Interview: Firesign of the (new) Cleveland Indians

What were your expectations going into last seasons draft?

Last year in the draft we went heavily addressing the need for starting pitching but there wasn't a lot to choose from, so we went with a good crop of future relievers and addresses future needs at the catcher spot. This year we are hoping to address the starting pitching again and maybe CF.

(Note: Nice 1st pick - Daniel Blackwell)

What about the free agent market this season?

We may delve into the FA market heavily this year which is unlike us.

What are some concerns going into this season?

Whether Ray Luke can handle the new environment. And we are still trying to figure out why Armando Tavarez is sleeping on the mound and classroom.

What changes are expected this season?

A couple things we are look at is finding a replacement for aging vet Hunter Tomlinson which might be Howard Washington as a platoon and figuring out what to do with Rodney Webber .

Why the move from Pittsburgh?

Simple really. Pittsburgh is more or less a pitchers park. The pitchers couldn't pitch to slap hitters and gave up too many home runs at home. That has plagued me for two seasons there. The offense is geared toward power and the pitchers weren't getting any offensive help. Offense hit 88 dingers at home last year and 128 on the road, if they hold and or get better, I expect 150+ at the Jake. If I can find some pitching help, I think I can hold other teams at bay at home and out score them and have a winning season at home for a change.

Other than Cleveland what other cities were you looking at?

My other destinations could have been as the White Sox but wouldn't let me and the last choice was Baltimore where I don't think would have worked. Other than that I had a couple choices that were not MLB parks.