Agree the Santana/Bruce thing will be interesting as I can't help but think they are tied together in some way.

Ultimately a couple things will rule the day I think.

One - how the team finishes this year.

Two - how much hometown discount both/either would be willing to take.

Those determine whether we keep both, keep one, or keep neither.

On Brantley, Andre Knott reported last night that Tito is going to give him every chance to get on the playoff roster, even if it is as a pinch hitter. He is such a good player and he has worked so hard to help the team that he is going to give him every chance. Brantley has been swinging the bat and has been throwing. So he has been doing some baseball activities to keep somewhat sharp. And they are hoping that he can get back to running in a week or week and a half. Don't count him out for playoffs.

Also said that Tito wants Kipnis in the lineup for playoffs. But has to see him play CF more and make sure he can make the normal plays.

And Knott also reported that starting today Miller will be available for more than 1 inning, and back to back days. (Probably why the burned up Smith and Shaw last night, knowing they had him back full bore starting today)

As you guys know, I wasn't exactly doing cartwheels when we acquired Jay Bruce. I like the higher on base type guys I said, but I was dead wrong. He is a true pro and leader. And his bat in the middle of the lineup has been a far bigger boost then I thought. Well, hell, I think I heard TV guys say last night that team is 34-6 since Jay Bruce joined team. Pretty much says it all.

We are 1 game behind Dodgers now.

looks like it's going to tough for Morimando, Crockett, Merritt and Mejia to got much game time. These guys all still matter. But they should be having fun being there each night.

Hillbilly wrote:
Also said that Tito wants Kipnis in the lineup for playoffs. But has to see him play CF more and make sure he can make the normal plays.

And Knott also reported that starting today Miller will be available for more than 1 inning, and back to back days. (Probably why the burned up Smith and Shaw last night, knowing they had him back full bore starting today)

First off, it's not at all uncommon for middle infielders to go out and do fine in the outfield. Trea Turner and Ian Desmond recently come to mind. Add on the fact that the Tribe actually originally converted him and I think it's easy peasy. I know it was awhile ago but you don't forget that stuff when you were doing it all that time up til then.

Regarding Miller, I hope they do NOT use him much at all before the playoffs. Juuust enough to keep him pitching. Barely.

Indians still apparently aren't very keen on Naquin. Despite the shortage of healthy OFs he's getting very few at bats. And must really dislike his work in Center if they're willing to give Kipnis the opportunity to take that spot.

I assume he wont' but wonder if Greg Allen may snag a roster spot? He's the best CF on the current roster, I guess, and he can pinchrun.

OFs will be Bruce, Jackson, Guyer I guess, Almonte? not necessarily, Kipnis if that's what his role is although they could return him to 2nd, Jose back to 3rd.

If Jason is back in the IF, Diaz loses a starting role. And Almonte? gains. I bet Tito would prefer Yandy to Abraham.

If Yandy has 3rd [although I guess Gio has a shot] they'll keep on utility, each Gonzalez or Urshela. You'd figure Gonzalez but they've been spotting Gio at SS and 2nd to see how he handles those spots.

I don't know how much we can read into September baseball but Guyer and Almonte have barely been playing. Allen is getting way more playing time. Not so sure but Almonte and/or Guyer may have played themselves off the playoff roster? Especially if Brantley makes it back.

Then again it would be hard for me to believe Tito would go into the postseason with a less experienced guy like Allen on bench.

I guess Perez has taken over as the #1 catcher.

Did the team say anything?

Haven't heard any official word, no. But I did see a report a few days ago about how much his teammates have been bragging about him and the job he's doing.

Gomes today and for some reason Angels tried to steal a base on him. their 1st baseman Cron: was it a delayed steal or something? How could they expect it to succeed?


Our catchers have the highest CS pct and allowed the fewest steals. Big part of our great defense.

Manning said that he thought the hit n run was on and the batter didn't hit the ball.

Civ, I think you asked the other day, we finally got an answer.

The 27 of 28 is the most wins with only 1 loss since the Providence Grays won 28 of 29 in 1884

Damn

civ - just my opinion but I think:

1. The Indians absolutely think Kipnis can play CF.
2. That's exactly where they want him in the postseason - and they want him there.

We discussed this earlier but I think they've sorta been dying to get Jose back to 2B where he is Robbie2. This is their chance.

Just my opinion, but based on reports from Knott and listening to interview with Kipnis last week ... If not for injury Kipnis would 100% still be at 2nd base and they'd be thrilled with Jose at 3rd. I don't think they were dying to get Jose back over to 2nd. And just my personal opinion, while he's good he's no Robbie Alomar.

When Kipnis came back they didn't want to upset things. Team was on a roll. They looked for a way he could step in and help without upsetting what the team had going on. And CF is what they come up with.

And by the way, today after I originally posted, Andre also reported that Guyer is still having problems with that wrist and they're not sure when he'll be back.

so Guyer joins the long list of injured OFs.
I read in the PD that Chisenhall was going to join the team today, but he's not ready to play yet, either.
I bet they have Daniel Robertson staying in shape just in case.