Smoke Signals

Indians Attendance Increases

Jacobs Field is not selling out, but there is at least a recent upsurge in attendance to Cleveland games. It is due in part to a renewed marketing effort aimed at reaching out to the once proud baseball town.

On July 31st the Indians began their effort by honoring the achievements of longtime Cleveland slugger Marcos Hernandez in a special pre-game ceremony.

Hernandez has always been a fan favorite, amassing five Gold Gloves at first base and three All-Star appearances in his career with the Tribe. The fans gave Hernandez a standing ovation, many holding up signs saying "We'll miss you, Marcos!"

When reached for comment Hernandez played down the idea that this was his last season with the Tribe.

“I have no idea what those signs were about. Don’t call it a retirement ceremony,” he began. “I’ve worn an Indians uniform for twelve years. I aim to play out my contract. After that, who knows?”

Two other fan appreciation nights, Rawlings Glove Night and Elmer Sweet Bobble Head Night, were tremendous successes according to team officials. On Glove Night the Indians scalped the Twins 18-1. On Sweet Bobble Head Night the Tribe faithful had to wait until the 10th inning for the 1-0 victory.


Cleveland signs Ross Augustus
League officials confirmed today that perennial All-Star Ross Augustus has come out of semi-retirement to sign a contract with the Indians. The former Marlins and Mets standout amassed 2600 hits, 450 home runs, and over 1500 runs batted in before sitting out most of this season.

Tribe Re-signs Abdullah
Team officials and Jesus Abdullah reached agreement on a deal that will keep the former Rookie of the Year winner with the Tribe through his career.

Abdullah will receive $3.8 million for three years. That is a significant reduction from his current salary, but sources close to the situation said that the amount is more reflective of Abdullah's future role with the club.

Indians Deny Gonzalez Deal
The Cleveland Indians are rushing to deny rumors that second baseman Randy Gonzalez was part of an 11^th hour trade which fell apart between Boston, the Indians, and division rival Kansas City just before the league trading deadline. The rumors held that Gonzalez (.305-10-157) would go to the Royals in exchange for Boston infielder Mathew Beauregard (.315-0-22). The remainder of the deal varied according to source, but did seem to center around the Royals Mario Murillo (12-9, 4.48).

“Randy Gonzalez is our second baseman. Period," scowled Indians PR man Albert Belle in a prepared statement.