Welcome to Cleveland, Mr. Masterson

Believe it or not, Justin Masterson is very excited about being an Cleveland Indian. You would think a man who was a staple in the Boston Red Sox bullpen for the past couple years wouldn't be, since literally he goes from a team in the pennant race, to a team in rebuilding mode.

"Initially, it was some bitter sweetness, because of the great thing going on in Boston. But after you think about it, it's a great opportunity for me here", Masterson, a Ohio boy, said before Saturday's game against the Tigers.

Masterson will come out of the bullpen for his first few appearances as a Cleveland Indian, but as time moves along, he will be implemented into the starting rotation.

"It sounds great. That's where I have been, done both (starting and relieving) in the past couple years. But it's a challenge I'm excited for."

But all in all, he doesn't care where he is, either starting rotation or bullpen, he just wants to pitch well and help the ball club.

Jhonny Peralta is a baby? NOOO!!!!

It seems for the first time in his Cleveland Indians managing tenure, Eric Wedge is finally feeling the heat from the hot seat. He has done something he has never done before while managing the Tribe. And that is calling out players....by their name!

As of June 19, the Indians sit in dead last, with a 29-39 record. Only seven games out of first, but c'mon, we all know the season is over. They are a bad team. Chances are things are not going to turn around when you have Ryan Garko playing left field and Jamey Carroll as your second baseman.



"I'm through babying, coddling, protecting these guys. I've tried everything else. I don't know what's left. Maybe publicly calling them out will get their attention."




He did call Jhonny Peralta "a baby" and "needs to get his head on straight." What Jhonny needs is a few batting lessons with Eddie Murray. Oh wait, Eddie isn't here anymore?

He also called out Kelly Shoppach, the backup catcher. "I can't continue to play him if he's going to strike out two out of every three times." There is a reason why he is called "backup".

What I really want to hear is Travis Hafner's career is over, Grady Sizemore doesn't have an arm, and Victor will not be wearing a Cleveland Indians uniform come July 31st.

Another rebuilding year...wait....years are ahead for us Tribe fans.

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Hello, my name is Joey Belle.

"RBIs win games; and they can make you a ton of money."
- Albert Belle

I grew up during the magical years of great Cleveland Indians Baseball. From 1994-2001, the Tribe gave me so many memories. From 2 World Series appearances, to great watchable players, to experiences I will never forget at Jacobs Field. (FYI Ringing Albert Belle will always recognize the home of the Indians as "Jacobs Field". Never Progressive Field.) One player that sticks out in my mind is Albert Belle. One of the best hitters in game. Ever. One of six players to have nine consecutive 100-RBI seasons. The first man to ever hit 50 home runs and 50 doubles in the same season.

I loved watching this man play. I was too young to understand his off the field antics, but it didn't really matter. I wanted to play the game like Albert Belle. Hard, dirty, quiet, yet known. Teammates, pitchers, coaches, and the media feared him.

So I dedicate this blog to Albert Belle. Not only will I post about current Cleveland Indians stories, but I will look back on a Hall-of-Fame career that should have been. With quotes, stories, pictures, anniversaries. Let us remember the man that was...Albert Belle.

Head over to The Dugout Sports Show. Listen live every Saturday, 12-2 PM EST.