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EVENTS AD PARTNERS
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1999 Recap: The Indians spent 179 of 181 possible days in first place en route to a fifth consecutive AL Central title. Led by Manny Ramirez (.333-44-165) and Roberto Alomar (.323-25-120), the Tribe became just the seventh team in MLB history to score 1,000 or more runs in a season (1,009). The Indians also led the league in attendance, drawing a franchise record 3,468,460 fans in 81 dates in Jacobs Field. 1999 Highlight: Clinching the division on Sept. 8 to become only the third team since 1969 to capture five straight division crowns -- Oakland A's (1971-74) and Atlanta Braves (1991-current). 1999 Lowlight: Blowing a 2-0 lead to the Boston Red Sox in the Division Series, extending their own World Series drought to 51 years. Manager: Charlie Manuel (first season as manager) Coaches: Clarence Jones (hitting), Dick Pole (pitching), Ted Uhlaender (first base), Jim Riggleman (third base), Luis Isaac (bullpen), Graddy Little (bench) Camp Site: Chain O' Lakes Park,Winter Haven, Fla. Reporting Dates: Pitchers and catcher on Feb. 17; full squads on Feb. 22 Additions LHP Chuck Finley, RHP Scott Kamieniecki, RHP Bobby Witt, RHP Scott Sanders, LHP Alan Newman, OF Lance Johnson Subtractions: RHP Mike Jackson, RHP Dwight Gooden, DH Harold Baines, OF Wil Cordero, C Tyler Houston, LHP Paul Assenmacher Spring Cleaning: New manager Charlie Manuel will employ a bullpen by committee until a closer emerges. RHP Paul Shuey and RHP Steve Karsay will share the role in spring training and RHP Sean DePaula will get a look. The Indians hope to see lefty specialist Ricardo Rincon bounce back from a miserable 1999 (2-3, 4.43). RHP Bartolo Colon and LHP Chuck Finley will anchor the rotation with RHP Dave Burba and RHP Charles Nagy going every fifth day as well.
Key Acquisition: Cleveland signed LHP Chuck Finley to solidify the rotation and he can be counted on to win 15 games with good run support. Colon has matured into the staff ace, but Finley gives them a formidable 1-2 punch. There is still some concern about the pitching staff, which is apparent by the Indians inviting 13 non-roster pitchers to spring training. At 37, it's likely Chuck Finley's best days are behind him. Pivitol Player: It's time for 24-year-old Jaret Wright to get back on track. Wright walked more than five batters per nine innings and had a 6.06 ERA in 1999. But veteran pitcher Mark Langston has taken him under his wing. Langston bought Wright a mountain bike and the two of them go on 25-mile daily rides. Wright has reportedly dropped 10 pounds and is working with new pitching coach Dick Pole on his delivery. The Future is Now: Third baseman Russell Branyan is the best power prospect in the minors, but his knowledge of the strike zone is atrocious. At one point last year at AAA, he suffered through an 0-for-43 slump that included 27 whiffs. In 537 minor league games, he has 149 homers. Opportunity Knocks: Paul Shuey, 28, long considered the closer-of-the-future, has all the weapons to be effective in the role. He has three "out" pitches -- high 90's fastball, split-finger, wicked slider -- but he can be erratic and is prone to injuries. This is a make or break year for Shuey. Prospects to Watch: RHP Danys Baez, 3B Russell Branyan, OF Jacob Cruz, RHP Sean Depaula, RHP Tim Drew, 1B Danny Peoples, OF Alex Ramirez, LHP C.C. Sabathia
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