LEADING OFF: Indians changing team name to Guardians

A look at what's happening around the majors on Saturday:

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GUARDIANS OF THE GAME

After more than 100 years, the Cleveland Indians are getting a new name — the team will be called the Guardians next season.

The name change, which has its supporters and critics among Cleveland’s fan base, ends months of internal discussions triggered by a national reckoning for institutions and teams to drop logos and names considered racist.

“We do feel like we’re doing the right thing and that’s what’s driving this,” club owner Paul Dolan said Friday. “I know some people disagree, but if anything I’ve gotten more and more comfortable that we’re headed in the right direction.”

The organization spent most of the past year whittling down a list of potential names that was at nearly 1,200.

Cleveland’s new name was inspired by the large landmark stone edifices — referred to as traffic guardians — that flank both ends of the Hope Memorial Bridge, which connects downtown to Ohio City.

ADDING AN ARM

The pitching-depleted Mets have boosted their rotation by getting left-hander Rich Hill from Tampa Bay.

The NL East leaders sent veteran righty Tommy Hunter and minor league catcher Matt Dyer to the Rays.

The 41-year-old Hill is 6-4 with a 3.89 ERA in 19 starts for the contending Rays.

“I think a lot of people in the game know the name — guy that’s been around, pitching good baseball, pitching playoff baseball,” Mets manager Luis Rojas said. “It’s a great fit, great acquisition. Our front office is being diligent. One of the needs we’ve talked about is our starting pitching need and this is a guy that fits right in.”

Mets ace Jacob deGrom and starter David Peterson are on the injured list. Starters Noah Syndergaard and Carlos Carrasco haven’t...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/LEADING-OFF-Indians-changing-team-name-to-16336593.php