The Indians haven't lost a game in a couple of weeks, but readers can't stop offering ideas to improve the Tribe.
Regardless of how many middle infielders he might bring, Carlos Santana will not be traded this off-season, says Paul Hoynes. Really. We think.Hey, Hoynsie: For almost a decade we've been trading players for prospects. Do we havesome can't-miss prospects ready to improve the team next year? Might they be traded for major leaguers? -- Joseph Quinn, Miami, Fla.
Hey, Joseph: I'm sure the Indians could get a couple of established utility infielders for, say, Carlos Santana.
Yes, I'm being sarcastic.
Hey, Hoynsie: Is there an address where fans can send a card to Bob Feller? -- Tony Biats, Willowick.
Hey, Tony: Those who want to send Hall of Famer Bob Feller get well cards can mail them to: Bob Feller, Progressive Field, 2401 Ontario St., Cleveland, Ohio, 44115. The Indians will send them to Feller.
Hey, Hoynsie: Will the Tribe hold the ceremony to honor Pronk (Travis Hafner) being named to the All-Plunked team at the home opener, or should I plan on getting in line for my tickets for a different game? -- Joe Cepec, Dublin
Hey, Joe: I think the Indians will present Travis Hafner with a trophy of a gold-plated bruise before their game on June 17, marking the start of a three-game visit by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Browns quarterback Colt McCoy will throw out the first pitch. He should be off crutches by then.
Hey, Hoynsie: We know that Manny Acta hasn't managed the best teams at the big-leaguelevel. How was he as a manager in the minors? -- April Buchanon, Cleveland
Hey, April: Manny Acta's minor-league record is 419-432. He managed eight years in the minors.
Hey, Hoynsie: What steps do you anticipate by the Tribe to reach out to fans and attempt to restore its credibility? -- Harrison Morgan, Cleveland
Hey, Harrison: New President Mark Shapiro said the Indians must create top-quality entertainment on the field and in the stands at Progressive Field. Let's just say I don't see the organization raising ticket prices anytime soon.
One reader says the Indians are simply the American League version of the Pittsburgh Pirates. To which, Paul Hoynes says, you just haven't seen enough of the Bucs.Hey, Hoynsie: With a dismal performance in the last decade, more internal promotions, and two straight seasons of losing more than 90 games, how do Clevelanders know that the Tribe isn't being run similarly to the Pirates? -- F. Kenneth Power, Cleveland
Hey, F: The Pirates have lost for 18 straight seasons. The Indians' streak is at two straight seasons.
The Pirates last made the postseason in 1992. The Indians last made the postseason in 2007.
The Indians had a payroll of $81.5 million in 2009. In the last 11 years, the Pirates have never had a payroll higher than $57.8 million (2001).
Hey, Hoynsie: Game Seven of the World Series -- who's your starter, CC Sabathia or Cliff Lee? Which one would you pick to start a roster? -- Steve Cornelius, Avon Lake
Hey, Steve: I'd start Cliff Lee in Game 7 and I'd start a roster with CC Sabathia because he's younger.
Hey, Hoynsie: Do you know if new GM Chris Antonetti differs from the previous regime in having a plus defensive first baseman? Might we see an end of the converted first baseman? -- Henry Ross, Youngstown
Hey, Henry: Players change positions all the time. That is never going to end.
I do think Antonetti believes in the value of good defense, especially on the infield with a rotation featuring a lot of sinker-ball pitchers.
Hey, Hoynsie: Please can you tell me what score sheet the Indians' announcers use? What is your favorite? -- David Silverwood, Champaign, Ill.
Hey, David: Checked with Tribe announcer Jim Rosenhaus. He said most radio and TV announcers have developed their own type of score sheet. They're usually larger than the one you buy at the ballpark and include room for defensive alignments, stats and notes on each player.
When the late Herb Score did Tribe games on the radio, he used a scoresheet named "The Herb Scorecard." How cool is that?
I use a scorebook from the Baseball Writers Association of America. My only problem is trying to figure out what I just wrote down.
Hey, Hoynsie: I'm a bit concerned that new GM Chris Antonetti has had a major role in former GM Mark Shapiro's decisionmaking. Does the Tribe have plans to add a consultant type with playing or managing experience to assist him before free agency begins? -- Brian Friedman, Cleveland.
Hey, Brian: Antonetti was Shapiro's right-hand man. If he wasn't deeply involved in player decisions, he wouldn't be where he is today. Still, when it came time to make the final decision on trades and player acquisition, it was Shapiro's call.
I know Antonetti is considering adding to the front office. If Josh Byrnes is an example of the kind of addition he'll make, I doubt the new hire will have extensive playing and managing experience.
Hey, Hoynsie: With injuries and uncertainty at first base and catcher and a leadership void in the clubhouse, does it make sense for the Tribe to make an offer to Victor Martinez this winter? A drastic move might be needed anyway just to restore credibility with the fans. -- Steve Alex, Gainesville, Fla.
Hey, Steve: Good thought, but there's no way that happens. They traded Martinez because they couldn't afford to keep him. Why would they bring him back at a larger salary than the one they dumped in 2009?
-- Hoynsie