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.Av Gannett

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.Av Gannett

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-pitche…

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 l…

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 anot…

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.…

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 …

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.…

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.Av Gannett

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.Av Gannett

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.Av Gannett

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.Av Gannett

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.…

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.Av Gannett

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 hav…

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.…

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.Av Gannett

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.Av Gannett

Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about the wild opening month for Cleveland and preview the team's upcoming series with the Yankees.Av Gannett

Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about Cleveland's 2-3 start, Jose Ramirez, Tito Francona and the team's closer situation.Av Gannett

Host Ashley Bastock and Akron Beacon Journal Indians reporter Ryan Lewis are back to kick off the 2021 season.Av Gannett

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 expla…

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 …

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 pi…

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. Kipni…

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 …

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. He…

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 …

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 b…

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…

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, …

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 podca…

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 wee…

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…

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 i…

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 Ry…

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 t…

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 reb…

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…

This is my one minute poem

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…

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 …

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 in…

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 suspend…

Refelcting outside with my Dog

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…

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 th…