Leading Off with Ryan Lewis: A podcast on Cleveland baseball

In this edition on Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley wrap up the 2021 season and forecast the possibilities for the Guardians in 2022. They also pay tribute to late longtime Cleveland sports journalist Matt Loede.

On this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's last home game as the Indians, Shane Bieber's return to the mound and the Akron Rubberducks Double-A Northeast League Championship win. 

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about the return of Shane Bieber for Friday’s game against the White Sox in Chicago. It will be his first time on the mound for Cleveland since June. They also talk about how the front office will shape the roster heading into 2022, James Karinchak’s progress in Columbus, outfielder-turned-pitcher Anthony Gose talking about how he’s “too stupid to quit,” and much more. In the pop culture portion of the podcast, they recap wins and losses from the Emmys.

Ryan and Ashley talk Ryan’s visit to Harry Potter World, and Ryan’s beef is apparently squashed with Daniel Radcliffe. They then discuss the adjustments made by Logan Allen, Emmanuel Clase’s  progression, Ryan Larvarnway saving Cleveland from some dubious history and manager Terry Francona’s health situation. They also talk about Zack Plesac’s bad luck being on the opposing side of three no-hitters.

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Roberto Perez and his progress in Akron, Amed Rosario’s 5-for-5 night, the ups and downs of Logan Allen,  James Karinchak and Bradley Zimmer and Ryan’s beef with “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe.  

Note: The next edition of Leading Off will post Sept. 16. 

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about what the recent loss of Tristan McKenzie means for the team going forward. They also give an update on manager Terry Francona’s health, talk about the team’s middle infield and outfield situations, Bobby Bradley’s emergence at first base and the future of Roberto Perez. They close with another “pop culture” corner and give their latest bingeworthy TV picks.

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland’s extra inning loss to the Twins. Tristan McKenzie flirts with greatness and chats all the way through it, and the team’s starting rotation outlook comes into focus. They also talk about the "Field of Dreams" game between the White Sox and the Yankees.

On this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland’s new lease at Progressive Field and recap the team’s trade deals. They also talk about manager Terry Francona stepping down for the remainder of the 2021 season and their love of the summer olympics. 

Show note: The next episode of Leading Off will post Aug. 19. 

In this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about the Cesar Hernandez trade and how the team’s situation at the trade deadline is more complicated than “buy” or “sell.” They also discuss the possibility of a Jose Ramirez trade and future contract, and how the organization settled on “Guardians” as the new team name.

In this week’s edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk injury updates and what the team needs to do to stay within striking distance of a playoff spot. They discuss the progress of the team’s young pitching rotation, Franmil Reyes’ power and the potential prank war on tap with the Tampa Bay Rays. They close with a fantasy draft of comedian Bo Burnham’s recent Netflix special, “Inside,” and Ashley is not a happy camper.

Ryan and Ashley talk Cleveland’s selections in the MLB draft and how the team stopped its skid  entering the All-Star break. They also talk about how the team’s next two series are crucial to keeping pace in the American League Central. Plus they provide the team’s latest injury updates and discuss the return of Franmil Reyes’ and Zach Plesac.

On this edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland’s current losing streak. Ryan gives the latest timetable for when the team will get back some of its key pieces, and Ashley is appalled to find out she co-stars on a podcast with one of Creed’s biggest fans.

In the latest edition of Leading Off, Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland’s continued string of bad luck on the injury front. They also talk about the emergence of Bobby Bradley and this weekend’s series with the Houston Astros.

As injuries continue to mount in Cleveland, Ryan and Ashley talk about the team’s latest setback with  starting pitcher Aaron Civale. It’s trial by fire time for a rotation of unknowns.

In this week's Leading Off podcast, Ryan and Ashley talk about Shane Bieber’s injury, Cleveland’s rotation and the resiliency of the team as they get closer to the All-Star break. They also do a fantasy draft of the best things at Progressive Field. 

In this week's Leading Off podcast, Ryan and Ashley talk about the crazy Cleveland weather last weekend. Also, Tristan McKenzie makes progress, Shane Bieber grinds through starts, and Cleveland hopes to have issues ironed out as they prepare for 30 games in 31 days starting later this month. 

Note: The next episode of Leading Off will be June 17. 

Ryan and Ashley talk about Cleveland's unfortunate string of odd injuries and then do a fantasy draft of their picks for best/favorite baseball movies of all time. 

Former Cleveland pitcher Corey Kluber pitching a no-hitter for the New York Yankees. Kluber is in a bounce back year pitching in New York, and he managed to throw the no-no against the Texas Rangers. That’s right, the team he joined after leaving Cleveland — albeit playing in just a single game in 2020.

What does Kluber’s first career no-hitter have to do with Cleveland in 2021, exactly?  As Ryan points out, Cleveland is now joined by the Rangers and Seattle Mariners as being no-hit twice already this season. Whichever team gets no-hit next will set the record most times in a season without having a hit in a game.

Cleveland did get close to a no-hitter of its own thanks to Zach Plesac, who nearly had one of his own against the Mariners. Ryan explains what has changed for Plesac, and how he’s bounced back after a rocky start to the season.

Ryan and Ashley also have a discussion on the importance of catcher Austin Hedges. He doesn’t offer a lot offensively, but he provides a critical service to a team that’s invested heavily in a young pitching staff. They also have thoughts on Shane Bieber’s strikeout streak and what he has to fix, Bryan Shaw’s resurgence in the bullpen and more.

Sadly this week’s episode doesn’t include any talk of The Handmaid’s Tale. But for your pop culture fix, Ryan does have an under-the-radar great baseball movie that never gets mentioned.

In this week’s Leading Off podcast, Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about Cleveland’s walk-off win on Wednesday; Pitcher Sam Hentges struggles with his control but keeps Cubs off balance in his first start; And players showing emotion — Ryan talks about why it’s good for the game. Also, Indians respond after being no-hit — again.

Ryan Lewis and Ashley Bastock talk about Josh Naylor finally going deep, José Ramirez and his early case for MVP, umpire Angel Hernandez and his head-scratching calls, Shane Bieber making history and Bryan Shaw's successful return to Cleveland.