my favorite sport to play growing up but regular season baseball is easily my least favorite thing to tune in to on a game by game basis. I still watch the games and follow the Indians but unless I'm getting nice weather, I literally would rather do about 500 other things than go to a garden variety regular season baseball game.

To be fair, New Comisky might be the worst stadium I have ever been in and it doesn't help the located it in the ghetto. The park is awful and the product right now is awful, not a good combo for attendance.

 

[MoFlo]

I believe it was in the other thread where I compared it to the Cavs 1st run with Bron.

The Cavs run was basically over when Bron left and, similarly (whether it's right or not), the Indians run is perceived to be over when Lindor leaves.

The main difference is that the Indians are getting a lot more "in the moment" hate from fans for not getting over the hump, while the Cavs started getting the heat after Bron left for not putting a championship contending team around him.

I get that anything can happen in the MLB platoffs, but the past 2 seasons have left a bad tasye in a lot of fans' mouths (again, whether it's right or not).

It also doesn't help that it's basically a foregone conclusion that Lindor is gone, and coming off of an underwhelming off-season, it's a non-so-perfect storm.

Again, I'm not saying it's right, just saying that's how I read it.

 

[I'mWithDan]

To be fair, New Comisky might be the worst stadium I have ever been in and it doesn't help the located it in the ghetto. The park is awful and the product right now is awful, not a good combo for attendance.

If you think Sox/35th is the ghetto, you'd fall over driving through some of the southwest neighborhoods.

Certainly a less desire-able area than northside or any of the surrounding loop areas but that is their fan base. If it weren't on the south-side, literally no one would go.

I still just subscribe to the games being too long, too slow and just not interesting to casual observers. My wife would go to a game in Wrigley......she wouldn't remotely consider going to a game at Guaranteed Rate. It's not that she cares any more about the Cubs, even though she "identifies" as a Cubs fan, she just only cares about baseball when a social aspect like Wrigley exists. Go somewhere before the game, light atmosphere during it, options post game.

For teams like the Indians, I honestly think they need to look long and hard at how they can do a better job creating similar experiences. I'm not suggesting Cleveland will every rival Wrigley field but I think the team can do more creative things to attract casual fans.....or even entice back more dedicated fans like myself, that just don't enjoy going to baseball in comparison to the other major sports.

 

[Lee]

If you think Sox/35th is the ghetto, you'd fall over driving through some of the southwest neighborhoods.

Certainly a less desire-able area than northside or any of the surrounding loop areas but that is their fan base. If it weren't on the south-side, literally no one would go.

I still just subscribe to the games being too long, too slow and just not interesting to casual observers. My wife would go to a game in Wrigley......she wouldn't remotely consider going to a game at Guaranteed Rate. It's not that she cares any more about the Cubs, even though she "identifies" as a Cubs fan, she just only cares about baseball when a social aspect like Wrigley exists. Go somewhere before the game, light atmosphere during it, options post game.

For teams like the Indians, I honestly think they need to look long and hard at how they can do a better job creating similar experiences. I'm not suggesting Cleveland will every rival Wrigley field but I think the team can do more creative things to attract casual fans.....or even entice back more dedicated fans like myself, that just don't enjoy going to baseball in comparison to the other major sports.

They tore down the worst projects in the nation to build the stadium. I know Chicago well including South Side, I get its not as bad as it used to be, but that's because they built a ball park there. I would bet its one of the worst neighborhoods in the nation with an actual stadium.

 

[kidduck]

I haven't lived in Ohio in decades but I grew up going to games at Municipal Stadium when you could sit in the concrete CF bleachers for fifty cents. Box seats were $4 or $5. Many schools offered free tickets for a straight A report card.

Does the Tribe do enough promotions to get kids to the games? How about something
like kids 14 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult, seating limited to those
locations usually empty. Team should be able to clean up on concession and merchandise
sales with such a program. How about offering a single player signed ball via a lucky
ticket drawing each game? Or some practice/game used player gear like batting
glove, etc.

Players could help with more fan interaction but I doubt most would be willing
participants.

Get creative with ideas that will get kids into wanting their parents to bring them to
the games.

 

[BimboColesHair]

To illustrate the different standard the Tribe is held to around here, I can't help but think of when Baker Mayfield called out the fans for the noticeable amount of empty seats during the Panthers game. He was widely praised for speaking out and rightly so. However, I could only imagine what the reaction would be if Lindor or Kluber criticized the fans for their underwhelming attendance. "Don't tell us how to spend our money!!" "Parking is too much!"

Agree with this wholeheartedly. Fans aren’t covering their end of the bargain with the Indians. Lot of blame to be passed around, but that is an issue.

Which is why I always hate the TV ratings excuse for fan support being better than attendance shows. TV ratings pay off for a team once every 10+ years. Actual attendance numbers can payoff ASAP. Know for a fact the cutting of payroll was partially the result of missing budgeted expectations for gate $.

Call it an issue with a declining metro population, or a public transportation issue, or a starting time issue, or a advertising issue, etc., etc. Biggest issue is fans need to go to games. Fans want things to change with regards to spending? Go to games. That’s the quickest fix, and one that will be necessary regardless of the owner.

Why I laugh at the idea of protesting or boycotting the team...all that’s going to do is harm them during the short term during a fairly short period where we still have our core in tact and signed.

Also where I turn to Dolan and co. Because they haven’t done a lot to advertise their franchise...but that’s a baseball issue as a whole right now.

Not really one reason to point the finger at with regards to where we are currently at. But the squeaky Dolan wheel is getting all the grease right now.

 

[Lee]

I haven't lived in Ohio in decades but I grew up going to games at Municipal Stadium when you could sit in the concrete CF bleachers for fifty cents. Box seats were $4 or $5. Many schools offered free tickets for a straight A report card.

Does the Tribe do enough promotions to get kids to the games? How about something
like kids 14 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult, seating limited to those
locations usually empty. Team should be able to clean up on concession and merchandise
sales with such a program. How about offering a single player signed ball via a lucky
ticket drawing each game? Or some practice/game used player gear like batting
glove, etc.

Players could help with more fan interaction but I doubt most would be willing
participants.

Get creative with ideas that will get kids into wanting their parents to bring them to
the games.

I know the spring training games are very kid friendly, and a quick look and you can get 6 packs of tickets for $99 dollars.

So if you are family of 4, that's $400 for 6 games through the year plus parking. I know food isn't cheap, but if on a budget eat before or after games.

Honestly its the cheapest sporting event by far, I get there is 81 home games and its long, but the tribe is good and there really isn't an excuse we don't support them. Go to a game or 3 a year with your kids, not saying buy season tickets, but 6 games starting at $99 is really cheap entertainment these days.

 

[Urban]

I haven't lived in Ohio in decades but I grew up going to games at Municipal Stadium when you could sit in the concrete CF bleachers for fifty cents. Box seats were $4 or $5. Many schools offered free tickets for a straight A report card.

Does the Tribe do enough promotions to get kids to the games? How about something
like kids 14 and under get in free when accompanied by an adult, seating limited to those
locations usually empty. Team should be able to clean up on concession and merchandise
sales with such a program. How about offering a single player signed ball via a lucky
ticket drawing each game? Or some practice/game used player gear like batting
glove, etc.

Players could help with more fan interaction but I doubt most would be willing
participants.

Get creative with ideas that will get kids into wanting their parents to bring them to
the games.

I've made a post (see quoted below) about the promotions the Indians do to attract fans to the ballpark. They do what should be plenty. Considering the attendance is still an issue, maybe they need to do even more unfortunately.

To answer your question: you can up to 2 kids tickets at $15 ea for each accompanying adult ticket. Sunday's kids run the bases and the Indians offer discounted concessions $2/can of pop, $2 bagged soft pretzel, $2 bagged nacho & cheese cup

On Sunday's they also do something where 9 kids get announced on the jumbotron and they run out to a position on the field with a baseball. The Indians starters then run out and sign the ball of the kid standing at their spot. Not sure how that works.

I am not going to pretend like Indians games are cheap but there are plenty of affordable options out there.

-Every Friday night game is dollar dog

-You can bring a bottle of water and a lot of foods into the games. I've seen people bring in Chipotle, Chick Fil A, etc. Not sure if that is legal or they snuck it in though.

-From about mid/late May to Aug 31 on Friday and Saturday games, the Indians have $2 beers from the time gates open till the national anthem (5pm-7pm)

-On summer Sunday's, the Indians sell $2 cans of pop, $2 pretzels, and $2 nachos with cheese pack in the outfield. Kids run the bases after every Sunday game

-The Indians have KeyBank Kids Tickets which are $15 per kid (up to 2 kids per adult) with the purchase of an adult ticket

-16 oz Bud Lights are I believe $8.50 and 16 oz drafts of really any beer range from $10-$12. But you can get 12 oz Miller Lites for $5 in the upper deck area and $4 Miller/Bud Light drafts at the corner bar. I am not sure how many ounces those drafts are, they aren't big though

-You can buy a standing room ticket for $17 after fees that comes with the small draft beer mentioned above. If it isn't a weekend summer game, you'll have no problem finding a seat if you get tired of standing

-I don't think they did it last summer, but in 2018 they sold a $50 plan in the summer that got you into 6 weekend games in June or July or August; standing room only

-Your typical ballpark food- beer, popcorn, hot dog, candy, peanuts, etc. are all marked up pretty high. But the Indians have plenty of luxury options (burgers, Melt, sliders, nachos, etc.) that is better quality and no more expensive than you'd pay at any chain restaurant.

 

[Lee]

On a completely unrelated note, I went to the game Sunday at the White sox/Dodger facility so they were selling Dodger Dogs. I could have gotten a Chicago Dog, but tried the "famous" Dodger Dog instead. I was not impressed. Disappointed since a Chicago Dog is my favorite, but thought I would try something new.

Long story short, Fuck LA

 

[Urban]

It certainly does not help the Indians that their season ticket holder team is altogether terrible and has alienated a handful of close friends; I've seen several instances/stories that people have shared online as well. Constant reselling reminders, season ticket holder terms that read like a business agreement contract, accusations, etc. Night and day compared to the Cavs, from my own personal experience

 

[chuck0609]

I believe it was in the other thread where I compared it to the Cavs 1st run with Bron.

The Cavs run was basically over when Bron left and, similarly (whether it's right or not), the Indians run is perceived to be over when Lindor leaves.

The main difference is that the Indians are getting a lot more "in the moment" hate from fans for not getting over the hump, while the Cavs started getting the heat after Bron left for not putting a championship contending team around him.

I get that anything can happen in the MLB platoffs, but the past 2 seasons have left a bad tasye in a lot of fans' mouths (again, whether it's right or not).

It also doesn't help that it's basically a foregone conclusion that Lindor is gone, and coming off of an underwhelming off-season, it's a non-so-perfect storm.

Again, I'm not saying it's right, just saying that's how I read it.

We knew the team would not obtain anything for Lebron though, which is why there was a definite end to the era.

With the Indians it could be different. I can see moving Lindor as the catalyst of a new window. Form most reports this organization is loaded in the lower minor leagues, and some of those players maybe ready when Frankie’s contract is up.

Starting next offseason, they should be looking to sell as high as they can. Everyone knows he’s not resigning, so maximize his value in return.

 

[Juice is Loose]

On a completely unrelated note, I went to the game Sunday at the White sox/Dodger facility so they were selling Dodger Dogs. I could have gotten a Chicago Dog, but tried the "famous" Dodger Dog instead. I was not impressed. Disappointed since a Chicago Dog is my favorite, but thought I would try something new.

Long story short, Fuck LA

Chicago dogs are trash. No ketchup? Please

 

[Lee]

Chicago dogs are trash. No ketchup? Please

I do add ketchup to mine. But the hot pepper, the pickle, the poppy seed bun, fantastic.

I also love a good ole fashion kosher dog, but I am sure that doesn't come as a surprise to anyone, lol.