28 man roster predictions

 Remember, the key word here is predictions.   It was interesting that Francona said it would be hard to call up a 3rd catcher.   Currently our catchers are (a) familiar with the pitchers and (b) in the last month hitting at close or above the average level for catchers in MLB.

In any case, here goes:

Pitchers

 There is no reason to replace any of the current pitchers on the active roster with guys from the minors. Right nowthe logical person to replace would be Eli Morgan  However, no person on the 40-man roster is more deserving than Morgan who can fall into that long man/7th inning guy and has had some success this year.  The only addition would be Cody Morris who, truth be told, might actually have made the active roster out of spring training had he not been hurt.  So, not saying Morgan won't be sent down to get more work, just saying that I don't see anyone worthy to call up to replace Morgan.  If anyone is called up it and Morgan sent down than you could make a case for Curry (7th inning/long man) or McCarthy (long man) coming up.   However, if that happens I see it later in September if Morgan continues to struggle.

Summary: Castro is DFA'd, Morris goes back on the 40 man (from the 60 day DL) and comes up.  Potentially McCarthy is DFA'd if we need another roster spot (see below)

Catchers:

The obvious question is Naylor or no Naylor.   I think Tito has answered that question.  

Summary

Naylor stays down at AAA and gets regular ABs and experience.  While he is likely to start next year for Guardians there is likely no ABs for him right now outside of catching and we don't really need his bat as I don't think DHing him helps the ML team.

Infielders

Here is where it gets interesting.  Tito hinted and I had already considered, that there could be a shuttle between Columbus and Cleveland in the month of September to mix and match guys on the 40 man roster.as to who is hot, who is an injury replacement, who needs a break to get back on track.  That being said, Tyler Freeman looks expendable at this point if you want more experience (Clement) or just another young player with more positional flexibility (Arias).  There is a remote possibility, as well, that we move on from Clement to open up a 40-man roster spot for someone (Brennan?) who otherwise might not have a clear path to the majors.

Summary: Freeman goes down, Arias comes up. Clement may or may not be DFA'd if we need a roster spot.

Outfielders

The current list of outfielders on the active roster look pretty solid, especially with the defense Benson showed last night (what have you done for me lately philosophy).  The only issue is what do we do with Brennan.   We start cutting into the flesh of this team and it's backups if Brennan is added to the 40-man roster.  

Summary: I think the front office knows we need more offense and they will be willing to make a tough decision to get Brennan on the roster.   I see them DFAing Clement who I think they have moved on from as they have plenty of middle infielders in their system to put on their team next year.  So, Brennan added to the 40 man roster and brought up and Clement DFA'd.  Not the best situation as CLement is lost for nothing but I think McCarthy adds depth and is being groomed for a long relief roll that the Guardians may need if Morgan falters any more. So Brennan up, Clement DFA'd.

OVERALL SUMMARY

So, there you have it: Morris and Brennan added as the two September callups with Castro and Clement DFA and Arias up and Freeman down, but maybe not on September 1st.  Possibility of McCarthy up and Morgan downs if Morgan falters with Nolan Jones, Bo Naylor, Curry and Freeman coming back up as injury replacements.  Likely Clement and Castro are lost on waivers if they are DFA'd.