Cleveland Indians: Donald Trump Tried to Buy the Indians; April Notes

The Cleveland Indians Need to Win More in April

A few days ago, the world learned that Donald Trump tried to purchase the Cleveland Indians in 1983. According to Brent Larkin of Cleveland.com, Trump offered $13 million to then principal owner Francis “Steve” O’Neill. Trump, however, refused to commit to keeping the team in Cleveland, and many assumed that he would move the team to Tampa Bay as soon as possible. The highest offer reached $34 million, but he only guaranteed that the Indians would remain in Cleveland for three years.

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In other news, Terry Pluto noted that the Cleveland Indians have gotten better at drafting since 2008 when Brad Grant took command of the selection process. Lonnie Chisenhall and Francisco Lindor have made major-league impacts and will hopefully continue their recent success. In more recent times, Tyler Naquin, Clint Frazier, and Brad Zimmer have batted well in the minor leagues. Time will tell if these players will pan out, and Brady Aiken could, perhaps, be the ultimate boon-or-bust candidate.

Also from Pluto, the Cleveland Indians need to improve their winning skills in April. In both 2014 and 2015, the team struggled out of the gate and missed the playoffs. As he notes, teams cannot make the playoffs in April, but they can essentially eliminate themselves. Back in May, I commented on this same phenomenon, stating that the Tribe would need to go 83 and 59 down the stretch to make the Post Season.

More from around the AL Central:

Clevelinks: Cleveland Indians TV Ratings Drop 36%; Minority Owner Search – Wahoo’s on First

Are the Cleveland Indians Already Out of Contention? – Wahoo’s on First

Kansas City Royals Bullpen a True Post Season Strength – Kings of Kauffman

How White Sox’s Adam Eaton Silenced Critics – Southside Showdown

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