Leading Off with Ryan Lewis: A podcast on the Cleveland Indians Podcast

In this edition on Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley wrap up the 2021 season and forecast the possibilities for the Guardians in 2022. They also pay tribute to late longtime Cleveland sports journalist Matt Loede.

On this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's last home game as the Indians, Shane Bieber's return to the mound and the Akron Rubberducks Double-A Northeast League Championship win. 

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about the return of Shane Bieber for Friday's game against the White Sox in Chicago. It will be his first time on the mound for Cleveland since June. They also talk about how the front office will shape the roster heading into 2022, James Karinchak's progress in Columbus, outfielder-turned-pitcher Anthony Gose talking about how he's “too stupid to quit,” and much more. In the pop culture portion of the podcast, they recap wins and losses from the Emmys.

Ryan and Ashley talk Ryan's visit to Harry Potter World, and Ryan's beef is apparently squashed with Daniel Radcliffe. They then discuss the adjustments made by Logan Allen, Emmanuel Clase's  progression, Ryan Larvarnway saving Cleveland from some dubious history and manager Terry Francona's health situation. They also talk about Zack Plesac's bad luck being on the opposing side of three no-hitters.

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Roberto Perez and his progress in Akron, Amed Rosario's 5-for-5 night, the ups and downs of Logan Allen,  James Karinchak and Bradley Zimmer and Ryan's beef with “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe.   Note: The next edition of Leading Off will post Sept. 16. 

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about what the recent loss of Tristan McKenzie means for the team going forward. They also give an update on manager Terry Francona's health, talk about the team's middle infield and outfield situations, Bobby Bradley's emergence at first base and the future of Roberto Perez. They close with another “pop culture” corner and give their latest bingeworthy TV picks.

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's extra inning loss to the Twins. Tristan McKenzie flirts with greatness and chats all the way through it, and the team's starting rotation outlook comes into focus. They also talk about the "Field of Dreams" game between the White Sox and the Yankees.

On this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's new lease at Progressive Field and recap the team's trade deals. They also talk about manager Terry Francona stepping down for the remainder of the 2021 season and their love of the summer olympics.  Show note: The next episode of Leading Off will post Aug. 19. 

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about the Cesar Hernandez trade and how the team's situation at the trade deadline is more complicated than “buy” or “sell.” They also discuss the possibility of a Jose Ramirez trade and future contract, and how the organization settled on “Guardians” as the new team name. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk injury updates and what the team needs to do to stay within striking distance of a playoff spot. They discuss the progress of the team's young pitching rotation, Franmil Reyes' power and the potential prank war on tap with the Tampa Bay Rays. They close with a fantasy draft of comedian Bo Burnham's recent Netflix special, “Inside,” and Ashley is not a happy camper. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan and Ashley talk Cleveland's selections in the MLB draft and how the team stopped its skid  entering the All-Star break. They also talk about how the team's next two series are crucial to keeping pace in the American League Central. Plus they provide the team's latest injury updates and discuss the return of Franmil Reyes' and Zach Plesac. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's current losing streak. Ryan gives the latest timetable for when the team will get back some of its key pieces, and Ashley is appalled to find out she co-stars on a podcast with one of Creed's biggest fans. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the latest edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's continued string of bad luck on the injury front. They also talk about the emergence of Bobby Bradley and this weekend's series with the Houston Astros. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As injuries continue to mount in Cleveland, Ryan and Ashley talk about the team's latest setback with  starting pitcher Aaron Civale. It's trial by fire time for a rotation of unknowns. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Leading Off podcast, Ryan and Ashley talk about Shane Bieber's injury, Cleveland's rotation and the resiliency of the team as they get closer to the All-Star break. They also do a fantasy draft of the best things at Progressive Field.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's Leading Off podcast, Ryan and Ashley talk about the crazy Cleveland weather last weekend. Also, Tristan McKenzie makes progress, Shane Bieber grinds through starts, and Cleveland hopes to have issues ironed out as they prepare for 30 games in 31 days starting later this month.  Note: The next episode of Leading Off will be June 17.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's unfortunate string of odd injuries and then do a fantasy draft of their picks for best/favorite baseball movies of all time.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Cleveland pitcher Corey Kluber pitching a no-hitter for the New York Yankees. Kluber is in a bounce back year pitching in New York, and he managed to throw the no-no against the Texas Rangers. That’s right, the team he joined after leaving Cleveland — albeit playing in just a single game in 2020. What does Kluber’s first career no-hitter have to do with Cleveland in 2021, exactly?  As Ryan points out, Cleveland is now joined by the Rangers and Seattle Mariners as being no-hit twice already this season. Whichever team gets no-hit next will set the record most times in a season without having a hit in a game. Cleveland did get close to a no-hitter of its own thanks to Zach Plesac, who nearly had one of his own against the Mariners. Ryan explains what has changed for Plesac, and how he’s bounced back after a rocky start to the season. Ryan and Ashley also have a discussion on the importance of catcher Austin Hedges. He doesn’t offer a lot offensively, but he provides a critical service to a team that’s invested heavily in a young pitching staff. They also have thoughts on Shane Bieber’s strikeout streak and what he has to fix, Bryan Shaw’s resurgence in the bullpen and more. Sadly this week’s episode doesn’t include any talk of The Handmaid’s Tale. But for your pop culture fix, Ryan does have an under-the-radar great baseball movie that never gets mentioned. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week’s Leading Off podcast, Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about Cleveland’s walk-off win on Wednesday; Pitcher Sam Hentges struggles with his control but keeps Cubs off balance in his first start; And players showing emotion — Ryan talks about why it’s good for the game. Also, Indians respond after being no-hit — again. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about Josh Naylor finally going deep, José Ramirez and his early case for MVP, umpire Angel Hernandez and his head-scratching calls, Shane Bieber making history and Bryan Shaw's successful return to Cleveland.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk "The Handmaid's Tale," Zach Plesac bouncing back, Franmil Reyes' scoreboard-level power, Shane Bieber going deep into games and which current player would do best on the gridiron.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about the wild opening month for Cleveland and preview the team's upcoming series with the Yankees.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about Cleveland's 2-3 start, Jose Ramirez, Tito Francona and the team's closer situation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Host Ashley Bastock and Akron Beacon Journal Indians reporter Ryan Lewis are back to kick off the 2021 season.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Leading Off podcast, we talk the Cleveland Indians and the trade deadline.  This year seems like many others. The Indians are off to a strong start thanks largely to excellent starting pitching, of which they have a surplus. But their offense has often let them down, especially in the outfield.  Indians beat reporter Ryan Lewis explains what could happen on Monday's trade deadline for the Indians and what they might be considering. Could a Clint Frazier reunion be in the works? Ryan also answers a dumb question: Who has crazier stats to start the season, Shane Bieber or James Karinchak? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly a third of the way through an unprecedented baseball season, we are finally back with Leading Off with Ryan Lewis.  On this episode, Ryan and Dan Kadar cover three big Indians topics. The first of them is the controversy that started with pitcher Zach Plesac going out on the town in Chicago. That was followed by fellow starter Mike Clevinger being with him and initially not disclosing it. That's led to some strong reaction from the team. They talked about the possible fallout and what's next. Manager Terry Francona is finally back with the team following a health issue that caused him to miss eight game. Sandy Alomar Jr. filled in, and they have a theory about the future of the fan favorite coach. The show closes with some thoughts on the struggles of the offense, why it might not actually matter and more. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After numerous injuries throughout the season, the Cleveland Indians narrowly missed the playoffs, finishing the year at 93-69. Where does the team go after a disappointing season? On the latest edition of Leading Off, Ryan Lewis and Dan Kadar break down the future of the team. That began this week with the team picking up the option on starting pitcher Corey Kluber while turning them down for second baseman Jason Kipnis and reliever Dan Otero. After starting just seven games in 2019, Kluber will rejoin a packed starting rotation.  The loss of Kipnis could lead to a domino effect in the infield where Jose Ramirez moves from third base to second. There are also questions about the outfield where Yasiel Puig is a free agent, and where the Indians want to try Franmil Reyes in right field.  The overarching storyline for the Indians for the next two years, though, will be what happens with superstar shortstop Francisco Lindor. Is it too early to consider what the Indians will do with the All-Star?  There are also some thoughts on Yu Chang and Bobby Bradley fit in the offense, how the outfield could shape up now that Bradley Zimmer is back and much more.

The Cleveland Indians were dealt another injury blow with second baseman Jason Kipnis likely being out for the season with a broken hamate bone. It's an injury similar to third baseman Jose Ramirez. Ramirez will more than likely be back with the Indians in 2020. That may not be the case with Kipnis, the team's longest-tenured position player. Kipnis has a hefty club option after this season that will probably not be picked up. That could end a Cleveland career for Kipnis that has included two All-Star Game appearances. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we talk about Kipnis' play on the field. At times it was frustrating, but inspiring at others. We also talk about what the Indians will miss by losing him in the clubhouse. This week we also talk about relief pitcher James Karinchak and how he gives the Indians something in the bullpen they just haven't had. We close the podcast this week talking about the Indians' playoff chances and how the wild card chase will come down to the final week of the season.

As the MLB season winds toward a conclusion, the Cleveland Indians still find themselves in contention for the playoffs.  On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we talk about Cleveland's chances of making it to the postseason. Do they have a real chance, is it a coin flip proposition or is it an outside shot? If the Indians simply earn a wild card spot, would Shane Bieber or Mike Clevinger get the start? We talk about that and these topics on Leading Off this week:  - How Cleveland's schedule compares to that of the Tampa Bay Rays and Oakland A's, the other two teams playing for a wild card spot. - How the Indians should proceed with Franmil Reyes in the last series of the season on the road against Washington when he can't play designated hitter. - What the Indians need to do in the upcoming series against the Minnesota Twins.

Despite winning a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals, the Indians had a rough weekend. Starting third baseman Jose Ramirez broke the hamate bone in his right hand, and the team is still waiting to hear how long he'll be out. What does the Tribe do without him? We talked about that on this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast. Here are the topics we hit on: - The first answer for the Indians could be keeping power hitting designated hitter Franmil Reyes hitting fifth. If that's not the plan, we talk about what the team could do. - What Ramirez's replacement, Yu Chang, could bring to the team and how he's viewed in the team's plans for the future. - How Mike Freeman could factor into things after looking solid in sporadic starts this season. - Our brief hot takes on the jerseys for Players Weekend. Indians manager Terry Francona didn't like them. We had a slightly different opinion.

In his last three games, Cleveland Indians closer Brad Hand has allowed five runs and eight hits in three innings. As the Indians continue to push for the playoffs, is it time to be concerned about Hand's effectiveness?  Before we get there on this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we cover these topics:  - The Indians are coming off their toughest stretch of games this season, winning a series against the Twins, losing a series to the Red Sox and splitting a series with the Yankees. Ryan gives his thoughts on how the team played over the stretch and what we learned about the team, especially when it was without Yasiel Puig in the middle of the batting order. - Corey Kluber suffered a setback in his latest rehab start, exiting the game after an inning due to an abdominal strain. What does this mean for his comeback? And if Kluber does return to the Indians this season, which starter is at risk of losing his spot in the rotation? - Carlos Carrasco is also starting to work his way back. We explain that while it's a great story, be hesitant with your expectations for the starter. - More with Hand: We wondered, do the scars of Indians closers past taint the public opinion of Hand?  - Ryan explains the pitch that Hand has faltered on, and what could be the cause of his recent struggles.

Between recordings of the Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast the Cleveland went and pulled off a blockbuster trade. The team shipped starting pitcher Trevor Bauer out and brought in power hitters Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes, along with several other players.  On this week's Leading Off, we talk about the trade and how Puig and Reyes are helping beef up the Indians' offense. We also talk about how it's taking some of the pressure off Franicsco Lindor and Carlos Santana. This week we also discuss two of Cleveland's young starting pitchers, Shane Bieber and Aaron Civale. Both 2016 draftees, they're showing off Cleveland's ability to draft and develop starters as questions remain about Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco. They also exist plenty of Danny Salazar, who struggled in his first start in the majors in two years. Bieber is obviously a big part of Cleveland's success this season. In fact, the All-Star might be one of the most valuable players in baseball when you consider his contract. Can Civale become a similar type of player for the Tribe? We talk about it this week.

The idea for this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast was supposed to fully be about the upcoming MLB trade deadline on Wednesday. Then Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer decided to launch a baseball from the pitcher's mound over the outfield wall at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday. Now, Bauer's long toss may not lead to a trade. And really, throwing a baseball is far from a big offense. But it's just another incident with Bauer. The real damage will be if he gets suspended by the league. Anyway, the trade deadline on Wednesday. The Indians made a minor trade over the weekend, acquiring relief pitcher Hunter Wood and infielder Christian Arroyo. Is that the only move the team will make?  Ryan explains what the Indians could do and why they're doing it. He also details Cleveland's philosophy when it comes to making trades.

The Cleveland Indians have arguably been the best team in baseball in July. Going into Tuesday night's game at the Toronto Blue Jays, the team is 13-3 on the month. But can that pace be sustained?  On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast we cover that topic, and some interesting stats the Indians have accumulated in the month. Of course, it has ramifications on what the team could do at the trade deadline. We also have another call for the Indians the rest of baseball to extend the netting down the line after a 3-year-old fan was struck by a ball hit by Franisco Lindor recently. We close out the week's podcast with some thoughts on Indians and Blue Jays playing a game that will only air on television on YouTube. Is that really a good thing for baseball and Indians fans? 

With the All-Star Game in the rear view mirror, and the second half well underway, the Cleveland Indians will soon face a major decision. Baseball's July 31 trade deadline is fast approaching, and the Indians have to decide whether they'll be buyers or sellers. That is, unless they manage to be both. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we re-assess what direction the Indians could go later this month. If the Indians are acquiring players, we discuss the position they could target, and a couple specific players who could be in mind. That's not all on this week's show. Here's what else we covered: - Some final thoughts on a memorable All-Star Game in Akron.  - Health updates on players like Corey Kluber and Danny Salazar. - If Salazar makes his way back to Cleveland, where he could help the most. - The struggles of rookie Bobby Bradley, and if he could potentially be sent back down to Triple-A if he doesn't improve.

The Cleveland Indians have turned their season around, just in time for the All-Star break. The Indians are 50-38 on the season, and hold one of the two wild card positions. That doesn't tell the full story, though. Cleveland has cut Minnesota's lead in the American League Central to 5.5 games at the break after going 22-9 since June 1. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we look back on the first half for the Indians, and how they got to where they are. We also pick out a team MVP. It's not as easy of a choice as you might think. We also talk about something that was surprising in the first half of the season. But this week's podcast starts off with some serious business. That is to say, some serious Home Run Derby business. After disclosing our Home Run Derby fandom on last week's podcast, this week we make our picks. And we put a bet on it. If you're looking for more All-Star game coverage, find everything at ohio.com/indians.

The biggest stars in baseball are coming to Cleveland next week for the 2019 MLB All-Star Game at Progressive Field. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we talk about some of the things we're looking forward to seeing during the festivities. Namely, we're both way too into the Home Run Derby on Monday. But thus far, only six players have been announced, including Carlos Santana of the Indians.  Who else should get the nod? We have names, and why they should be crushing homers into downtown Cleveland. We also talk about the other All-Star events in Cleveland, and what we're looking forward to the most. Also this week, we cover the controversial subject of extending netting at baseball stadiums and why it's long overdue. 

When June started, the Cleveland Indians were 29-29, far behind the Minnesota Twins in the American League Central division and battling for a wild card playoff spot. The Indians have surged back, going 15-6 in June and now 43-35 on the season. On this week's edition of the Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about how the team has gotten so hot in June. Leading the way is second baseman Jason Kipnis. After a slow start to the season, Kipnis has hit .410 in the last 10 games, including a walk-off home run on Monday night. A changed swing is helping. Third baseman Jose Ramirez is also starting to find his swing. This week we also covered these topics: - Bobby Bradley finally getting called up, and his spot in the every day lineup - Thoughts on Carlos Santana potentially being in the Home Run Derby, and why it won't mess up his swing. - An important piece of vacation advice from Ryan.

The Cleveland Indians are coming off series wins against the Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees. Although the team didn't gain much ground in the playoff race, the results are impressive nonetheless. On today's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we cover the team's recent play and how catcher Roberto Perez has helped power the Indians to victory. As Ryan explains, maybe Perez just needed a consistent opportunity as a starter. Perez is now second on the team with 11 home runs. But as Perez excels, two Indians outfielders are struggling. Jake Bauers and Leonys Martin are both striking out at a high rate. What is the future for both as the season progresses? We close this week's show talking about the starting pitching situation for the Indians. The team was dealt a serious blow when it was announced that Carlos Carrasco had to step away from the game. But Mike Clevinger should soon be returning and helping to solidify Cleveland's starting rotation.

After a forgetful weekend series against the Chicago White Sox, the Cleveland Indians are slumping further into the American League Central division. There are still some interesting bright spots for the Tribe. That would be the team's youngest players, called up from Triple-A this season. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about them. That includes a way-too-early assessment of starting pitcher Zach Plesac. He's started just two games, but they've been encouraging. Like Yefry Rodriguez earlier this season, Plesac could help the Indians feel more comfortable trading a veteran starting pitcher. We also talked about the play of outfielder Oscar Mercado. The spring training darling has looked good batting second in the order. But when Tyler Naquin and Bradley Zimmer return, the Indians will have a difficult decision to make.  The final youngster we discuss this week is still in the minors. That would be first baseman Bobby Bradley. He's leading the International League in home runs. Ryan explains what is holding him back on the power-starved Indians. We also get in some MLB Draft talk, and a ridiculous prediction.

With more than 100 games left in the season, it's too early to determine if the Cleveland Indians should be buyers or sellers at the July 31 trade deadline. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about the options facing the Indians. They could be buyers and trade prospects for proven talent. They could trade off assets and begin a rebuild. Or the Indians could find a happy, but challenging middle ground between the two. Ryan explains which avenue is most likely for Cleveland. If the team does enter the selling market, who are the team's best trade assets? There might not be as many as you think, and Fransisco Lindor isn't among them. This week we also talk about how the Indians got themselves into a situation where they're 10 games out of first place in the American League Central.

Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Shane Bieber had a historically great start on Sunday. Against the Baltimore Orioles, he pitched a complete game shutout with 15 strikeouts. On this week's Leading Off podcast, Ryan Lewis and Dan Kadar look back on the game. Ryan explains what made Bieber so effective and why Bieber is going to be a key player for the Indians for years to come. Ryan also gives his first impression thoughts on rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado, whom the Indians are using selectively.  They also talk about the new batting order for the Indians. On May 13, the Indians moved struggling third baseman Jose Ramirez from third to fifth in the order. That moved designated hitter and first baseman Carlos Santana up to the third spot. In the six games since then, the Indians are 4-2 and scoring more than six runs per game. Santana is also getting hot again, batting .333 in that span. Jordan Luplow has also had bright moments hitting fourth. Is this the type of change the Indians' offense needs. 

The Cleveland Indians are essentially at the quarter point of the 162-game season. They started the week in second place in the AL Central behind the Minnesota Twins. As expected, the team has been propped up by pitching while the offense is one of the worst in baseball. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we assess where the Indians sit at the quarter point. We cover the team's biggest surprises (excellent bullpen play and the slow development of Jake Bauers and Jordan Luplow) and biggest disappointments (Jason Kipnis and roster flyers like Carlos Gonzalez not paying off). That leads us to where the Indians stand right now after 39 games and looking up at the red hot Minnesota Twins. Can the Indians catch up?

On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we look back on the injury to Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Corey Kluber. Ryan gives us an update on how the Indians will manage their starting rotation while being without Kluber and Mike Clevinger. That got us talking about a few related topics, including Cody Anderson's dreadful Sunday start, why Dallas Keuchel isn't in the team's plans and Clevinger's progress. Ryan also gave his opinion on whether or not it's actually good that Kluber is out after struggling at the beginning of this season. We also talked about the slow turnaround for third baseman Jose Ramirez. His batting average is finally at .200 after Sunday's game. There's some explanation for why his hitting is starting to improve.

Filling in for an injured Mike Clevinger, Indians pitcher Jefry Rodriguez has played pretty well in two starts. On this week's Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast, we talk about how he's playing and what it means for the team's starting rotation. At the least, Rodriguez has positioned himself as the team's first option to fill in if someone gets injured. But the more quality starts Rodriguez gets, the more it could impact what the team does at the July 31 trade deadline. We also talk about the Indians sending outfielder Greg Allen back to Triple-A and bringing Jordan Luplow back up. There's a good reason why Luplow got called up, and Ryan explains why and what it could mean for hot prospect Oscar Mercado. We close this week's podcast with some quick thoughts on the four-game road series the Indians had against the Houston Astros. The Indians could face them in the playoffs, but does this April series matter? 

This is the most controversial Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast we've ever recorded. The subject is one of baseball's divisive topics, the bat flip. The subject is in the news again after Tim Anderson of the Chicago White Sox flipped his bat after a home run against the Kansas City Royals. Eventually an altercation occurred, players were suspended and the bat flip once again became baseball's hot topic. On Leading Off we have plenty of thoughts on the art of bat flipping, and some Cleveland Indians players made their opinions known to Ryan. We also talk about how left-handed heavy the batting order is, and how the Indians could address in the future. Spring training sensation Oscar Mercado could be an option for the Indians.

The Kansas City Royals finished off a weekend sweep of the Cleveland Indians after another bad start from pitcher Corey Kluber. On Sunday, Kluber pitched just 2 2/3 innings, walking five and allowing six runs. In three starts, Kluber has now only pitched 12 innnings over three starts while giving up 11 earned runs. On this week's edition of Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about Kluber's slow start to the season and what may be causing it. We also talk about where the Indians standing after the sweep by the Royals. The Indians suddenly went from surviving while they wait for Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor to come back to struggling. That survial mode is over, though, in part because the Indians called up veteran outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. We also talk about Brad Miller being designated for assignment -- and being unhappy about it -- while the Indians hang on to Eric Stamets and Max Moroff. The show this week closed with some thoughts on how the Indians will cope with the loss of starting pitcher Mike Clevinger.

Arguably no group of starting pitchers in baseball are off to a hotter start than the quintet for the Cleveland Indians. That includes Mike Clevinger and Trevor Bauer. In 12 innings pitched, Clevinger hasn't allowed a run, only given up two hits and he's struck out 22. Bauer has only allowed one hit, a single earned run and has struck out 17.  On this edition of Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about just how good Bauer and Clevinger have looked to start the season. And as good as they've been, this all seems normal. While the pitching staff has looked great, the offense has largely struggled. The team is hitting a combined .182 through nine games, and the team's young outfielders in particular are struggling. Could the Indians be bringing up Carlos Gonzalez from Triple-A? We talked about that possibility and why it means Tyler Naquin could end up being the odd man out on a roster move. We closed this week's show talking about the contract extension for manager Terry Francona, and how it might help keep Cleveland's window of contention open.

Yes, it was a less-than-ideal start to the season for the Cleveland Indians. But it's only a few games of a 162-game season. Don't overreact to the slow start for the Indians. That is the main subject of this week's edition of Leading Off with Ryan Lewis. The Indians got off to a 1-2 start on the season, with the offense struggling to score runs. Perhaps the biggest issue for the Indians is that it came against the Minnesota Twins, a team that is Cleveland's biggest challenge for the American League Central division. Ryan also explains why he thinks the Indians are at their weakest right now that they'll be all season. He also walks us through a normal day on the beat covering the Indians.

Baseball is back, and on the newest episode of the Leading Off with Ryan Lewis podcast we preview the season for the Cleveland Indians. We cover these topics:  - The Indians have perhaps the best rotation in baseball, two legitimate MVP-caliber hitters and will win the division. So why does it feel like this season is beginning with doom and gloom? - What is the biggest question mark at the start of the season?  - What new Indian (besides Carlos Santana) will have the biggest impact on the team? - Stats aside, what having Santana back means for the team. - Season predictions for the Indians, and a surprise Cy Young Award choice.

The Kansas City Royals finished off a weekend sweep of the Cleveland Indians after another bad start from pitcher Corey Kluber. On Sunday, Kluber pitched just 2 2/3 innings, walking five and allowing six runs. In three starts, Kluber has now only pitched 12 innnings over three starts while giving up 11 earned runs. On this week's edition of Leading Off with Ryan Lewis, we talk about Kluber's slow start to the season and what may be causing it. We also talk about where the Indians standing after the sweep by the Royals. The Indians suddenly went from surviving while they wait for Jason Kipnis and Francisco Lindor to come back to struggling. That survial mode is over, though, in part because the Indians called up veteran outfielder Carlos Gonzalez. We also talk about Brad Miller being designated for assignment -- and being unhappy about it -- while the Indians hang on to Eric Stamets and Max Moroff. The show this week closed with some thoughts on how the Indians will cope with the loss of starting pitcher Mike Clevinger.