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440-329-7500 UHhospitals.org/Elyria 630 East River Street Elyria, 44035 LORAIN COUNTY PREVIEW . . . .pg. 3 WEOL FORECAST MAGAZINE FEEDING THE SUCCESS SPRING 2014 PREVIEW Tim Alcorn describes the delicate balancing act that A Publication of AM 930 WEOL makes for a successful feeder program ...... pg. 5 Volume 15 Issue 3 VP/GENERAL MANAGER LORAIN COUNTY PREVIEW . . . .pg. 6 Lonnie Gronek PREVIEW LOCAL SALES MANAGER Tim Alcorn Andy “Bull” Barch explains why 2014 is another EDITOR season of exciting change ...... pg. 8 Katie M. Loftis ASSISTANT EDITORS PREVIEW Craig Adams Suzy Peters Jim Rosenhaus shares the Indians plan for taking care Tim Alcorn Bruce VanDyke Tom Hutchison of “Unfinished Business” ...... pg. 12 FEATURE WRITERS Tim Alcorn Jim Rosenhaus BASEBALL SCHEDULES Andy Barch Todd Shapiro James Brady LAKE ERIE CRUSHERS ...... pg. 9 CLEVELAND INDIANS ...... pg. 15 COVER DESIGN BozCorn Productions PUBLISHER WEOL BROADCAST SCHEDULES Douthit Communications KOLCZUN & KOLCZUN DIAMOND DUELS . .pg. 2 THE CRUSHERS ON WEOL ...... pg. 8 FROM THE DUGOUT ...... pg.13

ABOUT THE COVER: Midview’s Eric Lauer had a dream senior season for the Middies before being named the 2013 Mr. Baseball award winner. The left han- der compiled a perfect 7-0 record with an ERA of 0.15 with 96 strike- outs. Opposing teams hit a meager .077 against him. Eric was select- ed in the Major League draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, but opted to accept a full scholarship to Kent State and pitch for the Golden Flashes.

Elyria’s Caitlyn Minney is the 6th Lady Pioneer to capture the Miss Softball award. She was dominant her senior year, compiling a 22-4 record, with 1.02 ERA. She fanned 129 and opposing teams hit a paltry .139 against her. Caitlyn is continuing her softball playing at the colle- News.News. S Sports.ports. T Talk.alk. giate level at Youngstown State.

Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 1 "In our sundown perambulations of late, through the outer parts of Brooklyn, we have observed several parties of youngsters playing 'base', a form of ‘ball’. Let us go forth for awhile and get better air in our lungs. Let us leave our closed rooms. The game of 'ball' is glorious." -Walt Whitman

I can't recall how many years I've opened the spring edition of FORECAST from AM930 WEOL with these words of wisdom from Walt Whitman, but something tells me to use it again and again. Perhaps it reflects a time gone by; perhaps its signals a new time, a fresh start...time to get outdoors after this brutally cold and snowy win- ter. This year, there is plenty of excitement and anticipation to go around. The Cleveland Indians, led by American League Manager of the Year Terry Francona, hope to improve upon last year’s Wild Card Playoff appearance. The Lake Erie Crushers hope to return to the playoffs under new manager Chris Mongiardo and new hitting coach, the Indians’ American League 1980 Rookie of the Year, Joe Charboneau. And of course, young men and women across Lorain County have been eager to return to the diamonds to show what they can do. Special thanks go to the outstanding advertisers who are supporting this magazine and our incomparable broad- cast schedule of high school baseball and high school softball. Thanks also go to the athletic directors, man- agers and coaches for their support. It is indeed time to, "Play Ball!" Craig R. Adams Operations Manager AM930 WEOL

2 Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 2014 LORAIN COUNTY SOFTBALL PREVIEW By: Todd Shapiro Bishop Ready 3-1 in the state veteran coaches Norm Frindt semifinals. Bloom-Carroll, (North Ridgeville) and Bill Year after year Lorain led by sophomore pitcher and Matthews (Amherst), both County produces some of the University of Washington members of the Ohio High best softball talent in Ohio recruit Taran Alvelo, bested School Fastpitch Softball and 2013 was no exception. Columbia, 3-2, in the state Coaches Association Hall of Two of the eight teams play- championship game. Fame, retired after the 2013 ing on the final day of the The Raiders were a veteran season. Former Brooklyn season – Elyria in Division I team in 2013 but coach Ken assistant Mike Mease will and Columbia in Division III Lugo will return pitcher take over at North Ridgeville –came from the county. Kailey Minarchik as they while Amherst elevated one Although the Pioneers and look to repeat as Patriot of its own assistants, Lacey Raiders both left Akron’s Athletic Conference Stripes Reichert to head coach. Firestone Stadium with a run- Division and regional cham- After leading Firelands to ner-up trophy their successes pions. its first district championship and their tournament runs left Columbia’s biggest chal- in school history Falcons area sports waiting to see lenge in the Stripes Division coach Judy Dostall also what 2014 has in store. Steve Manheim/The Chronicle-Telegram this year will come from retired at the end of the 2013 Behind the sensational Slugger/preseason Sarah Kaya and the season so she could watch pitching of senior Caitlyn Clearview Clippers. Kaya her daughter Samantha con- favorite Wildcat Minney, Elyria won its ninth enters her senior season with tinue her softball career at straight district title and made Carleigh Herrington is 814 career strikeouts, needing Baldwin Wallace University. its third consecutive trip to ready for her senior 339 more strikeouts this sea- The Falcons also hired from the state tournament. For her year. son to surpass Miss Softball within elevating junior varsity efforts Minney won the both a 7-0 win but with coach Ken 2001, Vermilion’s Megan coach Phil to the Lorain County Miss Softball Fenik back at the helm for his Meyer, as Lorain County’s head coaching position. and coaches association play- 20th season and sophomore all-time strikeout queen. Last Last season the Falcons did er of the year awards. Carly Bachna poised to fol- season Kaya averaged nearly the (almost) impossible, Anyone who was in atten- low in the tradition of great two strikeouts per inning, knocking off defending state dance at the state semifinals Elyria players no one would fanning 340 batters in 174 and national champions will never forget how the be surprised to see the innings. She also threw a Keystone in the Division II Pioneers overcame a nearly Pioneers in Akron again this pair of no-hitters against district semifinal by a score nine hour rain delay to defeat year on the first weekend of Lutheran West and of 1-0. It was the first time Mason 5-0 thereby earning June. Brookside. since 2000 that the Wildcats the right to face North Columbia defeated One of the biggest changes did not win a district champi- Canton Hoover in the state Leavittsburg LaBrae in the in Lorain County softball this onship. finals. regional finals to earn its first spring won’t be seen between However, veteran Keystone Hoover denied Elyria a trip to Akron. The Raiders the lines but instead in the third state championship with See Softball on page 4 then went on beat Columbus third-base coaches’ box. Two

Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 3 SOFTBALL be the only event to feature Last season was an unchar- area teams this spring. After a acteristic down year for from page 3 one-year hiatus the JB Amherst but they should coach Jim Piazza should have Firestone, hosted by Black bounce back quickly this fall his team back on top in 2014. River, is back on the schedule with pitcher Zoe Beetler lead- Wildcats first basemen this year. Columbia and ing a group of five returning Carleigh Herrington earned Elyria will also be going starters and one of area’s top third-team all-American hon- down to Ashland the week- freshman in second base- ors last season after in a jun- end of April 11-12 for the man/centerfielder Madison ior year in which she hit .474 20th Annual Wendy’s Cruzado. with 37 hits, six home runs Softball Classic. Lorain coach Pam Jackson and 27 RBIs. Herrington, an Throughout the season a always has the Titans in the Eastern Michigan recruit, is a number of local team led by thick of the Lake Erie league pre-season favorite to become Avon Lake and Firelands will title hunt and this year should the 11th Miss Softball in the play in events hosted by the be no exception. illustrious history of the Akron Racers at Firestone Keystone returns both of Keystone softball program. Stadium. its top pitchers from 2013. Keystone’s annual Prebis If you prefer a sudden blast Senior Emily Cornish, who Memorial Softball Classic of power as opposed to a signed a National Letter of will take place on April 25 long day of softball check out Intent with Cedarville and 26 in LaGrange and Midview and its power hit- University, had a 12-4 record Wellington. This year the ting shortstop Amanda last year while Sara Lowman event has grown to 54 games Beursken. Beursken, the West burst on the scene with an 8- over two days with 36 teams Shore Conference player of Steve Manheim/The Chronicle-Telegram 1 freshman season that from Ohio and New York the year and a honorable included wins over North taking part, including seven mention Division I all-Ohio Clearview’s Sarah Royalton and Twinsburg in teams who played in the Ohio honoree, tied a Lorain County Kaya will try to over- the 2013 Prebis. High School Athletic record with 13 homeruns last take the title of Lorain Since 2001 Lorain County Association tournament last spring. Beursken now her eye County’s strikeout has had two district champion spring. The highlights of the on the state record of 18 queen. every year but one and has Prebis Classic include a home runs in a season set last sent a team to the state tour- rematch of last year Division year New Riegel’s Taylor North Ridgeville’s offense nament at the conclusion of I state final between Elyria Kirian. will be led by speedy leadoff every season except 2010. and North Canton Hoover The Middies will be bat- hitter Marissa Caraballo. So when the days get and a rematch of the Division tling with Avon and North Avon Lake went 13-1 in longer and the snow finally III semifinal with Columbia Ridgeville in the WSC. The the Southwestern Conference melts away there is nowhere and Bishop Ready. Keystone Eagles, led by veteran coach last season but the Shoregals, better for Lorain County will also play Division I state Ken Matuszak, return ace under the tutelage of second- sports fans to head than the semifinalist Mentor. pitcher Anna Edwards and year coach Buzz Mullen, will local sandlot to take in a soft- The Prebis has grown into two of the county’s top hitters be in rebuilding mode after ball game and watch some of one of the premier prep soft- in outfielder Kaylee Morton losing nine senior to gradua- Ohio’s finest athletes doing ball events in the nation in and infielder Ally Sumser. tion. what they do best. the past decade but it won’t

4 Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine FEEDING THE SUCCESS By: Tim Alcorn found that Elyria’s more It’s an annual trip for us at successful teams were built WEOL. Every year there is with girls who had played a local high softball team together for a long time” he that makes the journey to said. “They form a bond or Akron (and before that chemistry at a young age Ashland) to take part in the through Little League and state tournament. It’s a travel ball, and that just thrilling moment for the stays with them by the time girls, the coaches and their they get to high school. respective communities. They are a real family”. But why and how does it So what makes a success- keep happening? What sets ful feeder program? Fenik these teams apart? If you says it is an incredible effort think it is great coaching, of combined forces. “You you’re partly correct. If you have to have a community think it is the sheer talent that is truly committed and Photo: David Richard/The Chronicle Telegram level these clubs possess, bought in to the success of a in high school, that’s part of it can be a challenge” he you are somewhat correct program” he admits. “It the high school experience. adds. with that as well. Luck takes coaches willing to I want them to do that” As much as Fenik relishes might even play in to the work and work with young Fenik says. “Too many girls those trips to Akron and the equation. But in the end, kids. It takes dedicated par- are specializing in softball, lifetime memories it pro- the teams that consistently ents willing to commit time. and they don’t have to. vides his players, he also is make that trip to the Final 4 It takes businesses that are They can still play other quick to warn parents, soft- are there because they have willing to commit money sports, and if they are good ball cannot be all consum- been preparing for it for for sponsorships and sup- in softball, the college ing. “As I get older and years. They didn’t just start port fundraisers to supply coaches will find them”. have daughters of my own, I playing softball in high equipment. They all play a Fenik thinks that specializa- understand these girls still school, or even junior high part in working towards the tion can translate to pressure need to be teenagers” he for that matter. They have same goal”. And Fenik on girls to succeed on the says. “They need to spend been on softball diamonds knows, it’s more than girls diamond. “Kids develop at time with their friends, their since they were little girls, playing on fields in just the different paces, grow at dif- families and do things that some starting as young as warm weather. “These girls ferent rates and so forth, all teenagers do. They need six years old. These “feed- play year round now”, he and that can affect their to have fun”. er” systems at the lower says. “Obviously in the game. All of a sudden, they So the balancing act is a level, prepare those girls for spring and summer, but also worry about that, and put delicate one. The need to softball at high school, and in fall ball, and they play way too much pressure on develop a feeder system is hopefully, a chance to play indoors in the winter. It’s themselves”. critical to the success of the at Firestone Stadium for a real commitment”. Another aspect of the high school program over- state championship. While Fenik admits the feeder system that can all. Whether it is Elyria, One of the teams that feeder programs have prove to be challenging is Keystone, Columbia, seems to make the trip to helped the Elyria program there are some girls who Midview, or any of the Akron every year is Elyria, tremendously, he also is think they should automati- other schools that have had and their Hall of Fame very frank about the fact he cally play once they reach success on the diamond, coach Ken Fenik knows, it thinks there can be too high school. “There are their coaches will tell you, wouldn’t happen without the much softball for some freshmen who think the girls need to start early. feeder programs constantly girls. “I know with my because they have been As coach Fenik said, aside infusing his team with girls team, I sometimes just give starting on a team from the from developing sheer skill that are ready to play. But them a day off during the time they were six or seven level, it can build the chem- Fenik says it goes further season. They get worn out years old, they will auto- istry and bonding of a than the girls just learning from all the constant play- matically start in high group that will play togeth- fundamentals at a young ing” the Lady Pioneer coach school” he says. “They get er for some time. But in age. “It’s not just that they says. He also thinks girls frustrated if there is a girl in the end, the experience still know how to play softball should play more than one front of them or if they needs to be fun, and not a by the time they reach high sport. “I still love the girls don’t start immediately. “pressure cooker” for these school” he says. “I’ve that play two or three sports They aren’t use to that and exceptional young girls. Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 5 2014 LORAIN COUNTY BASEBALL PREVIEW

By: James Brady the place to be if you want to After finishing 3rd in the see top-notch pitching with Southwestern Conference last the senior season of Cody year, Avon Lake turned into Callaway at hand. Callaway last season’s Cinderella story has committed to Bowling making a run to the Sweet 16 Green State University for as Matt Morrissette and Brett football, but he very well Kiser shut down Midview and could be a mid-round selec- Amherst in district play before tion in the MLB draft this losing to St. Ignatius. Kent year. Kyle Warner will anchor State recruit Brad Hamilton the 1-2 punch on the hill after returns with his .466 average a 4-1 season earned him All- behind the plate after a 1st County and All-WSC honors. team SWC and Lorain County Calloway (.275), Tyler selection. Top returning field- Leinerth (.266) and Zac ers along with Hamilton are David Richard/The Chronicle-Telegram Wilson (.288, 10SB) will centerfielder David Winkel Avon Lake catcher and senior Brad Hamilton will anchor the offense. (.417, 9 SB), first baseman continue his baseball playing career after For the second straight year Kyle Kuhar (.359, 21 RBI) and accepting a scholarship offer from Kent State Lorain High finished with 17 right fielder Jeremiah Campo University. wins finishing second in the (.354). Logan Montague (4-0, Lake Erie League behind 1.19 ERA), Logan DeLong (2- RBI. Pierce Young (.408) and was 1st team All-SWC after Euclid with an 11-3 confer- 1 3.71) and Campo (2-0) pro- Marcus Gunter (.375) should ence record. Brad Ternes hitting .313, Kody Bledsoe th vide plenty of experience on also provide plenty of punch (Lake Erie) hit .284 from the returns for his 11 season in the hill. for the Keystone offense. leadoff spot and Alex Walts Lorain between Southview Keystone remained one of Keystone’s three-year run as (Hillsdale) will hit in the mid- and LHS with 165 career the top teams in 2013 a district champion will be test- dle of the lineup after batting coaching wins. The Titans sparkling 23-8 (13-3 PAC) ed this season after moving up .318 last season. Noah will rely heavily on pitching record, but their three year run to Division II for the first time Skladan (Mount Union) and after losing seven of nine at the top of the Stars Division since 2008. Shane Derricote return with starters from last year’s team. came to an end at the hands of Amherst set a school three wins each from last year Demon Hisle returns after a 3- Buckeye who went 14-2 in record for wins last year under and both had an ERA under 0 season (0.30 ERA) with league play. The Wildcats, who rookie coach Matt Rositano 1.30. Mott picked up three Mike Velez who had a 4-1 th th were ranked 16 in the state, rising as high as 4 in the saves and had an ERA of 0.77 mark last year with 37 strike- are primed for another big sea- Division I State AP poll. outs. Aaron Andujar and his nd for Amherst. son under 2 year coach Bert Despite losing three players to After an 18-9 finish two .384 average (.535 OBP) will Fitzgerald as Kendle Stiner college baseball, Rositano’s years ago, Midview followed pace the Lorain offense. and Tyler Gullett both return team is loaded with five play- that up with an equally Avon had an average season with sparkling 7-0 records ers that have already commit- impressive 21-7 mark under by its standards going 14-14 from last season. Gullett, a ted to play college baseball. nd in Coach Frank DeSmit’s 6th 2 year coach Scott Jalowiec rd Toledo baseball recruit, was Leading the offense will be setting a school record for season finishing 3 in the also phenomenal at the plate catcher Justin Mott (BGSU) wins. Middies games will be West Shore Conference. batting 483 with 14HR and 64 There are a number of upper-

6 Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine classmen returning for the Two –time Stripes Division ners. On the mound, sopho- North Ridgeville senior Eagles this year. Alex Tomko champion Columbia finished more Caleb Waller returns Matt Feierabend returns after (5-3, 1.29 ERA), Ian Long (3- at 12-12 last year, but went with a 3-4 record (1.73 ERA) a 4-4 season on the mound 1, 2.80 ERA) and Scott 11-5 in Patriot Athletic along with Josh Buchanan and and a .330 average for 3rd Barnum (2-0, 4 SV) will Conference play to finish two Kyle Nader who both had two year coach Mathew Ponting. anchor the pitching rubber. games ahead of Clearview and wins last year. This is a The Rangers finished 13-16 Long (.338), Kevin Maloney Lutheran West beating both in Vermilion team that has been and 7-7 in the West Shore (.310, 14, RBI, 11SB) and 9-inning games the last two to district tournament play for Conference last season. North Andrew Lee (.276, 8SB) are games of the league season. 12 straight years. Ridgeville will be looking for in place to lead the offensive Coach Justin Ramsey enters Clearview’s Roger Engle Nolan Freeman (3-2) to help attack. his 6th season with a couple returns after being a first-team on the mound along with jun- After a 17-12 season, of All-PAC pitchers and a pair All-Lorain County and PAC ior Nathan Colbert (.324 Firelands will now be of .400 hitter. Michael Boey player selection hitting over AVG) on offense. coached by Doug Benzel and Kevin Simon will lead .450 in conference play. Matt Loescher returns for replacing long-time coach Ted Columbia on the hill, while Antonio Pagan (.330) and his 13th year as coach at Busch. The Falcons will have Tyler Underwood (.446, 20 Austin Arendt (.320) will help Open Door after the Patriots a different look after four-year RBI) and Boey (.405, 18SB) balance the Clippers offensive went 4-15 last season. starter Joe San Felippo took lead the Raiders offensive attack. Sophomore Antonio Sophomore Tyler Haas (.365 his baseball skills to play for attack. Bennett will again play short- AVG), senior Cory Kushinski Wheeling Jesuit. Firelands Elyria High went just 1-9 in stop and look to improve on (.325) and junior right-handed will be leaning heavily on the tough NOC last year, but his three wins last year. hitter Will Lovett (.322) are Cole Sklarek who went 4-2 on finished with a 14-14 mark in Brookside will be looking expected to lead the way for the mound (1.70 ERA) and Coach Ed Piazza’s second sea- to improve on an 8-14 season the Open Door offense. Junior batted .330 with 31 RBI at the son. The Pioneers have under third-year coach Brad Jacob Lowe could provide plate. The Falcons will also offense returning in Brodie Bomback. Senior Crae spark after missing last year need the bat of Tristan Clark Stewart (.338, 8 2B), Jacob Watkins went 4-1 during his with an injury. ho hit .314 last season. Csizmadia (.303, 3HR) and summer season and will lead This is the second year at Elyria Catholic finished Marques Inman (.301, 12 the young Cardinals on the Lake Ridge for Coach Jason 15-14 last year in Bruce RBI). The Pioneers will be mound. Matthew Seekins Dimacchia and the cupboard Lisicky’s second season as searching for arms with just (.377) and Cameron Drew isn’t bare after a 6-13 season Panthers coach. EC will look four wins returning in Zack (.370) were both All-County in 2013. Sophomore Niko to improve on a 5th place fin- Minney (3-0, 3.47 ERA) and selections last year for Ortiz threw a perfect game in ish in the West Shore Brad Conley (1-0, 2.19 ERA) Brookside. his first start last year against Conference with senior Joe y Vermilion had what would It will be tough for Coach Lawrence Academy. Ortiz was Begany leading the way. be considering a down year Roger Sasack to replace a 2nd Team Division IV All- Begany hit .462 last season for them going 13-15 finish Wellington’s Erik Fehlan Ohio selection. Seniors Jack (11 2B, 33 RBI) and also went 5th in the West Shore (Baldwin-Wallace) who led Spellman (.480 AVG, .618 3-2 on the mound with a neat Conference. Coach Jeff Keck the Dukes in wins, innings, OBP) and Danny Fulop 1.71 ERA averaging nearly enters his 12th season at the hits, average and RBI in an 8- (.280/.400) return to lead the one strikeout per inning. wheel of the Sailors after 17 season. The Dukes will be offense. Dominic Piazza will be asked picking up his 200th win at looking for senior right-han- Oberlin has 3 returnees to help carry the load pitching Vermilion and should get his der Nick Carevic (3-3, 3.63 with impressive stats. after a 3-2 record as a sopho- 350th coaching win needing ERA) to lead on the mound Matayo Wyman hit .493 with more last season. Senior 10. It could take the Sailors a and junior left-handed hitter 33 hits, Tyler Buga .462 with Angelo Cruz returns after hit- little time to get going with Robbie Bliss (.282 AVG) to 36 hits and Liam McMillan ting .329 last year. only six returning letter win- spark the Wellington offense. .384 with 28 hits.

Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 7 BATTER UP: A Look at the 2014 Lake Erie Crushers

By: Andy “Bull” Barch the for seven Voice of the Crushers seasons. He started back in 2001 with the former While the beginning of the Richmond Roosters as bench 2013 season for the Lake Erie coach where he was a part of Crushers offered a lot of dif- back to back championship ferent amenities, the end result teams in 2001 and 2002. He was the same, as the Crushers then managed the Roosters made it to the playoffs for the during their final three seasons third time in five years, but of existence. fell just short in the The new Lake Erie skipper Championship to Schaumburg. is a Willowick, Ohio, native, Change is prevalent once and graduated from Kent State Bruce Bishop/The Chronicle-Telegram again in Avon, as the Crushers University while playing base- “Super Joe” Charboneau has joined the Lake have their third manager in as ball for the Golden Flashes. Erie Crushers as a batting coach and will be many seasons. Chris He is excited about getting working with the teams’ new manager Chris Mongiardo, the pitching coach involved in the surrounding Mongiardo and GM Rick Muntean! for the 2013 Crushers, was communities and helping us hired as Lake Erie’s new man- build the new Lake Erie recently, they went 28-17 this Championship. Prior to the T- ager on January 14, replacing Crushers youth baseball and past season. He had been with Bones, Rick spent 15 years as Jeff Isom, who left to manage softball academy. the Mustangs for the previous the General Manager and the Joliet Slammers back in More changes were made five seasons, since the fran- Assistant General Manager for November. about a month later, when the chise launched in 2009. the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Mongiardo, better known as Crushers announced the hiring Muntean has over 30 years Red Barons, the top minor “Monge” to those in the base- of Youngstown, Ohio, native, of baseball experience. Prior league club of the Philadelphia ball world, played a pivotal Rick Muntean, as the team’s to joining the Mustangs in Phillies. role in developing last year’s new General Manager. 2009, he spent five years with On the field, the Lake pitching staff into one of the Muntean, comes to Avon after the Kansas City T-Bones of Erie Crushers expect to be best in the league. The spending the last five years the Northern League (now the Championship contenders Crushers started slowly, but with the St. Joseph Mustangs American Association), where once again. Most of the play- ended the year with a 3.38 of the MINK League. he engineered two Northern ers on the 2013 Eastern earned run average, which was In his five years in St. League Organization of the Division Championship team second best in the 14-team Joseph, Mo., the Mustangs Year awards, one Executive of will be invited to spring train- Frontier League circuit. won a pair of MINK League the Year award, and one See CRUSHERS on page 10 Mongiardo has coached in Championships, and most Northern League

8 Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 2014 Lake Erie Crushers Schedule May June SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 12 3 456 6 7 SCH SCH JOL FLO FLOEVN FG EVN DH 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 8 9 10 11 1213 14 SCH WC WC WC SIL SIL EVN NOR NOR NOR WASGATSCH GAT MAC MAC MAC MAC 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 SIL TC TC TC JOL JOL GAT WSH WSH WSH TC TC MAC * 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 MAC = BASEBALL TC RCK RCK RCK WSH WSH CHAMPIONSHIP Avon, Ohio 2013 29 30 WSH

July August/September SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 12345 12 RCK RCK RCK FG FG WC EVN

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 34567 8 9 FG WAS WAS EVN EVN EVNEVN RCK RCK RCK FG DH 13 14 15 16 1718 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 EVN AllStar EVNFLO FLO FGFG JOL JOL JOL TC TC Game 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 2122 23 FLO FG FG FG NOR NOR NOR TC GAT GAT GAT RC RC * 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 RC NOR NOR NOR SIL SIL SIL SIL RC RC SCH SCH SCH WC WC 31 1 2 3 4

= Home = Fireworks All games start at 7:05pm DH = Doubleheader with the exception of * = Day Game Sundays (1:05pm) and 5/28 - 10:35am day games. Gates open one 7/23 - 11:05am hour before game time.

Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 9 CRUSHERS Hertler, Moldenhauer was key Super Saturday’s will feature sion ticket for $2 on in clutch situations throughout a giveaway to the first 1,000 Thursdays. from page 8 the year. He hit .275 on the fans. Just as last year, on Christmas in July will ing, with a few others in the year, but stepped up in pres- Saturdays, families can pur- return to All Pro Freight mix as well to compete for a sure situations, hitting .301 chase 4 home box tickets and Stadium on Friday, July 18. few open spots on the roster, with runners in scoring posi- 4 perfect game vouchers for There will also be a pair of and create completion at a few tion, and .302 with runners in $44. early games as well. others. scoring position and two outs. New to the lineup this year Wednesday, May 23, will be a A familiar face to Crusher The pitching staff reached will be Marked Down school day, with a 10:35 AM fans everywhere, four-time new heights a season ago, as Mondays, featuring $1 general start, and this year’s Summer Frontier League All-Star the Lake Erie team ERA of admission tickets and $3 box Splash Day is on July 23, with Andrew Davis is set to return 3.38 was not only second best seat tickets. Two-Dollar an 11:05 AM start. for what will be his sixth sea- in the league, but it was the Tuesday is in the mix this year Our annual Pack the Park son with the Crushers. Davis best ERA at season’s end in as well, featuring $2 specials Pink will reign again this sea- was Lake Erie’s primary the five year history of the on select concession items son. Come out to the ballpark power source last season, lead- franchise. Back for the 2014 will be available at Stomper’s on Friday, August 22 to help ing the team with 17 home- season is the ace of the staff, Grille and Eddy’s Eatery and raise money for breast cancer runs, and his 66 RBI were in lefty Matt Rein. Rein had a there will be dollar hot dogs research and stick around for third most in the Frontier phenomenal season for the on Wednesday nights. On the Fireworks following. League. The 2014 will be his Crushers, posting an 8-6 over- Wednesdays, seniors will be Opening night is Friday, last with the Crushers, as he all record, with a 2.37 ERA, able to buy a Home Box ticket May 16th, and features a post will reach the league’s age- which was among the best in for $6. game fireworks extravaganza. limit for veteran exceptions. the league. Thursdays are still $1 beer For ticket information, call the While it will be difficult to Another lefty that had a ter- night. College students pre- Crushers at 440-934-3636, or replace the production of rific 2013 season, Dave senting proper ID will be able visit the Crushers website, at Daniel Bowman, who was one Middendorf, will be back in to purchase a general admis- www.lakeeriecrushers.com. of the Frontier League’s best action for the Crushers as hitters last year, earning top-10 well. Middendorf had 12 marks in several offensive cat- wins a season ago, third most egories, the Crushers will have in the Frontier League and a few other returnees from the posted a 2.60 ERA, which 2013 season, who put up very was fifth best in the league as nice numbers as well. well. Back for his third sea- The first of who was son with the Crushers, is acquired via a trade with right-hander Mickey Jannis, Schaumburg last season, in who thrived as both a starter utility man, Craig Hertler. and a reliever in 2013. Jannis Hertler was Lake Erie’s lead- went 7-2 with a 2.42 ERA, off hitter, and consistently which included four starts, came through in clutch situa- and he had a pair of saves as tions. Over 54 games with the well. Crushers, Hertler hit .304, with Many of the same great pro- an on base percentage of .427. motions will be back again for In addition, he hit .362 with the 2014 season, but there will runners in scoring position, be a few changes as well. The and .344 with runners in scor- first pitch for Sunday home ing position and two outs. games, which had been deliv- One of Lake Erie’s other big ered at 5:05 PM for the first power sources last year, was five years, have been changed the 2012 Frontier League to 1:05 PM. Homerun Derby Champion, Weekly promotions will Russ Moldenhauer. lead off on opening night, Moldenhauer is set to return Friday, May 16th with fire- for this third season with the works. There’s always a spec- Crushers, after smashing 14 tacular show to be seen after bombs a season ago. Like every Friday home game. 10 Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 11 UNFINISHED BUSINESS By: Jim Rosenhaus Play-by-Play Announcer It was late February in Goodyear, Arizona. Outside, it was another cloudless, crisp morning at the Cleveland Indians Spring Training complex. Inside, Director of Baseball Information Bart Swain was hunkered down in his office, attacking his daily responsibilities. Suddenly, the peaceful quiet of a spring training early morn- ing was broken by the tor- nado of activity that is Tribe first baseman Nick Swisher. “Yo Bart, I need more shirts bro !”, howled Photo: Dan Mendlik/Cleveland Indians Swisher. “I got to have em Mike Aviles and others celebrate clinching their first playoff berth since for everybody, 5 or 6 just 2007 ain’t gonna cut it.” The T-shirts in question arrive at this point? Prior that success, there was a don’t wind down; they just were supposed to be handed to the 2013 season, the still a bitter pill to swallow come to a crashing halt. As out only to those players Tribe has lost 90 or more in the end. The Tribe lost proud as I was of those who participated in a com- games in 3 of the prior 4 its Wild Card Playoff game guys, it hurt so bad, I could- mercial shoot promoting the seasons. But last year to Tampa Bay, ending what n’t believe how much it team for the 2014 season. under new manager Terry had been a furious stung.“ But what about the other Francona, the Indians won September run to the play- That pain was replaced by players? As the acknowl- 92 games and reached the offs. Even a manager who renewed optimism as the edged leader of a playoff American League playoffs. has reached baseball’s high- winter moved along, contending team, Swisher The 24 win turnaround was est pinnacle twice, winning replaced by the sense of knew what he had to do. the biggest improvement a World Series in 2004 and purpose that comes with a He needed to get more of from one season to the next 2007, summed up what his new spring training. The those shirts that Swain was in franchise history. Not club felt after the tough bulk of the roster that expe- barricading in his office. bad for a franchise that playoff loss. rienced so much success is Two trips into the media began operations in 1901. “We played so well for so back, bolstered by some room later, “Swish” filled They did it with an offense long, having it end so sud- new faces that figure to the request and all was right that finished 4th in the denly was tough to take,” play key roles as the in Tribe land. Why were American League in runs said Francona three months Indians pursue another the bright red T-shirts so scored, a number achieved later at Tribe Fest in playoff spot and more in special? It was the letter- without the benefit of a Cleveland. “That playoff 2014. ing on the front, the letter- .300 hitter, a 25 home run game stung, more than I To a man, this year’s ing that said words that cap- hitter or a 100 RBI man. realized it was going to. It Cleveland Indians believe ture the essence the On the mound, the Indians was hard for me to talk to that last year was just the Cleveland Indians in 2014. showed tremendous the team after the game. It beginning of an extended The words are “Unfinished improvement and posted the hurt because we had played run of success. One of the Business”. 2nd lowest ERA after the so well to get there and just How did the Indians All Star Break. Despite like that, it’s over. Seasons See INDIANS on page 13 12 Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine INDIANS once again. Last season, Ryan Raburn is coming off Masterson won 14 games a tremendous bounce back from page 12 and despite a late season season and was big key to a key pieces will be left field- injury that cost him 3 tremendous Indians bench. er Michael Brantley. Inked weeks, still logged almost Raburn hit 16 home runs to a new contract in early 200 innings. He says the and drove in 55 runs in less February, Brantley will be feeling in the clubhouse is than 250 at bats. He says with the Tribe for four more very similar to last year, he couldn’t wait to get back seasons. He has become a when thoughts of a turn- to spring training to pick up steady offensive player and around season developed. where last year’s team left is coming off a season in “Last year, we had the off. which he hit .284 with 10 excitement of Tito coming “I can’t stress that enough HR and a career best 73 in, along with Swish and to everyone in here, how RBI. Bourn,” says Masterson. important it is to have fun “We have such a great Photo: Dan Mendlik/Cleveland Indians “This year, it’s just a contin- in this game,” Raburn Nick Swisher group in this locker room uation of what began last points out. “I’ve had years and I want to be a part of year. We’ve added a few in the past that just weren’t year ago. A regular in the that for years to come,” said more veterans, the younger enjoyable and it makes a season’s second half, the Brantley. “I believe last guys continue to grow and difference. That carries native of Brazil hit .294 year was just a stepping it’s a good mix. When you over to the field. Last year with 11 HR and 38 RBI. stone of what we are capa- think back to last year, we I made a conscious effort to He shut down opposing ble of as a team. We weren’t never really played great, have fun and I believe that running games be throwing ready to go home last year, until the end. This year, we was a big reason I had the out 38% of would be base especially the way it ended. feel we can play great base- year I had.” stealers. His handling of The atmosphere in the play- ball and make things more Looking at the day to day the pitching staff was also off game was electric and it special than last year. “ lineup for the Indians in steady. Arguably the makes you want more of The common theme 2014, there were few posi- Indians hottest hitter in that.” among this year’s Indians is tion battles heading into September, Nick Swisher On the pitching side, to continue the loose, fun spring training. Yan Gomes returns as the everyday first Justin Masterson will atmosphere that last year’s will be the starting catcher baseman, looking to contin- anchor the starting rotation team fostered. Outfielder after bursting on the scene a See INDIANS on page 14

Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 13 Photo: Dan Mendlik/Cleveland Indians

Justin Masterson The lone position in ques- and manager Terry tion appears to be third Francona says there is no base. Lonnie Chisenhall rush. was the starting third base- On the mound, the first man coming out of spring four slots in the rotation training a year ago, but appear set. Masterson will struggled with consistency be the opening day starter, and eventually spent time at followed by and not neces- Triple A Columbus. He sarily in this order, Corey will be challenged by for- Kluber, Zach McAllister mer number one catcher and Danny Salazar. Kluber

Photo: Dan Mendlik/Cleveland Indians Carlos Santana, who and McAllister won 11 and Terry Francona requested the chance to play 9 games respectively and third base following last solidified their status as INDIANS from an off year by his season. Santana’s case is bona fide major league from page 13 standards offensively. In intriguing in that he starting pitchers. ue what was an outstanding the outfield, Brantley will remains one of the Tribe’s Meanwhile, the flame finish to 2013. Jason Kipnis play left. Michael Bourn is top run producers offensive- throwing rookie Salazar will man second base after fully recovered from a late ly. Last year he hit .268 made 10 starts down the an All Star season last year season injury and will play with 20 HR and 74 RBI. If stretch last year and got the when he hit .284 with 17 centerfield, while newly he is adequate defensively, nod in the playoff game vs HR and a team best 84 RBI acquired David Murphy it opens up several possibil- Tampa Bay. The battle and a team high 30 SB. will man rightfield, with ities for the rest of the ros- remains for the 5th spot in Asdrubal Cabrera is once Raburn filling in at the cor- ter. A decision most likely the rotation. The con- again the Tribe shortstop, ner outfield positions on a won’t be made until the lat- looking to bounce back regular basis. ter stages of spring training See INDIANS on page 16

14 Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine Spring 2014 FORECAST Magazine 15 INDIANS Another key component of the team a year ago was from page 14 the bench, which became tenders include in house known as the “Good candidates Carlos Carrasco, Squad”. Jason Giambi is Josh Tomlin and Trevor back in camp and looking Bauer along with non-roster to extend his career at the invites Aaron Harang and age of 43. His impact on Shaun Marcum. the ballclub from a leader- In the bullpen, there will ship standpoint was be changes. Gone are clos- immeasurable. Statistics er Chris Perez, set up man wise, he hit 9 home runs, Joe Smith and reliable Matt including 2 walk off home Albers. Free agent signee runs. His game winning, John Axford, who averaged Photo: Dan Mendlik/Cleveland Indians pinch hit home run vs the Michael Brantley close to 35 saves with White Sox on September Milwaukee in 2010 through 24th remains one of the find the right mix to create body now, we added some 2012 should replace Perez great moments of any sea- a winning atmosphere. veterans and young thun- at the back end of the pen. son in recent Indians histo- Who better to comment on dercats alike and it’s a good Cody Allen and Brian ry. Others in the bench the state of the Tribe head- environment. We are Shaw, who were rock solid mix include utilityman ing into 2014 than Nick going to keep going out in late inning roles a year Mike Aviles, outfielder Swisher. there and working hard and ago, are back. They are Ryan Raburn and then “Hey, last year was believe me, when you have joined by lefty Mark potentially veteran outfield- brought excitement back to a guy like Terry Francona Rzepczynski and then a ers Nyger Morgan and Jeff the 216,” says the always leading your team, you are myriad of candidates to fill Francoeur and infielder charged up Swisher. “This always going to be heading the remaining spots. Like Elliot Johnson. year, I walked into the in the right direction.” third base, it may take most In summary, most of the clubhouse here in For the 2014 Cleveland of spring training for the key slots are filled and Goodyear and I thought, Indians, the plan is for that bullpen to gain some clari- spring training will be used man I’m home!” direction to be taking care ty. to fill out the roster and Everybody knows every- of “Unfinished Business”.

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