N&N: It’s Opening Day. Sort of.

News and Notes for Saturday, February 22, 2020

The Indians play the Reds in the first official game of Spring Training. Jefrey Rodriguez will start on the mound for the Tribe. And, Carlos Carrasco has a hip flexor. He’s day to day (but aren’t we all?).

Other Tribe News

Indians set to open Cactus League play vs. Cincinnati: Spring training morning report Day 6 - cleveland.com - If the weather holds up in Goodyear, Ariz. there will be baseball for the Indians and Reds!

Notes: Lindor starts; Clevinger, Bieber updates - The Indians will return to game action Today at Goodyear Ballpark, as they host the Reds at 3:05 p.m. ET. In anticipation of the first spring contest, the starting nine for the opener was posted in the Tribe’s clubhouse on Friday afternoon, and fans will see a few names who are expected to be in the Opening Day lineup.

10 things to know about the Cleveland Indians’ first spring training lineup - cleveland.com
The Indians are scheduled to open the spring-training season Saturday against the Reds at Goodyear Ballpark.

Cleveland Indians’ Carlos Carrasco has right hip flexor strain: Listed as day to day - cleveland.com - Carlos Carrasco suffered a strain of the right hip flexor doing squats in the weight room on Wednesday.

Closer Brad Hand, Cleveland Indians taking measures to keep him strong this season - cleveland.com - A heavy workload and a tired arm caught up with Brad Hand last season with the Tribe.

Chris Antonetti confident Indians can contend | Cleveland Indians - The way Minnesota and Chicago were able to bulk up over the offseason creates questions as to whether the Indians have done enough to keep up.

Why the Cleveland Indians should play it out with Francisco Lindor - Sure, Cleveland's superstar shortstop could leave as a free agent. But the window to finally win a World Series won't be open forever.

Mandy Bell Talks Tribe Baseball - Indians beat reporter profiled in Cleveland Magazine

Here's How the Indians' Payroll Helps the Chances for a Francisco Lindor Extension - "What if the Indians view this upcoming season as an effort to convince themselves they can still win while Lindor makes notably more money than almost everyone on the roster? What if they’re experimenting with payroll in attempt to find a scenario where they can compete and afford an extension for their franchise star?"

Around the League

• What did MLB know about the Astros cheating and when did they know it?
• Dead money’s not much fun
• Bartolo Colon is bringing Big Sexy back
• LGFT Lonnie Chisenhall is back at his old middle school
• LGFT Jay Bell is selling his home in Irvine, California

Around Cleveland

Since many of us are from NE Ohio but now living elsewhere, I thought I would add this piece of sad news from the Land. Marty Sullivan, who for years played Superhost on Channel 43 has died at age 87. I remember many Saturdays watching monster movies featuring Godzilla, Gamera, and Mothra with fondness. When a small child named Kenny needs him, Gamera and Superhost will always be there.