This is the most pathetic lineup in the history of major league baseball in Cleveland. I mean, it is not even close.
Every trade the Indians made this off-season sucked. I mean really sucked.
To put yourself in this position where we have to watch guy after guy come up and strike out or screw up and where these same idiots can't even play defense is just too much to watch.
Congratulations to Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer for not losing their minds over these idiots.
Unfortunately Carrasco can't handle the pressure of pitching a shutout every game just to leave the game with a no-decision.
I just saw the Twins backup catcher hit two doubles. Our team doesn't even have that many through 2 1/2 games.
I turned the game off.
Don't know when I will watch/listen again.
Next move by the Indians: trade a bunch of prospects for a mediocre hitter who does nothing to change the outcome when we go 3-and-out in the playoffs....if we even get that far.
This team sucks not because we have the players but they are not playing to their potential. It sucks because we have a much of below Mendoza-line talents playing every day, some of them hitting in the #3 spot in the order.
I think 3/4 of the AAA teams field better lineups than we do.
Unfreakin' believable.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Rating the top 10 MOST IMPORTANT breakout prospects this season
OK, let's be honest. The guys we need to have break out are either on the 25-man roster, on the DL/extended spring training limbo waiting to get on the 25 man roster.
We really need guys like Greg Allen, Max Moroff, Erik Stamets and Jordan Luplow to break out.
However, we also need guys in the high level of the minors to break out so that they can be useable pieces later this year instead of us having to give up prospects just to get rental guys back.
One thing I want to make perfectly clear before we start: I am not advocating ANY of these guys (or ANY of our prospects, for that matter) to break out so we can use them as July trade bait to bring in another 2-3 month rental while trading away the future to do that.
So let's take a look at the guys I think need to break out this year, get to the majors and then be productive for the major league team to be successful this season and, if they make the playoffs, be successful there.
1, Bobby Bradley - If there is a single guy in the minors who, if he breaks out this year, will significantly lessen the need for the Indians to make a July trade it is Bradley. If he breaks out this year and carries that success to the majors, we will have the additional power bat we need in our lineup. BTW, it would also work if Nellie Rodriguez went all Jesus Aguilar this year for the Indians.
2. Aaron Civale - We will need more than 5 starters and I don't think Adam Plutko is going to do it. Civale, who has been linked to the Shane Bieber since they were both drafted together, could have a Bieber-like rise if he puts it all together and I even think he could end up pitching significant innings in the bullpen this year if that is the way the Indians choose to go with him.
3. Oscar Mercado - If he continues like he did in spring training he should be up to the majors soon. If he impacts games in the majors like he did in spring training, he should help us win the division.
4. Nick Sandlin - I think, as the year goes along, we need to sprinkle in more rookie bullpen guys and Sandlin could be one of those guys.
5. Yu Chang - If he can show he can play 3rd or 2nd it would lessen the need for us to rely on Kipnis as much and, with his ability to play SS, give us back what we gave away this winter: a quality infield utility guy. Plus he hits, too!
6. James Karinchak - His arm is so live if can harness his control he could be a good late-season arm to add to the bullpen. Ditto, of course, goes for Henry Martinez, who didn't quite make the top 10.
7 (tie) Sam Hentges and Triston McKenzie - Let's be real here. If we need either of these guys to be in the majors this year we are probably in big trouble as that means one of our starters went down and we are taking elite-yet-inexperienced guys with injury histories and throwing them into the fire in a pennant race. However, maybe they can be useful in a limited role as relievers down the stretch and into the playoffs just because the league would not have a book on them.
8. Nick Goody - While this is not really a breakout prospect, we need Goody to get back to his 2017 form. It would great to have him as a bullpen option as it is a long season.
Now, for the last and the craziest prospect we need to have break out this year: Andrew Calica
Look at Calica's stats and plug in 20 HR power to that. If he had that power tool he would be in the majors by mid-season, assuming all his other tools continue to play. If Civale breaks out his power stroke/launch angle/can of whoop-ass this year he could be that speed-power threat not in outfield right now.
We really need guys like Greg Allen, Max Moroff, Erik Stamets and Jordan Luplow to break out.
However, we also need guys in the high level of the minors to break out so that they can be useable pieces later this year instead of us having to give up prospects just to get rental guys back.
One thing I want to make perfectly clear before we start: I am not advocating ANY of these guys (or ANY of our prospects, for that matter) to break out so we can use them as July trade bait to bring in another 2-3 month rental while trading away the future to do that.
So let's take a look at the guys I think need to break out this year, get to the majors and then be productive for the major league team to be successful this season and, if they make the playoffs, be successful there.
1, Bobby Bradley - If there is a single guy in the minors who, if he breaks out this year, will significantly lessen the need for the Indians to make a July trade it is Bradley. If he breaks out this year and carries that success to the majors, we will have the additional power bat we need in our lineup. BTW, it would also work if Nellie Rodriguez went all Jesus Aguilar this year for the Indians.
2. Aaron Civale - We will need more than 5 starters and I don't think Adam Plutko is going to do it. Civale, who has been linked to the Shane Bieber since they were both drafted together, could have a Bieber-like rise if he puts it all together and I even think he could end up pitching significant innings in the bullpen this year if that is the way the Indians choose to go with him.
3. Oscar Mercado - If he continues like he did in spring training he should be up to the majors soon. If he impacts games in the majors like he did in spring training, he should help us win the division.
4. Nick Sandlin - I think, as the year goes along, we need to sprinkle in more rookie bullpen guys and Sandlin could be one of those guys.
5. Yu Chang - If he can show he can play 3rd or 2nd it would lessen the need for us to rely on Kipnis as much and, with his ability to play SS, give us back what we gave away this winter: a quality infield utility guy. Plus he hits, too!
6. James Karinchak - His arm is so live if can harness his control he could be a good late-season arm to add to the bullpen. Ditto, of course, goes for Henry Martinez, who didn't quite make the top 10.
7 (tie) Sam Hentges and Triston McKenzie - Let's be real here. If we need either of these guys to be in the majors this year we are probably in big trouble as that means one of our starters went down and we are taking elite-yet-inexperienced guys with injury histories and throwing them into the fire in a pennant race. However, maybe they can be useful in a limited role as relievers down the stretch and into the playoffs just because the league would not have a book on them.
8. Nick Goody - While this is not really a breakout prospect, we need Goody to get back to his 2017 form. It would great to have him as a bullpen option as it is a long season.
Now, for the last and the craziest prospect we need to have break out this year: Andrew Calica
Look at Calica's stats and plug in 20 HR power to that. If he had that power tool he would be in the majors by mid-season, assuming all his other tools continue to play. If Civale breaks out his power stroke/launch angle/can of whoop-ass this year he could be that speed-power threat not in outfield right now.
Friday, March 22, 2019
Honor and integrity
Look, let's be clear. I am very happy the Indians take the high road with these veteran minor league invitees. It's more fair to these guys to tell them they won't be making the team out of spring training than to string them along just in case you get a massive set of injuries in the last week or so.
However, letting guys know this early they won't make the team can and sometimes does create some issues.
First, we won't have Kipnis and Lindor to begin the season. This leaves us with Eric Stamets at SS and Max Moroff at 2B. Telling Ryan Flaherty he wasn't making the team is fine but now we have to get someone else.
Second, Justin Grimm bolted when we told him he wasn't making the team. While that is good for Grimm it loses depth for us and we all know Grimm would have pitched significantly in Cleveland this year if he had just stayed healthy and productive for Columbus.
Honesty is the best policy but sometimes, the timing of that honesty and other events can create a real bad situation.
Well, let's hope it works out for the best for the Indians and these players.
However, letting guys know this early they won't make the team can and sometimes does create some issues.
First, we won't have Kipnis and Lindor to begin the season. This leaves us with Eric Stamets at SS and Max Moroff at 2B. Telling Ryan Flaherty he wasn't making the team is fine but now we have to get someone else.
Second, Justin Grimm bolted when we told him he wasn't making the team. While that is good for Grimm it loses depth for us and we all know Grimm would have pitched significantly in Cleveland this year if he had just stayed healthy and productive for Columbus.
Honesty is the best policy but sometimes, the timing of that honesty and other events can create a real bad situation.
Well, let's hope it works out for the best for the Indians and these players.
Sunday, March 17, 2019
CarGo, the outfield and the only lineup that makes sense
First, for the lineup. On further examination Leonys Martin is not a leadoff hitter. So the only lineup that makes sense, at this point, is the following:
Carlos Santana 1B
Greg Allen LF
Francisco Lindor SS
Jose Ramirez 3B
Hanley Ramirez DH
Jason Kipnis 2B
Leoyns Martin CF
Roberto Perez C
Tyler Naquin RF
When (if) CarGo can go:
Carlos Santana 1B
Greg Allen LF
Francisco Lindor SS
Jose Ramirez 3B
Carlos Gonzalez RF
Hanley Ramirez 3B
Jason Kipnis 2B
Roberto Perez C
Leonys Martin CF
As far as the outfield, CarGo makes this really interesting. However, the fact that Bauers and Luplow may be headed for the minors for a long time is disappointing as we gave up a lot for each of them.
As far as CarGo himself, looking at what we have now, even if he hits at a Yonder Alonso level that would be helpful.
Carlos Santana 1B
Greg Allen LF
Francisco Lindor SS
Jose Ramirez 3B
Hanley Ramirez DH
Jason Kipnis 2B
Leoyns Martin CF
Roberto Perez C
Tyler Naquin RF
When (if) CarGo can go:
Carlos Santana 1B
Greg Allen LF
Francisco Lindor SS
Jose Ramirez 3B
Carlos Gonzalez RF
Hanley Ramirez 3B
Jason Kipnis 2B
Roberto Perez C
Leonys Martin CF
As far as the outfield, CarGo makes this really interesting. However, the fact that Bauers and Luplow may be headed for the minors for a long time is disappointing as we gave up a lot for each of them.
As far as CarGo himself, looking at what we have now, even if he hits at a Yonder Alonso level that would be helpful.
Friday, March 15, 2019
Looking at the new rules: how they will impact the Indians
OK, here are my thoughts on the new rules:
2019
Trade deadline change - In my opinion this should NEVER impact the Tribe. Why? Because the Indians should never have a short-term approach. Small market teams should never be trading away prospects for a quick fix. Trading prospects for guys with 2-3 seasons left before they reach free agency is another thing but those kinds of trades are usually done in July with August trades generally being limited to 1.5 month rentals of free agents to be.
Inning breaks - Does not impact the Indians more than other teams so no net positive or negative impact on the Tribe.
All-star game/Home Run derby - No impact on Indians more than other teams.
Mound visits - I am not sure how this impacts the Indians. Francona tends to use a mix and match approach so uses a lot of relievers. He also has veteran starters who know what they are doing and a catcher who has caught them all and so should be on the same page. This would seem to limit mound visits for the Indians more than most teams so this might actually be an advantage for them.
2020
Active roster changes -
Expansion of roster from 25 to 26 players - I think that all teams may benefit from this. Looking at the Indians this will impact them in two ways: (1) positive impact - Francona likes a deep bullpen. He can now have that AND add an additional position player. (2) negative impact - As a budget-constricted small market team the additional major league salary will negatively impact their budget. I think this might make them a little less competitive compared to large market teams with larger wallets.
Limiting rosters to 28 players in September - While this should only impact the Indians short term in a positive, budgetary way as they won't have to pay a bunch of guys major league minimum salaries and the associated workload on staff won't be increased very much, I don't like this rule for two reasons. (a) Teams who rely on their minor leagues to produce players will not be able to bring up prospects in September to get their feet wet in the major leagues. The Indians fall into that category. (b) this will eliminate long-term minor leaguers who work their butts off from getting rewarded with a cup of coffee in the majors. That, to me, is really sad. Sure, most of those guys are just DFA'd that winter but they at least had that shot. If there is one rule I am TOTALLY against it is this one.
Capping the number of pitchers and playoff rosters/two-way players - I will have to wait until I see what the actual rules are to generate an opinion on this one.
Three batter minimum for pitchers - I think this negatively impacts the Indians because of the way Francona manages. I also think that this negatively impacts left-on-left and right-on-right specialists. If baseball wants to go that way then I think this rule change should be implemented in 2023, not 2020. This gives teams time to change their draft strategies and to change their player development process away from developing pitching specialists. Implementing this next year basically means that a number of pitchers will no longer have jobs. I don't like this.
Injured list rules - Francona likes to use a lot of relievers. I think the increase of the minimum time on the DL hurts the Indians for these reasons. Teams who have really set bullpens like the Indians of 2016 won't have to worry. But teams that are struggling on find pitchers for their bullpen will be placed at a disadvantage. Basically, those are the small market teams with small budgets. Any rule that favors big budget teams I don't like.
2019
Trade deadline change - In my opinion this should NEVER impact the Tribe. Why? Because the Indians should never have a short-term approach. Small market teams should never be trading away prospects for a quick fix. Trading prospects for guys with 2-3 seasons left before they reach free agency is another thing but those kinds of trades are usually done in July with August trades generally being limited to 1.5 month rentals of free agents to be.
Inning breaks - Does not impact the Indians more than other teams so no net positive or negative impact on the Tribe.
All-star game/Home Run derby - No impact on Indians more than other teams.
Mound visits - I am not sure how this impacts the Indians. Francona tends to use a mix and match approach so uses a lot of relievers. He also has veteran starters who know what they are doing and a catcher who has caught them all and so should be on the same page. This would seem to limit mound visits for the Indians more than most teams so this might actually be an advantage for them.
2020
Active roster changes -
Expansion of roster from 25 to 26 players - I think that all teams may benefit from this. Looking at the Indians this will impact them in two ways: (1) positive impact - Francona likes a deep bullpen. He can now have that AND add an additional position player. (2) negative impact - As a budget-constricted small market team the additional major league salary will negatively impact their budget. I think this might make them a little less competitive compared to large market teams with larger wallets.
Limiting rosters to 28 players in September - While this should only impact the Indians short term in a positive, budgetary way as they won't have to pay a bunch of guys major league minimum salaries and the associated workload on staff won't be increased very much, I don't like this rule for two reasons. (a) Teams who rely on their minor leagues to produce players will not be able to bring up prospects in September to get their feet wet in the major leagues. The Indians fall into that category. (b) this will eliminate long-term minor leaguers who work their butts off from getting rewarded with a cup of coffee in the majors. That, to me, is really sad. Sure, most of those guys are just DFA'd that winter but they at least had that shot. If there is one rule I am TOTALLY against it is this one.
Capping the number of pitchers and playoff rosters/two-way players - I will have to wait until I see what the actual rules are to generate an opinion on this one.
Three batter minimum for pitchers - I think this negatively impacts the Indians because of the way Francona manages. I also think that this negatively impacts left-on-left and right-on-right specialists. If baseball wants to go that way then I think this rule change should be implemented in 2023, not 2020. This gives teams time to change their draft strategies and to change their player development process away from developing pitching specialists. Implementing this next year basically means that a number of pitchers will no longer have jobs. I don't like this.
Injured list rules - Francona likes to use a lot of relievers. I think the increase of the minimum time on the DL hurts the Indians for these reasons. Teams who have really set bullpens like the Indians of 2016 won't have to worry. But teams that are struggling on find pitchers for their bullpen will be placed at a disadvantage. Basically, those are the small market teams with small budgets. Any rule that favors big budget teams I don't like.
Friday, March 8, 2019
Re-examining early off-season trades
1) Erik Gonzalez, Tahnaj Thomas and Dante Mendoza for Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff
The Indians hoped to get at least a platoon outfielder to replace Brandon Guyer. They also knew that losing Gonzalez removed their most reliable in-house option for utility infielder. At the same time utility infielders are not that hard to find.
So far Gonzalez hasni't really hit (2-16, 1 HR) but Luplow is worse (1-16 no HRs). Moroff is hitting about like you would expect him to in spring training (5-17, 1 HR) considering he is playing in innings 5-9 when the other team has removed their best pitchers.
Analysis: Trade sucked then as we should have never had to give up prospects in addition to Gonzalez to get Luplow and Moroff. Luplow looks like the sub-Mendoza hitter he has been so far in the majors and is close to being a 4A outfielder unless he figures it out pretty quickl
2) Chih-Wei Hu for Gionti Turner
The Indians were hoping to catch lightning in a bottle by taking Hu off the Tampa's hands as they were trying to clear roster space in anticipation of setting their roster for the Rule 5 draft. He was listed in some lists as a tp 20 prospect in the Indians' system.
In his two starts Hu has an ERA of 30.86. Turner is a lottery ticket but, at this point, he is worth more than Hu.
3) Walter Lockett for Ignacio Feliz
We took Lockett off of San Diego's hands as they needed to clear roster space. Lockett is now with the Mets. Feliz was rated in at least one publication as the most valuable player traded in deals to clear roster space before rosters were set for the Rule 5 draft.
So, the evidence so far indicates that the Indians threw away prospects for guys who are not even as good as players we could get for close to the ML minimum who actually are veterans.
Time will tell but when you trade for players who will help you now and over the next couple of years and those players suck, these trades of viable trade chips (Gonzalez) and prospects (Thomas, Mendoza, Feliz and Turner) for essentially nothing in return, it looks as stupid now as it did when these trades were made.
The Indians hoped to get at least a platoon outfielder to replace Brandon Guyer. They also knew that losing Gonzalez removed their most reliable in-house option for utility infielder. At the same time utility infielders are not that hard to find.
So far Gonzalez hasni't really hit (2-16, 1 HR) but Luplow is worse (1-16 no HRs). Moroff is hitting about like you would expect him to in spring training (5-17, 1 HR) considering he is playing in innings 5-9 when the other team has removed their best pitchers.
Analysis: Trade sucked then as we should have never had to give up prospects in addition to Gonzalez to get Luplow and Moroff. Luplow looks like the sub-Mendoza hitter he has been so far in the majors and is close to being a 4A outfielder unless he figures it out pretty quickl
2) Chih-Wei Hu for Gionti Turner
The Indians were hoping to catch lightning in a bottle by taking Hu off the Tampa's hands as they were trying to clear roster space in anticipation of setting their roster for the Rule 5 draft. He was listed in some lists as a tp 20 prospect in the Indians' system.
In his two starts Hu has an ERA of 30.86. Turner is a lottery ticket but, at this point, he is worth more than Hu.
3) Walter Lockett for Ignacio Feliz
We took Lockett off of San Diego's hands as they needed to clear roster space. Lockett is now with the Mets. Feliz was rated in at least one publication as the most valuable player traded in deals to clear roster space before rosters were set for the Rule 5 draft.
So, the evidence so far indicates that the Indians threw away prospects for guys who are not even as good as players we could get for close to the ML minimum who actually are veterans.
Time will tell but when you trade for players who will help you now and over the next couple of years and those players suck, these trades of viable trade chips (Gonzalez) and prospects (Thomas, Mendoza, Feliz and Turner) for essentially nothing in return, it looks as stupid now as it did when these trades were made.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
The key to the Indians' lineup is .... (and other things early in spring training)
Greg Allen.
Here is the reason why.
I know Terry Francona likes Lindor in the leadoff spot but I don't think that is possible. I really don't. We have no middle of the order hitters.
So here is my lineup
1. Leonys Martin CF
2. Greg Allen LF
3. Francisco Lindor SS
4. Jose Ramirez 3B
5. Carlos Santana DH
6. Jake Bauers 1B
7. Tyler Naquin/Jordan Luplow/Zimmer/Mercado RF
8. Jason Kipnis 2B
9. Roberto Perez C
I just don't see Kipnis hitting 2nd in this weak lineup. And that is why Allen is so key. Between him and Martin they have to set the table for the 3-5 hitters. Frankly, after Santana we have 4 relatively easy outs. We need to have production from the top of the order and to do that we need Allen to bat second AND produce.
To be productive Allen has to be willing to take walks. Not that he should get that many walks hitting in front of Lindor and Ramirez but he has to spring at strikes and be productive. If he shows pitchers he will swing at balls and get himself out the pitchers won't have to come in to him and make him hit the ball.
So that is the key to this offense: Allen swinging at strikes and be successful with his swings.
How about our bullpen?
Well, the Indians, by being patient, have accumulated a lot of good options. Not that spring training stats matter but just look at last night. Everybody except for Perez put up zeros and all those guys, except for Pounders, have been equally effective in their other outings. Add to it that this is less than half of the relievers in the camp who have shown they have a legitmate shot at making this team and it means we have depth AND experience AND young upside. Yeah, we don't have Allen-Hand-Miller or Allen-Miller-Shaw, but if everything breaks just OK for us, the bullpen should not be a big issue.
So, to me, this season, everything else being equal, rides on the shoulders of Greg Allen. If he has a great year we likely do very well. If we have to count on Kipnis/Zimmer/Naquin/Mercado/Luplow in the #2 spot. At that point, given their on-base issues, we have a big, big problem and would likely need to sign a Carlos Gonzalez just to get to a true replacement level situation.
So, no pressure Mr. Allen...just our whole season.
Here is the reason why.
I know Terry Francona likes Lindor in the leadoff spot but I don't think that is possible. I really don't. We have no middle of the order hitters.
So here is my lineup
1. Leonys Martin CF
2. Greg Allen LF
3. Francisco Lindor SS
4. Jose Ramirez 3B
5. Carlos Santana DH
6. Jake Bauers 1B
7. Tyler Naquin/Jordan Luplow/Zimmer/Mercado RF
8. Jason Kipnis 2B
9. Roberto Perez C
I just don't see Kipnis hitting 2nd in this weak lineup. And that is why Allen is so key. Between him and Martin they have to set the table for the 3-5 hitters. Frankly, after Santana we have 4 relatively easy outs. We need to have production from the top of the order and to do that we need Allen to bat second AND produce.
To be productive Allen has to be willing to take walks. Not that he should get that many walks hitting in front of Lindor and Ramirez but he has to spring at strikes and be productive. If he shows pitchers he will swing at balls and get himself out the pitchers won't have to come in to him and make him hit the ball.
So that is the key to this offense: Allen swinging at strikes and be successful with his swings.
How about our bullpen?
Well, the Indians, by being patient, have accumulated a lot of good options. Not that spring training stats matter but just look at last night. Everybody except for Perez put up zeros and all those guys, except for Pounders, have been equally effective in their other outings. Add to it that this is less than half of the relievers in the camp who have shown they have a legitmate shot at making this team and it means we have depth AND experience AND young upside. Yeah, we don't have Allen-Hand-Miller or Allen-Miller-Shaw, but if everything breaks just OK for us, the bullpen should not be a big issue.
So, to me, this season, everything else being equal, rides on the shoulders of Greg Allen. If he has a great year we likely do very well. If we have to count on Kipnis/Zimmer/Naquin/Mercado/Luplow in the #2 spot. At that point, given their on-base issues, we have a big, big problem and would likely need to sign a Carlos Gonzalez just to get to a true replacement level situation.
So, no pressure Mr. Allen...just our whole season.
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