Indians news and notes: Corey Kluber looking for consistent second half

Do you know what’s more miserable than running in a steady downpour while you’re really sore from a terrible attempt at introductory rock climbing? Listening to the Yankees beat the Indians while you’re doing that. Argh. Well, we’ve got three more games to take out our frustrations against the Evil Empire, and we’ve got two All-Star pitches going back-to-back to boost our chances. That’s better than running in the rain.

Jackasses 5, Indians 4

The Indians got out to an early 2-0 lead but fell behind thanks to a Twins-ian all-singles offense by the Yankees and a sub-par performance by Trevor Bauer. They had a few good opportunities to come back, but they lost a couple of relay challenges and couldn’t quite get over the hump against New York’s bullpen. Also, Abraham Almonte played like a toilet person who should be demoted to AAA.

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Indians news & notes

Tribe targets: Danny Valencia | Burning River Baseball - No matter how many times I beat the "trade for Jay Bruce" drum, there’s very little chance that’s going to happen. But the Indians definitely could use some upgrades, and third base is one of the biggest needs. Mike Melaragno makes the case for the A’s 3B Danny Valencia as both a legitimate offensive threat and an affordable trade target. (nb: do I need another apostrophe on the end "A’s" to indicate the possessive?)

Tribe sending trio of prospects to Futures Game | Indians.com - Three’s a charm this All-Star weekend for the Indians organization. Lindor, Salazar, and Kluber will head to the Midsummer Classic ; Yandy Diaz, Francisco Meija, and Clint Frazier will represent the organization in the Futures Game on Sunday.

All-Star Corey Kluber preaching consistency for Indians in second half | Cleveland.com - I really have nothing particular to say about this other than that Paul Hoynes actual cites FIP in this article. First a Cavs championship, and now this. The world may indeed be ending.

Indians second baseman Kipnis enjoys the view from atop the AL Central | Waiting for Next Year - Jason Kipnis has definitely had his ups and downs since breaking into the league in 2011, so he’s not taking this first-place team for granted. That’s why he’s been scoreboard watching since the first game of the season.

News from around the league

• The Home Run Derby participants have been announced, and includes non-All-Stars Giancarlo Stanton and Todd Frazier
• Speaking of Stanton, check out what he did to this heckling Mets fans
• And speaking of the Mets, bad news as Matt Harvey may be facing season-ending surgery
• Jonah Keri writes an excellent piece on what the Kevin Durant cop-out means for parity in sports overall, including discussion of how MLB in all its salary cap-lacking glory, has more parity than perhaps any other major sports league
• In case you missed it, the Blue Jays are back to smashing people, in large part because of the ever-improving reigning MVP Josh Donaldson
• Mark Trumbo is crushing everything in sight, and making the Mariners regret trading him