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A chicken, a pinata and tambourines: The story behind the Cleveland Indians' sacrifice to the baseball gods for Yan Gomes

MINNEAPOLIS -- The four masterminds behind the operation spoke softly so Yan Gomes wouldn't overhear.

Jason Kipnis, Mike Napoli, Lonnie Chisenhall and Chris Gimenez ventured to Target on Saturday. They bought a chicken. They bought a blade. They bought a piñata. They bought candy. They bought capes and costumes and maracas and kazoos and tambourines.

In all, the four spent an estimated $500, all for what they hope will prove to be a season-altering ceremony for the Indians' starting catcher.

About four hours before Saturday's first pitch, Napoli read a speech in the dimly lit visitor's clubhouse at Target Field.