CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Indians have a unique group of All-Stars representing them in the ‘Midsummer Classic,’ but all four players were smiling during Monday’s session with the media.
Youngster Shane Bieber is just happy to be a part of the festivities. The 24-year-old found out he was an All-Star on Friday, which was a surprise to him and his family.
“I’m trying to take a deep breath and take it all in, but it hasn’t really hit me yet. This is all pretty surreal,” he said.
Bieber is taking the place of Rangers pitcher Mike Minor, who started on Sunday and isn’t eligible to pitch in the game.
Bieber had a quick turn around on Saturday, tossing eight innings, allowing just two runs against the Reds. He admits it was hard to get focused prior to the outing.
“That night [Friday] I was extremely excited. My body was kind of shaken,” he said.
The Indians consider Bieber a future building block and admits his first All-Star appearance is just going to make him hungrier.
“It’s always a goal, you never expect it,” he said. “Now that I’m here, I expect to make it a few more times. Not just for the credentials of it and not just to say I’m an All-Star. You get here for a reason and that’s by having a good year and helping your team win. I think that’s the biggest thing.”
Frankie’s Blessed – Francisco Lindor dealt with two separate injuries that caused him to miss all of spring training and the first few weeks of the regular season. He overcame the calf strain and the sprained ankle to make his fourth straight All-Star team.
Lindor’s excited to play in the game, especially since it’s in Cleveland, but he wasn’t worried about the injuries costing him the chance to play in front of the hometown fans.
“To be honest, I never think about being an All-Star,” he said. “I was upset because I wasn’t there with my team for the first couple of weeks. It made me realize that this game is one of the best things I have in life and it helped me understand to not take anything for granted.”
Lindor played on the sprained ankle at less than 100 percent, hoping to give the team a boost early in the season. His leadership, work ethic and skillset has earned his teammates respect.
“He’s the face of this team and he’s one of the best young players in this game,” Indians closer Brad Hand said. “We’re obviously very thankful to have him on our team. Just to be able to watch him every single day, the kind of energy he brings to a team and the way he plays out there – it’s a lot of fun to watch.”
Lindor knows how special it is to have the All-Star Game in Cleveland. He’s excited for the city to be in the national spotlight and knows how magical the 1997 ‘Midsummer Classic’ was for Sandy Alomar and Indians fans.
“We see Sandy’s moment everyday on the scoreboard,” Lindor said. “It looks pretty special and I can’t wait now to see what it’s going to be like. Sandy has always talked about how special people were and how the city put up a great event.”
A Helping Hand – Hand allowed one run from April 15 through June 20. He had 16 saves over than span and has had a dominant first half for the Tribe.
He wouldn’t say it was the best stretch of his career, but he admits he got into a groove.
“Towards the beginning of the year I didn’t feel quite right,” Hand said. “I don’t if it was the cold or whatever it was. I just didn’t feel right mechanically.”
Hand is one of the best closers in the game. He’s been automatic out of the bullpen this season. He has just one blown save in 24 opportunities.
There’s No Place Like Home – Carlos Santana will try to become the first Cleveland Indians player to win the Home Run Derby on Monday night. Regardless of what happens, his return to the Tribe has been a success.
The 33-year-old is starting at first base and hitting cleanup for the American League in his first All-Star Game.
The slugger says he’s in a good place, which has translated to the field.
“Last year I had a hard season and I learned a lot,” Santana said. “This year I feel more comfortable and happy to come back to my sweet home. I try to enjoy every game and every moment.
“I’m happy, that’s why I’m playing great.”
‘My sweet home’ is how Santana refers to Cleveland anytime someone asks about his success this season. He’s helped guide the Indians to a 50-38 record at the break, despite injuries and roster turnover.
He’s excited for the festivities, but nothing has made him happier than returning home and playing for the Tribe.
