"Virtually every news Web site invites reader comments, but few embrace the garrulous members of their audiences the way Cleveland.com does. The online home of The Plain Dealer and Sun News actually treats its best commenters not only as news consumers but also as news makers."

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I did a double-take when I saw this pop up on Poynter.org's twitter feed. No actual Indians stuff in the article, but I figured it would be of interest here.

For some reason Kipnis isn't mentioned in the sidebar but he is listed on the US roster, and Bastian just tweeted that he's playing as well.

The Indians pulled the trigger on the first of what could be several pre-Trade Deadline moves Saturday, sending Branyan back to the M's in exchange for two prospects -- Triple-A center fielder Ezequiel Carrera and High-A shortstop Juan Diaz.

Castrovince also adds that Matt LaPorta is expected to be in Cincinnati in time for tomorrow's game. (Ryan)

The official release can be found here.

Indians placed INF ANDY MARTE on the 15-day disabled list with a non-baseball medical issue. OF TREVOR CROWE recalled from AAA Columbus.

[UPDATE]: Hoynsie (via Twitter) says that the non-baseball injury is (I kid you not) "an infected ingrown hair on his stomach." (Ryan)

From BTF's Dan Symborski

Here we go...

The Indians and Dodgers are closing in on a trade that would send third baseman/outfielder Casey Blake and cash to the Dodgers for two minor leaguers.

The two teams were in the process of tying up loose ends to the deal early Saturday. Indications are that they will complete the trade before the end of the day.

The Indians are believed to be receiving minor-league catcher Carlos Santana and right-handed pitcher Jon Meloan. Santana is currently hitting .323, with 14 homers, for Inland Empire, in the Class A California League. The hard-throwing Meloan is 5-10, with a 4.97 ERA, at Triple-A Las Vegas, but has piled up 335 strikeouts in only 262 innings in his minor-league career.