Max Moroff with a big hit. Jake Bauers keeping the line moving. The White Sox defense looking almost as bad as ours and, of course, their bullpen walking in the final two runs.
Yeah, 5-3 looks good on the scoreboard.
Plus Clevinger looks great. My wife, who is a big baseball/Cardinals fan, was amazed at the numbers Clevinger, as our 4th starter, put up today. Especially with the Cardinals starting pitching being what it is.
Now, our starters will, for sure, have hiccups this year, but anyone who says there is a better starting roatation in baseball must be smoking some wacky tobaccy. When your #4 starter looks that good today and last year had a sub 3.00 ERA IN THE AL until his last inning of the season, you have a/the top rotation.
I still contend that the Indians should be able, even in the current configuration, be able to score 3.5 runs a game. With this rotation and any bullpen help at all, the Indians should be able to win most of their games if the starting pitching holds up.
Right now, the starting pitching is looking really good.
But when they do hiccup, the game is, essentially, over, as we saw yesterday with Carrasco. We just can't must a comeback in that situation.
Heck, I was surprised as heck we could come back from two down in the 8th today!
One side point: The best line I read today said that, yes, the Indians will sell out opening day and then the fans will disappear until warmer weather...but that Dolan should 'just sit back and enjoy today'.
Priceless!
Monday, April 1, 2019
Clevinger
For those of you that are old like me you probably remember the Bo Jackson campaign "Bo knows...." which starts off with "Bo knows baseball".
Well, along those lines, Clevinger does NOT know pitching to contact, at least in this game. The guy is at 17 pitches an inning, striking out 6 and walking 2 through 3 innings. He'll be lucky to make it 6 innings, assuming guys don't start hitting him or drawing more walks!
Meanwhile, the immortal Ivan Novoa is cruising along at 39 pitches in 3. He has struck out 2 and walked none. If they don't start hitting him he could go 8 innings.
And while we are at it, how about iron head Jose Ramirez. My sense is that he doesn't make adjustments well. If you can bunt for a base hit every time why, on this team, are you not bunting?
Not amused so far by the home opener. Not much in the way of good signs for the future.
The Indians need to put up a 10 spot on the board next inning!
Well, along those lines, Clevinger does NOT know pitching to contact, at least in this game. The guy is at 17 pitches an inning, striking out 6 and walking 2 through 3 innings. He'll be lucky to make it 6 innings, assuming guys don't start hitting him or drawing more walks!
Meanwhile, the immortal Ivan Novoa is cruising along at 39 pitches in 3. He has struck out 2 and walked none. If they don't start hitting him he could go 8 innings.
And while we are at it, how about iron head Jose Ramirez. My sense is that he doesn't make adjustments well. If you can bunt for a base hit every time why, on this team, are you not bunting?
Not amused so far by the home opener. Not much in the way of good signs for the future.
The Indians need to put up a 10 spot on the board next inning!
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Rant #1
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.
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.
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.
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