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Yesterday's Game
Zack Cozart, Reds defeat Indians | MLB.com
The Indians led 4-3 heading into the seventh inning, but Cody Allen gave up four runs to Cincinnati in the bottom of the inning. The Tribe's double play combination committed three errors between them (Francisco Lindor had two, Jason Kipnis one). On the bright side, the Tribe hit three home runs (Yan Gomes, Carlos Santana, Mike Napoli) off Reds starter Tim Melville. Carlos Carrasco pitched five innings, allowed three runs, and struck out three.
Tribe News
Joba Chamberlain to make Indians bullpen | indians.com
Joba Chamberlain gets good news as Cleveland Indians' bullpen takes shape for season | cleveland.com
The Indians optioned Austin Adams to Columbus, and informed Tom Gorzelanny that he wouldn't be making the club. Assuming the team will carry seven relievers, that would mean Dan Otero (who is out options) and either Kyle Crockett or Ross Detwiler will fill out the rest of the bullpen.
Indians Michael Brantley has shoulder setback | MLB.com
The regularly scheduled setback has happened, and as a result Michael Brantley won't be on the Opening Day roster. Brantley still can play minor-league games, but can't appear in a major-league spring game without prolonging his time on the Disabled List (the 15-day Disabled List is available to clubs starting this week).
With Brantley out at least the first 10 days of the season, that would seemingly open the door for Collin Cowgill, who is already on the 40-man roster. With Lonnie Chisenhall's sore arm, I don't the Indians could get away with just four true outfielders on the roster.
Thoughts on Cleveland Indians prospect Tyler Naquin - Minor League Ball
John Sickels' thoughts on Naquin.
Terry Pluto's parting thoughts from Goodyer.
MLB News
Baseball’s Lesson from the NFL’s Concussion Problem | FanGraphs Baseball
Although contact between players has always been a small part of the game (and less so now that home plate collisions and most second base collisions have been eliminated), catchers are still prone to repetitive head injuries. That can't be legislated out of the game like the home plate and second base plays, but the league has in recent years implemented rules related to concussions (including the concussion DL).
2016 Positional Power Rankings: Center Field | FanGraphs Baseball
I had scrolled down to #30 to read about the Indians, then got more and more surprised as I scrolled up.
By "powerhouse team," they mean the World Baseball Classic team next year. There's still a lot of legal and other agreements that would have to take place, though.
MLB: Violators of new tobacco laws face baseball penalties
Several cities have implemented smokeless tobacco bans this winter, including Boston. Terry Francona is quoted.