Indians built their franchise the correct way

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The Cleveland Indians are a small-market team, but the franchise has been built the correct way.

Pitching, pitching and more pitching … and a proven manager.

The Tribe had five pitchers win 11 or more games this season, and the staff ERA was a solid 3.84 during the regular season.

Add a proven, two-time World Series-winning manager like Terry Francona, and you have the essentials for a competitive team that has now reached the World Series.

The Cincinnati Reds, on the other hand, recently decided to stick with manager Bryan Price after the team played .500 ball the second half of the season.

Price hasn’t had much talent to work with the last few years – particularly on the pitching staff – but it would have been a boost to the team and its fans to go after a proven managerial talent like the Indians did.

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You know things aren’t going too well for Ohio’s two NFL franchises when they have a combined record of 2-10 for their first meeting of the season, which will occur in Cincinnati on Sunday.

The Browns have been decimated by injuries, especially at quarterback.

The Bengals, on the other hand, have been battered by a tough schedule and an inability to meet expectations.

Sunday’s game will feature the return to Cincinnati of Hue Jackson, the former Bengals’ offensive coordinator who left after last season to become Cleveland’s head coach.

Based on Cincy’s lack of offensive production this season, I’d say Jackson has been missed.

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Trivia Time – The late sportscaster Jack Buck graduated from Ohio State.

This week’s question – Which MLB team did Terry Francona first manage?

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By Steve Stout

[email protected]

Reach Steve Stout at 652-1331 (ext. 1776) or on Twitter @udcstout

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