Episode 153 – Uncorking the second half of the Indians’ season
After a successful week of hosting All-Star festivities, it’s back to business for the Indians, who open up the second half of the season with a big series against AL Central-leading Minnesota. Jim Ingraham, a long-time Tribe beat writer and current sports columnist for the Elyria Chronicle-Telegram and Medina Gazette, joins the show to recap the Indians’ weird first half, discuss the emergence of All-Star Game MVP Shane Bieber and rookie outfielder Oscar Mercado, as well as the surprising year for Roberto Perez. Ingraham also weighs the pros and cons of dealing Trevor Bauer or Brad Hand for an impact bat and explains why the elimination of the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline could make the end of July extra busy around MLB this year.
Plus: Monday marks the 25th anniversary of Albert Belle's corked bat being confiscated, leading to pitcher Jason Grimsley crawling through the air ducts of Comiskey Park and breaking into the umpires’ locker room to retrieve the bat, securing a place in baseball lore. Ingraham, who was in the press box that night, shares his recollections from a wild scene in the Windy City.
Follow us on Twitter: @TheNailPodcast Email us: thenailpodcast [at] gmail.com Intro/outro music: "The 3rd" by Anitek Photos from Getty Images and mlb.com | Photo illustration by The Nail in the Coffin
